Spanning 20 arrondissements, Paris (also known as the Ville Lumière, City of Lights) is the ultimate destination for sightseeing, romantic getaways and gastronomic adventures. With so much to choose from, it’s easy to feel lost without the expert advice of an insider. Enter Aurélie Panhelleux: co-owner of acclaimed cocktail bar CopperBay, who has long been an authority on the local bar scene.

Home to five UNESCO World Heritage sites, Paris has some of the most beloved monuments and landmarks in the world, and if you are looking for something out of the ordinary, Panhelleux advises to wait for nightfall: “With a walk in the middle of the night from Place de la Concorde to Bastille, you’ll get to see Paris in a different way and all the monuments without crowds. And having the outside of the Louvre, the Opera Garnier just for you is pretty cool!”

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Whether you prefer a stroll down the breathtaking Champs-Elysées, a walk from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, a visit to Atelier des Lumières, or want to climb the stairs to Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, Paris is full of spectacular views and unexpected experiences.

Regardless of where you start out, you never know where you’ll end up, says Panhelleux. “There are nights when you go out with friends for just an aperitif and you end up in a restaurant laughing and speaking really loudly,” she recalls fondly. There are Sundays playing petanque and then having a picnic on the canal too. “In Paris, most of the people live in small flats so we go out a lot. I guess what Parisians enjoy the most are long dinners with friends in simple places, with nice food and wine; or a coffee on a sunny terrace. We’re also very curious about new spots opening, though we all have a HQ we always go back to.”

If you’re a visiting bartender, there are a lot of opportunities for education too, like Distillerie de Paris in the 10th, fruit and veg producers on the roofs of the city like L’Arche végétale, or underground like La Caverne, suggests Panhelleux. “Go to Caves Bossetti in Le Marais, one of the biggest collections of Chartreuse, it’s so cool. Also, pay a visit to a Parisian brewery like Demory (in the suburbs), BapBap in the 11th, or go check out the kombucha brand Vivant in their atelier in the 18th. If you are looking for some creative inspiration, go to L’Atelier des Lumières, sit on the floor and just relax and watch.”

The food

“If there is one thing we cannot live without is food, it’s our DNA. From finger food to Michelin-star restaurants, we are very interested in it and we all like to cook and invite people home. If homes are not big, we go to simple restaurants all together.”

According to Panhelleux, nothing beats a good egg mayonnaise, foie gras and beef bourguignon. Swing by the Belleville Market for a glimpse of street food from all over the world (but check the date online as it’s not every week), or indulge in some fine viennoiseries and bread at Mamiche, The French Bastards or Babka Zana.

The drinks

Few places in the world are more celebrated for their local drinking traditions, but Panhelleux has a soft spot for pastis: “It’s the spirit you find the most in any French house, even if it’s originally from the south [Marseille].”Most people drink it with water, but French also add some syrup to make Mauresque, made with pastis, orgeat syrup and water.

Any part of the city would do to enjoy a drink, but if you’re looking for uniqueness, stick to the 10th arrondissement, according to Panhelleux: “My heart belongs to my neighbourhood, as we have our bar here, but I also chose to live here. It’s a very vibrant quarter, popular and has the best offerings in terms of food and drinks, for any budget.” Plus the Canal Saint Martin is just next door.

The bar industry is very close in Paris too. “The local bar scene is very much like a family, most of the bars also recommend other bars. The scene is creative, we use a lot of local products and are very friendly and hospitable. We love for guests to enjoy our places, our food and drink with a very chill vibe.”

The big list

Tips & phrases

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Where else could you find sanctuaries and temples, a few steps away from skyscrapers and mind-boggling nightlife? You guessed it: Bangkok, where tropical weather, centuries of history and bustling energy merge into one big unforgettable experience. The ‘City of Angels’, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon in local language (though the original name is made up of 168 archaic characters) embodies Thai hospitality, its local laid-back, smiling attitude combining with its truly unique set of local raw materials and relentless nightlife.

Rising on the shores of Chao Phraya River, Bangkok represents multiple identities, being so easy to find high-profile venues right besides traditional neighbourhoods and historical religious buildings. Campari Academy just launched in Bangkok and met Supawit ‘Palm’ Muttarattana for a superb tour of flavours, aromas, traditions and hidden gems.

