My name is Chris Elford, and I am a bartender.
I believe that there are no one-size-fits-all cocktails, seminars, bars, or events. Intentionality, creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability are my goal posts, and within these I see a million possibilities to create something memorable.
Background
In 2004 I got my first restaurant job, working as a line cook in a BBQ restaurant in Richmond, VA. Over the last 19 years I have opened (both as an owner-operator and consultant) ten properties ranging in focus from craft beer to coffee to cocktails to natural wine, in New York, Richmond, and Seattle.
Along the road, I’ve enjoyed work as a tequila and gin educator and whiskey distiller (Tequila Ocho, Beefeater Gin, & Kings County Distillery, respectively); I’ve bartended all over the world (Copenhagen, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Germany, and all over the USA); made a moderately famous modern classic cocktail; have taught seminars on stage at festivals across the country; and have fallen in love over and over with serving other people delicious food and drink.
Certifications
Beer Certification:
Certified Cicerone (Level 2), 2011
Spirits & Cocktails Certifications:
Bar 5 Day graduate with “Bar Ready” distinction, 2020
BarSmarts Advanced graduate, 2011
