Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/597666
100 / the tasting panel / november 2015 I n September, ten masterful mixologists descended upon Skybar at the Mondrian Los Angeles, bar tools blazing, to fight to the finish for the title of All Star Mixologist. Three hundred guests and a panel of all-star judges weighed in on their favorite libations of the night, which was punctuated by a silent and live auction to raise money for the charity dedicated to assisting homeless youth. ABC7 Eyewitness News feature reporter Jonathan Novack served as emcee and auctioneer; Slumber Party with Alie & Georgia's Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark narrated the second round of competition with clever quips and commentary as the top mixologists duked it out against a ten- minute timer. In the end, four worthy competitors claimed the evening's prizes generously donated by the Clift Hotel in San Francisco, Delta Air Lines and Omni Hotels & Resorts. The TASTING PANEL provided all winners with cash prizes. CHARITY COCKTAILS by Becky Tsadik and Jesse Hom-Dawson / photos by Dustin Downing THE COVENANT HOUSE CALIFORNIA ALL STAR MIXOLOGY COMPETITION COMES OUT SWINGING FOR A THIRD YEAR AT SKYBAR AT THE MONDRIAN IN LOS ANGELES First and second place winners Marsha Meyer and Jason Bran work against the clock to whip up creative cocktails incorporating the competition's secret ingredient: chocolate. Cocktail competition judges strike a pose: Actress Mimi Gianopulos; Meridith May, Publisher/Editorial Director of THE TASTING PANEL; Amber Briggs, Assistant Sales Manager, Spirits Albertsons | Vons | Pavilions; actress Brandi Glanville; and actor Jeremy Sisto. MIXOLOGY