PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 27, 2023) – Henry A. Davidsen: Master Tailors & Image Consultants, Philadelphia’s leader in custom men’s clothing, is thrilled to announce the return of Suits & Sazeracs, the spirited cocktail competition and charitable fundraiser benefiting local nonprofit The Wardrobe (formerly The Career Wardrobe). Suits & Sazeracs, presented in collaboration with award-winning local distillery Bluebird Distilling, takes place inside the Burnham Ballroom at the Hotel Palomar on Monday, March 6 from 6 – 9 pm. Guests are invited to get gussied up for the storied soiree that sees Philly’s top bar talent go head to head – with $1.5k on the line in cash prizes – for an exciting cocktail competition judged by industry experts AND attendees. Tickets for Suits & Sazeracs are available online now for $75/person, with a portion of ticket proceeds benefiting The Wardrobe.
During Suits & Sazeracs, the New Orleans-inspired evening designed by acclaimed local event architects Lucky Dog Studio, guests will sample Sazeracs crafted by eight of Philadelphia’s top bartenders, all made using Bluebird Distilling’s Straight Rye Whiskey and nosh on fare provided by Square 1682’s Executive Chef Ronde Murphy (think: Shrimp and Grits Fritters, Drunken Grilled Haloumi, Baked Oysters Rockefeller) while a live NOLA-style jazz band keeps things swinging! Additional highlights of the evening include a Silent Auction, live oversized check presentation to The Wardrobe, and even a Best Dressed Guest Award.
“We are thrilled to bring this much-anticipated event back after its success is 2020!” said Henry A. Davidsen President and Founder, Brian Lipstein. “At the last event we raised almost $7,000 and this year, our goal is to raise over $10,000, and to garner over 10,000 gently used professional wear items for The Wardrobe.”
The panel of cocktail judges features special guest Natalie Migliarini of Beautiful Booze, home bar expert and recent contestant on Netflix’s Drink Masters and judges will honor one bartender with $1,000 for the superior Sazerac, while attendees will vote for People’s Choice (who will be awarded $500). Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to “buy” additional votes, with 100% of those proceeds benefiting The Wardrobe.
Bartenders competing in the 3rd Annual Suits & Sazeracs include:
- The Hayes: Bohdan Darway, Lead Bartender
- The Plough & The Stars: Ed Novitskie, Bartender
- The Twisted Tail: Kristen Lamb, Bartender
- Red Owl Tavern: Chris Devern, Lead Bartender
- Rex at The Royal: Joshua Scheid, Beverage Manager
- Royal Boucherie: Eden Beschen, Bar Manager
- Stratus Rooftop Lounge: Patrick Banko, Lead Bartender
- Square 1682: Alex Clark, Lead Bartender
“We’re thrilled to be back in the Burnham Ballroom at Hotel Palomar celebrating Philadelphia’s top cocktail talent with this competition,” said Jared Adkins, Founder of Bluebird Distilling. “We can’t wait to see the creative cocktail creations the bartenders whip up using our American Straight Rye Whiskey and how much money we can raise for such a worthy cause. Let the good times roll!”
Guests can also get in on the prizes, with the Best Dressed Guest Award judged by Columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Elizabeth Wellington, and noted menswear and lifestyle influencer Sabir Peele (@mensstylepro). Guests are encouraged to dress to the glitzy New Orleans theme, wearing Southern ensembles boasting bright colors, pastels or bold stripes. Fedoras, bow ties, suspenders, pocket squares, or Southern Belle-esque gowns!
In addition to a bevy of Sazeracs, there will be low-ABV beer courtesy of custom contract brewing company My Local Brew Works, as well as (zero-proof) kombucha from beloved local brand Baba’s Bucha.
Tickets for Suits & Sazeracs are available online now for $75/person, with a portion of ticket proceeds benefiting The Wardrobe. Suits & Sazeracs marks the start of Henry A. Davidsen’s 5th annual Suit Drive, in which donations of professional clothing will be accepted at drop-off points across the Greater Philadelphia Area, running from March 6 to May 15. Philadelphians interested in donating gently-used suits, ties, jackets, shirts, pants, belts, shoes, and other professional and semi-professional attire in support of local unemployed individuals can find more information here.
