NRA Launches YouTube Mixology Contest

[PRESS RELEASE] (Chicago) Shake it up... or stir it! Step out from behind the bar and into the national spotlight by entering the Star of the Bar competition on YouTubeTM - a nationwide search for the country's most creative mixologist at the National Restaurant Association's 2010 International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB). Professional mixologists and amateur "bar chefs" are encouraged to submit a ninety-second video of themselves preparing their original signature cocktail - utilizing at least one Bacardi product - along with its written recipe by April 26, 2010.

The individual who creates the most original drink in the most entertaining way will not only have the opportunity to create incredible industry connections and gain bragging rights, but also take home a $5,000 cash prize, have their cocktail featured on the menu at Rockit Bar & Grill through May 2010, and have their recipe included in American Airlines American Way magazine. The Star of the Bar competition is sponsored by Bacardi.

"Culinary cocktails and signature drinks are hot trends on restaurant menus this year, highlighting that more mixologists are taking a chef's approach to beverages," said David Gilbert, chief operating officer of the National Restaurant Association. "We are excited to see the submissions for the 2010 Star of the Bar competition and look forward to learn how the contestants showcase their original drink recipes."

YouTube users will cast their votes to select six semi-finalists for the Star of the Bar title through April 26, 2010. Those six individuals will be flown to Chicago on American Airlines to mix, stir and shake their signature cocktail live at IWSB on Sunday, May 23. Event attendees will vote to select three finalists who will compete for the title.

The three finalists will then compete live that evening at the first-ever IWSB After Party at Rockit Bar & Grill, where an expert panel will select the ultimate Star of the Bar competition winner.

Interested mixologists should submit a ninety-second (or less) video demonstrating their cocktail and an original written recipe at www.winespiritsbeer.org by Monday, April 26, 2010. The cocktail recipe must include at least one Bacardi product.

No purchase is necessary. Limit one video submission per person. Contest open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 21 years of age or older. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. See Official Contest Rules at the IWSB Web site.

Wide-ranging solutions for more successful and profitable bar programs will be available to restaurant operators during the National Restaurant Association's 2010 International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event at Chicago's McCormick Place, held May 23-24, 2010. In addition to exhibits by established and emerging wine, spirits and beer producers from around the world and exclusive food-alcohol pairing stations, IWSB attendees may attend expert-led education sessions that guide restaurateurs and bar managers to success. IWSB, held in conjunction with the Association's 2010 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, is the restaurant and hospitality industry's only forum focused exclusively on restaurant and hospitality operator beverage alcohol-related needs.

Now in its third year, IWSB will be held in a separate exhibit area of McCormick Place during NRA Show 2010, and gather brewers, vintners and distillers, leading beverage experts, beverage alcohol buyers and more in one exclusive area.

The IWSB education sessions and exhibits will take place in Grand Ballroom (McCormick Place South, Level 1).

The annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is the largest single gathering of restaurant, foodservice and lodging professionals. The NRA Show 2010 will be held May 22-25 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The event attracts tens of thousands of attendees and visitors from all 50 states and 100+ countries, and showcases more products, services, innovative ideas and other growth opportunities than any other industry event. For more information, visit the Show Web site at www.restaurant.org/show.

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 945,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of nearly 13 million employees. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to lead America's restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence, and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve. For more information, visit our Web site at www.restaurant.org.