Godek delivered a refreshing Stoli-ito, presented in a stiletto heel – a symbol that certainly is everything Key West, as an oversized stiletto drops every New Year’s Eve in Key West.
Godek, a bartender at The Call, will compete against about 20 other LGBT and LGBT-allied bartenders to win $10,000 for his chosen charity at the Key West Cocktail Classic Pride Week Finale.
The Cocktail Classic celebrates the role that gay bars have played as original community centers and the LGBT and ally bar stars who continue to raise the bar for equality today.
The Chicago competitors were Zack Hudson (representing Cell Block), Nicholas Smith (Sidetrack) and Alejandro Zamudio (Kit Kat).
“Chicago never disappoints, with the closest (top two finishers) in the six-year history of the event, (with Godek collecting) 243 overall points to 241 (for the second-place Chicago bartender),” said Patrik Gallineaux, National LGBT Ambassador for Stoli USA. “(All four) cocktails (made) this year (at the Chicago finals) were creative, meaningful and beautifully presented.
“Chicago showcases top-tier bartenders … I wish I could take every single one of our 2019 Chicago bar stars to Key West with me.”
The 2019 Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic is centered on the theme, Visibility: Making it Loud and Clear, to honor the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in New York, a pivotal series of protests in the gay right’s movement.
The winning bartender at the finals in Key West in early-June will serve as the Honorary Grand Marshall of Key West Pride 2019, and also receive a trophy, sash, and a trip to a North American city around another Stoli weekend event, and more.
“All four of the (Chicago) bartenders did absolutely amazing,” said Skye Paterson, production manager, Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic. “Rob has been attending and watching the events for years – the perfect way to learn how the (event) works. He then entered and won.
“Sidetrack was once again one of my favorite host venues on the tour. The entire staff, led by (general manager) Brad (Balof) is incredible.”
After the competition, there were performances by Monica Beverly Hillz, Naysha Lopez, Dida Ritz and Jade Sotomayor.
The charismatic Gallineaux hosted the competition, alongside Dixie Lynn Cartwright.
More photos: Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic
