Sophisticated Sipping

In Eat, November 2018 by Lauren KruchtenLeave a Comment

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A brilliant general manager operates behind the scenes of Raleigh’s St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar, but one of his most becoming talents is perhaps his cocktail artistry. Sean Umstead recently competed in Copper & Kings’ MIXT&PE cocktail competition in Louisville, and earned a spot among the 2018 finalists with his creation, Root Grove. The savory cocktail highlighted Copper & Kings brandy and Absinthe Blanche, as well as fresh carrot juice and fennel bulbs; you can recreate it with recipe below. You might recognize Umstead from various pop-up bars in Durham and Raleigh. These events have served as a preview to a new cocktail bar, Kingfisher, that he’s planning to open in downtown Durham early next year with his wife, Michelle Vanderwalker, after he wraps up his time at St. Roch’s. Kingfisher is named for the unique birds who live along the banks of North Carolina’s rivers, including the nearby Eno. At Kingfisher, you’ll be able to taste all of Umstead’s remarkable drinks, created using seasonal North Carolina produce. The “farm-to-cocktail” concept will feature Lil’ Farm strawberries, preserved in various ways, in a range of beverages throughout the year. Other ingredients supplied by friends who farm in the area will appear elsewhere on the menu of 15 to 20 cocktails. To get updates on Kingfisher’s opening, visit kingfisherdurham.com.

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