On May 14th, Beyond Restaurant + Lounge's Bar Manager, Chris Brown, participated in the Giffard International Cocktail Challenge in Angers, France… and won. Brown filled one of two international seats for Canada, and beat out nine other elite barmen from Canada, France, Belgium, Britain and Germany to take home top honours.

 

During the improvisational competition, which took place at the Hotel des Penitentes, the secret ingredient (a Giffard Liqueur) was chosen and announced just one hour prior to judging. When time was up, participants had just seven minutes to mix up their final cocktail, which was judged based not only on look, flavour and taste, but also on the competitor’s presentation, dexterity and efficiency.

 

This year the mystery ingredient was Banane du Brésil, a Premium Giffard Liqueur consisting of a slow maceration of the best bananas from Brazil, spirit of banana for an intense aroma and strengthened by a touch of Cognac. With this, Brown created the winning cocktail: “Kiwi on the Green”, made of Banane du Brésil (of course), Cocogif (Giffard’s coconut liqueur), Mangue Tropic (a mango liqueur by Giffard), kiwi purée and lime, garnished with strawberries, dragon fruit and star fruit. Drop into beyond restaurant + lounge to taste this prize winning beverage, or sample one of the many other Giffard inspired libations on the menu.

 

Giffard is a family owned business which has been producing high end premium liqueurs and eau de vies since 1885. For more information, visit www.giffard.com

 

Beyond restaurant + lounge is located in the Century Plaza Hotel & Spa at 1015 Burrard Street. For more information call (604) 684-3474 or visit www.beyondrestaurant.com