We’ve become accustomed to reality TV shows where contestants are forced to drink worm juice. Disgusting – right? They didn’t even add any vodka before they smashed up those critters! We’re glad to see that LXTV has stepped up and given us the reality show that we’ve been waiting for: On the Rocks - The Search for America's Top Bartender. The contestants on this show know to mix their bug-tini using Absolut Peppar for an extra special kick. Take that Joe Rogan.
The show – filmed at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas – is viewable online in sprightly webisodes. Each of the filmed challenges goes down like the perfect martini. They are light, fun, and leave you wanting another. We sometimes enjoy the “food-oriented” reality shows that are so popular these days, but they can be trying. Do you really want to watch a bunch of egocentric, yapping chefs cook a mini-eggroll over the course of 55 minutes? Cut to the chase – we would have scarfed that measly appetizer 40 minutes ago with our first round of drinks.
On the Rocks (so far) keeps it under 10 minutes. These bar folk know what we want to see – alcohol being creatively poured, attractive people drinking it, and someone getting their ass sent home. Not to mention the judges. A motley crew, they sure seem to enjoy sipping-on those drinks. In the first episode, nightlife impresario Fabrizio Brenza proved that his standards are in the right place. He seemed to love every drink put in front of him (even the empty glass), and added some professional insight: “the color of the drink looks good, she (the bartender) looks really good.” Sip. “Did I mention that she looks really good?” Finally, a reality show with a proper judging system.
While the show was filmed in Vegas, we still have some hometown bartender heroes to root for. Contestants Trevor (currently at 230 Fifth) and Jovino (Hanger Bar) survived the first cut. As the show’s catchphrase goes – their drink is being refilled – and we hope they represent Drunktown in the weeks to come. We’re not sure how they’ll end up faring, as we suspect that Fabrizio may like some of the other bartender’s “color” better.
You can check out the episodes and news about the contestants here: lxtv.com/ontherocks.We will be keeping tabs on them to see who gets the dreaded “this was your last call”. We know it must be sad for them to head home, but to us it’s strangely comforting. For the next 12 weeks, it’s nice to know that we won’t be the only one getting flagged.
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