THE TALE OF BAR TALES HOSTED BY IHM MUMBAI

The Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Mumbai recently hosted the highly anticipated bartending competition, Bartales, showcasing the exceptional talent of aspiring mixologists from across the city. The adage, "Any moment in time can be a point of beginning to anything," resonates deeply with the story of Bartales. This innovative competition, born from a simple idea in 2022, has rapidly evolved into a platform for budding bartenders to showcase their creativity and talent. The inception of Bartales can be traced back to a student's vision, nurtured and brought to life with the guidance of the F & b department team. The core concept was straightforward: to unite aspiring mixologists and provide them with a space to experiment with new flavors, techniques, and concepts. From its humble beginnings, Bartales has witnessed remarkable growth. In just two years, it has attracted a diverse pool of talented participants and garnered significant recognition within the industry. The competition has become a breeding ground for innovation, inspiring participants to push the boundaries of mixology and redefine what is possible behind the bar. One of the defining features of Bartales is its emphasis on creativity. Participants are encouraged to think outside the box, experiment with unconventional ingredients, and develop unique flavor profiles. This freedom fosters a culture of innovation, where each cocktail is a testament to the bartender's imagination and skill. Beyond the competition itself, Bartales has also become a valuable networking opportunity for aspiring mixologists. Participants have the chance to connect with industry professionals, learn from experienced bartenders, and gain exposure to new trends and techniques. This exposure can be invaluable for those seeking to advance their careers in the hospitality industry. This year's competition was centered around the theme of Mexico, celebrating the country's rich culinary heritage and iconic spirit, tequila. Led by the dedicated guidance of Abhishek Chowdhury and Medha Bhattacharya from the F & b department at IHM Mumbai, a team of 15 talented students from 8 prestigious colleges in Mumbai participated in the event. The competition was judged by a panel of industry experts, including Yogesh Sonawane, Akshay Sail, and Jayant Pawar. The participants were tasked with crafting innovative cocktails using tequila as the base spirit with disco twist. The judges evaluated their entries based on bartending knowledge, skills, and the overall quality of the cocktail. And the winners are: Winner: Ishanthan U 1st Runner-up: Atrayo Biswas 2nd Runner-up (Joint): Saakshi Kabade and Devraj Somaiya Most Promising Performance Awards: Sibashankar Sahu (Thakur College) Sushant Chavan (Kohinoor College) Bartales 2024 was a resounding success, demonstrating the passion and talent of the next generation of mixologists. As the competition continues to grow, it promises to be a highlight on the Mumbai culinary calendar for years to come.