An acclaimed bartender and bar consultant, Muttarattana is 2019 Asian Campari Bartender of the Year: having previously worked at the world-famous Vesper Bar – then a partner at now closed Backstage Cocktail Bar – today he manages multiple venues, such as Rabbit Hole, Crimson Room, Bar Marco and Canvas across Bangkok for Watermelon Group. After more than a decade navigating the city, he expertly knows his way around – and shared some of his favourites with us.

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Let’s cut straight to the chase: with over 10 million people crowding Bangkok’s busy roads, local nightlife is as riveting as it gets, and Muttarattana confirms it: “I would say Bangkok’s bar and nightlife environment is one of the best destinations in the world. Bangkok’s drinking culture is rising, and in the past 10 years it showed.”

The beauty of the city will easily strike you, regardless of your aim during your stay. Right beside the illustrious Royal Palace you can find the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram), to take in local beliefs and tradition. Just a short trip south, and you might instead try Muttarattana’s hometown: “I love to go out in Hua Hin, where I come from, only two and a half hours south of Bangkok. Sea, sand and sun: if you manage to stay there for a couple of nights, it’s as good as it gets.”

Whatever you are looking for, keep in mind the three pillars that sustain the local offer: “Eat, drink and party are the three keywords here,” Mutarattana adds. “We have one of the best street food cultures of the world, but you can also find fine dining, clubs, cocktail bars and so on. Many of them you can experience all week long, though the big nights are Fridays and Saturdays; I prefer to go out on Wednesday or Sunday, when there’s not too many people and the vibe is more relaxed.”

The food

You can try the labyrinth of alleyways in Chinatown, where plenty of interesting venues allow for seriously good bar hopping, or hit the wide Thong Lo for a taste of authentic night buzz, where delicious street food and impressively trendy cocktail bars follow one another.

For a dive into local tradition, head west to reach the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, or keep dry right in the centre and check out the Chatuchak Market to experience the world-renowned colours and flavours of Thailand. “Thai food is exceptional,” Muttarattana states, “it’s what I miss the most when I’m away: each region has its own ingredients’ character, it contributes a lot to the evolution of our palate. Our senses and taste develop accordingly, and it helps a lot when I focus on some experiment or research. You definitely can’t leave Bangkok without trying any kind of Thai curry, some seafood with Thai seafood sauce, som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice.”

A former touristic guide himself, Muttarattana opts for the meat based Pad Ka Prao as his favourite, but don’t miss the opportunity to try out aromatic herbs and spices, such as galangal, turmeric or the vast variety of chillies that you only could find here.

The drinks

Being one of the most visited cities in the world, Bangkok attracted the investments of brands and ventures, contributing to the evolution of the local cocktail scene, from luxury hotels to everyday local bars. “The number of cocktail bars is increasing continuously, especially after the pandemic,” Muttarattana notes, and it is now no hard task to find a drink for any occasion.

Bangkok’s magic will shine for you through the lenses of local hospitality, an unprecedented culture that Muttarattana advocates: “Thai-style hospitality cannot be found anywhere else: it’s generous, smiling and kind, always dedicated to accommodate and make others’ desire come true.”

No wonder local gems are found at the top of the world’s most sought-after destinations for quality drinks and memorable stays. Impressive luxury hotel bars, vibey rooftops, dive bars right on the streets; altogether along neighbourhood shops where you can sample Yaa-Dong (Thai-infused spirit with spices and herbs, to have with local pickle) and the non-alcoholic Thai iced milk tea, or taste the incomparable local coconut water (“Thailand’s is the best compared to others, sweet and tasty, especially when you mix it with light rum”). Lose the sense of time walking around gigantic malls where everything is possible such as Siam Paragon, go for a superbly relaxing Thai massage, or stop and enjoy the amazing Wat Arun temple, in the Thonburi area. Bangkok has everything you are looking for, and probably more.

The big list

Tips & phrases

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Very few places on earth can have a skyline as iconic as the one you can enjoy in Singapore: the ship-shaped top floor of Marina Bay Sands getting fired up by the sunset, while the 165m-tall Singapore Flyer’s panoramic wheel rotates, and the Gardens by the Bay’s bio-architecture is illuminated.

