Bar & Restaurant KINK | Berlin 2020/2021
Sommelier
Corona, so what?
Facing lockdown, Kink managment has wisely decided to make the best of the break and invest in training, rejuvenate the drinks-pairing, sophisticate the wine list, remodel the KINK-space and encourage a few side projects such as ferments, infusions, foraging, in-house vermouths, and barrel-aging for future cocktails.
During and between the lockdowns, together with my British but fully alienated European spirit and colleague Edric Kent, we were training both the restaurant and bar team - led by Arun Puvanendran and Nedal Abu Nada - about all things wine.
I’m very grateful, that we’ve been given this amazing opportunity to grow our knowledge about various spirits, cocktail DNAs, sophisticated aroma-linking, many extraction and preserving techniques, as well as the exploration of Kink’s high-tech laboratory including toys like the ultra-sonic bath and the rotary evaporator. And all that taught by among Germany’s top bartenders. A great and genuine honor!
My earnest suggestion to revolutionize the cocktail world with a merely two ingredients drink however —
Infusing a bottle of Chartreuse with 1 kg of white truffle — was unfortunately, but politely declined.
Indignation!
I do take on private requests though, so just email me directly. I got some fine connections, both to Alba and Grenoble.
Below the mesmerizing neon light installation Spaceknot (2019) by Kerim Seiler levitating above the KINK Bar:
Fotos: Lee Edward
Flavor-Magician Chef Ivano Pirolo and his team is constantly rejuvenating their menu, while the bar and sommelier team creates exciting pairing options to go with.
More about Bar & Restaurant Kink (from their webpage)
“We don’t build walls. We tear them down. We bring together what belongs together: kitchen and bar. In the middle of Berlin, high-end and laid back. Not only do we create a unique space where restaurant and bar see eye-to-eye, we unite culinary and cocktail art into one cohesive experience.
How do we do it? Together! Our team merges skill, creativity, and modern technology to innovate food, drink, and perfect pairings. We explore and are inspired by all of the world’s culinary riches to create something new and special—something we can call our own.
We like to surprise you, remind, inspire, and pamper you. Once in a while, we like to challenge you. KINK is a journey—evening after evening—one we’re embarking on alongside our guests, whom we consider to be our friends the moment we meet them.”