Bartenders Challenge unites Patchogue for a cause

On a lively Tuesday evening at Aces and Eights in Patchogue, The Bartenders Challenge pitted county Legis. Dominick Thorne against the Rev. James Reiss of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in a friendly showdown that placed community spirit ahead of competition.

There were no signature cocktails, just whatever was easiest to mix or pour and to share among friends. Attendees could order whatever they liked, but their tips decided the winner. Whoever’s jar was fuller by the end of the night would claim bragging rights in what has become a good-natured rivalry.

Despite the mock feud, both competitors were clear about why they were there.

“So I have my very good friend, who, although we sometimes see differences in ways of life, we come together to bring the community together. I have a very willing companion on this journey, Dominick, who’s willing to walk alongside a crazy priest who wants to do a crazy amount of novelty for the community,” Reiss said. “So our differences are not really important tonight, but what brings us together: a common humanity, our taking care of the neighbor and the stranger. He does that in a political realm, and I do that in a spiritual realm.”

Twenty percent of proceeds from the event went to support Patchogue Neighbors Soup Kitchen and the ministries of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, vital resources for local residents facing food insecurity and other challenges. By 6:30 p.m., more than 40 people had already packed into the bar, ordering drinks and tipping their favorite “bartender.”

Legis. Thorne said the event was a chance to mix fun with real impact.

“It’s very lovely how people come together,” he said. “We banter back and forth, but also to raise money for working people who are in dire need of services, whether it’s county services or, in this case, religious services or the soup kitchen, just to eat. I thought it was a great opportunity, and I absolutely jumped in [with] both feet.”

The crowd, filled with friends, family, and your regular bar crowd, leaned into the playfulness. At one point, Reiss joked about his usual moderation giving way to competition: “I’m middle of the road, but not tonight,” he said, teasing that his opponent’s drinks were too strong.

“I told him, ‘Listen, I’m not at confessional, you know that, right?” Dean Lauchner said, joking about the reverend’s wine pour. He noted that the event was an important one for “raising money for people who need it.”

Local business owners also felt the positive ripple. Joe Italiano, owner of Italiano Pizza & Food Co. on Main Street, complimented the effort. “He did great,” Italiano said of the drinks. “It’s good for business and for the church. That’s a good thing.”

The real intention, and win, of the night was a room full of people coming together in a relaxed environment to raise their glasses to a shared cause.

And, after last call, Reiss ended up with more in his tip jar. And the total amount raised has not yet been determined.

Lily Miller is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.