Corner Kitchen bar manager scores scholarship to Berlin conference
Callie Young has ‘invigorated’ Oregon District restaurant’s cocktail and spirits menu, owner says.
The bar manager at Corner Kitchen restaurant in Dayton’s Oregon District has been awarded a coveted scholarship to expand her mixology horizons at an industry conference in Europe.
Callie Young was named one of 15 recipients worldwide of a $1,000 Global Bartender Travel Scholarship awarded by Hanna Lee Communications, Inc. to attend the Bar Convent Berlin spirits industry conference in Germany in October. The scholarship program attracted 195 applications from more than 45 countries. New York Citybased Hanna Lee Communications is a marketing agency that specializes in drinks, food, travel and hospitality.
“Traveling has always provided me with a unique opportunity to gain insight into another community, and it inspires my creativity,” Young said in a release. “Traveling to Berlin will open doors to the global bartending community, and it will allow me to gain access to new materials and knowledge and opportunities to network with bartenders from around the world.”
Young has worked at Corner Kitchen since the restaurant opened in July 2015, and was promoted to bar manager two years ago. Natalie Skilliter, co-founder and general manager of Corner Kitchen, said Young has restructured and invigorated the restaurant’s cocktail and beer program.
“Callie’s passion in curating our cocktail program and dedication to her craft inspire our entire team at Corner Kitchen,” Skilliter said. “We strive to continue to train and learn and improve. This opportunity provides Callie with access to new learning opportunities. Callie finds inspiration for her cocktails everywhere — it’s really a cool thing to watch — and I know she will return from this conference with new ideas and perspective and will continue to push herself and our guests with her creations.”
Skilliter said Young “has such an incredible palate and is attuned to the nuances of flavor in everything she tastes, from one of her inventive syrups to a complex amaro to the subtle differences in dry vermouths. She is then so intuitive in blending the ingredients to create a satisfying and sometimes surprising experience.
“She builds each drink in layers enhancing the complexity and elegance while always working inside the framework of the Corner Kitchen brand. And, she completely reinvents the cocktail list four times a year.”
Among the specialty cocktails on Corner Kitchen’s current list include the “Rust Belt Beauty,” consisting of bourbon, blackcurrant, smoked paprika, honey and lemon; and the “Rose Gold,” which blends gin, rose-infused Lillet Blanc, saffron, lime and bitters.
“I’m eager to bring my newfound knowledge back to Dayton with me, and implement my new skills behind the bar at Corner Kitchen,” Young said. “I’ll be able to share my experiences with guests, pass along knowledge to fellow bartenders, and continue to pursue my love of bartending with a wider world view.”