Patrice Wilson-McHugh

Bars To Go Group of Companies launch their Bartending/Mixology Scholarship

2010-02-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

The Bars to Go group of companies has launched its first bartending and mixology scholarship valued at almost $120, 000.

The lucky student will also receive a professional bartending kit courtesy of Smirnoff, a gift basket from Tru- Juice, a cellular phone from Digicel and at the end of the course at the Bars to Go Training Institute, they would have received a certificate in advanced bartending.

This certificate makes the scholarship winner and other students qualified to work not only in Jamaica, but anywhere in the CARICOM region and England.

Patrice McHugh, master mixologist and managing director of the Bars to Go Group of Companies, in speaking about the scholarship and major sponsor, Tru-Juice premium quality juices, said:

"It is critical that we cultivate the very best bartenders for our industry. Jamaica is a destination for many countries and when our visitors order a drink they expect it to taste the same way no matter where they go. Our aim is to train our bartenders to be consistent, but also to open up their horizons to the possibilities. Using the freshest ingredients has always made the difference between a 'cocktail' and an 'experience'", said McHugh.

She added, "With our international expertise and the versatility of Tru-Juice premium quality juices, the options are endless. We are thrilled to have them on board as partners with us in this training initiative."

The signing of a million-dollar contract with Tru-Juice signifies that the standard for Jamaican mixed drinks will be raised for years to come.

From the contribution of classroom materials to provisions of products for training, Tru-Juice premium quality juices has shown their commitment to the advancement of our local bartenders who will one day work in the hotel and nightclub industry.

"Jamaicans have such a vibrant appetite for flavours, colours and textures. Our food has gone far to bring Jamaica to the forefront of our visitors hearts and minds. By giving the bartending industry the tools to create the finest drink mixes we anticipate great strides in a growing cocktail/mixed drink culture. One great Jamaican company with another, the synergy is magnetic," said Kim Lee, head of marketing - Trade Winds Citrus.

To have a chance to win this scholarship and kick-start your career anywhere in the Caribbean, it's simple! All you have to do is fill out the application form, found only in THE STAR, place in an envelope marked 'Bartending Scholarship' and drop off at any of the following locations:

THE STAR

7 North Street, Kingston

Trade Winds Citrus

Bog Walk PO, St Catherine

Bars To Go Training Institute - 5 Central Road, Suite # 2, Kingston 10

Trade Winds Citrus - Montego Bay Depot - 1a Lower Bevin Road, Montego Bay, St James

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Patrice McHugh Goes International!

2009-12-21T09:28:00.003-08:00

Patrice McHugh, Managing Director of the Bars To Go Group of Companies was recently selected to appear in a cocktail booklet alongside the world's leading mixologists.

The book, which is called the 'Don Julio Luxury Booklet', will be released in February 2010 and the world's top mixologists were asked to submit a recipe using Don Julio as the base spirit in addition to fresh ingredients. In addition, the drink is to be accompanied by a ritual. Case in point, the known way to drink tequila is with salt, then sucking on lime.

Wanting to step away from the usual way of drinking tequila, each mixologist's recipe and ritual is sure to be a hit with tequila fans. Patrice's Don Julio recipe incorporated the use of fresh tangerine juice, ginger juice, Agave syrup and Don Julio Reposado tequila. The finished product is called the 'Reposado Lightening', while her ritual celebrates Jamaica's achievements and spirit.

The ritual starts by imitating the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, by quickly running on spot for 9.58 seconds, after which, do Bolt's signature 'lightening pose'. Then quickly drink the Reposado Lightening. After drinking, quickly run on spot for another 9.58 seconds then do the 'lightening pose'.

It's going to be an undeniable hit among party-goers, bar-hoppers, college fraternities and more across the world.

Patrice said, "When they contacted me I was in shock but excited. It has been a long journey getting to this point, so for an international brand to recognize your hard work in the field it's quite exciting but at the same time extremely humbling. Also, with the drink, I wanted people across the world to recognize Jamaica for our achievements, our energetic spirit and associate it with someone who is internationally known for being just as vibrant. So I immediately thought of Usain and his energy. I think it will be a great mix, so to speak, when the book is released in two months and persons start doing the ritual."

