Grace
Cosmopolitan, meaning 'being influenced by many countries', is the word that springs to mind when I think of Grace.
It’s the name of a famous cocktail, which is fitting given that Grace is one of Saigon’s leading mixologists.
Grace started her career at Tribe Hospitality in a very cosmopolitan environment working under several expat managers, such as Andy O’Brien, Chris Donnellan and, of course, Gregory Jacob, one of the most prominent international mixologists here in Vietnam.
She was given the opportunity to travel to some of Asia’s most vibrant and trendy cities, including Bangkok and Singapore to observe and learn from some of the best bars in the world.
These trips have been the highlight of her career so far, creating a sense unity within her team along with the confidence and desire that was instilled in her to go and make the most of her career in her home town of Saigon.
This working environment infused Grace with all the right ingredients to thrive as a bartender with Tribe Hospitality at The Racha Room and Stoker Woodfired Grill & Bar before becoming the 'headline act' at Firkin, the eclectic whisky emporium in the city's central District 1.
Add in a few dashes of determination, positivity and a yearning for learning, one can understand how she has become so highly regarded in our industry.
Recently, Grace gained further experience on the business side of our industry when she began working more closely with suppliers, curating the beverage list for Tribe’s properties, including the management of inventory levels.
Currently, she's 'back on the beat' having taken up a new role as Brand Educator at Remy Cointreau. I’m sure she’ll be a fixture on Saigon’s bar scene promoting global brands, like Cointreau, Wild Turkey and Remy Martin.
Grace's favourite cocktail is currently the 'Old But Gold' featuring Wild Turkey, Cointreau and maple syrup. – Chris Thompson