With bar takeovers becoming the buzziest trend of 2024, AMPM Kolkata has invited some prominent international bartenders for memorable nights. The latest took place on June 12, as Gagan Gurung from Tell Camellia, Hong Kong, was invited to do a Ki No Bi gin showcase, supported by Pernod Ricard. With a smile on his face and flair in mixing, Gagan served up four tea-based cocktails from the Tea Tales menu with Ki No Bi and Chivas 12 Years. While Kolkatans love their sips, Gagan, too, was quite impressed with what AMPM Kolkata mixologist Pankaj Gussain served him at AMPM. “Pankaj made a martini with tomato-distilled gin and Gondhoraj lemon. It was crisp, uniquely citrusy and truly mind-blowing,” gushed Gagan
At the bar, Gagan served up drinks like Tea Sea (Genmaicha tea, clarified yuzu, brown rice, oyster distillate and Ki No Bi; Fat Fat High (Matcha and jasmine tea, duck fat, bee pollen and Ki No Bi); Toy Roy (Oolong tea, Barley Vermouth, Hojicha Bon Bon and Chivas 12 Years) and Teapresso Martini (Hojicha Tea, malted cacao, pistachio dust and Chivas 12 Years)
While Gagan shared his tastes with Kolkata, he did not shy away from what the city has to offer. “Kolkata is widely regarded as one of the culinary capitals of India, boasting an incredibly diverse and flavourful food scene. During our stay, we enjoyed some Indo-Chinese food, which was a great experience with fantastic flavours. We also indulged in late-night chicken bharta with roti and the legendary Mutton Biryani. The final touch was the mouth-watering rasgulla,” he said
While the amazing cocktails were being served up, local band Enrich played away well-known English numbers and the resident DJ closed the night with groovy tunes
The premises were packed with people clamouring for a taste of Tell Camellia
(Extreme left) Ashitosh Narayanan, trade ambassador, Bacardi; (right) Argha Sen, founder of Gormei and Katherine Lim
Designer Neha Gandhi Binjrajka dropped in for a few sips
Musical talent from the city Tushar Bagla (in cap) was seen enjoying the do with Ipsita Chakraborty, the mixologist at Skinny Mo’s Jazz Club; (right) musician RVD