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Food | 23/04/2023 15:15:00

The City of L’Hospitalet Cocktail Contest sets a new participation record

THE CONTEST FEATURED 29 YOUNG BARTENDERS FROM 19 SCHOOLS AND ESTABLISHMENTS THROUGHOUT CATALONIA

This morning, the Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel hosted the 38th edition of the Cocktail Contest for Young Professionals–City of L’Hospitalet Trophy. Twenty-nine competitors from 19 schools and establishments throughout Catalonia took part in the contest, setting a new participation record in the process. Those competing included two students from the L’Hospitalet Food Service Training Centre.

The participants had to present and prepare a pre-dinner cocktail (aperitif), served in four glasses. They were given just seven minutes of preparation time, in accordance with the rules of the International Bartenders Association (IBA).

The panel of judges consisted of 14 professionals from various sectors related to mixology, education, fine dining and food service in general. The participants were awarded two separate scores: a technical score, based on their image and skill and the end result; and a taste score based on the aroma, taste and visual appeal of their creation.

The winners of the various categories were as follows:

• First place and winner of the Jordi Estadella Memorial Award: Sandra Solé Fraguas, from the Lleida School of Hotel and Tourism Studies.
• Second place: Emilio Ernesto Rosales Marroquin, from the L’Hospitalet Food Service Training Centre.
• Third place: Lisken Kadid Villegas Folleco, from the Santa Coloma Catering School (Grameimpuls).
• Winner of the Josep Maria Gotarda Quintilla Award for Skill: Pol Bermejo, from the Barcelona College of Food Service Studies (ESHOB).
• Winner of the Catalan Bartenders’ Club Award and the highest taste score: Néstor Alfonso Baez Jiménez, from the Lleida School of Hotel and Tourism Studies.
• Winner of the award for best score in the under-21 category (awarded by the L’Hospitalet Food Service Training Centre): Sandra Solé Fraguas, from the Lleida School of Hotel and Tourism Studies.

During the contest, the participants were given a mixology demonstration by José Nuñez, the owner of Mizuwari Cocktail Bar in L’Hospitalet.

The event, which has consolidated its status as a benchmark for industry professionals throughout Catalonia, was organised by L’Hospitalet City Council in collaboration with the Catalan Bartenders’ Club and the L’Hospitalet Food Service Training Centre. It is designed to showcase the latest trends, original flavours and mixology techniques in the world of cocktail-making, and many of the winners and participants are currently working in the sector’s most prestigious establishments.

The contest is one of a number of projects developed by the City Council to promote and revitalise the local culinary scene and consolidate L’Hospitalet’s status as a destination for food tourism.