For those who’ve ever believed a terrific cocktail can carry individuals collectively, Bob Peters would agree, and he’s spent practically 30 years proving it.
Cocktail photographs by Blake Pope
A seasoned mixologist, Bob has labored in all places from laid-back dive bars to high-end cocktail lounges, witnessing numerous significant moments unfold throughout the bar, from first dates to lifelong connections.
His ardour for hospitality started early, impressed by the nice and cozy, welcoming gatherings his dad and mom typically hosted. That sense of constructing individuals really feel at residence has been on the coronary heart of his strategy ever since. Bob sees bartending as extra than simply mixing drinks; it’s about creating an environment the place visitors really feel comfy, cared for, and a part of one thing particular.
His profession has taken him all over the world, the place he’s had the chance to collaborate with famend cooks like Rick Bayless, Emeril Lagasse, and Anthony Bourdain. By means of all of it, Bob has remained dedicated to the straightforward but highly effective concept that hospitality, at its finest, brings individuals collectively.
Chief’s Fashionable Cocktail Parlor in Charlotte, NC, is Bob’s private undertaking, and is impressed by his father, “Chief,” and his mom, who embodied Southern hospitality. Bob fondly remembers how his father would instantly supply a drink to visitors, and his mom’s famend cooking. “Dad couldn’t get a drink in your hand quick sufficient after you’ll stroll of their entrance door, and my mom’s residence cooking was to die for. There have been loads of snacks that have been all the time laid out for cocktail hour(s) earlier than the late dinner ever had an opportunity to start out. The love of individuals and caring for our buddies’ expertise on the home was all the time paramount, and that’s the place I bought my understanding of make individuals really feel particular.”
I would like everybody to really feel that very same method if you come into Chief’s Fashionable Cocktail Parlor. I would like it to really feel like a hug, such as you matter, like we care about our visitors that are available in to go to and catch up.” These hospitality classes Bob discovered from his dad and mom are deeply embedded within the service at Chief’s. Supporting native distillers and farmers can also be a key facet of Chief’s, as Bob stresses the significance of being genuine and fostering a welcoming ambiance.
Chief’s cocktail menu displays Bob’s ardour for inventive, technique-driven drinks. A standout is the Rise & Grind, a twist on the basic espresso martini.
“We first add espresso to a impartial oil and sous vide that combination for six hours. We then filter the espresso oil twice. At this level, we’ve a reasonably clear espresso (fats) oil that we wash with regionally made Southern Star White Whiskey. The result’s an espresso white whiskey that’s fairly near clear. Combined with somewhat sherry and a few easy syrup, you may have an nearly clear whiskey-based espresso martini that may make your toes curl, in a great way. I really like an excellent technique-based cocktail, and this one is nice.”
Kayleigh Williams-Brown, the Lead Mixologist at Chief’s, performs an important function in shaping the bar program. With a background within the kitchen and expertise managing eating places, Kayleigh’s expertise prolong to each aspect of bar and restaurant operations, which Bob finds unimaginable.
“I’ve by no means met somebody who can do completely every thing in a bar/restaurant in addition to her.”
They’ll collaborate intently on future menus, and Bob famous that he can see Kayleigh finally taking the lead.
For these new to craft cocktails, Bob suggests the Tarragon & Tonic. This cocktail is made with regionally produced Cardinal Gin, infused with tarragon, contemporary lemon, do-it-yourself tonic syrup, and soda water. Bob describes it as a gin and tonic, however elevated, providing a easy but flavorful introduction to the world of craft cocktails.
Bob has created an area the place distinctive cocktails and Southern heat go hand-in-hand. Whether or not you’re a seasoned cocktail fanatic or a newcomer, a go to to Chief’s guarantees to be a memorable one, the place each sip is a second of pleasure, and each visitor leaves feeling like household.