The ‘Little Red Dot’ city-state, one of the most prosperous and fast-developing nations in the world, is a pivotal centre of international cultural exchange, yet drenched in local identity: from the musical sound of the native accent, to the shophouses in Chinatown, all the way to unbelievably tasty traditional recipes.

And when it comes to vibrant energy and going out, Singapore is a must-visit destination. It’s true the name is, in drinks circles, inextricably linked to the iconic sling that was first concocted at Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar at the beginning of 20^th century by Ngiam Tong Boon, but whatever your thirst calls for, it is guaranteed you’ll find it here. Campari Academy just launched in Singapore, so we joined Jess Hutchinson (or Hutch, as she usually goes by) for a deep dive into the local scene, to discover hidden gems and favourite local spots, for a proper taste of Singapore’s nightlife.

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Today a praised bar consultant for internationally recognised venues, Hutchinson is a pivotal character of local hospitality, having been previously part of teams such as No Sleep Club, Proof & Company and 28 HongKong Street. Still involved in the development of new concepts and the nurturing of existing ones, she is also a podcast co-host and the perfect guide for showing us around.

‘Eclectic’ is the word Hutchinson uses to best describe Singapore’s bar and nightlife scene. “There’s no one-size-fits-all. You could be the sort of person that enjoys day or early afternoon drinks, and head to places like Atlas, Corduroy Palace and then wrap up before 6pm. You could also be the person that wants to bar hop and hit five bars in one night, which is also possible with certain areas, like Ann Siang Road, where you could find Low Tide, Junior the Pocket Bar, Employees Only, Native and Stay Gold Flamingo.”

Outside of drinks, eclecticism also applies to Singapore’s attractions. Hutchinson cites former amusement park Haw Par Villa as having a special place in her heart. “It used to be a destination for school trips. It was some kind of pleasantly weird experience, given the chaos and the attractions there. It’s been refurbished and doesn’t work as an amusement park anymore, but you can visit it and check it out, it’s definitely worth it”.

Hop on a tiny boat to reach Pulau Ubin and cycle around this minuscule island (where a bar is present, of course); reconnect with nature and forage in the surrounding Mangrove Forest; or visit the magical, powerful Bollywood Farms in the north-west. You could also go to the Brass Lion Distillery, the first Singaporean gin production facility, for a sip of true local heritage.

The food

The Marina Bay district is where you’ll find rooftops and skyscrapers or take in a show at the Esplanade theatre. But you might rather chill out at one of the iconic hawker centres (open-air food halls) such as Maxwell, right in the heart of Chinatown, in front of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Visiting a hawker centre is a common Singaporean pastime, Hutchinson says: “Since every conversation ends up in food, this is the place to be. Hawkers jam-packed with more than 50 stalls in one single place, with an endless variety of options to choose from, all of them priced affordably.”

From Hutchinson’s favourites such as chicken rice – “There are so many different ones to pick and choose from, and different factors such as the type of rice, the chicken, the sauce, the ginger, the chilli” –  and bak chor mee (minced meat noodles), to traditional desserts like cendol (an iced sweet dessert that contains drops of green rice flour jelly, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup) or ais kachang (shaved ice with red beans), to the iconic chilli crab, the flavours of Singapore are distinctly different. “Food is starting to integrate our local bar experiences too,” says Hutchinson “and is one of the things I miss the most when I leave.”

Depending on your mood, you might want to get a feel for a different area. You could hang out in the hip section of Joo Chiat Road, where the best food places line up right in front of the seaside; or you might prefer to stay in the central Holland Village area, with its artistic vibe only a few minutes away from the glamorous Orchard Road, the sparkling main shopping district.

The drinks

Singapore has been featuring at the top of can’t-miss drinking spots lists for the last few years, thanks to a pioneering approach to craft cocktails, a constant flow of ideas and trends and superb care for detail.

If you ask Hutchinson for an area to hit for drinks, however, there is a clear winner: Chinatown, a web of streets and alleys where the best bars and clubs in town are intersected by temples and museums.

Whatever you’re searching for – be it a new, tiny spot that just opened, or one of the establishments that helped put Singapore on the international mixology map (such as 28 HongKong Street and Jigger & Pony, both opened more than a decade ago) – your quest for finding world-class cocktails is one which will be well rewarded.

If you are a bartender, Singapore is the land for some really unique experiences, whether that’s for inspiration, stress-relief, or just pure fun.

