MEHMET SUR

Bar manager, Zuma Abu Dhabi

Michelle Rodriguez was the funniest celebrity I’ve ever served. She was in Abu Dhabi shooting for Fast and Furious 7, so part of the crew came to Zuma for dinner and drinks. She was approachable and enjoyed cracking jokes and interacting with the staff, which is not always the case with A-list celebrities. The evening ended with her breakdancing on the restaurant floor!

I’m part of the Diageo World Class competition. This is one of the most elite bartending competitions, with 54 hand-picked ’tenders from all over the world in the same place, at the same time, all giving their very best. I am showcasing myself and the UAE on a global scale.

I served one guest a diamond garnished Kauffman Vodka Martini. It cost Dhs32,000. The hostess served the drink at the cigar lounge to a Russian gentleman. After he had the drink, he left the diamond for the hostess as tip.

I’m old school, so molecular bartending is not my thing. I personally wouldn’t want to go to a bar and be served a jelly cosmopolitan or a caviar-based cocktail.

Making coffee is a chore for bartenders. We love to experiment with flavours and techniques. Coffee is just part of our duty.

The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed noon to 1am, Thur and Fri noon to 2am. Tel: (02) 4015900. Taxi: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. zumarestaurant.com