Other international mixologists to be featured in the booklet include: international spirits and cocktail wizard, Gary Regan who is known for his books, "The Bartender's Bible", "New Classic Cocktails", "The Joy Of Mixology", "The Martini Companion: A Connoisseur's Guide" and many more, and Dale Degroff, an unparalleled authority and a much sought after expert in the industry and universally acknowledged as the "King Of Cocktails". His books include: "The Essential Cocktail: The Art of Mixing Perfect Drinks", "The Bar and Beverage Book", "The Craft Of Cocktail: Everything You Need To Know To Be A Master" and more.

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In The Mix -- "The World Record and Sunset Glaze"

2009-11-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

Naomi Forrest - Contributed photos

This week's 'In the Mix' column features two new mixes, World Record and the Sunset Glaze, with STAR columnist and managing director of the Bars to Go Group of Companies, Patrice McHugh.

I'm sure most of us saw the recent news with the Honourable Usain Bolt naming a baby cheetah 'Lightning Bolt', so did my students here at the bars to Go Institute.
So in honour of the fastest man alive, one of my students Shawn Watson came up with a superb mix called the 'World Record' that is sure to knock your socks off! The other, Naomi Forrest came up with the 'Sunset Glaze' and as the name suggests, it's quite a relaxing way to end your day!

World Record
2 oz Sky Vodka
Splash of Cranberry
1/2oz Lime Juice
1oz Cherry Brand
3/4oz Syrup
Preparation: Place all ingredients in a shaker, add ice and shake well. Pour mixture into a martini glass.
Prepared by: Shawn Watson

SunSet Glaze
1oz Banana Liqueur
2 1/2oz Myers Rum
fill with Orange Juice
Preparation: Place all ingredients in a shaker, add ice and shake well. Pour into a martini glass.
Prepared by Naomi Forrest

So what are you waiting for? No matter the mood, either Naomi or Shawn's drink mix is sure to be a perfect addition to your day. You'll love it! Until next time friends! Email me at Inthemixcolumn@gmail.com.

Nathaniel Williams

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In The Mix -- "The Heavenly Splash"

2009-11-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

Kim Lee, brand PR manager at Red Stripe stopped by the Bars To Go Training Institute and did a class on the topic of 'Drinking Responsibly'.

This week's 'In the Mix' column features a new mix, the Heavenly Splash, with STAR columnist and managing director of the Bars to Go Group of Companies, Patrice McHugh.

Yesterday, Kim Lee, brand PR manager and responsible drinking champion at Red Stripe stopped by the Bars To Go Training Institute and did a class on the topic of 'Drinking Responsibly'.
In bartending, not only is it important to know what to serve, but it is also necessary to promote a healthy drinking lifestyle to your clients/patrons. After the class, a student, Shawn Watson, catered to us with his special mix, Heavenly Splash. It's the perfect way to introduce the holiday season. Join us next week as we kick-start great drink mixes for the holiday season.

Heavenly Splash
3/4oz lime Juice
1/2oz Syrup
1/2oz Blue Curacao
1 1/2oz Smirnoff Vodka
A Splash Orange juice
Place all ingredients into a mixer, shake and pour into a martini glass.
Prepared by: Shawn Watson
Go ahead and indulge! Shawn's drink mix! It's the perfect kind of drink to give you a little heaven here on earth. You'll love it! Until next time friends! Email me at Inthemixcolumn@gmail.com.

Shawn Watson catered with his special mix, Heavenly Splash.

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B2G Premium Launches The "Shake & Serve Cocktail"

2009-11-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

B2G Premium Beverage and Catering Solutions Ltd. has launched their one-of-a-kind 'Shake & Serve Cocktails'. The upscale company which caters to the chicest entertainment events decided to up the ante and launch the new venture because, quite simply, they saw it as a necessity.

