“The people of the night have weird jobs…” said a famous Italian song from the ‘90s, depicting the peculiar nightlife in Milan at that time. In this context, Carlo Morandi, barman of the Milanese scene, takes his first steps behind the counters of the most important clubs in Milan, such as Hollywood, Blues House, Propaganda, Heaven and Sunset Garden. He began doing this job in the late ‘80s and never stopped.
“HORECA INTERNATIONAL” couldn’t find a better interlocutor to discuss about what is the best formula to make and serve a good cocktail to a sophisticated clientele who is used to hanging out in famous and exclusive nightclubs, in a city where the competition and the offer in terms of nightlife is extremely fierce.
“Choosing the best ingredients is essential says Carlo for instance, if you mix a good gin or a good vodka together with a good tonic water, and you get the doses right and the alchemy right, be sure that the 90% of your drinks will be excellent. However, cocktail presentation shouldn’t be overlooked quality is important here too therefore decorations and glasses are all elements that a good barman can’t ignore. For this reason, in the clubs where I have worked, whenever it was possible,
I have personally selected the suppliers of spirits and soft drinks, and the suppliers of primary ingredients, such as fresh fruit, for great nonalcoholic cocktails as well as the suppliers of everything might be needed behind a counter, from the glasses to kitchen tools, from the beers to coffee. You can’t just take on the role of barman, nor can you take on the role of nightclub manager. If you want to offer a high quality service you need to stay up to date, go to trade events and check out trade magazines, which are of great help for any professional in this field”.