Latest news with #BartenderoftheYear
Emirates Woman
07-03-2025
- Business
- Emirates Woman
Spotlight: 4 female bartenders shaking things up in the mocktail business
Sponsored Content by Team Emirates Woman 2 seconds ago It's a largely male-dominated industry, but in the UAE, there are a number of women shaking things up in the mixology scene. And this International Women's Day, Lyre's Non Alcoholic encourages you to discover the female creators and innovators serving up some of the best non-alcoholic serves this Ramadan. A brand that's all about inclusivity, Lyre's Non Alcoholic is showcasing the talents of some of the emirate's best female bartenders and the special Mocktail creations they've curated to pair with memorable iftar and suhoor gatherings this Ramadan. Allow us to introduce them… Raminta Ambrozeviciute, La Petite Maison Dubai 'I embarked on my journey in the UAE eight years ago in search of new challenges. Over half of that time has been dedicated to LPM, where I currently work as a Bar Supervisor. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to showcase my skills in various ways, from being nominated for Bartender of the Year to hosting a podcast highlighting women in the industry and collaborating with 50 Best Bars.' Signature Ramadan Mocktail: The Mid Roast Fizz, a refined mix of Lyre's Amaretti, cold brew coffee, and a touch of citrus orange foam. Find it at @lpmdubai Nazgul Kazieva, Ilios and Nalu, Surf Abu Dhabi 'My journey began in Dubai in 2018, where I spent six incredible years working with renowned brands and high-end venues in Downtown and DIFC. Along the way, I met amazing people in the hospitality industry and gained strong expertise in the field. Last year, I moved to Abu Dhabi, where I now manage two venues, continuing to grow and contribute to the industry. Signature Ramadan Mocktail: Queens. Crafted with Lyre's Italian Spritz, it offers a fizzy, fruity experience with a bittersweet passion fruit note. Find it at @ Giedre Bielskyte, District 8, Dubai Marina 'For over 10 years, I've been deeply immersed in shaping Dubai's ever-evolving bar scene, moving from high-volume establishments to fine dining bar experiences. The past three years have been spent pioneering and shaping trends around sustainability in the hospitality industry, particularly at Boca. I played an instrumental role in developing and championing sustainable practices that not only reduced our environmental footprint but also set a new standard for how bars and restaurants can lead by example.' Signature Ramadan Mocktail: The Duchess. Lyre's London Dry, clarified yuzu & lychee, and CO2. Find it at @districteightdubai Osmari Plaza, Gigi Beach, Dubai 'In an industry often dominated by men, I've embraced every challenge as an opportunity to prove that skill, passion, and leadership have no gender. Working in Dubai has allowed me to expand my knowledge of hospitality on a global scale, learning from diverse cultures and pushing my own limits. Every shift is a chance to create memorable experiences. My career is not just about serving drinks, it's about redefining expectations, seizing opportunities, and proving that there are no limits to what we can achieve.' Signature Ramadan Mocktail: Amalfi Tonico, a simple cocktail using Lyre's Italian spritz, mixed with bitter lemon and bubbles. Find it at @gigi_beach_dubai Shop Lyre's via
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Minneapolis bartender will compete for U.S. Bartender of the Year
The U.S. Bartenders Guild has unveiled its Top 30 World Class U.S. Bartenders, a list of finalists slated to compete in a national bartending contest this spring. Among the finalists is bartender Jarod Schiebout from Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis. Schiebout, who joined Spoon and Stable in 2023, will head to Athens, Ga., for the National Finals in May, where just one bartender will earn the right to represent the U.S. in the global finals, where someone is crowned the bartender of the year. He has been mentored by Soigné Hospitality's Beverage Director Jessi Pollak, who won the Diageo World Class National Finals and was named Bartender of the Year in 2022. She was the first Minnesota-based bartender to qualify for the national competition. The competition's judging panel narrowed the field from 100 down to 30 for the national finals, selecting 10 bartenders each from three regions. To get there, each mixologist had to breathe "new life into a retro classic cocktail" with a menu of three drinks that showcased the drink's past, present, and future. Judges then recreated one cocktail from each menu for a blind tasting. At the finals in Athens, bartenders will be tested on their ability to highlight the flavor profile of a Bulleit variant in a cocktail paired with a southern dish, draw inspiration from "Mexican commerce and community life" for a cocktail with locally sourced ingredients, and create high-quality drinks quickly from a pop-up menu.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mixologist Takuma Watanabe Hosts His First Bar Takeover In Canada