According to Managing Director of the company, Mrs. Patrice Wilson-McHugh, "Always hiring persons to mix seemingly difficult cocktails should be a thing of the past. It's so much easier to do it yourself if it's just a low-key get-together with friends or a quick lyme. As a result B2G Premium decided to once again cater to our great clientele and give them great cocktails without the hassle. The 'Shake & Serve Cocktails' distributed by B2G Premium, is as simple as it sounds: all they need to do is literally open the add ice, shake, then serve."

B2G Premium, a subsidiary of the Bars to Go Group of Companies - also home to Bars to Go, Gourmet to Go and the Bars to Go Training Institute - was formed earlier this year to cater to the island's most intimate and, as the name suggests, premium events.

In addition, Mrs. Wilson-McHugh added, "B2G Premium only recruits and trains the most professional and experienced bartenders, mixologists, chefs and waiters; individuals who bring knowledge, enthusiasm and personality to the ever-growing cocktail, catering and event world. In addition, we execute events across Jamaica with the utmost professionalism and precision . So it shouldn't be surprising that we would add something as exquisite as the 'Shake and Serve Cocktails' to our portfolio to further cater to our clients."

Call the B2G Premium office now for additional details: (876) 754-B2G4 (2244)

Patrice McHugh is "In The Mix !"

2009-10-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Kevin Kelly's Halloween Tambary - Contributed photos

This week's 'In the Mix' column features two new mixes, the Halloween Tambary and Love Spell 36, with STAR columnist and managing director of the Bars to Go Group of Companies, Patrice McHugh.

Halloween is on the horizon and of course my students at the Bars to Go Training School have Halloween treats up their sleeves too. Many think Halloween is just about the costumes, but it's not. What if you go to a party, whether at your house or to a club, the decor is great, but the liquor tastes awful? Then, that's certainly not a treat.
So one student, Kevin Kelly came up with the Halloween Tambary while another, Nathaniel Williams came up with the Love Spell 36. They sound intriguing right? They taste even better! Take it from me, they are great and are for the young at heart and adventurous. Give in to the adventure... after all, it is bewitchingly tasty.

Nathaniel Williams' Love Spell 36.

Love Spell 36
1 1/2oz Vodka
1 1/2oz White rum

To read more click here.

Malibu, Absolut & Chivas Training

2009-10-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

Scenes from the Chivas Regal, Malibu, Absolut & Kahlua Training Session

A group photo of the winning team. Teams were asked to create a drink and present. The winning drink was called After Sunset. The ingredients were:

2oz Absolut Mandarin Vodka

Splash of orange juice

Splash of pineapple juice

½ oz Grand Marinier

¼ oz Amaretto Liqueur

Place ingredients in a shaker with ice, pour in a martini glass and garnish with a wedge of orange

Team members were: Asana Mills from Rib cage, Cameika Dixon (BTG), Hortense Gilling (BTG), Keteisha McCulloch (BTG) and Lloyd Gayle (BTG)

Joe from Pernod Ricard teaching the class

Kaysia Johnson, Joe and Patrice

Lenworth Dixon from BTG and Chesna Haber from Absolut. Lenworth won a bottle of Absolut for answering a question correctly

Marcus Brown from Acropolis and Chivas Brand manager for answering question correctly

Medusa’s bartender and Kaysia Johnson from Malibu for giving correct answer

About Mrs. Patrice Wilson-McHugh

2009-10-13T05:57:00.000-07:00

IT WAS ALL A DREAM

Patrice McHugh's dreams have finally come to fruition -- just not the dreams she expected. While growing up, the now Managing Director of the Bars to Go Group of Companies had the intention of becoming an air-hostess.

So how does one make the transition from dreams of becoming an air-hostess to owning the premier catering company in the island? McHugh says, "To be truthful, I always knew I wanted to become an entrepreneur, but I wasn't sure of the field I wanted to be in. I dreamt of the success but I am pleasantly surprised of what I have achieved."

Patrice, who grew up in Spanish Town says after graduating from the Merl Grove High School she enrolled in an accounting school and thereafter started working at McDonalds. Then in no time, Patrice got a job as an accountant at the Kingston Hub.