The big list

Tips

Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory, but always appreciated. Cash tips are the easiest, you can choose to inform the staff if it’s meant for them personally or to be split amongst the team (if you’ve had multiple servers)
Getting around: Singapore’s efficient underground system is the easiest and most cost-effective way to get around and roam the venues, though there are also private hire car companies like Grab, GoJek and local taxis
Drinking age: 18
Where to stay:  Most of the hotels are in Orchard. There are some good ones on Sentosa, and also some nice boutique-y hotels around Little India and Clarke Quay

The post Drink like a local: Singapore with Jess ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson appeared first on Campari Academy.

Cosmopolitan yet traditional, chaotic but still calming and comforting: Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city, is one of the most exciting destinations in East Asia. You can breathe in the relaxed and entertaining energy at Creative Park in Zhongzheng District, where music, art, movies and shopping are in close connection, or walk further south to reach the majestic Memorial Monument of Chiang Kai-shek; get closer to the Tamsui River to silently admire Bangka Lungshan Temple, or head back to Songshou Road, in the centre, to let yourself go in the vibrant clubbing scene of Taipei.

For those who look for the unbeaten path, rest assured: Taipei’s location, surrounded by almost 300 peaks higher than 3,000 meters, and at the same time so close to beaches and the sea, will allow you to experience any kind of activity to fully embrace the local culture.

“Taiwan’s unique qualities are nature, culture, and people in my opinion,” says Angus Zou, bar entrepreneur and I guide to the city. “It’s so convenient, you can hike on a mountain to camp and enjoy the hot springs, or go to the beach for some water activities, like surfing and kite surfing. When you get back to town in the afternoon, you can either choose to have a cup of coffee at any cosy coffee shop or find a massage place to ease all the soreness from what you did.”

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Zou is one of the pioneers of the Taiwanese bar industry, having first introduced cocktails on tap to the country in 2018 with the original Draft Land in Da’an district, a concept which has grown to include Draft Land XinYi and Daily by Draft Land.

“Taipei people enjoy going out quite a lot,” Zou shares. “It’s probably the easiest way to release their stress during workdays. But don’t get me wrong: though being an international hub, Taipei allows for a more balanced lifestyle compared to other metropolises. We drink because we want to meet friends, have fun, and most importantly to feel happy.”

Zhongxiao East Road, one of the city’s main boulevards and a popular entertainment and shopping area, connects Taipei’s old town in the west to its cosmopolitan counterpart Da’an and Xinyi districts in the east – the latter also home to the iconic landmark Taipei 101 – which are Zou’s favorite neighborhoods to go out in.

“The nightlife scene here in Taipei is vibrant… The average drinker here is quite young, 20-30s, compared to other places in Asia, but the new generation of consumers is very open-minded, so this allows us to offer a variety of options. There’s something for everyone.”

This huge variety in its nightlife is fast becoming one of the city’s biggest strengths: ranging from the traditional to the ultra-progressive, Taipei has everything you need – and very often, you’ll experience it all at once. “Taipei gives you the unique opportunity to have a full night of fun,” Zou shares, “hopping [around] different restaurants, bars, nightclubs and [you] still have somewhere to go after all of this: the 24-hour karaoke.”

The food

The one thing you will probably struggle with, is choosing your favourite local food: Taipei’s incredibly versatile cuisine is arguably unequalled and will allow you to embark on a journey into exploring flavours you simply can’t find anywhere else.

“Taiwan is known as a street food kingdom, it’s hard to select a favourite: I love pork stew rice, pork chop, stinky tofu and lot more. It really depends on the mood.” And for an authentic tasting experience, go with the flow in one of the many, pleasantly chaotic night markets Taipei is famous for.

“Night markets are among the iconic elements here: you can have everything from very local street food to superior quality steak. Not to mention the entertainment – most of the families spend time there on regular basis,” explains Zou. Head to Ningxia Night Market in Datong District for oyster omelet and ginger dark soup or hit Linjiang Street Night Market in Da’an District for any kind of Taiwanese fried street food, especially if you’re part of a big group.

The drinks

Fancy a drink after walking around and enjoying local delicacies? You are in for another treat – Zou calls for Taiwanese beer as a must-try once in Taipei, together with whisky and most importantly Gaoliang: a fermented sorghum spirit, produced by running steam through the grains, then leaving them to rest in specific pot containers.

