Olympic Bartending

John "JB" Bandy is the instructor in this fun and encyclopedic guide to giving the customer more than just a gin and tonic-like, maybe a "two bottle simultaneous cross-flip". Bandy, who worked with actors Tom Cruise and Bryan Brown, and choreographed the fancy bottle and glass work for the movie Cocktail is a true master of the art of bartending with flair. The program begins with the tools necessary for practice, a reminder that one need not be Houdini to perform the relatively simple sleight-of-hand basics, and then demonstrates basic, intermediate, and expert moves for the would-be Olympic bartender. In the second half of the tape, viewers get a comical and exciting look at the "Olympic Bartending Competition", in which contestants go through their routines in quest of the gold blender. Ice cube flips over the shoulder, the four bottle fan pour, the stack three glasses and pour, and the expert straw toss, are commonplace sights in this fast and furious competition, which is enhanced by the droll comic commentary from the judges. An excellent program for bartenders or party givers, this is also enjoyable fare for less dexterous viewers who like to marvel at some people's amazing hand-eye coordination. Highly recommended. (Available from most larger distributors.)