The best bartenders are not the ones who craft the most delicious cocktails, nor the ones who serves look like pieces of art, nor the ones who can describe the nuances and terroir of an amazing spirit you've never tried. Sure - these things are awesome and certainly make a good bartender - but THE BEST bartenders are the ones who understand and believe that what they do is much more than just putting liquid in cups. At their core - they have compassion, empathy, and grace. Amazing bartenders have the ability to make an emotional connection with every guest they serve and every coworker they dance with - every shift. It does not matter if it’s a regular ordering their cheap beer and shot of amaro, a guest having their first cocktail on their 21st birthday, or the couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. The best bartenders - the ones we will always remember - know how to serve every individual with the type of hospitable service they need at that very moment. In this class, we will dive in and discuss this word, this act, this feeling called Hospitality, and its magical purpose behind the bar. By the end, you will leave feeling revitalized and inspired to take your style of hospitality to the next level.
Raj Shukla, Bartender and Consultant, Zamora
As a hospitality professional, educator, consultant, and bartender - Raj Shukla's passion for spirits and cocktails has set him apart in the bar and cocktail world - locally, nationally, and globally. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana he has designed and crafted exceptional cocktails and beverage programs at places such as Copper Spoon and Mercado on The Landing. Raj has competed in and won numerous cocktail competitions within the Midwest and across the US including being a Top 5 American Bartender in the World Class Bartender Competition in 2021.
In 2022, Raj was a featured bartender in the Netflix series - Drink Masters - which was the first-of-its-kind bartender competition show to reach a global audience.
Continuing to learn and grow within the industry he loves is truly important to Raj. His goals to give back to his community and to continually mentor and assist the next generation of bar professionals is deeply rooted in his core. He believes that sharing the knowledge he has acquired is vital to the longevity and future of the bar industry. This past year Raj has been a guest judge for national and global spirits and brand competitions as well as an educator at some of the country’s key cocktail and bar conferences. Raj is currently developing and finalizing his first bar concept in Fort Wayne with hopes to open in the Fall of 2025.
When he is not behind the stick you can find Raj hosting bourbon and whiskey tastings, consulting for bars and restaurants, guest-bartending at pop-ups and private events around the country or just hanging out with his dog Odin.
Leftbank Annex Class/Seminar/Experience for pre-assigned Student Pass holders and Bartender Pass Auditing.
Location: Leftbank Annex, 101 N Weidler St, Portland, OR 97227
Sponsored by: Licor 43
