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 university 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 12 months to managing and opening Bodega Negra, my immersion on this planet 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 growth, 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 packages in our East Coast venues, discovering satisfaction in witnessing visitors benefit from the creations we’ve constructed collectively.”
McCutcheon is now capable of fulfill her ardour for hospitality because the Senior Beverage Director at Silver Lining Lounge, a reside music and piano lounge positioned on the Decrease East Aspect of Manhattan. The lounge supplies a vigorous environment, with visitors capable of 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 elements, mixed with signature twists on classics, to entice each novice and curious drinkers. Lastly, to carry all of it collectively, our inventive displays enchantment to each visible and fragrant senses, incorporating recent flowers and dynamic glassware.”
A few of the go-to elements on the menu embody vibrant flavors resembling 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 evokes 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 create an thrilling cocktail program, McCutcheon had this to say: “A profitable cocktail program shouldn’t be solely in regards to the drinks themselves but additionally the general expertise of your visitors. The theme of your cocktail menu ought to complement the ambiance of your house, making a cohesive consuming expertise. When it comes to menu growth, keep in mind that not all the things is for everybody. It’s essential to strike a stability between basic 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 stylish and distinctive, and provide selection and high quality if they need their beverage program to achieve success.
