Bar Person of the Month: Eugen Blagoci
AM:PM’s Eugene Blagoci says that quality is now the by-word when it comes to the burgeoning local market for cocktails. Consumers are looking for a premium experience, he says, and that’s not going to change any time soon…
Eugen Blagoci says that local drinkers’ tastes are changing – when it comes to quality, he says they’re better educated and more widely travelled than ever before and that’s reflected in their expectations at the bar.
Thirty-six-year-old Eugen – who is currently general manager of AM:PM on Upper Arthur Street in Belfast – has been living in Northern Ireland for the last decade or so, after arriving here from Cypus where he had been managing a restaurant.
He came here during his off-season break in order to visit friends, but ended up staying when he was offering a barista’s position at Avoca in Arthur Street.
The move to AM:PM came about six-years-ago as he chased the buzz of the bigger restaurant environment that he had in Cyrprus – and he’s been watching the thriving venue continue to grow in size throughout that time.
Over the last couple of years, however, he’s seen the drinking habits of his customers begin to change:
“Tastes have definitely moved on,” he says. “Customers are now much more likely to opt for a cocktail than they would have been even a couple of years ago. They’re much more educated when it comes to drinks menus and they travel more and see things that they like when they’re abroad.”
Eugen says that among the regular clientele at AM:PM are many experienced drinkers who are happy to pay £15 or more for a well-made cocktail that uses premium branded drinks:
“I think that’s a trend that’s going to continue,” he says. “People are increasingly willing to pay for quality.”
One cocktail currently on offer at AM:PM features very exclusive cognac and sells for almost £80 per glass – Eugen says that for years, there was little interest in the cognac but now, it’s increasingly in demand.
His own favourite tipple is a classic daiquiri, although he says it must be made with good quality rum and contain a good squeeze of fresh lime:
“That’s going to give you the perfect result every time,” he adds. “No-one can say no to a well-made classic daiquiri.”
Eugen says that the standard of bartending in Belfast in generally very good, particularly over the last five years or so:
“The guys from The Merchant and Love and Death and so on are doing great work,” he adds. “They’re really bringing the cocktail culture on in Belfast, it’s all very exciting.”
Eugen is now looking forward to big changes which are in the pipeline for AM:PM going forward, including a move to a new location, although he is unwilling to say too much about what is planned at this stage.
Eugen recommends:
GREEN DREAM
6-7 green grapes
2 slices cucumber
6-7 mint leaves
25ml lime juice
10ml sugar syrup
50ml vodka (Chase)
50ml fresh apple juice
Method: In a Boston glass, add the grapes, cucumber, mint, three lime wedges and all the other ingredients. Top up with ice and shake firmly for 12-15 seconds. Pour everything into a long drink glass and top up with crushed ice. Garnish with cucumber and mint for an even more refreshing smell. The perfect treat for a summer lunch or a hot busy night party!
