NightOwl Influencer Lists Archives

Back to the ba’siks with Russell Dillon

For this week’s nightcap interview we caught up with Russell Dillon, the main man behind the bar at ba’sik in Brooklyn, New York. “Back to the basics” is the inspiration behind ba’sik (pronounced basic), a Williamsburg bar that marks the return of the drinking establishment as a “public house.” Between the flowing drinks we caught up with Russell, the poet/bartender who helped turn ba’sik into an industry favorite. Sit back and grab a “Damn, Dominic!” – we did – as we chat with “the kindest man in the world.”

A Nightcap with Cicerone Extraordinaire, Zach Mack

For this week’s nightcap interview we caught up with Zach Mack – entrepreneur, writer, Certified Cicerone, consultant, and beer educator based in New York City. He also happens to own Alphabet City Beer Co., a craft beer store and bar in New York’s East Village along with writing for Thrillist. Does your growler need a refill too? Grab it, and join us, as we sip and chat with Zach.

A Nightcap with Natasha Mesa

Portland and London have a lot in common: rain, beer, rain, pubs, rain, and strip clubs. To be honest, that last one might just be Portland, but there’s definitely the rain thing. One recent rainy afternoon we stopped into Raven & Rose for a pint and met Natasha Mesa, self-described “master of current trends, barkeep with flair, expert in conflict resolution, creator of peace, connoisseur of life, professional leg wrestler, drink slinger, and conversationalist,” and, according to Thrillist, one of Portland’s Most Influential & Kick-Ass Bartenders of 2016. Pull up a stool and join us.

Be Nice or Leave

For this week’s nightcap interview we pulled up a barstool to share a nightcap with Brandon Pool, the GM and head bartender at The Innertown Pub in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village. ITP’s history dates back to Prohibition, and it came into its own during the late 1980s – early ‘90s, becoming a home for the local bohemian artist community. Walking into the ITP, you’ll be welcomed by the dimly lit, eclectic space with Elvis-heavy artwork and knick knacks that you’d find in your crazy uncle’s basement, not to mention free pool!

A Nightcap with Lucinda Sterling

We recently mixed it up with Lucinda Sterling, Managing Partner and famed mixologist of Middle Branch in New York. This Colorado native landed in New York in late 2005 and quickly became a bartender at what was then Sasha Petraske’s newest bar, Little Branch. By 2012, her amazing mixology skills led to a full partnership. The industry now considers Lucinda a leader in the mixology movement, with articles in Thrillist, Time Out Magazine, Liquor.com and other well known publications.

Lawyer? Nah, I’d Rather Own a Brewery…

For this week’s nightcap we were lucky enough to spend quality time around some high ABV beers with Patrick Rue, the Founder, CEO, and Head Brewer at The Bruery. The Bruery is a boutique craft brewery in Orange County, CA, that produced over 90 different beers last year. Hop heads should get their snifters out as we pour into their story.

A Nightcap with Celtic Rock Band – Young Dubliners

We got a chance to catch up with Keith Roberts from the Celtic Rock band Young Dubliners for this week’s nightcap. With ten albums under their belts, and tours that have taken them all over the world, including opening for Jethro Tull and Collective Soul to name a few – they’ve got some great stories to tell. Sit back, and grab a pint, as we shoot the craic with Keith.

A Nightcap With Ryan Te From Oiji

We caught up with Ryan Te, the head bartender at Oiji in Manhattan’s East Village, for this week’s Nightcap. Oiji created a new category for Korean cuisine (all meant for sampling and sharing) in New York City by exploring traditional flavors and dishes while utilizing modern cooking techniques and ingredients. Helmed by chefs Brian Kim and Tae Kyung Ku, who trained at Gramercy Tavern and Bouley, respectively, Oiji came on the scene in 2015 winning accolades from the NY Times, The New Yorker, and Eater to name a few. Cocktails play an important role in the success at Oiji, and Ryan’s here to share why.

Gin Slinging and Brutally Efficient Drink Busting

The journey to gin, and the craft of distilling, began in 2013 for the gentlemen of Four Pillars. They embarked on a tour of the US West Coast, from Portland down to San Francisco, identifying distilling techniques and equipment they admired. They thought if they could elevate this area of expertise in Australia, and bring a modern Australian sensibility to the process, then maybe they could make a gin worth shouting about. 18 months after they returned home, they took delivery of their own custom-built still, and named her Wilma (after founder Cameron’s beautiful, but explosively tempered late mother). Wilma has been delivering since day one as they’ve been awarded a Double Gold, Gold, or Master status for all their mainstay gins in the past two years. This week we caught up with Jacob Michael Ryan, Four Pillars’ double-threat brand ambassador in New York.

NightOwl Influencer Lists