Junior Merino grew up in Mexico, where his exposure to different varieties of spices, fruits and vegetables inspired his present career. He arrived in New York City at the age of 16 and after six years had earned the New York Food Handlers certification and worked his way up to bartender and manager. At Roth's Westside Steakhouse, he developed the wine and cocktail list and designed the menus. His lists earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and his cocktails were recognized as the "best cocktails and sangria on the Upper West Side. In 2005 Merino won first prize at the International Bar Show's Best Cocktail competition. In 2006 he received the StarChefs Rising Star Award.
As a certified Sommelier, Merino designed cocktail menus and trained bar staff for some of the best restaurants and bars around the world including ANA Hotel in Tokyo, The Modern Bar at MoMA, Walt Disney Resort, and Death and Company.
He is enthusiastic about working with non-profit organizations such as Hedge Funds Care Foundation and the Slice of Latin America fundraiser.
Junior's Original Cocktails:
Fire & Ice
Lily Pond
Imperial Martini
Elder Fashioned
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