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The beverage program at Hale Pele is focused on classic tropical recipes from all over the world, so my drinks are not on the menu, but most of my regulars know that they can ask me for anything and I will whip up something tasty.ĭP: Even though it might be like asking you to pick a favorite child, what are the ingredients in your favorite Hale Pele drink? Since we have a system in place now, my role is to train new staff members on our house recipes, how and why we garnish a certain way and the history behind the classics we showcase.
#Hale pele how to#
MK: My role as lead bartender at Hale Pele was originally about listening to an idea from the owners and figuring out how to execute the bar set up and beverage program. When the opportunity for me to work at Beaker and Flask came up, I jumped on it!ĭP: What is your role as lead bartender at Hale Pele? Do you get to create a lot of your own drinks? I liked how there was more than one cocktail bar and more than one discipline of making drinks and everyone knew each other and could learn from each other instead of coveting their knowledge. I visited Portland for Portland Cocktail Week in 2010 and really liked the drink scene. My first bartending job was at a place called Melons in East Houston.ĭP: What made you move to Portland from Texas where you were named 2010 Best Bartender by Houston Press? I learned then that I liked the industry and wanted to make drinks shortly after that. Mindy Kucan: I started waiting tables and cocktailing at a nightclub in Houston when I was 18. After an inspiring trip to Portland for Portland Cocktail Week, Mindy Kucan of Hale Pele, moved to Bridgetown but not before leaving her mark on the Houston cocktail scene. Not only is she trendsetting in the Tiki drink sphere, she's a social media maven, spreading the “Tiki Tacky” gospel here in Portland.ĭrink Portland: How did you first get into bartending?