The NOLADrinks Show – 6-11-18 – Manolito and the Cuban Cantinero Tradition

Pictured above from left – Konrad Kantor (Manolito), Bryan Dias (NOLADrinks), Nick Detrich (Manolito), Julio Cabrera (La Trova), and Chris Hannah (Manolito).

The NOLADrinks Show – 6-11-18 – Manolito and the Cuban Cantinero Tradition

We start things off talking about the show’s new format kicking off with this episode! The radio broadcast in New Orleans is now at a much better time, at 8-9 pm. It’s easier for many of our local friends to catch, especially those in the service industry. We’re generally keeping things in the first hour at the “30,000-foot level” – perfect if you don’t need the super in-depth stuff.

We then continue the show with exclusive, podcast-only content dubbed “Another Show with NOLADrinks.” Here, we get into more detail, have extended conversations, and at times can be a little more “adult.” It’s ideal for those of you who want to know more and hear more from our guests.

Before we move into our featured interview, we make note of the passing of Anthony Bourdain. We also mention another sad passing – John Lermayer, a noted bartender and bar owner from Miami, who touched many lives not only with his talent but also with his kindness and personality. Lermayer was close with two of our guests on today’s show – Chris Hannah and Julio Cabrera. Please note that we taped the interview right before Lermayer’s death. So, we didn’t cover it there. However, in our “parting shot” at the end of the podcast, we share some remarks from Chris Hannah regarding his friend.

Next up, we head over to Manolito for their grand opening. This Cuban themed bar is located in the French Quarter and is a partnership between Hannah, Detrich, and Konrad Kantor. They’re seeking to serve traditional and Cuban-inspired cocktails and food in this intimate spot.

We chat with Nick, Chris, and their honored guest, Julio Cabrera, in-town for the celebration. Julio is a noted Miami-based bartender who started out in his native Cuba. We discuss the important cantinero (“bartender” in Spanish, with great meaning in Cuba) tradition and some of how it works. We also talk about Julio’s background (and his soon-to-be-open bar, La Trova, in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood), the Manolito beverage program, and more.

Stick around for the podcast-only portion of the show, “Another Shot with NOLADrinks,” and you’ll get more of the story. We talk further about the cantinero tradition and Cuban cocktails including a discussion of how they’re made and more. We also discuss the iconic Cuban cocktail, the mojito!

We close things out with our “parting shot,” as mentioned above, sharing a couple remarks from Chris regarding John Lermayer. We also let you know about next week’s show where we chat with famed Tiki cocktail historian, author, and restauranteur, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry at his spot, Latitude 29.

Below the map that shows the location of Manolito, you can subscribe to, stream, and download the podcast of The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias along with Another Shot with NOLADrinks, too!

Cheers, You All!

~ Bryan