Luca The Podcast

From shaping the gold standard of luxury service at The Connaught Bar in London to co-founding MWA in Mexico City , Maura Lawrence Milia is leading a new era of hospitality built on authenticity, creativity, and purpose. 🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , recorded in Mexico City , Maura shares: – How she left one of the world’s best bars to start fresh in Mexico – The vision behind MWA and i...

From a childhood in Hawaii to becoming one of the most respected voices in modern mixology, Julie Reiner has transformed hospitality in New York City and beyond. Founder of Clover Club , Leyenda , and Milady’s , she built her reputation on mentorship, creativity, and consistency. 🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , recorded in New York City , Julie shares: – How she pioneered the craft-cockta...

From Marina di Carrara to the top of the cocktail world, Giacomo Giannotti ’s story is built on family values, creativity, and hard work. Founder of Paradiso , the #1 Bar in the World , Giacomo opens up about his roots, his process of innovation, and his ongoing mission to create not just cocktails—but meaningful experiences. 🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , recorded in Barcelona , Giacomo...

From Marine Corps discipline to managing some of the busiest and most influential cocktail bars in the world, Steve Schneider has built a career defined by passion, toughness, and relentless drive. 🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , recorded in NYC , Steve shares: – His journey from military life to bartending – Lessons learned at Employees Only and how it shaped his leadership – The challen...

From bartending in Canada to becoming one of the most respected voices in agave, Megs Miller has built a career defined by passion, purpose, and community. Now based in Mexico City , she leads projects like Salon de Agave and CATA Agave Bar , creating spaces that celebrate education, sustainability, and culture. 🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Megs talks about: – Her first encounters with...

From summer jobs in Costa Brava to co-founding Sips Barcelona , crowned Best Bar in the World , Marc Álvarez has built a career rooted in obsession, precision, and creativity. 🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Marc talks about: – His first steps in hospitality and his “obsession” with bartending – The challenges and lessons from years at elBarri – The creation of Sips and the philosophy beh...

From a Fine Arts degree in acting to becoming a leading voice at New York’s legendary Employees Only , Matt Maretz embodies creativity and dedication in hospitality. 🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Matt talks about: – His early inspirations and unexpected path into bartending – What makes Employees Only such a special place – How he approaches creativity and menu development – His take on...

From a career in journalism to co-founding Handshake Speakeasy , ranked the #1 Bar in the World (2024) , Rodrigo Urraca shares the story of how a single handshake turned into a global success. 🎙 In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST , Rodrigo talks about: – His roots in communication and transition into hospitality – The birth of Handshake and the challenges along the way – The weight of recognitio...

From the world of fashion to co-founding Paradiso , ranked Best Bar in the World , Margarita Sader has built a career on creativity, perseverance, and purpose. In this episode, she shares her path from Venezuela to Barcelona, how she helped create one of the most celebrated bars globally, her work with MS BarTrends designing bespoke uniforms, and her mission to inspire more women to join and thriv...

From the streets of Rome to the glamorous American Bar at the Savoy, Peter Dorelli redefined what it means to be a bartender. In this episode, Peter shares his early beginnings, decades of shaping the industry, his philosophy on hospitality, and why passion never retires. 📩 Contact: lucathepodcast@gmail.com 📲 Instagram: @lucathepodcast 📺 Watch on YouTube: LUCA, THE PODCAST

What does it mean to truly be independent in hospitality? In this episode, I sit down with Danil Nevsky — the voice behind The Independent Bartender . From working for free across 11 countries during the Vagabond Project, to building platforms like Indie Bartender and the Cocktail Menu Archive , Danil shares a radical, unfiltered approach to legacy, freedom, and self-worth. 🎧 We talk about: – The...

From the Amalfi Coast to global acclaim, Salvatore Calabrese – known as The Maestro – shares the journey that shaped him into one of the most respected figures in the world of cocktails. In this episode, Salvatore opens up about: – His early days behind the bar in Italy – The philosophy behind true hospitality – How he built his legacy one guest at a time – His vision for the next generation of ba...

Sandrae Lawrence is a storyteller, mentor, and advocate — and one of the most important voices in the drinks industry today. In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, she opens up about her journey from lifestyle journalism to launching The Cocktail Lovers, her mission to create space for others, and how legacy is built one conversation at a time. We discuss: • Storytelling in hospitality • The power...

Can bartending be an act of philosophy? In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, I sit down with Remy Savage — one of the most creative and intellectual voices in modern mixology — to explore the deeper meaning behind hospitality, design, and the experience of drinking. Known for his conceptual approach to bars like Le Syndicat, Little Red Door, and A Bar with Shapes for a Name, Remy brings a unique...

Giorgio Bargiani is one of the leading names in hospitality today — but his journey started in Pisa, long before the lights of London and the awards of The Connaught Bar. In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, we dive into Giorgio’s personal and professional path, the culture of excellence at The Connaught, and the values that define true leadership behind the bar. We discuss: • The mindset to thri...

Innovation in Every Sip: Mr Lyan’s Sustainable Beverage Revolution Ryan Chetiyawardana — aka Mr Lyan — has redefined what’s possible behind the bar. From creating award-winning bars without perishables to leading a global conversation on sustainability, his approach is as bold as it is thoughtful. In this episode, we talk about: • Innovating from a blank page • Reducing waste without losing creati...

Erik Lorincz is one of the most respected names in hospitality — from his time as Head Bartender at the American Bar in The Savoy to founding his own bar, Kwānt London. In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, we explore what it truly means to operate at the highest level behind the bar. We discuss: • His journey from Slovakia to London’s top bars • The power of precision, presence, and ritual • How...

What does it take to lead with heart, raise standards, and rewrite the culture of hospitality? In this episode of LUCA, THE PODCAST, I sit down with Anna Sebastian — one of the most respected voices in modern hospitality — to talk about trust, leadership, team performance, and the future of service.--📍 Hosted by Luca Missaglia 🎧 New episodes every Sunday 📍 Watch, listen & follow: → YouTube:...

🎙️ EPISODE 1 — Meet the Martini Pope: How Agostino Perrone Redefined Tailor-Made Hospitality In this premiere episode of *LUCA, THE PODCAST*, host Luca Missaglia sits down with the legendary Agostino Perrone — the man behind the iconic Connaught Bar and widely known as “The Martini Pope”. Together, they dive deep into the philosophy of elegance behind the bar, how to create unforgettable guest exp...