Washington DC, 2011 Dec 4

On Sunday, December 4, Speed Rack hit the Nation’s Capital! Held at the amazing Jack Rose Dining Saloon in the trendy Adam’s Morgan neighborhood, 20 ladies from DC, Philadelphia and the surrounding areas vied for the top eight spots as they faced off in the preliminaries. Considering the Repeal Day festivities the night before, the turnout was impressive for both competitors and guests.

Guests were treated to sponsors’ punches as well as beer from DC Craft Brewers served from the massive main bar at Jack Rose. Guests from Jack Rose head chef Michael Hartzer. Hosts Simon Ford and Chris Patino kept the show running as DJ Nick Van Tiel had the house rocking in between rounds and set a high-energy mood by spinning fun songs for each bout.

In front of a packed house of over 200 people, the competition began. Judges included locals Top Chef Mike Isabella and blogger/TV host Nycci Safier Nellis, who were joined by noted mixologist Aisha Sharpe and Francine Cohen of Inside F&B. The round began with the judges each calling out a drink for the girls to make. The contestants had to make the drinks as quickly – and as accurately – as possible. The judges then compared the girls’ drinks side by side and issued penalty seconds to the girls for any mistakes made. The girl with the lowest time was declared the winner and moved on to the next round. 7 heated battles ensued.

A great time was had by all, and most importantly over $3,600 was raised for breast cancer research, education and prevention.

Full list of competitors

Alexandra Bookless - The Passenger
Alexandra Nichols - Estadio
Analise Schneider - The Majestic
Arleigh Incarvite - Founding Farmers DC
Chantal Tseng - Tabbard Inn
Christina Rando - The Franklin
Debbie Anday - Lani Kai
Elli Benchimol - Chef Geoffs
Emily Stix - Graffiato
Gina Chersevani - PS 7
Jac Beasley - Founding Farmers DC
Jade Aldrighette - The Passenger
Julia Ebell - The Passenger
Julia Hurst - The Passenger
Jung-Ah Park - Jackie's Sidebar
Karin Stanley - The Fox, Raleigh SC
Monica Carroll - Restaurant Eve
Phoebe Esmon - Farmers Cabinet, President of USBG Philadelphia
Sarah Stafford - Mio Restaurant
Sydney Ortega - The Majestic