The actual local star, however, is tea, both in the traditional serving ritual, and in modern mixology. According to Zou, “we produce a wide range of selections of tea, and many are award-winning. Many local bars like to use local ingredients in their cocktails and tea is definitely one of the popular ones. You can taste the differences in each bar: my personal favourite is from The Public House, Testing Room and Bar Chu.”

Visiting bartenders must not miss the chance to visit the Pinglin Tea Museum, which Zou recommends and is only 30 minutes away from Taipei City. “This is the place where people can get firsthand information about Taiwan’s most iconic Baozhong tea history. Here, not only you can see the iconic terraced fields where tea is cultivated, but also the culture and production behind Taiwan’s tea history. It is a good way to get to know the taste and smell of [these] ingredients.”

The big list

Tips and phrases

The post Drink like a local: Taipei with Angus Zou appeared first on Campari Academy.

Where enormous buildings in the business district meet the quiet historical neighbourhood not far away, Seoul is a definite hotspot to taste a brilliant mix of old and new. The nation’s capital city is a bright example of vibrant economy with fast-paced growth, ranking steadily high among the most liveable cities in the world.

The imposing Han River connects the two halves of Seoul: at its north, Gangbuk-gu (‘gu’ meaning district), still drenched in old-times vibes, with its traditional houses and open markets; and at its southern side, the world-renowned, luxurious and modern Gangnam-gu district. Vibrating with restless energy all day long, Seoul is also the perfect place to deep dive into local flavour: Korean food is a guaranteed memorable experience, ranging from traditional barbecue culture to cold noodles, touching on iconic sweets and street treats.

And when it comes to mixology, Seoul has indeed risen among the top cocktail destinations in the world, showcasing exquisite technique paired with a bustling going-out culture and extraordinary venues, be they strikingly big bars or tiny, underground spots hidden to the general crowd’s eyes. Campari Academy just launched in Seoul, so we roamed around the city with an exceptional guide.

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Laki Yoo is one of the most pioneering and respected bar personalities in South Korea. Having helped to establish Seoul’s cocktail reputation, these days he’s staying sharp with his bar Keepers’ in Gangnam-gu. A delegate for Korea Bartender Guild, Yoo is also the mind behind Barmade, the best-selling bar equipment shop in the country, and runs the spirits import establishment Plus One Group. He’s an all-around drinks advocate, devoting his career to represent Korea on the international drinks stage, and is considered to be one of the undisputed mentors of the bartending community. You couldn’t ask for a better guide to understand what you need to know before arriving in Seoul for a taste of true, local offerings.

“Since a license is not required to open a bar in Korea, it is really easy to start your own business,” Yoo tells us. This means anyone can launch a venue, and what’s more, there’s no mandatory closing time, so whether they’re a bar or a restaurant, they can choose their own closing time. You can, therefore, find many 24/7 parlours – “maybe too many in my opinion…,” laments Yoo.

Seoul’s nightlife spans all over the city, so whatever your mood is, you’ll be able to find a spot accordingly, whether you are up for five-star hotel bars, secluded and intimate neighbourhood spots, or thumping high-volume settings.

The drinks

For an incomparable local tasting experience, ‘sool’is the keyword to know. It indicates a whole array of Korean alcoholic drinks, a few of them still true to what you could find more than a millennium ago. There is one for every drinker’s palate, but none more beloved than soju: “Soju is definitely the main beverage attraction,” Yoo explains. “Being the number-one consumed beverage in the country, it is available everywhere, and we have so many varieties of it, ranging from traditional to fermented makgeolli and cheongju; once you get here you can’t leave without trying somaek [a cocktail mixing soju and beer], the soju bomb!”

It is quite common to pair local beverages with the extraordinary Korean-typical food: this is known as ‘anju’. “Itis our specific word to indicate having some food while drinking: one sip and one bite,” explains Yoo. “I suggest you check out some delicious pairings: Korean pork barbecue with traditional soju; paejon [shallot fritter] with makgeolli, and sashimi with any traditional beverage.”