On Feb 23rd and 24th, Deauville Club welcomes Takuma Watanabe for his first takeover in Canada—an event cocktail lovers won't want to miss. TORONTO, February 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Revery Toronto Downtown, Deauville Club Toronto, and Expandwithjoy announce the arrival of the esteemed Takuma Watanabe, winner of Spirits Business Awards, 2024 Bartender of the Year, to Toronto's nightlife for the first time. Get ready for a two-night bar takeover on February 23rd and 24th, where Watanabe will bring his masterful mixology to Deauville Club, showcasing his exceptional talent and unique cocktails. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: "I'm so excited to visit Canada and finally bring my cocktails to Deauville Club! I've heard amazing things about the bar scene here, and I can't wait to meet everyone and share a great night. Let's make it unforgettable," said Takuma Watanabe, owner of Martiny's and L'Americana. Takuma Wanatabe, known for his vibrant spirit of creativity with his Japanese heritage, currently holds the title Bartender of the Year and the Best Bartender in North America 2024. Additionally, he is a semifinalist for the 2025 James Beard Award for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Based in New York, Martiny's won the Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar in 2023 and ranks #4 on North America's 50 Best Bars and #24 on the World's Best 50 Bars in 2024. In partnership with Campari Group Canada, experience a captivating blend of French elegance and global culinary inspiration at Deauville Club, nestled in the heart of Toronto's vibrant entertainment district. On February 23rd at 6 PM, Watanabe will spotlight Martiny's signature cocktail and more. This event promises more than just outstanding cocktails; every detail—from the warm hospitality to the elegant design elements and curated bar bites—has been meticulously crafted to offer an unforgettable experience. The excitement continues on February 24th, at 6 PM, as Deauville Club invites guests to indulge in cocktails inspired by "L'Americana," where Watanabe celebrates his passion for Italian cuisine. This tantalizing cocktail menu pays homage to Italian heritage while showcasing the innovative spirit that defines this iconic New York City neighbourhood. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in an extraordinary cocktail experience at Deauville Club. To book your reservation or to learn more about the Deauville Club x Takuma Wanatabe Bar Takeover, check the website for further details at or follow on Instagram and Facebook About Deauville Club inside Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by HiltonDeauville Club is a French-inspired dining destination where subtle rose pink hues, mirrored accents, and acrylic screens create an elegant, dreamlike setting. Continuing the cinematic theme and Hollywood glamour, the culinary experiences will indeed evoke a sense of wonder and delight. Located inside Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton is where cinematic storytelling meets refined hospitality. As part of Hilton's global lifestyle brand, Revery offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Toronto's vibrant entertainment district, blending striking design with an immersive atmosphere. This transformation into the Curio Collection by Hilton is a collaboration between local design teams and Easton's Group of Hotels, The Gupta Group, and The Gupta Family—visionaries redefining hospitality. Led by Steve Gupta, The Gupta Group is a global investment leader with 22 hotels and four in development across Ontario and Quebec, featuring top brands like Hilton, Marriott, and IHG. Visit and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. About Expand With JoyExpandwithjoy is an events-based agency that supports world-class chefs and mixologists in expanding their restaurants and bars internationally. Founder Joy Puja Chopra, a passionate foodie, is active in the hospitality world and has organized events for Unicef NextGen, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the American India Foundation, as well as various galas and panels on entrepreneurship and mental health. For more information and partnership opportunities, please reach out to joy@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Deauville Club inside Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton Sign in to access your portfolio
