Iron Barkeep

It would be weird if a drink slinger from St. Louis won the Greater Kansas City Bartending Competition. Sure, the challenge — the Midwest’s biggest —is open to barkeeps outside this region, but we hope the title stays local. That shouldn’t be hard. Kansas City
mixologists dominate the roster, representing such classy establishments as McCormick & Schmick’s, Bluestem, Firefly Lounge and Café Trio. Like Iron Chef for bartenders, the contest rates participants on their ability to make a good drink. Finalists have to do it all onstage at the Uptown Theater (3700 Broadway,
816-753-8665). The highly refined taste buds of judges Ryan Maybee, Dave Wondrich and Jim Ryan determine the winner, but the audience gets a say, too. Taste contestants’ signature drinks and vote for your favorite. The $15 admission includes one drink token, access to food tastings and live music. The experience begins at 6 p.m. For tickets and additional information, see gkcbc.com.— Crystal K. Wiebe

Sun., Aug. 29, 6 p.m., 2010