Mimi Kakushi restaurant and bar showcase their Kikuchi cocktail menu during World Cocktail Day. Ranked as No. 1 in the MENA region, and No. 40 in the world by World’s 50 Best Bars, Mimi Kakushi’s bar team led by the talented Manja Stankovic, has garnered multiple awards and accolades since its opening in 2021, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the beverage industry.
The cocktail menu, aptly named ‘Kikuchi’, is a testament to the establishment’s commitment to innovation and creativity. Drawing inspiration from the legendary ‘Kikuchi Shigeya’ a performer who is widely credited with being the first to bring American Jazz back to Japan, and is known as the ‘father of jazz’ in the nation. This ingenious concept seamlessly combines music, mixology, and Japanese culture, captivating the senses and transporting guests to a world where taste, sound, and atmosphere intertwine harmoniously.
The ‘Kikuchi’ cocktail menu not only delights the palate but also perfectly complements the unique atmosphere of Mimi Kakushi. The outlet’s inviting interior, with its meticulous attention to detail, evokes a sense of warmth, sophistication, and nostalgia. The music, inspired by the vinyl records featured on the menu, enhances the overall experience, providing a backdrop that resonates with guests. On Wednesdays, this feeling is exceptionally captured through the live performances of the live jazz band. The Minami Jazz Nights take place once a week, and feature a four-piece jazz band playing classical tunes, including Kikuchi vinyl pairing tracks.
Blending music and cocktails was the most challenging aspect; the Mimi Kakushi Bar Team paired each one of the 13 cocktails with a different vinyl song. Whether melodic, cheerful, or sentimental, the menu features different emotions that fit the different energies portrayed by each record, which then is coupled with their respective cocktail. The menu is presented in the form of 13 vinyl cases in a large wooden box, whereby each cocktail is the cover of a vinyl – with a short description of the song, and the feelings it represents – and inside there is the actual pairing record that can be played upon guests’ request.
Kori Kakushi Ice Ceremony:
Kori Kakushi – meaning “hidden in ice” in Japanese is the name of the ice ceremony that Mimi Kakushi is highly recognised by. The ‘Kori Kakushi Martini’ features The Botanist Gin, infused with Japanese Ume and a hint of Mancino Secco vermouth, it is then carefully stored in bespoke bottles frozen for 7-10 days at -20 degrees celsius.
The Kori Kakushi ice ceremony is conducted tableside by our skilled bar team, the cocktail is expertly carved from the ice block, using a small knife and hammer, and presented, allowing guests to personalize their drink with a choice of garnishes, ranging from traditional olives and lemons to more adventurous options like pickled daikon and baby carrots.
