Smuggler’s Cove Crew

Named by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of six Bay Area bartenders “essential in defining cocktail culture here and across the country,” Martin and his original cocktails have been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Magazine, Imbibe, Sunset, Food & Wine, 7x7, Details, San Francisco Chronicle, USA Today, Today Show, and more. Martin was previously the co-creator, designer, and chief mixologist for Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge in Alameda, CA. Martin trained as a bartender at Trader Vic’s flagship San Francisco location and is a member of the United States Bartenders Guild. He is also a passionate rum collector, having been to over a dozen distilleries in six countries. He is a tasting judge for international rum competitions, and has led seminars at Bourbon and Branch’s Beverage Academy, Tales of the Cocktail, and Tiki Oasis. More information about Martin can be found at martincate.com.

Dominic has worked in the spirits industry for over 10 years. During this time he has been involved with working and setting up spirits and cocktail programs throughout San Francisco. From a Michelin Star rated restaurant, Range, to some of the world’s top cocktail programs...Bourbon & Branch, Cantina, and Gitane Restaurant...where he has left his mark on the national scene. After having many of his cocktails published and used around the world, he now feels like spreading the “gospel” of cocktails and spirits.

Melissa has been in the restaurant business about 15 years. She has worked in kitchens and the front of the house as an expeditor, receptionist, host, cocktail server, manager, bartender, and bar manager all over the city, but bartending is what she likes the best. She was previously a bartender at Trader Vic’s San Francisco shaking, blending, and stirring up lots of fun and tasty rum libations.

Marco has spent over a decade at the forefront of the San Francisco cocktail scene. He created the cocktail program at Absinthe Brasserie & Bar in 1997 and has worked in many of the city’s finest watering holes including Stars, Bourbon & Branch, Tres Agaves, and Harry Denton’s Starlight Room. In 2009, he was recognized in the San Francisco Chronicle Bar Stars. Most recently he created the beverage program for the Michael Mina Clock Bar in the historic Westin St. Francis. Marco was one of the founding members of the San Francisco Chapter of the United States Bartenders’ Guild, and has represented the United States at the Beefeater International Bartenders Competition in Barcelona and the PanAmerican Cocktail Competitions in Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Marco is a partner in H.M.S. Cocktails, a beverage catering service specializing in experimental cocktails.