Kohinoor
Kohinoor is a Latin-inspired cocktail bar located in downtown Kansas City, conceptualized by renowned mixologist Manny Gomez. With a focus on agave spirits, the bar showcases Gomez’s expertise and cultural heritage through a curated menu featuring signature cocktails, Mexican beers, wines from women-run wineries, and non-alcoholic options like Aguas Frescas. The establishment emphasizes authentic, culturally rich experiences and regional ingredients, reflecting Gomez’s journey from working in local dive bars to becoming a key influencer in Kansas City’s cocktail scene. Kohinoor aims to elevate the city’s reputation as a destination for innovative and unique craft cocktails while celebrating community and local traditions.
News Summary
Manny Gomez is revolutionizing Kansas City’s cocktail landscape with innovative creations and a deep understanding of agave spirits. From humble beginnings to becoming a bar chef at Le Lounge, he is also set to open Kohinoor, a new Latin cocktail bar that emphasizes cultural heritage. Gomez’s journey highlights the importance of self-education and community engagement in enhancing the local mixology culture.
Kansas City is witnessing a transformation in its cocktail landscape, thanks to the innovative approaches of Manny Gomez, a notable figure in the industry. Over the past decade, Gomez has evolved from working at modest dive bars such as Mi Ranchito and Longhorn Steakhouse to becoming the bar chef at Le Lounge, a hotel bar located in the vibrant Crossroads district. Alongside his role at Le Lounge, he operates a successful cocktail consulting business and pop-up events, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Gomez’s foray into the world of mixology has been largely independent, fueled by a desire to fill the gaps he felt in his early career. Without a mentor to guide him, he took the initiative to learn about high-end craft cocktails through extensive reading and travel. His unique cocktail menu includes standout creations like the Guest of Honor, inspired by a blackberry goat cheese salad enjoyed with his grandmother in Puerto Vallarta. This personal touch in his creations resonates with patrons seeking authentic experiences.
The Kansas City cocktail scene is set to expand further with the imminent opening of Kohinoor, a new Latin cocktail bar in downtown. This establishment will feature a menu entirely conceptualized by Gomez, highlighting his expertise and cultural background. With a focus on agave spirits, Gomez aims to showcase the rich flavors and versatility of these ingredients. Kohinoor’s menu will include signature cocktails, select Mexican beers, wines from women-run wineries, and non-alcoholic options such as Aguas Frescas. Complementing these beverages, the food menu will feature shareable dishes inspired by the childhood of Chef Rios, including a recreated aguachile served on a crunchy tostada.
Gomez’s passion for mixology was ignited during his time as a line cook at Longhorn Steakhouse, where he transitioned to bartending part-time while simultaneously earning a degree in finance. His journey saw him rise to the position of general manager at Novel, another establishment in the Crossroads. There, he developed a cocktail program that drew heavily from his Mexican heritage, effectively changing the restaurant’s offerings from a focus solely on wine pairings to a more balanced selection that included exquisite cocktails.
With a commitment to fostering a vibrant community, Gomez also shares his knowledge through his pop-up event, Jade Jaguar. This initiative not only showcases his cocktail creations but also offers educational seminars for aspiring mixologists, focusing on the intricacies of agave spirits. The Jade Jaguar menu serves as a practical example of how to incorporate these spirits into cocktail creations, emphasizing the importance of self-education and perseverance. Gomez’s philosophy revolves around equipping other bartenders with tools and knowledge to enhance the overall service quality in Kansas City.
A typical day for Gomez in Kansas City reflects his appreciation for local culture. He frequents Cristina’s Produce for fresh ingredients, enjoys coffee from Café Ollama, savors meals at The Antler Room for special occasions, and socializes with friends at the Blue Line Hockey Bar. This engagement with the city supports his mission of connecting with the community while promoting local products and experiences.
Manny Gomez’s contributions to Kansas City’s cocktail scene illustrate his trajectory from humble beginnings to becoming a key influencer. By emphasizing agave-based cocktails and fostering a community of knowledge sharing, he is not only enhancing the local mixology culture but also paving the way for future generations of bartenders. The expected opening of Kohinoor promises to further elevate Kansas City’s reputation as a noteworthy destination for innovative and culturally rich cocktails.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City Magazine
- Wikipedia: Cocktail
- Kansas City Star
- Google Search: Kansas City cocktail scene
- The Pitch
- Google Scholar: cocktail mixology
- In Kansas City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cocktail
- Time Out
- Google News: Kohinoor Kansas City
