A new landmark in Shibuya that opened last year, "TRUNK(HOTEL)." As you know, in addition to its role as a hotel that offers a luxurious lodging experience, it also attracts attention as a nightlife venue, with music events and parties held every day.
In this issue of 【FOCUS IT.], we will discuss the recently published article "Coffee EditionFollowing the "Cocktails" section of "TRUNK(BAR)", which is a hot night at "TRUNK(BAR)". This is an art...! and "This is art...!" We will introduce a variety of cocktails with stories from the bartenders.
The best cocktails are served by Mr. Ryuichi Saito . He is a world-class bartender who has won 3rd place in the world in a competition.
As mentioned in the previous article, the belief of TRUNK(HOTEL) is "Socializing." . There are five elements in it: culture, health, environment, diversity, and local first. What a surprise, TRUNK(BAR)'s new cocktail menu is tied to each and every one of these concepts.
It is not a forced idea, but rather an incredible variety of elements that go into a single cocktail, from the liqueur's origin and production method to the roots of each ingredient and word play. And what is most surprising is that it all tastes exceptionally good.
ONDEN GUARDIAN DOG ¥1,600
First, the ONDEN GUARDIAN DOG cocktail belongs to the "cultural" category. . an easy-drinking, citrusy drink made with a Salty Dog base. Connected to the idea of "Local First," it is inspired by the shrine "YOMODA Shrine" located behind TRUNK(HOTEL), and its deep, slightly muddy color represents the YOMODA GUARDIAN DOG, which has been enshrined in the shrine since the Meiji era and the changing of the time.
The concept of socializing as expressed in cocktails. Isn't it gradually becoming more and more interesting? Then, "health".
SALSA SMASH ¥1,800
The "SALSA SMASH" is a recipe by Keita Saito of LIQUID WORKS, the consulting firm behind TRUNK(BAR). . This salsa-like cocktail is a cross between jalapeño and orange liqueur, and the cilantro stimulates perspiration. It also contains mezcal, a traditional Mexican liquor similar to tequila, which takes the drinker into a deep world. When I asked him how he came up with such a combination, Saito-san answered, "It's a combination of the two.
. we are always thinking about how to make the most of the ingredients in our cocktails and how to create a concept that will stand the test of time."
I see. Mr. Saito is constantly thinking about how to use all kinds of ingredients and dishes in his cocktails. Bartending is truly a creative profession.
FLOATING IN THE AIR ¥1,600
. followed by "Floating in the Air," in which "environment" is represented. The "Makers Mark 46" used in this cocktail is an environmentally conscious distilled spirit that reuses biogas produced in the manufacturing process as energy. The clear and dirty skies are depicted in a single cocktail, hiding a message about the environment. Isn't this an amazing story when you consider that a single cocktail can lead you to think about the grand theme of the future of nature?
MY THAI ¥1,800
As you can see, the "diversity" cocktail "MY THAI" is a popular and photogenic drink. The tropical cocktail called "MAI-TAI," which is said to have originated in San Francisco, has been arranged in a Thai style. The name is aptly named, and the idea of transcending national borders with just a touch of ingenuity is a thing of beauty.
"As is often the case in foreign countries, customers will say, "Surprise me!" or "Something wow!" In other words, "Surprise us with a cocktail!" . . So we just try to exceed their needs and surprise them every day. Saito-san says happily.
GOTHIC & LOLITA ¥1,600
The fifth theme, "Local First," is based on this beautiful cocktail, GOTHIC&LOLITA. As you may have guessed, the theme is "Gothic Lolita," a culture that once flourished in the Harajuku and Shinjuku areas, and this cocktail is based on the image of women. The main ingredients, "Bobby's Gin" and "Chocolate", represent spice and sweet, respectively. It is a chic cocktail that is uniquely Japanese, and also captures the local flavor of the area.
GETTING TRUNK ¥1,500
Last but not least is the signature cocktail of TRUNK(BAR). This cocktail has an interesting and unusual style, served in a mug. Ogasawara rum is mixed with hojicha tea and garnished with star anise. The alcohol is a little strong, and the name "Getting Trunk" is a play on the phrase "Getting Drunk. , a cocktail that embodies socializing by using local ingredients in a recycled ceramic mug.
Although 1,800 yen for a cocktail may sound expensive, when you consider it as a wonderful experience to experience the artifact of diverse ingredients from around the world that have been carefully selected and embodied as cultures, philosophies, and concepts, you can be sure that it is more than worth the price.
The Japanese cocktail culture developed in a unique way not seen in other countries, with people enjoying their drinks in the privacy of a darkened bar counter. Now, however, the major idea of enjoying cocktails in an open atmosphere has spread, as it should."
Listening to the stories of the cocktails that appeared one after another, I got the impression that the bartender race offers high-level "intellectual play" as a fantasy. Such was my impression. When I expressed such impressions, Mr. Saito gave me this response.
TRUNK(HOTEL) is one of the few places where you can enjoy cocktails casually in such an open environment without feeling self-conscious. In the end, we want people to enjoy themselves without any difficulties. . that's all."
What do you think? The drinks served at TRUNK(BAR), another corner of TRUNK(HOTEL), are so creative, artistic, and ingenious. Enjoying the stylish space is one thing, but next time you visit TRUNK(BAR), please experience the excellent service for which the restaurant is known.
Photo_Taiyo Nagashima
Text_Rei Kawahara
TRUNK(HOTEL)
Address: 5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-5766-3210
trunk-hotel.com