While the smell of street food kiosks fills your lungs, you can get lost among majestic main roads and tiny alleys, all of them crowded with quality bars to visit and an incredible atmosphere: try out the picturesque Seochon (also known as West Village as it is west of Gyeongbok Palace), or drive down to the opposite end of the river to roam the narrow streets of Apgujeong-dong, where buzzing watering holes can be found in basements. “Drinking and bar hopping are experiences that cannot be missed here,” Yoo says, although at the other end of the spectrum, he also points out that the hilly region that includes the Bukhansan National Park is quite the setting for quiet walks and hikes too.

The food

Korean food is a huge part of local going-out culture, Laki says: “Don’t miss the superior quality of our seafood, and indulge on our ‘bunsik’, traditional small bites such as tempura, odeng and ‘tteokbokki’[fermented rice cakes].”

Food in Seoul is easily accessible pretty much anywhere, and iconic fermented foods such as kimchi, while popular everywhere in the world, are rarely comparable to the ones one can find here. “They are among the things I miss the most when I’m away,” says Yoo.

Once palate and eyes are satisfied, a visiting bartender cannot miss the opportunity to hit the local markets, such as the traditional Gwangjang in Jongno-gu, or the Namdaemun Market in Namchang-dong, where you can find glassware, kitchen utensils and local ingredients. “Seoul accounts for 20 million citizens, including suburbs and nearby cities in the metropolitan area,” explains Yoo, “and it’s extremely well organised when it comes to supplies or groceries. A few delivery apps allow you to have what you want, as little as one single orange, at your door within 20 minutes. So, for you to properly grasp our ingredients, our culture, the essence of our daily trade, a visit to a market is definitely necessary.”

The big list

Tips and phrases

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JERRY THOMAS SPEAKEASY – Arguably where it all began. This speakeasy bar opened in 2010 (pretty much the only one existing in Italy at the time), breaking ground for the new mixology wave to sweep the country in the next decade and beyond. Alessandro Procoli, Antonio Parlapiano, Roberto Artusio and Leonardo Leuci can easily be considered the founding fathers of the contemporary Italian bar movement, having opened the doors to classic cocktails, rediscovered ingredients and vintage hospitality. With its dim-lights, Prohibition allure, top notch classics and a remarkable training program, Jerry Thomas is to be considered THE benchmark for modern drinking in Rome.

FRENI&FRIZIONI– Punk is not dead, and for a sip of urban energy this is the place to visit. Opened in what used to be a garage, Freni is an iconic hangout, buzzing with vibrant crowds from aperitivo hours, until late night. Managed by the energetic Riccardo Rossi, it’s impressively both high volume and high quality: combining both classics and seasonal signature’s. The latter, always focused on modern and enticing themes (Pac-Man, anyone?), to be enjoyed on the tiny square in front, now part of the bar’s identity. Bonus: Riccardo’s dog, Fonzie, is the cutest thing you’ll see in the day.

DRINK KONG – Back to the future, following the Kong himself: Patrick Pistolesi, world renowned bartender, opened the bar in 2018, and it quickly became a must visit for anyone coming to Italy, let alone Rome. Futuristic in its Blade Runner-themed design aesthetics, nostalgic with its mellow vibe and arcade videogames. The drinks are playful, and should you fancy a bite, then this is the perfect place to enjoy both combined. Make sure you stop by all the spaces within this bar, because as you’ll soon see – there is always more to discover in this a one-of-a-kind addition to the Roman nightlife.

THE COURT – Matteo Zed, enlightened amaro connoisseur, came back to his hometown to dust off hotel hospitality in the Eternal City. The Court at Palazzo Manfredi is a secluded gem, with its unique laidback approach to luxury: it’s the new idea of Dolce Vita. Overlooking the majestic Colosseo, hosted by Zed’s and his amazing team, this is the place to be for a taste of five stars drinks – and if you can make it for sunset – you’ll never want to leave.

BANANA REPUBLIC – For almost thirty years now (opened in 1993), this tiny, two floor parlour has been the go-to address for comfort food, everyday drinks and great vibes. Owner Paolo Sanna started his career climbing up the ladder the old school way: from washing dishes to managing the floor, never losing sight of the true, down-to-earth ways, what being a host truly means. This is the place where the local bartender community and the bars in Rome started networking, before moving throughout Italy as whole. Bonus: polenta fritta will blow your mind.

Carlo Carnevale

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