Bar Talking Talking Bar

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to go from rolling silverware to becoming one of NYC's most respected bartenders? In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, we sit down with Steven Ferreira, aka Kiwi, a Queens-born bartender whose journey through the hospitality industry is nothing short of inspiring. Steven started in 2009 as a silverware roller at Boulder Creek Steakhouse while studying...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a criminal justice student trades textbooks for cocktail shakers? Meet Rudy Manzur—Dominican-born, NYC-made, and the owner-operator of Aftermath, a beloved neighborhood bar in Ridgewood, NY. Rudy's path wasn't linear. He came to New York to study at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, worked retail in the hat industry for Disney, traveled the country...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar we sit down with NATASHA ARCE, BAR MANAGER at SOMEDAY BAR in BROOKLYN, to talk about the journey from being a vet technician to becoming a NYC's LEAD BARTENDER—and the MENTAL HEALTH breakthrough that made it all possible. Born in Philadelphia (and a die-hard Eagles fan 🦅), Natasha grew up watching her mom work behind the bar. Hospit...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you combine elite dining hospitality with unapologetic queer joy? You get the revolutionary world of Michael Aredes. In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, we sit down with Michael Aredes (@MICHAEL.TR4VIESO), the creative visionary behind the legendary queer Latinx pop-up Noche Traviesa (@n0che.tr4viesa.jaja) and his anticipated new venue, Dumb-Dumb. Raised...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to survive in New York City when you have nothing but a dream? This is the unflinching story of Elaine Romero. Born in Brooklyn but raised in Puebla, Mexico, Elaine returned to NYC at 18, alone, to pursue an education. Instead, she was without support, leading to three years in a shelter. This is a story that begins not behind a bar, but with a fight for survival...

Send us Fan Mail How does a military become one of New York City's most accomplished bartenders, working at three of North America's 50 Best Bars at the same time? This is the unfiltered story of Niel Flores. In this powerful episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, we uncover the incredible journey of a New Jersey native with Salvadorian roots who forged one of the most unique paths in the h...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to leave your home behind and build a name for yourself in the most competitive hospitality city in the world? In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, we uncover the incredible personal story of Sam Willy, a man whose journey is as finely crafted as his cocktails. We start in Switzerland and travel with Sam across the globe—from the vibrant scenes of South Af...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of BAR TALKING TALKING BAR, we sit down with Erin Gabriella Birmingham, the multi-talented General Manager and Beverage Director of Thyme Bar, one of NYC's speakeasies. Join us as we explore Erin's incredible journey from an art-focused upbringing in Ohio to becoming a recognized leader in the New York hospitality scene. Discover how her background in Fas...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to Bar Talking Talking Bar! In this episode, we sit down with Alejandro Olivas-Castillo — Brand Lead at Edrington (producers of The Macallan & more)—to dive into the world of hospitality sales, brand ambassadorship, and community storytelling through photography. You will learn about Alejandro’s journey from Chihuahua to Kansas City—and how Criminal Justice, Socio...

Send us Fan Mail Gerardo Bustamante — born in Mexico City , raised in Harlem , and shaped by summers in Miahuatlán , Oaxaca where his family produces mezcal . In this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar, Gerardo, or "G" as many know him ins this industry,  opens up about identity, belonging, and how an Xbox and a packed schedule at home pushed him into hospitality. From washing dishes at...

Send us Fan Mail Ryan Foley, publisher of BARTENDER® Magazine, joins Bar Talking Talking Bar for a deeply personal episode about legacy, hospitality, and the duty of carrying a family brand forward. Hear Ryan reflect on childhood memories as the son of Ray Foley (creator of the magazine and author of Bartending for Dummies) and Jaclyn Wilson Foley (publisher, editor, and co-founder). From early NY...

Send us Fan Mail What drives a kid from Bushwick who just wanted the latest kicks and a way to help his mom? For Felix Martin, that hustle became the foundation for an incredible career in hospitality. This week, we sit down with Felix, the Brand Ambassador for the legendary Ron del Barrilito, for a story that’s all heart. He shares how his journey began with a simple desire to provide, his deep l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Peter Markelson (@petergasm), the visionary Beverage Director and Partner behind the unique tattoo and cocktail parlor , Drink33 . Join us as we explore Peter's journey through iconic venues like Employees Only and the Experimental Cocktail Club . Peter shares his philosophy on hospitality: it's not about being the best bartender or the...

