The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai is thrilled to announce the appointment of Nariman Abdullayev as the Director of Beverage & Head Mixologist.
With an unwavering passion for cocktail craftsmanship, Nariman brings a wealth of international experience to the luxury hotel's beverage program, adding a touch of excellence to Shanghai's vibrant cocktail scene.
Nariman's journey in the restaurant business began at the young age of 16, when he worked as a waiter during summer holidays. His early exposure to the industry ignited a deep love for hospitality, which he pursued while completing his education.
Holding a Master's degree in physiology from the prestigious Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports in Baku, Nariman's diverse educational background contributes to his well-rounded understanding of the intricacies of the human experience.
With more than 15 years of extensive experience, Nariman's comprehensive understanding of hospitality stems from his progressive learning and hands-on experience at each stage of his career. From bartending at local pubs to managing bars in renowned hotel chains, he has honed his skills to perfection.
His impressive portfolio includes luxury hotels such as JW Marriott Absheron Baku, The Meydan Dubai (the longest hotel in the world), Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Burj Al Arab (the only 7-star hotel in the world), and his tenure with the esteemed Zuma restaurants group.
During his five years with Zuma, Nariman was stationed in Dubai, Istanbul, Hong Kong and Phuket, where he oversaw new openings, pop-ups, and the development of menu and beverage programs. He also assumed responsibility for managing the restaurant operations of the highly regarded New York branch.
Nariman's exceptional skills and expertise have earned him recognition as one of the top 10 bartenders in Turkey in 2016, and one of the top 10 bartenders in Hong Kong in 2018.
Nariman's journey to Shanghai marks a thrilling new chapter in his career. Stepping into the bustling metropolis for the first time, he embraces the challenge of immersing himself in a vibrant new culture, discovering its nuances, and embracing the richness of Chinese cuisine and traditions.
Despite the language barrier, Nariman's commitment to his craft and his innate ability to connect with people through his cocktails will transcend any limitations.
At The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai, Nariman will not only oversee the business and operational aspects of the beverage department, but will also showcase his bartending skills personally.
Curating an exceptional cocktail program that elevates the art of mixology, Nariman's keen attention to detail, penchant for innovation, and dedication to providing extraordinary experiences will entice guests at the hotel's prestigious bar and beyond.
Nariman will be mainly stationed at The Ritz Bar & Lounge on Lobby Level.
Commenting on his new role, Nariman said:
"I am humbled and exhilarated to join The Portman Ritz- Carlton, Shanghai and embark on this thrilling journey in China.
"The opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and share my passion for cocktail making is incredibly inspiring.
"Despite the challenges ahead, I am committed to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, showcasing the artistry and diversity of cocktails.
"Besides, I look forward very much to working side by side with the talented team at the hotel and delivering exceptional service."
Meet Nariman in person, and get to know him better through the creation of his cocktails. Presenting an unparalleled collaboration that intertwines the realms of fragrance and mixology, Nariman’s inaugural cocktail creations at The Ritz Bar & Lounge are in partnership with the French artistic brand, Liquides Imaginaires.
Just as Liquides Imaginaires captures the essence of fragrance with transformative power, Nariman’s passion for cocktail craftsmanship brings a new dimension to the world of mixology.
Embracing the magical dimensions of scents and flavors, Nariman has ingeniously merged the artistry of Liquides Imaginaires’ perfumes with his cocktails, resulting in a symphony of taste and aroma, presenting guests with four debuting cocktails priced at RMB128 each.
Succus
A cocktail that balances the airy and solar scents of treetops with the seductive allure of living flowers, embodying the spirit of freedom, dreams and desire.
Extracting cocktail ingredients from the perfume, grapefruit, ginger, pepper, tangerine are also used in the cocktail to mirror the taste of Succus.
Dom Rosa
Elevating the champagne base into a cocktail, Dom Rosa exudes effervescence, combining notes of champagne, pear, grapefruit, rose, clove and wood for a truly mesmerizing experience.
Fortis
Immerse yourself in the transformative power of Fortis, a cocktail that captures the warmth and rejuvenating qualities of saffron, vanilla, oud, amber, sage and bay leaf, igniting new life within.
Tapis Volant (Flying Carpet)
Embark on an extraordinary journey with Tapis Volant, a cocktail that mirrors the weightless dreams and enchanting flights of its perfume counterpart.
Bergamot, cold spices, iris, jasmine and carrot seeds create a sensory masterpiece.
Scan the QR below to purchase a cocktail now:
The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Xikang Lu 南京西路1376号, 近西康路.
[All images courtesy of The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai]
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