Pasadena Chamber kicked off SIP-tember: A Celebration of the Cocktail at El Cholo

50 invited guests were treated to tasty tacos from El Cholo at the kick-off for the 20-17 SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge on Tuesday, August 15th. Co-hosted by El Cholo, Patron tequila and the Chamber, the party included a live taste-off three cocktails created for the event using Patron tequila. (Two are in the SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge, as well.)

Vertical Wine Bistro's Eye Candy, Ruth Chris Steak House's Wata-Rita and El Cholo's Pasadena Sunrise were tasted by four judges who determined their favorite among the three. Judges Robin McCarthy (Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors), Karl Bird (Chair-elect of the Chamber Board and JPL's Acquisitions Manager), Jim Osterling (Pasadena City College Trustee) and George Cunningham (Chief Operating Officer at the Rose Bowl) diligently tasted each drink and by a vote of 2-1-1 chose the Ruth's Chris Wata-Rita as their favorite that evening.

El Cholo treated guests to a gourmet taco bar and a Cadillac Margarita. The Pasadena Chamber Board was well represented among the guests. In addition to Ms. McCarthy and Mr. Bird, in attendace were Valerie Prince, Board Secretary from Pacific Commerce Bank, Don Schweitzer, Treasurer from the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer, and Cliff Houser of Kunau and Cline, Inc. Joining the guests were Ray Jan, CEO of the Rosemead Chamber of Commerce and Ken Rausch of the El Monte-South El Monte Chamber of Commerce and Yelp! Senior Community Manager for Los Angeles Katie Burbank.

Many thanks to El Cholo for hosting the event. Great to have Patron donating the tequila.

The SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge is happening now. For full info, visit www.pasadenarestaurantweek.com for participants, drinks and more.

Bartenders from El Cholo, Ruth's Chris Steak House and Vertical Wine Bistro prepared special cocktails for the SIP-tember Kick-Off event.
The judges savored their duties at the SIP-tember Kick-Off at El Cholo
Guests enjoyed food and drink at El Cholo.

 

 

 

 

 

El Cholo created the Pasadena Sunrise for the SIP-tember Kick-off
Vertical Eye Candy was tasted at the Kick-off event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruth's Chris' Wata-Rita won the cocktail competition by a single vote.