First, fifteen bartenders were selected from all over Japan and they were narrowed down to five. One of them was the local bartender in Nara, Mr. Watanabe and the other four were the bartenders working for the first-class hotels in Tokyo. (image taken from google)
Mr. Watanabe was very effective, especially in the skill test, called Card Draw Challenge. Each of them drew one card with a different theme, and each one had to make the most suitable cocktail following the theme . The given theme to Mr. Watanabe was to help a couple in their twenties. As it was their first date, their conversation was awkward. Mr. Watanabe chose gin based cocktail which was compounded gin with fresh peach juice, black tea and added a little bit mint to cheer up the young couple. His attitude was cool and the color of the cocktail was supreme. He became the winner.
I applauded most heartily. (image taken from google)
Soon I tapped and looked in my compute. His bar is a member's bar-THE SAILING BAR in Sakurai City, Nara. In the menu of his bar, there is no names of cocktails. Because he makes the cocktail which fits his guests the best, judging their feelings or conditions from conversation.
In Asahi Newspaper of November 14th, I found the least expected answer from Mr. Watanabe. It is his stance as a local bartender or his thinking of what is "Local-Rural".
In the newspaper, he says, the rich nature in the rural town has been heightening and inspiring his sensitivity and palate. Also, he has cherished this saying " The local is the international." given by his customers. He has beautifully changed the negative to the positive.
That's why he was selected as the best bartender in Japan, excelling the other first-class bartenders.
The paper also says, twenty four of the most talented and inspirational bartenders were chosen to participate in Diageo World Class which had 9000 entries from the world. He was the ninth in twenty four bartenders representing twenty four countries.
I want to applaud most heartily again.
His way how to choose and serve cocktail sounds marvellous.
ReplyDeleteI have few chance to go to bar, though I would like to know what sort of cocktail he will choose when I was his customer.
haricot,
ReplyDeleteYes, I also want to know what type of cocktail he will make for me. If we go to his bar many times, he will serve different types of cocktails as we are in the different mood, condition, feeling and so on day by day.
His work is miraculous, isn't it!
This bartender is artist in a way,isn't he? He feels customers and express his inspiration by cocktail.By the way I can't drink,in this case what cocktail he will create?
ReplyDeletesarari,
ReplyDeleteWow, it must be the most difficult task to him!
I'm sure he will show you an amazing creation as cocktail is an eloquent communication tool for him.
Very interesting article. (And I like the new site design.)
ReplyDeleteLet me offer a non-Japanese point of view: I don't WANT a bartender to "guess my feelings". This just creeps me out! I want a bartender to give me what I ask for. Is that strange?
I almost agree with Marc. I have likes and dislikes: I like citrus-based cocktail as light as possible. When he makes a cocktail just suitable for me according to my request, that would be nice of course. Or should I be more adventuresome about a new cocktail believing him?
ReplyDeleteMarc's opinion is interesting. Come to think of it, there are many "omakase" (up to the cook) menu in Japan. "My choice" would be Western culture.
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ReplyDeleteMarc,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your interesting comment.
It is not strange at all. I think some Japanese also have the similar opinion to yours while some non-Japanese have the similar opinion to mine. As they say, "Every one to his or her taste." That's why there are diversities of bars, restaurants, cafes and more.
His bar is a members'bar. For the members, he is the exactly right bartender. He sounds me the right bartender.
There must be a right bartender in a right bar to each one.
Stardust,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
>I like citrus-based cocktail as light as possible.
To judge how light depends on a bartender's sensitivity or inspiration. I'm courious about what light citrus-based cocktrail he makes for you according to your request. And it is a great fan to be more adventuresome about many things.
In a restaurant or bar, sometimes customers order dishes saying "Mitukurotte-Choose suitable dishes for us". Don't you think "MItukurou" is extremely difficult?
Cocktail is from western culture but what he does is closely related to Japanese thing "Mitukurou".
Thanks all of you. I'll contunue to think about this topic, sipping Sake.