06/09/2026
Wine, Latin Food, & Friendly Competition 🍷
🗓️June 14, 2026 @ 5:00pm
📍Crasqui Restaurant, St. Paul
💰 $150 + gratuity + taxes (Use code SOMM20 for 20% off)
❤️Crasqui's own Patty is competing as a bartender!
She shares, "I’m new to the hospitality industry, but my passion for learning, exploring, and embracing new challenges is not new. There’s something about the adrenaline of the unknown that truly excites me… and pushes me to grow.
I studied Psychology and have worked in customer service, where I discovered something that is now part of who I am: I genuinely enjoy listening to people, understanding them, and making them feel seen. I love to smile… and even more, to make the people around me smile. Because I truly believe that what matters most is not just what we do, but how we make others feel.
I was born and raised in Venezuela, surrounded by family, friends, and meaningful moments that were always accompanied by a good drink and deep connection. Being away from them now, I carry those memories with me… and yes, I miss my family, because they are a big part of what taught me to value every shared moment.
Through my bartending journey, I’ve discovered a beautiful and meaningful way to connect with people. For me, every cocktail is an opportunity to tell a story, to share an emotion, and to create a moment that someone can take with them.
Today, I begin this new path with excitement, curiosity, and a strong desire to grow… sharing through every drink a piece of my roots, my story, and who I am."
❤️Next up is Michael Bader who is participating as a bartender and Somm.
He began his wine journey in Kansas City while finishing two master’s degrees in music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Michael has worked at a few wine bars, champagne bars, wineries, and helped start a virtual wine and food event company teaching wine to people from around the globe. His love of wine and food stems from the stories of the people and the places behind every plate and bottle. He is now working at Porzana in the North Loop after moving to Minnesota to be closer to family.