Suits & Sazeracs is presented by Bluebird Distilling in partnership with the Hotel Palomar. It will occur Monday, March 6, from 6-9 pm. The legendary soiree, which sees Philly’s best bar talent compete against each other - with $1.5K in cash prizes - will take place at the Hotel Palomar's Burnham Ballroom from 6-9 pm. Tickets for Suits & Sazeracs are now and available online at $75 per person, with a portion going to The Wardrobe.
Suits & Sazeracs is a New Orleans-inspired event designed by Lucky Dog Studio. Guests will enjoy Sazeracs made by eight top Philadelphia bartenders using Bluebird Distilling’s Straight Rye Whiskey. They'll also be able to sample sazeracs prepared by Executive Chef Ronde Murphy (think: Shrimp & Grits Fritters and Drunken Grilled Haloumi and Baked Oysters Rockefeller), while a live jazz band performs. Highlights of the evening include a Silent auction, live oversized checks presentation to The Wardrobe and even a Best-dressed guest award.
Brian Lipstein, President and Founder of Henry A. Davidsen, stated, "We are thrilled about bringing this much-anticipated event back after its success in 2020!" "We raised nearly $7,000 at the last event and this year we aim to raise $10,000 and garner more than 10,000 gently used professional wear for The Wardrobe."
Special guest Natalie of Beautiful Beverages is the panel's cocktail judge. She is a home bar expert and recently competed on Netflix's Drink Masters. The judges will award one bartender $1,000 for the superior Sazerac while people will vote for People’s Choice (who will receive $500). The Wardrobe will receive 100% of the proceeds from any additional votes attendees purchase.
The 3rd Annual Suits And Sazeracs Bartender Competition Include:
- The Hayes - Bohdan Darway Lead Bartender
- The Plough & The Stars by Ed Novitski, Bartender
- The Twisted tail: Kristen Lamb and Bartender
- Red Owl Tavern Chris Devern Lead Bartender
- Rex at The Royal - Joshua Scheid - Beverage Manager
- Royal Boucherie: Eden Beschen, Bar Manager
- Stratus Rooftop Lounge: Patrick Banko, Lead Bartender
- Square 1682 Alex Clark, Lead Bartender
Jared Adkins (Founder of Bluebird Distilling) said, "We're thrilled that we're back in the Burnham Ballroom Hotel Palomar celebrating Philadelphia’s top cocktail talent through this competition." "We are excited to see what creative cocktails the bartenders create with our American Straight Rye Whiskey and how much money they can raise for this worthy cause. Let the good times roll!"
You can also win prizes for guests, including the Best-dressed Guest Award which was judged by Elizabeth Wellington, Columnist for and Elizabeth Wellington, as well as Sabir Peele ( @mensstylepro). The theme of New Orleans is encouraged, with guests being asked to wear bright, bold colors and pastels. Bow ties, suspenders and pocket squares are all acceptable.
A selection of Sazeracs will be available, along with low-ABV beer from My Local Brew Works and (zero-proof!) Kombucha from Baba’s Bucha.
Tickets for Suits & Sazeracs can be purchased online for $75 per person, with a portion benefiting The Wardrobe. Henry A. Davidsen's 5 th Annual Suit Drive will begin on March 6th and run through May 15. Drop-off locations across Greater Philadelphia will accept donations of professional clothes. A portion of ticket proceeds will go to The Wardrobe. Philadelphians are invited to donate gently-used suits and jackets.
Suit Drive drop-off points include American Executive Centers and Spikes Trophies. Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa & Salon. One Digital, 12 th Street Catering. The complete list of addresses and participants can be found online.
Executive Chef Ronde, Murphy of Square 1682, will prepare NOLA-inspired passed appetizers throughout the evening of Sazerac sampling. Below are the menu options:
SAZERACS FOOD MENU
Courtesy Square 1682's Executive chef Ronde Murphy
Passed appetizers
- Wild Berry Compote, Shrimp and Grits Fritters
- Drunken Grilled Haloumi
- Baked Oysters Rockefeller
- Andouille Corndogs
- Beignets
Stationary Offers
- Fried Green Tomatoes and Cajun Aioli
- Fried Oreos, Snickers
- Seitan Jambalaya
