opinionated alchemist

There is an interesting article on  Thrillist ...: Is the Bar Revolution over? So what is my take on it? First of all the obvious - yes the Cocktail Revolution  is over ! Because there is no more resistance on Bartender-side / operator-side etc. when it comes to the use of quality (and premium) ingredients. Because there is no more resistance of guests to pay for a drink $20.00 (due to alcohol prices here in the UAE - drinks are even more expensive in Dubai). Because there are no more big arguments, if you should use fresh lemons, limes or other juices... This all are an indication: the revolution is over. The article though brings up another point: it is the commercialization of mixology. In this case I don't really understand the American way of thinking. Even though the prices are creeping up, a lot of Americans (especially bartenders) shy away of increasing prices. Is a cocktail worth $50.00? While this sounds outrageous, we surely have to look at other culinary art...

I have read this very interesting post on linkedin about brands:   What’s Your Brand Worth? And it suddenly stroke me: the most important thing of a bar [or a restaurant] is: the BRAND! How can you otherwise explain, how successful some companies are - and how many struggles other companies have, with often better products? Why is a "normal" (but good quality) fast food joint only average successful, but McDonalds, Burger King and KFC expanding like nothing real [and offering amazing profit margins to their franchisers]? It cannot be the overall quality! I don't always want to come back on one specific venue - but here it makes sense: why Barasti Bar has won several years the best bar award - but other bars surpassing them in all disciplines? I also worked for an American bar & restaurant in Germany, which quite successfully build up their brand - later on I worked for the competition, which offered definitely better quality for a lower price [th...