July 10th, 2012
Following three previous successful editions, MO Bar at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong recently entertained guests with their annual Masters of Mixology event. A four day celebration of the best from the global trends in the art of cocktail mixology, the event showcased the skills and creations of some of the leading bartenders from around the world.
MO Bar is one of the iconic bars of Hong Kong, a stylish and glamorous destination for a discerning clientele. Featuring an all-day dining concept that commences with a breakfast buffet, continues with lunch and a legendary afternoon tea service, and extends into the evenings with dinner, libations and late night music from resident DJs, MO Bar is popular with both hotel guests and local residents. Special events are an added attraction at MO Bar– including Unplugged Concerts from leading international performers; and their contemporary afternoon tea collaborations with famous fashion labels. Another highlight on the calendar each year is the Masters Of Mixology.
This year MO Bar invited award-winning mixologists from New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Melbourne, and Tokyo to showcase the latest global trends in mixology, and serve up sumptuous cocktails for guests.
The event featured a series of specially themed evenings of cocktails at the MO Bar, and separately, intimate themed Cocktail Pairing Dinners, where a maximum of 12 guests were treated to a 5 course dinner with cocktails paired and mixed at the table by two of the guest mixologists. Each evening at the bar, the master mixologists showcased the specialties from their continent, using only ultra premium spirits and exceptional ingredients to create a superb cocktail tasting experience.
The master bartenders
Manabu Ohtake (Tokyo, Japan)– the global Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year for 2011
Jim Kearns (New York City, USA)– experienced New York bartender having worked at some of the leading bars in NYC
John Lermayer (Boston, USA)- Mixologist and TV personality and named one of the World’s Greatest Bartenders of 2009 by Travel and Leisure.
Eric Alperin (Los Angeles, USA)– opened his own cocktail lounge in LA, The Varnish, nominated as the “Best American Cocktail Bar” at the Tales’ Fifth Annual Spirited Awards
Adam DelGiudice (Miami, USA)– named “Most Inspired Bartender” in 2011 by US Bartender’s Guild in Miami.
Sebastien Reaburn (Melbourne, Australia)– “Australian Bartender of the Year 2008” , and writing a book about the science of mixology
Featured below are some highlights from the final Saturday evening event- themed the “Best of the South” with Adam DelGiudice, Sebastien Reaburn, and Jim Kearns creating Southern Hemisphere-inspired cocktails built around Cachaca, Rum and Pisco.
JIM KEARNS – New York City, USA- formerly of Rye House- “Best New Cocktail Lounge” in NYC 2010
SEBASTIEN REABURN – Melbourne, Australia- Australian Bartender of the Year 2008
ADAM DELGIUDICE – Miami, Florida- named in 2011 “Most Inspired Bartender” by US Bartender’s Guild
The guest mixologists at work behind the bar at MO Bar
Jim Kearns working with MO Bar bartender to create another cocktail
Sebastien Reaburn prepares the OLD FASHIONED EXPERIENCE- made with ultra premium brown spirits, aromatic bitters & citrus peel, then cooled with hand carved ice
Adam DelGiudice creates one of his cocktails- THE SOUR DIESEL- sage infused pisco, lemon & lime juice, sage infused agave nectar, pineapple juice, egg white, amargo bitters
Jim Kearns prepares the BITTER PALOMA– Don Julio reposado tequila, fernet branca, lime juice, grapefruit juice, agave nectar
PAPA’S BLOOD- one of Adam DelGiudice’s concoctions- Denizen rum, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, lime juice, blood orange
Created by Sebastien Reaburn- BLACK AND BLUE AND PURPLE- Myer’s dark rum, Tanqueray gin, Blue curacao, Havana rum 3 years, passion fruit, raspberry tea, lime juice, cranberry juice, angostura bitters.
MO Bar- daytime view looking down on the main bar space
MO Bar- the shimmering centrepiece bar counter
MO Bar at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Address: The Landmark, 15 Queens Road, Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central station – 3 minutes walk
Enquiries: +852. 2132 0077
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TheLandmarkMandarinOriental
Opening hours:
Breakfast Buffet: Monday to Friday 07:00 ~ 10:30 am Saturday & Sunday 07:00 ~ 11:30 am
Lunch: Monday to Saturday: 12:00 ~ 3:00 pm Sunday: Lobster Lunch 12:00 pm ~ 2:15 pm
Afternoon Tea : Monday to Saturday 3:30 pm ~ 5:30 pm Sunday 3:30 pm ~ 5:30 pm
Dinner: Monday to Sunday 6:30 pm ~ 10:30 pm
asia-bars.com review article December 2011
