Nikki McCutcheon, Senior Beverage Director of Silver Lining Lounge in New York Metropolis, started her journey in hospitality at a family-owned restaurant in upstate New York on the younger age of 15.
She moved to NYC to pursue a school diploma three years later and was employed as a hostess at TAO Uptown. McCutcheon realized that she was intrigued extra by the world of hospitality than her research. “Consequently, I switched schools to pursue a bachelor’s diploma in hospitality administration from St. John’s College. From working as a Maître ‘D on the Dream Downtown throughout my sophomore yr to managing and opening Bodega Negra, my immersion on the earth of hospitality has been each dynamic and fulfilling.
At 24, experiencing a full-on quarter-life disaster, I shifted my focus to drinks, incomes my Licensed Sommelier certificates. Over the subsequent 4 years, I mastered the artwork of stock, bar administration, cocktail improvement, and wine listing curation. With a decade of expertise in standalone inns and eating places, I transitioned to a company regional function overseeing the beverage applications in our East Coast venues, discovering satisfaction in witnessing friends benefit from the creations we’ve constructed collectively.”
McCutcheon is now in a position to fulfill her ardour for hospitality because the Senior Beverage Director at Silver Lining Lounge, a reside music and piano lounge situated on the Decrease East Facet of Manhattan. The lounge offers a energetic environment, with friends in a position to sing alongside to their favourite songs carried out by native musicians. The beverage program at Silver Lining Lounge resonates with the senses and house. “Beginning with the cocktail names, we crafted a story utilizing cultural references on our menu, tying within the lyrical artwork and ambiance of the room. The cocktails themselves incorporate seasonal and native components, mixed with signature twists on classics, to entice each novice and curious drinkers. Lastly, to deliver all of it collectively, our artistic shows attraction to each visible and fragrant senses, incorporating contemporary flowers and dynamic glassware.”
A few of the go-to components on the menu embody vibrant flavors akin to blueberry, violet, hibiscus, habanera, and crimson bell pepper. Though acquainted, they’re eye-catching and evoke the freshness and approachability coupled with the class of NYC’s cocktail tradition. The music tradition of NYC conjures up the beverage program, as all of the cocktail names reference music popular culture in addition to underground subcultures, and the recipes are primarily variations on classics.
When requested to share recommendation with bartenders on the way to create an thrilling cocktail program, McCutcheon had this to say: “A profitable cocktail program is just not solely in regards to the drinks themselves but in addition the general expertise of your friends. The theme of your cocktail menu ought to complement the ambiance of your house, making a cohesive consuming expertise. When it comes to menu improvement, keep in mind that not all the pieces is for everybody. It’s vital to strike a stability between traditional and up to date choices.
Incorporate well-known, comfy classics that stand the take a look at of time, in addition to fashionable creations that showcase one’s creativity and pique the curiosity of adventurous drinkers.” McCutcheon means that bartenders know their viewers, keep fashionable and distinctive, and supply selection and high quality if they need their beverage program to achieve success.
