From left to right: Ellis Lindsay, Rachel Kamen, Brittany Kellum, Amanda Britton, and Ashley Brown. Photo by Poprock Photography

On Monday, March 18, Unpretentious Palate and Maker’s Mark hosted an event to honor women in the beverage industry. The luncheon was inspired by Margie Samuels, the woman responsible for the founding of Maker’s Mark, and took place at The Ballantyne Hotel.

Keynote speaker Katy Kindred touched on why we all need mentors, how struggles can become lessons learned, and why it’s important to not hold on to the hurt you may experience as a woman in the industry.

We also revealed the five honorees selected by colleagues and customers as the best behind the bar and behind the scenes (in management). Here are the winners and some of the reasons why voters selected them.

Behind the Scenes

Ellis Lindsay, The Porter’s House
“Ellis is a fantastic teacher. She coaches her staff how to be better, but also true hospitality (she remembers every guest’s name and greets them with genuine warmth). She is a manager that is knowledgeable, approachable, and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

“She is amazing at customer service. Every time we go to Porter’s House she always gives hugs and makes us feel so welcome!”

“Ellis has an incomparable passion for what she does and absolutely goes above and beyond for each and every one of her guests!”

Rachel Kamen, Mason Jar Group
“She’s an amazing person to work for. A great mentor, I’ve learned so much working with/ for her. She embodies strength, and hard work. She does it all with fearlessness while always looking fierce!”

“She has an amazing work ethic. She will literally give you the shirt off her back. She is the behind the scenes at 204 North Kitchen and Cocktails. She is the reason for the success. Cheers to Rachel!”

“I was I’m the Marines before I started working for Rachel and she puts everyone I know to shame when it comes to work ethic.”

Behind the Bar

Brittany Kellum, Fin & Fino
“She is a standout bartender, takes care of customers, goes the extra mile to make their experience the next level.”

“She makes the most amazing, innovative cocktails and gives even better service to go along with it!”

“Gracious host who knows her stuff without being obnoxious about it! So very welcoming and makes killer drinks.”

Amanda Britton, Bardo Restaurant
“Amanda is obviously an incredibly talented and passionate bartender. But more importantly, she is an incredible human being. One of the most genuine and kind people in the industry and she truly deserves to be named as a top woman behind the bar.”

“Amanda is quick in wit and quick in creativity when she develops her artful cocktails. Her passion for giving her customers the best experience comes through her curiosity for ingredients and extensive knowledge of mixology. Amanda is thoughtful, fun, and generous when she’s mixing behind the bar!”

“Not only does she make really great cocktails at Bardo, she’s always so kind and genuinely interested in making everyone feel welcomed.”

Ashley Brown, Dot Dot Dot
“Ashley is incredibly talented at both classics and custom cocktails. She is quick with a recommendation and wit. She is also faster than any man or woman on the well. Ashely is happy to educate if you ask her questions or let you tell her all about your favorite drink. Ashley likes to make sure her co-workers understand why a drink has various flavor profiles and why she chose one spirit over another to make the drink. She is by far the best bartender I have worked with or received service from.”

“She knows just about everything you can about liquor. She can make a cocktail up for a guest based on the smallest bit of information and the guest will love it every time. She works harder than any of the other bartenders and never complains (especially harder than the men). She just really kicks ass and is the best woman behind any bar!”

“She’s brought precision and precise techniques to our Dot Dot Dot team. She does a lot of heavy lifting in our service well each week and is our little cocktail assassin.”

Congratulations to our winners! See more photos from the event below, courtesy of Poprock Photography!