Track and Food 65: Bartenders James Grant and Jeff Savage Talking World Class Global Finals, Renewed Appreciation For Hospitality And Why You Should Cry More

Well this was a fun one.

James Grant, the newly crowned 2021 World Class Global Bartender Of The Year and his good friend and mentor, Jeff Savage, who himself came second at the 2019 World Class Global Finals distill at length their passion and adoration for what they do for a living and why they continue to pursue careers in this fickle industry. Essentially, they share a common ethos, a love of people. Their words ring true and genuine in this conversation and it is wonderful to hear them dispense of their processes, secrets, pet peeves and common goals. You'll definitely gain plenty of insight throughout and most certainly a laugh or two.

Hospitality isn't for everyone, but when you encounter and get to talk with those who truly love being apart of it, it is inspiring. Most people spend their lives searching for that one thing they really enjoy doing, and from those, only a select few get to do it for a living. These two fine men have achieved both so I hope you enjoy what they have to say. I know I certainly did.



You can find James Grant behind his bar Little Hong Kong (the bar inside the bar Baijiu) in Edmonton on Fridays and Saturdays. Go find him and get him to make you something special. Preferably stirred.

You can find Jeff Savage behind his bar, Botanist, on the second floor of The Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver. He's there Wednesday thru Saturday evenings. He leads with impeccable service and his drinks are second to none. Go say hello and get cozy. You won't be disappointed.