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Japhet Bower

Japhet Bower

Who | Japhet Bower
Where | Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Current Bar | Don Alfonso 1890
Past Bar(s) | DaiLo, Soho House, Cold Tea, Sash, The Pickled Onion (Bermuda), La Carnita (Toronto), The Whippoorwill, The Grove, Parlor Foods, Bar Hop Brew Co., Northern Maverick Brewing Co., Famous Last Words, Mrs. Robinson
Favourite Spirit | Mezcal
Favourite Juice | Grapefruit
Favourite Classic Cocktail | Margarita
Favourite Part of the Job | Building a relationship with my customers.
Favourite After Work Drink | Negroni
Favourite at Home Drink | Sake/sherry/vermouth highballs.
Favourite bar in the world |  The Calmos Cafe (Saint Martin). Sandy floor, right on the beach. Everyone is French and very happy. Perfect beach bar.
Best known for | Making the guest feel at home and remembering what they like.
Best story from behind the wood | On our first night open at Famous Last Words, a couple we served got engaged and had their reception there later to commemorate that moment.

What do you collect? Spices, oils and vinegars.
Favourite thing about your city? Toronto is home. That and choice groceries.
What was the last photo that you took? The dinner that I made last night.
Where was your last vacation? To Bermuda, to live and work.
Any claims to fame?The first cocktail I ever made, the Who Shot Ya?, is still on the menu at all of the La Carnitas. I won the Toronto Luxardo cocktail competition and traveled to Bar Convent in Berlin to represent my city and Luxardo. That was a huge honour.

Lager or IPA? IPA
Sparkling or Flat? Sparkling
Miami or Mexico City? I’ve been to the former and never to the latter but I imagine the latter would win by default.
Olive or Twist? Twist. Bowl of olives on the side.

Are you available for freelance gigs? Yes

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Media: TORONTO LIFE – Introducing: Bar Hop Brewco., Bar Hop’s big brother on Peter Street
NATIONAL POST – Fix My Drink: A trio of twists on tequila for Cinco de Mayo
TORONTO SUN – The Six: Best places to grab a drink
THE GLOBE & MAIL – Party photos of the week: Grey Goose
YELLOW PAGES – Vivacious Campari is down for the count in 2014
TRNTO – First Look: Northern Maverick opens with a deep list of craft beer and Mark Cutrara in the kitchen
ABBEY’S KITCHEN – THE WHIPPOORWILL LAUNCHES A NEW FALL MENU!
TORONTO STANDARD – 5 Cocktail Recipes Inspired by Toronto’s Great Neighbourhoods