However, even that wasn't meant to last long. Patrice felt a longing for something more -- but what? It came in the form of parties. Finding herself at more parties every week, those at Kingston Hub saw the obvious: why not re-assign her to the post of Co-ordinator of Party Services? As a 'newby' in the post, Patrice was trained by persons like Peter Wong, from whom she gained a wealth of knowledge about running a succesful party service, among other things. Then five years ago, Patrice decided it was time to move on. With the birth of her daughter, Makayla, Patrice found a new goal -- that of being one of the island's finest entrepeneurs. Thus, Bars to Go was formed.

The company which offers full bar services, catering services and operates a school to train bartenders has catered to many of the island's top companies and parties. Name it, they've done it.

With the obvious success of Bars to Go, Patrice alongside her husband and business partner, Robert McHugh started Gourmet to Go in 2006. They therefore expanded their business to include: providing lunch during the week for their corporate clients, providing catering services for weddings, parties, office gatherings and a host of other events.

It's a long way from home: a place where an inner-city girl only dreamt of being a successful airline hostess. Because of that, Patrice has every intention of giving back to those who now stand where she once did - empty pockets with rich minds fixed on a dream. In a few months the Bars to Go Group of Companies will launch their first bartending scholarship program for an inner-city male or female. However, for now, Patrice has gone on to establish the Bars to Go Training School which, after three months, certifies their students, who will be able to move on to practice mixology and bartending anywhere in the Caribbean, USA or England.

"It's not just about having a dream," Patrice explained, "It's about proper planning and turning that dream into a limitless reality."

Patrice McHugh's "In The Mix" Column

2009-10-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

As some of you already know, I recently resumed classes for this semester at the Bars to Go Training School and after three months my students are properly certified mixologists not only here in Jamaica, but also across the Caribbean, Canada and Europe. I wish, while I was growing up some of these opportunities presented themselves; but sadly they didn't. To read more, click here.

Bars to Go Employee Wins Award!

2009-10-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

The Bars to Go Group of Companies celebrated a stellar landmark at the Evening of Excellence/Award Ceremony hosted by the Jamaica Employers' Federation, (JEF), recently at the Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston.

The party services and catering company was the only one in its category to walk away with an award that night. The recipient, Keteisha McColluch, Operations Manager of the Bars to Go Party Services Ltd., was handed her plaque by the JEF's President, Mr. Wayne Chen, and the subdued McCulloch later said, "I feel elated that my work and achievements have been recognised by my employers, Mr. and Mrs. McHugh and others in the company. It has been a great four years at the company and I plan to continue to make my mark there and help to make our brand the yardstick for all else to follow."

Mrs. Patrice McHugh, Managing Director of the Bars to Go Group and Robert McHugh, Director of Gourmet to Go, spoke similarly: "She (McCulloch) has been a significant asset to our brand throughout the years and we are happy to have her on board. We can't stress enough how important it is for employees to work assiduously at whatever it is that they do; in the end, they are sure to benefit from the hard work that they put in," said Mrs. McHugh.

Mr. McHugh continued, "Likewise, we want to encourage employers to congratulate their staff when they do well; it will only motivate them to work harder and help your brand find a place at the top. By working as a team and a cohesive unit there is nowhere to go but the summit." The evening's speaker was lawyer and former Senator Oswald Harding, who also stressed the value of hard work, both as individuals and as a nation.

Photo Captions:

1. (l-r) Mr. Robert McHugh Director of Gourmet to Go, Keteisha McCulloch, Operations Manager of Bars to Go Party Services and Mrs. Patrice Wilson-McHugh, Managing Director of Bars to Go Group of Companies.

2. (l-r) JEF President, Wayne Chen presents Keteisha McCulloch, with her award.

A Day At The Bars to Go Training School

2009-10-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Do you want to be a top bartender/mixologist with knowledge of the latest cocktail mixes and trends? Do you want to have the best hotels, clubs, party promoters and more knocking at your door? Then train towards your NCTVET approved certification in Advanced Bartending & Mixology with the island's leading Master Mixologist. Register today at Bars To Go Training School Shop 2, 5 Central Road, Kgn. 10 or call 9062275-7 or email trainingschool@barstogojamaica.com. Don't miss out on your future. Start it today!