On November 25 2009, the Jack Astor’s Whitby location held their annual Flair Bartending Competition. This year, they coupled the show with a fundraiser in support of Movember.
Movember takes place throughout the month formerly known as November, where participants start with a clean shaven face, and grow their moustaches in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer research.
The evening started off quietly as Mo bros (guys with moustaches) began filing in with anticipation of a great night ahead. There were even a few Mo sistas (ladies who love moustaches) who were sporting what I can only hope was a glue on moustache there as well!
As the crowd filled in, I could tell the bartenders were getting a little nervous. For some, it was their first singles competition.
The lights dimmed, and the bartenders were introduced with great reception from an energetic crowd.
After the first competitor showed his stuff, the night began to run smoothly.
Between bartenders there were some prizes being given out, some live auctions, and even a best moustache competition.
The crowd favourite was defiantly the last bartender to go on. Known only as “the big Slovak”, he entertained the crowd with a three bottle routine, and ended with a four tin waterfall. Clearly taking home the 1st place trophy.
To finish off the night, I took to the stage to perform one of my routines, capped off by a martini head pour, and igniting the bar in flames.
In total, the evening raised over $1500 for Movember, and through the entire month, the Jack’s Whitby location raised over $5000, all of which went to Prostate Cancer Canada.
The BartenderOne Movember team has raised over $2500 so far and encourage people to do their part and support the cause. Some of the proceeds from the BartenderOne DVD box set go directly to Prostate Cancer Canada in support of Movember.
Prostate Cancer Canada has raised over $5 Million during this years Movember campaign!
To make a donation to the BartenderOne team in support of Prostate Cancer research, visit the BartenderOne Movember page here.
Flair Bartender Profile: Newcomers to watch for-Zack Prohaska
Name: Zack Prohaska
Nationality: Canadian
Age: 28
Years Bartending: 6 (5 Flair)
I’ve known Zack for a few years now. He began his training in Toronto in 2004. Soon after, he moved to Osaka Japan where he worked for Sam and Daves and took his flair to the next level.
Zack is back in Toronto now training harder than ever, and plans to make a splash in the Pro Tour in 2010.
I had a chance to sit down with Zack at SuperFlair 2009. Here’s my interview with Zack Prohaska.
Q-When did you get into flair bartending?
A-I started getting into flair about five and a half years ago.
Q-Did you go to a Bartending school? And did you have a Mentor?
A-I heard an advertisement on the radio for the Movers’N'Shakers, and BartenderOne which is a bartending school in Toronto. There was a class taught by Gavin MacMillan. My Mentors would be all of my teachers. Gavin MacMillan, Matt Jones, Chris Cooper, and Koji from Japan.
Q-Where can people see you in action?
A-I’m working at the Loose Moose in Toronto Canada.
Q- To date, what is your favourite flair bartending moment?
A-So far, it would have to be winning the Suma Beach Flair competition in Japan in 2008.
Q-To date, what is your least favourite flair moment?
A-I was practicing an exhibition flair routine at work with a Bols Blue Curacao bottle and had an unexpected rooster tail fly all over a guests face and shirt…Awesome.
Q-What are some of your goals for the future?
A-I plan to make a run in the Pro Tour in 2010. Also, I would love to grow the sport of flair in Canada.
Q-Other than yourself, who is your favourite flair bartender?
A-Hmm, tough one. I like so many, but I’ll go with Rodrigo Delpech.
Q-Do you have a signature cocktail?
A-My fav drink to make is a Long Island Iced Tea, cause there’s so many different bottles to flip.
Q-What is your least favourite cocktail?
A-Easily the Boilermaker.
Q-What is your favourite flair bar?
A-The Loose Moose! Next to that would be Kahunaville in Vegas.
Thanks to Zack for taking the time to do this interview.
Good luck in 2010. Watch out Pro tour!