Event Recap: Rum & Rhythm Adds Flavor to #Caribbean Week @ctotourism #cwny16 @capitaleny

On June 3rd, 2016, YRB attended the 5th annual Rum & Rhythm benefit  in New York City.

 Festivities highlighted  the two winners from this year’s Rum & Rhythm mixology contest, and included  a competition between some of the best chefs in the Caribbean. Chefs from countries including Anguilla, Cayman Islands, St. Martin, Antigua,  Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados represented in an amazingly authentic way!

 

This signature fundraiser, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), is an annual tasting and silent auction that raises money for the CTO Scholarship Foundation. 100 % of the of the proceeds from the event will provide scholarships and study grants to Caribbean students pursuing college degrees in fields related to tourism and hospitality.

 

Guests were able to sample award-winning Caribbean rums, authentic Caribbean cuisine, and featured cocktails by popular mixologists, all while enjoying the rhythms of Caribbean music at the exclusive Capitale.

Sylvanus Johnson, the male mixologist winner, competed against female mixologist winner, Selma Slabika, in a battle of the sexes. Brooklyn native and star of VH1’s “Hit the Floor” Robert Christopher Riley hosted the event. Special guest chefs Michael Hinds and Creig Greenidge, and mixologist Dameain Williams, provided  a taste of the islands.

JUDGES – MALE MIXOLOGIST COMPETITION:

Karl Williams – Owner, Solomon and Kuff

Matty Durgin – Celebrated national bartender and tiki expert

Patra Roach – Director, Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc.

 

MALE MIXOLOGISTS:

Sylvanus Johnson – Winner of the male mixologist competition – Mixologist at Mother’s Ruin

Jeff Hazell – Mixologist at Dram in Brooklyn

Shane Smith – DJ and Mixologist at Solomon & Kuff

Austin Hartman – Beverage Director and Mixologist at Montana’s Trail House

JUDGES – FEMALE MIXOLOGIST COMPETITION

Kennith McCoy –  Founder of  Ward III & The Rum House

Justin Briggs – Ambassador, Skurnik Wines & Spirits

Gail A. Spann – Founder of Spanning The Globe Travel

FEMALE MIXOLOGISTS:

Selma Slabiak – Winner of the female mixologist competition & mixologist at Aska

Shannon Mustipher – Denizen Rum Brand Ambassador – Featured in New York Magazine & Village Voice

Erika Ordonez – Mixologist at Slowly Shirley and Porchlight Bar

Shantel Grant – Mixologist at Forrest Point in Brooklyn

Photos by: Mariamma Kambon