Send us Fan Mail  Could your favorite bowl of ramen become your new favorite cocktail? In this episode, we sit down with the mind behind the innovative cocktail trends: Jae Bae, a New York-based recipe developer and content creator. Driven by pure curiosity, Jae has captivated audiences by turning beloved soups and comfort foods into stunning cocktails. But behind the viral ramen cocktails is a de...

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with the remarkable Meaghan Dorman, a trailblazer in the NYC bar scene. Meaghan, the Bar Director & Partner at Raines Law Room & Dear Irving, shares her personal story of rising through the industry, from the moment she fell in love with hospitality to becoming a key architect of some of the world's most respected cocktail bars. We dive deep into her philo...

Send us Fan Mail For Women's History Month, we're celebrating the women who aren't just shaping the industry—they're building its future. In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Garcia, a defining voice of hospitality's "New Guard." Her story is a masterclass in how undeniable talent earns its place at the top. Victoria shares what it means to be personally re...

Send us Fan Mail It's not often you get to sit down with a true living legend . In this deeply personal and candid conversation, we welcome the one and only Lynnette Marrero to the Bar Talking Talking Bar podcast. We moved past the résumé to connect with the woman behind the icon. Lynnette opens up about her journey as one of the original trailblazers (an OG) in the modern cocktail movement,...

Send us Fan Mail In celebration of Women's History Month , On this episode of the Bar Talking Talking Bar Podcast , We're joined by Denise Sánchez , Market Manager for Condesa Gin in New York . Dive into a story of pure resilience and ambition that took her from a young shy but determined waitress at Denny's in Chicago to a respected leader in New York City's competitive food a...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we sit down with José "Jay" Córdero, a celebrated bartender with roots in NYC  and Mexican heritage . Discover how Jay transitioned from NYC to New Jersey, becoming the head bartender at Living Room Bar inside the W Hotel in Hoboken . With a passion for learning, teaching, and training, Jay shares his inspiring journey through the hospitality industry, his ins...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how Thomas Yeo , owner/co‑founder of Bon Délire and Beverage Directo r at Group Barroco , helped shape the Montreal cocktail scene by turning ordinary nights into memorable experiences. At Bon Délire, Thomas Yeo creates expertly crafted cocktails alongside Kate Boushel, working in a festive, late-'90s-inspired space. In this episode of Talking Bar Talking Bar, we sit...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an INSPIRING episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar with Benjamin Zapien . From Mexico to NYC 's iconic Dear Irving at Broadway , Benjamin's journey exemplifies resilience. As a trainee of the esteemed Meaghan Dorman —bar owner, bartender, and mentor—he overcame the challenge of being deaf in one ear, he worked very hard to became a head bartender. Discover how h...

Send us Fan Mail Discover WHY The Pathfinder Hemp and Root, with its complex, amaro-like flavor, has captivated mindful drinkers and bartenders alike. Join Michael Toscano, East Coast Director of Sales and Brand for The Pathfinder, as he unveils the magic behind this hemp-based non-alcoholic spirit. Michael shares how sobriety has shaped his life and fueled his enthusiasm for creating inclusive, v...

Send us Fan Mail See HOW Sam Bail is building a supportive, alcohol-free community. NYC's legendary nightlife has always been all about the booze, but Sam Bail, the mastermind behind Bright Nights Social , is seriously shaking things up. In this exclusive feature, we're diving into how Sam has made her platform the go-to spot for creative, fun, and totally alcohol-free pop-up bars all ov...

Send us Fan Mail Join Bar Talking Talking Bar with Jen Collins, Sales Director at Aplós, as we continue Dry January. From West Virginia roots and Korean heritage to selling frames, fine dining, and brand launches (Leblon in Brazil to Mezcal), Jen reveals why she chose alcohol-optional living—celiac, gut health, and a desire to savor life. Hear how international culture, hospitality, and purpose le...

Send us Fan Mail In the spirit of Dry January , join us for this episode of Bar Talking Talking Bar as we delve into the heart of NYC's cocktail scene of non-alcoholic beverages with Chelsey Andreasen . Discover how she's making waves in NYC's cocktail scene , embracing the trend of mindful drinking. Chelsey shares her insights on the rising popularity of non-alcoholic options and h...