A Bartender Competition Without Chicagoist Is NOT A Bartender Competition.

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Nov 10, 2005 3:06PM

You can trust Chicagoist when we say that tending bar can be a rewarding but sometimes thankless job. Still, some nights we wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Even though our "barside manner" sometimes resembles more "bizarro world Nick" from It's a Wonderful Life than Tom Cruise in Cocktail we were shocked, shocked, we say, that no one even thought to mention the Bridgeport bureau for mention as one of the city's best bartenders for 2005. Shite, our excellence has been sustained over a period of years. Then we took a deep breath, came back to reality, and said, "Wait a minute. It's Metromix!!" The same people who weighed in on this probably wouldn't recognize a dive bar when they walk into one.

The five finalists, announced today, will display their skills next Thursday at Ta'Too on Fullerton. Personally, we'd be there, but we have to work that night. Next Thursday is also beaujolais nouveau time- more on that next week- and once we're done we're making a beeline for a bottle of that funky stuff.

Anyhoo, for what it's worth, Chicagoist is really high on John Kinder from Moxie, whose mixing and interpersonal skills were in full effect on our visit there a few months back. His suggestions and customer service were one of the things that made our visit to the Wrigleyville tapas restaurant enjoyable.

There will also be plenty of eye candy there mixing and drinking fruity cocktails. But should you find yourself there ask for our signature drink- a double shot of 101 proof kickin' chicken neat with a water back.