Science has found its place at Quest Hotel and Conference Center – Clark, as its specialty outlet, Charley’s Bar, will soon be host to a motley of drinks and cocktails prepared through a more modern, chemical, and “scientific” approach.
New Charley’s bar manager and liquid chef Neil Ocampo, invites everyone to discover a new world of flavor as the establishment will now bring in the subtle science of Molecular Mixology into the mix.
“Our plan is to bring in new, international cocktail trends here in Pampanga through hand crafted cocktails,” said Ocampo, who brings in his 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry to Charley’s.
He learned this craft directly from the famed proponent of the science, Chef Ferran Adriá from Spain of the famous elBulli restaurant, during one of his workshops in Singapore. As a result, the liquid chef has travelled all over the world, including Asia, Europe and North America to compete and promote Molecular Mixology and Gastronomy drinks and dishes.
Ocampo said that Charley’s won’t simply offer the usual drinks and cocktails, as it will now be at the forefront of bringing a unique dining and bar experience in Pampanga.
“What we’re gonna offer Kapampangans and our hotel guests is something that they haven’t tried before. If they want to have a margarita, they can have it anywhere else. But if they visit Charley’s, they can opt for a margarita that may come in a different shape or form,” he expressed.
During a simple meet-and-greet with the local media, Ocampo wowed guests with his demonstration of a new cocktail for Christmas. Inspired by the world famous apple pie dessert, the liquid chef describes the drink as a whiskey sour with a twist. It sports bourbon as its base, freshly squeezed lemon, the hotel kitchen’s very own cinnamon syrup, raspberry vinegar, egg white, and freshly squeezed apple juice. Finally, it’s topped off with a “shattered glass” design sugar garnish.
Ocampo’s broad background includes his stint as the Group Food and Beverage Director of Rochester Group in Singapore; Bar Supervisor at Sydney Hotel; and Liquid Chef at Alinea in Chicago, Illinois, among others.
Apart from being under the wing of Chef Ferran Adriá, he also took Wine and Spirit Education in New York at American Bartending School (ABS); an International Bartending in English Course in Bols Academy, Amsterdam; and an Elite Bartenders Course (JWC) in Singapore.
Ocampo has also been lauded with several accolades in his career, which include bagging the Bronze Trophy Award at the Charteus European Bartenders Challenge in Germany in 2010 and the Double Trophy Award at the Bar Wars in the United Kingdom held in 2009.
The Quest for a great wine-and-dine experience
Charley’s is the newest bar to watch out for in Pampanga, and is located at Mimosa Drive, Filinvest Mimosa in Quest Hotel and Conference Center – Clark. It currently has a “Drink all You Can” Happy Hour promo that runs daily from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM (applies to local beers only).
The bar complements the excellent all-day buffet spread of Café Mequeni and the delightful desserts, sweets, and treats of Mequeni Deli.
For inquiries, you may contact the hotel’s Sales and Marketing Department at +63 (045) 599-8000. You can also visit the hotel website at clark.questhotels.com or follow updates on Facebook at facebook.com/questhotelclark.