Past Contenders of 2019

Jessica Trudell
The Lanai Kauai

Evan Simeona
Duke’s Barefoot Bar

Carren Pantezzi
Verde

Rachel Parker
La Spezia

Nilo Badua
Lava Lava Beach Club Kaua’i

Chase La Madrid-Engel
Rob’s Goodtimes Grill

Andrew Lehto
Bobby V’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Adam Pompa
Kaua’i Pasta – Lihue
Congratulations to Jessica Trudell!
Congratulations to Jessica Trudell of The Lanai Kauai for being named the 2019 Kauai’s Best Bartender™.
In the contest’s fifth year, 8 of Kauai’s food and beverage industry professionals were challenged to showcase original, handcrafted cocktails using the spirit of the week.
Over the 6-week single-elimination tournament, Jessica Trudell, has been a total rockstar! Her extensive research, time, and hard work put in really showed in each of her cocktails. From the Hana Hou in week 1 to the Kaua’i Hibis-KISS, and of course her finale winning cocktail, Celestial PEAR-adise, each drink pairing perfectly with the spirit of the week.
The Competition
RumFire Poipu Beach at Sheraton Kaua’i Resort is once again on the hunt for Kauai’s Best Bartender. In the contest’s fifth year, the island’s food and beverage industry professionals will be challenged to showcase original, handcrafted cocktails for the chance to earn the title of Kauai’s Best Bartender and a Grand Prize.
Over the 6-week single-elimination tournament, contestants will go head-to-head by creating original cocktails featuring locally sourced ingredients and the spirit of the week. A winner will be named Kauai’s Best Bartender in the final round on Saturday November 23, 2019.
Grand prize of $2,500, a 3-night stay and airfare for two on the island of Oahu, a half-page spread in the newspaper, and a year’s worth of bragging rights provided by Sheraton Kauai Resort.
Second prize of $1,000 and a 2-night staycation will be awarded to the runner up.
Competition Timeline






Lock in a weekend of excitement at the Sheraton Kauai Resort
Location: 2440 Ho’onani Road, Koloa HI 96756
Sheraton Kauai Resort celebrates its 5th annual Kauai best bartender competition. Experience an unforgettable evening and stay the weekend with us. Offer includes access to Friday event with specialty cocktails for two, 3-course prix fixe dinner and a mid-size rental car. For more details, click on the link below.
RumFire Poipu Beach
RumFire Poipu Beach is the south shore’s hotspot for modern Kauai dining. Experience the island’s stunning sunsets and spectacular views of Sheraton Kauai Resort’s ocean courtyard, Poipu Beach and the ocean beyond. Designed around the restaurant’s unparalleled views of Kauai’s coastline, RumFire features 180-degree ocean views from all of its 240 seats. RumFire’s menu serves locally sourced cuisine with a global influence and Kauai’s most extensive selection of rums from around the world.
