|
Where the stars behind the bars reveal their favourite drinks
Salvo’s has been dishing out fine Italian grub for many a year, but its upstairs cocktail and wine bar called Enoteca Nunzia, complete with retro scooter and jukebox, is a recent addi-tion. Diners can now nip upstairs for a little aperitif before eating, or they can round off their evening in comfort with a cheeky nightcap. As head mix-ologist James puts it, “If you’re eating good quality food in a restaurant, you should be able to enjoy it with really good drinks.”
His new drinks menu features premium spirits and classic cocktails - with an Italian twist, of course. He certainly brings a wealth of experi-ence: “My parents used to run a four-star hotel and I helped out there. Since coming to Leeds I’ve worked as a chef and behind the bar at Prohibition, at the Waterfront, when it opened, and at Babycream.”
How does working in Headingley compare with the city centre?
Both have really good benefits. There’s a nice community among the bars in town and you make great friends. But here it’s a really good mix of people of all different ages and backgrounds.
“And it’s brilliant to work in an independent place where you see familiar faces and you’ve got the same families coming in. The owners really put their heart and soul into the place. They absolutely love it. And what’s nice about it is I’m not making cocktails from recipes sent from head office — I’m making them up, using genuine Italian ingredients.”
And what does he get up to out-side work?
“My main passions are music, food and drinks. I studied music and do some music production in my spare time. Leeds is just perfect: there are great clubs and musicians and you don’t have to spend a fortune to see them. When I first got here I couldn’t believe I could walk down the road and in five minutes I’d be seeing my favourite DJ, and paying only a fiver.”
He moved on to his bartender’s choice. “It’s a Sole Italiano, which is like a martini, and I’ve just given it an Italian twist. Limoncello, organic white wine, frangelico, lemon juice and ice. A very summery drink, it reminds me of lemon bonbon sweets.”
As we sampled the tasty cocktail, James set the scene to perfection: “Can’t you just picture yourself sitting out in the sun at a taverna in Venice, sipping one of these?”
James Meads is the head bartender at Enoteca Nunzia, Salvo’s, 115 Otley Road, LS6 3PX, 0113 275 5017
|
