Who | Dean Hakim
Where | Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA
Current Bar | Heirloom at The St. Laurent
Past Bar(s) | Triumph Brewing Company of Red Bank, Langosta Lounge, Taka, Capitoline, Cibo e Vino
Favourite Spirit | Bourbon
Favourite Juice | Yuzu
Favourite Classic Cocktail | Negroni
First Classic Cocktail you ever had | Gin Martini
Favourite Part of the Job | Putting a smile on guests’ faces with a cool drink
Favourite After Work Drink | Miller Lite and a shot of Fernet Branca
Favourite bar in the world | At the moment? It’s probably Katana Kitten in New York City.
Best known for | I really pride myself on fast, delicious cocktails. I free pour extremely accurately, and I like to think I have a good handle on flavor. I don’t think that’s really the answer you’re looking for though. I like to riff and make things bespoke for folks that don’t want to order off the menu. So, fast and thoughtful riffs on classics?
Favourite “at work” memory | There are so many! I once didn’t fully bleed the pressure from an ISI full of whipped cream. It ended up exploding in my hands and left an outline of my torso and head on the wall behind me like something out of a cartoon 🤣
What’s your favourite movie? Back to the Future
Favourite thing about your city? We have a fun little community of bars and restaurants! No one steps on each other’s toes and we all celebrate wins together.
What was the last photo that you took? A pic of the Christmas lights on my house haha
Where is one place that you have never been but would like to travel to? Japan! Honestly, Asia in general.
Any claims to fame? I’m a two time Camp Runamok alum. #campisforever
Aperitivo or Digestivo? Digestivo!
Soda or Tonic? Soda for sure.
Trader Vic or Donn Beach? Neither
Egg Whites or Vegan Foamer? Whichever the guest wants!
Are you available for freelance gigs? Yes
Find them: Instagram
Media: INDUSTRY MAGAZINE – RAISE A TOAST
AG Craft Beer Cast 3-31-24 Dean Hakim Bar Manager
THE STRATEGIST – The Best Cocktail Muddlers, According to Bartenders
FOOD & WINE – To Understand Why Some Bourbons Are So Expensive, You Need to Understand Allocated Whiskey