Bar Director at The Bar at Baccarat Hotel New York
E : What are your responsibilities?
A: Officially, I oversee the entire bar experience. This includes menu development, curating the spirits collection, staff training and ensuring every guest leaves feeling valued. Unofficially, I fulfil various other roles, such as a psychologist, negotiator and someone who offers a listening ear to guests in need.
E : What makes a typical day?
A: There’s no such thing as a typical day, and that’s what I love about working at Baccarat Hotel New York. I usually arrive early to check on preparations, glassware and any needs the team might have. I may have a vendor meeting or work on adjustments to the menu. However, it’s from 4pm onwards, when The Bar opens, that matters most. This is when I am present on the floor, observing service, catching details and ensuring the team delivers every drink with purpose.
E : Your best attribute?
A: My awareness. Whether it’s being attuned to the room, the rhythm of service, or how my staff is performing, that awareness allows me to lead without micromanaging and to adjust in real time as necessary.
E : Team player or team leader?
A: You need to be both. A true leader knows when to take charge and when to work alongside their team. I hire smart people and empower them to excel at what they do best. My role is to provide them with the tools and support they need.
E : Who has been the most influential figure in your career to date?
A: It’s hard to choose just one person, but my former beverage director at Union Square Café, a popular and beloved restaurant in New York City, comes to mind. He was effortlessly funny, incredibly knowledgeable, and both engaging and relatable. We are good friends to this day.
E : Name one special thing about your hotel or restaurant?
A: There are several signature offerings at the hotel, one of which is our mixology programme. Naturally, all the glassware we use is Baccarat crystal, and any handcrafted, elevated cocktail feels even more special when served in such a stunning vessel.
E : How do you unwind?
A: I enjoy a nice peated Scotch while catching up on any Formula 1 race I might have missed over the weekend. The smokiness and salinity from the peat transport me, making me feel like I’m at Monaco, watching the race from the water.
E : Dead or alive, who would you like to take out to dinner?
A: My granddad. He passed away a while ago, but he was one of the most grounded and consistent people I’ve ever known. I’d love to spend time with him again, catch up, hear his thoughts on where life has taken me, and just have one more conversation.
Exquisite Taste Volume 48
The Bar
at Baccarat Hotel New Yor k
IG : @baccarathotels
