Raising a glass for film
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Facing $40,000 in funding cuts, the Victoria Film Festival is turning to drink. Literally.
The non-profit is hosting the Art of the Cocktail, a two-day event filled with workshops, tastings and competition.
Cocktails and film are related, said Timothy Trebilcock, communications co-ordinator for the festival.
"The two go together," he said, explaining the same type of people tend to like both.
Shawn Soole of Clive's Classic Lounge is helping to organize the event.
Victoria is getting into the cocktail scene, he said.
"We have got a long way to go to be up there with Vancouver," said Soole.
Less than a handful of local bars are bucking the mainstream options of push-button cranberry juice from a gun, flavoured vodkas, and sweet martini lists.
"This bar show is going to raise the bar for every bartender and every bar manager in Victoria. It's going to expose them to certain things and I think a lot of the general public that do attend will be expecting that afterwards."
Victorians have already embraced fine foods, wines and beers, he said, adding, why not cocktails?
So far five bartenders have enlisted in the competition, which combines mixology, a written test and a blind tasting.
The event runs Nov. 7 and 8 at Victoria Arts Connection, 2750 Quadra St.. Tickets for dinner as well as individual workshops and tasting sessions are only available in advance. Go to www.artofthecocktail.ca for more information.
Profit from the event will go to fund year-round events and speakers for the Victoria Film Festival.
rholmen@saanichnews.com
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