It’s been four months, but we’re finally back from break. And this week I have my friend Al Thompson on the show to talk his position as Beverage Director for Thip Khao and Hanumanh in Washington DC.

This position is somewhat of a departure for him as he has spent the last several years working as the bar manager for Chef Jose Andres’ modernist cocktail destination, Barmini. But those techniques aren’t sitting idle. Thip Khao is one of the country’s leading Laotian restaurants, and has long showcased the creativity and talents of their team.

As 2021 heads into autumn, Al and his team are preparing to open their sister bar, Hanumanh. They are pushing boundaries and refining what Asian-inspired cocktails can be.

The last year and half took a lot of emotional fortitude to make it though and still retain passion for hospitality. Now we look to industry leaders like Al to show us the way forward.