Making Bars Better
Frank Caiafa ~Mixologist ~Consultant ~Creative
Handle Bars NYC / Global
Bar & Hospitality Consultants
Cocktail and bar know-how and the business acumen to go along with it
Frank Caiafa
I am currently the Spirits Portfolio Director at Banville Wine Merchants. We are building a world-class catalogue of fine spirits from around the globe.
I also direct my beverage management and creative strategy entity, Handle Bars NYC / Global Inc. We encompass all aspects of beverage operations including but not limited to, on-site management, third-party operations, brand representation, concepts, recipe and menu development and design, events, staffing, education and training, inventory and controls, financials, marketing and public relations, pre-opening, bar layout and design.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, I was the director of food and beverage at NYC's Lexington Hotel and opening beverage director of its outlet, The Stayton Room.
Most prominently, I was the beverage director of the highly celebrated Peacock Alley and La Chine restaurants at The Waldorf Astoria in New York City from 2005 until its closure for renovations. I'm also the author of "The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book" (Penguin), a 2017 James Beard Foundation Award finalist and a complete update inspired by the proprietary classic cocktail books, "Old Waldorf Bar Days" (1931) and "The Old Waldorf=Astoria Bar Book" (1934). This new classic guidebook was also nominated for a 2017 Tales of the Cocktail 'Spirited Award' for Best New Cocktail and Bartending Book.
Handle Bars NYC / Global Inc, has been called upon for its expertise in a wide array of concepts. Selected projects include, The Arizona Biltmore, The InterContinental NY Barclay, M Social Times Square, The Towers of The Waldorf Astoria, The NY Hilton Midtown, The Fairmont Austin, The Inn at Perry Cabin (St. Michaels, MD), The Long Bar at The Waldorf Astoria in Shanghai, The Garden City Hotel, Waterstone Resort & Marina in Boca Raton and the lauded NoHo bar, The Vault at Pfaff's, among others. I was also the opening Beverage Director of Battery Gardens in Battery Park.
My topical writing, personal recipes, reviews and illustrations have been published in numerous periodicals and books including The New York Times, Whisky Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, Punch, VinePair, Barleycorn Drinks, and Time Out New York among many others.
I have also participated in many high profile industry events including sitting on judging panels ranging from blind tastings of both wine and spirits along with varied sponsored cocktail competitions.