Suit Drive drop-off locations include American Executive Centers, Spikes Trophies, Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa & Salon, One Digital, 12th Street Catering, and many more. For a full list of participants and addresses please see the full list online here.
Throughout the evening of Sazerac sampling, NOLA-influenced passed appetizers will be prepared by Executive Chef Ronde Murphy of Square 1682. See menu offerings below:
SUITS & SAZERACS FOOD MENU
Courtesy of Square 1682’s Executive Chef Ronde Murphy
Passed Appetizers
- Shrimp and Grits Fritters, Wild Berry Compote
- Drunken Grilled Haloumi
- Baked Oysters Rockefeller
- Andouille Corndogs
- Beignets
Stationary Offerings
- Fried Green Tomatoes with Cajun Aioli
- Fried Oreos and Snickers
- Seitan Jambalaya
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ABOUT HENRY A. DAVIDSEN
At Henry A. Davidsen we exist to help individuals feel better about themselves and improve their lives. Offering a highly personalized, private experience in our elegant design studio in Rittenhouse Square, our consultants will welcome you with a beverage and a conversation to get to know you, your wardrobe, your career, and your aspirations. Your personal brand consists of more than just the clothing you wear, however, the clothing plays a key role in conveying that brand effectively and consistently. Enter perfectly tailored, custom professional, special occasion, and even casual clothing, all designed and custom-fit to support your brand with a crisp and definitive image. Never sacrifice any detail. With custom tailoring you control every element of style in your garment and we guarantee a perfect fit, saving you time and energy and allowing you to approach any situation with full confidence. For more information about Henry A. Davidsen please visit www.henrydavidsen.com.
ABOUT THE WARDROBE
With 25 years of experience helping more than 90,000 people overcome barriers to employment and independence, The Wardrobe’s services are designed to support people in any life transition where the cost of clothing can be a barrier to positive change.
Established in 1995 as The Working Wardrobe, our initial mission was to help low-income women transition into the workplace with interview suits and support. Since then, our mission has expanded to respond to the needs of a diverse community along with our changing ideas of “work” and “career.” As we mark our 25th Anniversary in 2020, Career Wardrobe is transforming again to The Wardrobe.
The Wardrobe combines service with resale. We are open to the public, with clothing priced to match any budget while accepting referrals from 100 partner organizations to make shopping free for those that qualify.
The Wardrobe has clothing to support people of all gender identities and backgrounds who are seeking employment or moving to independence after incarceration, moving into recovery, or entering adulthood. We recognize that for many people living in poverty, a job is only the first step to economic stability. From there, they can start down the path to prosperity and self-sufficiency.
ABOUT BLUEBIRD DISTILLING
Bluebird Distilling is a craft distillery that produces small batch whiskies (that includes a limited release Wheat Whiskey, Four Grain Bourbon, Rye Whiskey, and White Rye Whiskey) and other amazing craft spirits such as Juniperus Gin, Vodka, Sugarcane Rum, and Dark Rum, using a state-of-the-art hybrid copper still. The distillery and tasting room are located at 100 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460. For more information, please call (610) 933-7827 or visit http://bluebirddistilling.com/.
For more information about Bluebird Distilling, follow them on Twitter: @BBIRDDistilling, Instagram: @BluebirdDistilling, Facebook/Bluebird-Distilling
ABOUT HOTEL PALOMAR
We’re of the mindset that there’s something enticing about elegant spaces that don’t take themselves too seriously, and from the moment you arrive at our buzzy Center City hotel, you’ll know exactly what we mean. Whether you’re drawn to our stylish living room, complete with a polished marble fireplace and luxe velvet seating, or the irreverent art pieces that accent our public spaces, you’ll find the unique design touches throughout Hotel Palomar hint at something unexpected but undeniably intriguing.
Looks aren’t everything, of course. Loyal guests return again and again for our superlative amenities, the unparalleled service that our warm and helpful staff provide and our soothing rooms and suites—some with city views. They delight in our pet and kid-friendly programming, savor the inventive New American fare served at renowned restaurant Square 1682 and love our convenient downtown location. This is where style meets substance in the City of Brotherly Love.
117 S 17th St. | 215.563.5006. | www.hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com
-Kira Cappello