Richard Boccato, Tiki cocktail master
I find inspiration in general happenstance and situational entropy ...
If you’ve been enjoying a little tiki time in Brisbane of late, you probably have New York mixologist Richard Boccato to thank. The mastermind behind cult speakeasies Dutch Kills, Weather Up and the now-defunct PKNY, Richard has been hailed as one of the leaders of the tiki trend revival. So it’s no wonder the man has been lured back to Brisbane once again to help shake up the Alfred & Constance cocktail catalogue for the third time. Lending his vision and experience to the White Lightning Tiki Bar team, Richard has helped curate a cracking list of cocktails, including scene stealers like the Rum Barrel and Castaway. Despite an insanely hectic schedule, Richard took a moment to step out from behind the Fortitude Valley bar and chat to The Weekend Edition about his favourite way to spend a weekend …
Describe yourself in ten words …
I am a bartender and erstwhile snake oil salesman from Brooklyn, New York.
What’s a typical day like for you?
Wake up, extinguish a few fires, ride my motorcycle to Dutch Kills, extinguish a few more fires, work, go home. Occasionally I might find the time to eat and exercise.
What can we expect from the new cocktail menu at White Lightning Tiki Bar?
The new menu will feature several delicious interpretations of timeless tiki classics, along with some of the most popular drinks from the past two menus. This time around you’ll see lots of mango and passionfruit, big rum barrels and scorpion bowls, a new zombie … and of course we will still be lighting things on fire.
What was it that attracted you to the project?
Some of the most talented bartenders in the world hail from Australia, and I had the privilege of serving with the likes of Sam Ross and Michael Madrusan at Milk & Honey and Little Branch in New York City for many years. The opportunity to travel and work here has been an incredible experience, and I am honoured to be a part of such an exciting project.
How have you found the bar scene in Brisbane?
I haven’t travelled around town very much, but some of my favourite places to get a drink so far have been Fourth Wall in Fortitude Valley, The Walrus Club in Toowong and I hope to one day finish drinking my way through the entire wall of rum at the Breakfast Creek Hotel …
What is it about the tiki trend that has you hooked?
It is commonly understood that tiki is about having fun and escaping from your troubles in life, which seems like a fairly good philosophy to abide by. Easier said than done, though.
We were sad to hear about the closure of PKNY, can you tell us a bit more about the reasons behind the decision?
There isn’t much to say, really. Our landlord decided not to renew our lease, so we decided to move on.
What’s next for you – do you have plans to open more venues in New York, or around the world?
Maybe …
You’ve cast your creativity over many different projects in the past – which one has been most the rewarding for you, and why?
Dutch Kills. It’s my proudest career accomplishment, hands down.
What’s your personal drink of choice?
Cheap American beer.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Ride my motorcycle.
What are you reading at the moment?
Del Amor Y Otros Demonios (Of Love and Other Demons) by Gabriel García Márquez.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Riding my motorcycle for more than 8,000 miles across the United States last summer.
What are your words of wisdom?
Don’t try.
Only a local would know … Real New Yorkers don’t wear flip-flops.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Running the loop around Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
Relax … At home.
Dine … Lucali, Brooklyn.
Indulge … Track days on my motorcycle.
Shop … Anywhere that sells motorcycles.
Catch-up … Sunny’s Bar, Brooklyn.
Be inspired … General happenstance and situational entropy.
