Meet San Antonio’s Ladino Bar Director Kate Houser

Kate Houser’s first rodeo in the hospitality industry dates back seven years ago, when she began working as a cocktail server in some high-volume craft bars located in Nashville.

From that point forward, her interest in the field never stopped growing and she gradually worked her way behind the bar.

After developing a formidable cocktail-creating skillset, she moved back to Austin. There, she started her journey with Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group as a bartender at both of their establishments, Kalimotxo and Hestia. Today, she is in charge of crafting the cocktail menus for all of E.&R.H.G’s concepts, including the two just mentioned, and Ladino, their only San Antonio location.

The bar at Ladino boasts a charming and exciting atmosphere, making it an ideal date night spot. The drinks are playful, the bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly, the mood is uplifting, and the lighting is on point.

When creating the beverage program for this modern Mediterranean grill house, Houser’s goal was to offer drinks that aligned culturally and complemented the cuisine.

“I wanted the bar program to help create a sense of place by heavily featuring arak, raki and ouzo, and utilizing unquestionably Middle Eastern ingredients like şalgam, date molasses, cardamom coffee, etc.” she added.

Chilled asked Houser if she had any tips on running a successful drink program, and she was happy to give the following pointers.

Take care of yourself and your team. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and neither can your employees. Prioritize your health and having a life outside of work and encourage your team to do the same.
Become a pro at the financial aspect of your job.
Remember that this is supposed to be fun!

When the weight of responsibility becomes a bit too much, go back to the drawing board. Remind yourself of all the cool parts of your job, and let your passion lead the way!

As a bartender, Kate always valued the importance of self-awareness, humility, and curiosity. She believes all bartenders looking to advance in their field should work on developing these qualities. Mainly because having an elite level of expertise means nothing if no one wants to work or cooperate with you. Once healthy, trustworthy relationships are created with coworkers, she advises bartenders out there to ask themselves two key questions. One being “What am I best at?” and the other, “What areas do I still need to grow?”

Above all, she sees the greatest opportunity for growth as a mixologist by pursuing the subjects that are most intimidating. Once they can master what they fear the most, nothing can stand in their way.

The post Meet San Antonio’s Ladino Bar Director Kate Houser appeared first on Chilled Magazine.