Nestled atop the Arlo SoHo Resort, ART SoHo is greater than only a rooftop bar—it’s an expertise.
With sweeping views of the Hudson River and the town skyline, the house blends smooth design with a welcoming environment, making it a go-to vacation spot for locals and vacationers alike.
With each indoor and outside areas, it’s the proper spot to sip on inventive cocktails, take pleasure in shareable bites, and soak within the metropolis’s power. From seasonal drinks to DJ nights and pop-up occasions, the vibe is all the time vigorous and welcoming.
On the forefront of ART SoHo’s progressive cocktail program is Razel Rustia, the Beverage Director whose creativity and fervour have formed the bar’s standout menu. With a background rooted in hospitality and a deep appreciation for seasonal substances, Razel has curated a collection of cocktails that completely complement the rooftop’s dynamic setting.
We sat down with Razel Rustia to debate her journey within the trade, the inspiration behind her craft, and what makes ART SoHo a very distinctive rooftop expertise.
Inform us about your background within the trade.
Since arriving in the US from the Philippines in 2012, I’ve devoted my profession to the hospitality trade, gaining a wealth of expertise throughout a number of roles.
From front-of-house operations to back-of-house assist, I’ve embraced each alternative to study and develop. My journey has taken me from internet hosting and serving to bartending, the place I found my ardour for crafting distinctive experiences.
For the previous six years, I’ve had the privilege of working at Arlo Soho beneath the Renwick Hospitality Group. I started my profession there as a bartender and rapidly superior to Head Bartender, finally turning into the Bar Director overseeing ART SoHo, Foxtail, and Lindens. All through my profession, I’ve been lucky to work alongside proficient people who’ve mentored and impressed me, fostering a collaborative surroundings that prioritizes each service excellence and staff improvement.
What sort of expertise do you purpose to provide friends?
At our institution, we try to supply distinctive service that makes each visitor really feel welcome. We purpose to create a memorable environment the place friends can calm down and luxuriate in their time. Our numerous menu showcases seasonal and native substances, encouraging friends to discover new flavors and dishes.
In the end, our objective is to foster an surroundings the place friends can unwind, savor scrumptious meals and drinks, and create lasting reminiscences.
What conjures up your cocktail menu?
The rooftop expertise is commonly tied to the seasons, so I incorporate recent, seasonal substances that improve the outside ambiance. Mild, refreshing cocktails are good for heat evenings, whereas cozy, spiced drinks could be featured for cooler nights.
What’s your favourite cocktail?
I’ve two favourite cocktails: the Arlo Margarita and Butternut Squash Manhattan.
A singular twist on a traditional with our Arlo Margarita, this mezcal-based cocktail encompasses a pleasant mix of habanero bitters and Pamplemousse, complemented by our house-made rosemary agave syrup and recent lime juice. Served up and garnished with a sprig of rosemary, it presents a refreshing and fragrant expertise that tantalizes the senses.
A seasonal twist on the traditional, that includes roasted butternut squash-infused bourbon, this wealthy infusion is complemented by fragrant cardamom and Angostura bitters, including a heat spice profile. Amontillado sherry introduces a nutty complexity, whereas our house-made pear-maple syrup supplies an ideal steadiness of sweetness and texture.
