By Don Chareunsy
Who: The friendly Tahomar Gil, 43, a mixologist who has been with MGM Resorts for nine years and in Las Vegas since 2002. The Venezuelan American, whose first job was at a bar in Miami at age 18, made Heart of the Ocean – no relation to “Titanic” – behind the bar at Easy’s Cocktail Lounge at Aria, where Tahomar has been for two years.
The cocktail: “Heart of the Ocean is one of our three showstoppers, which are the maximum expression of the cocktails that we have to offer here at Easy’s. It is served on a beach of sand surrounded by seashells and presented in a seashell-shaped glass that can be shared and passed around ceremoniously among your favorite drinking mates.
“It is in the true spirit of our showstoppers that are meant to be a shared experience. It is made with Codigo Blanco Tequila, orgeat, lime juice and blueberry spirulina, which are both fresh pressed daily, and lastly it has our ocean mist, which is emulsified egg whites and sea salt. I would describe it as an exquisite balance of sweet, sour and a taste of the sea.
“It is not related to ‘Titanic,’ but it does pair perfectly with our beluga caviar service.”
Tahomar’s favorite cocktail: “I like to drink according to the occasion, so I’d say a perfect margarita or a mai tai on the beach. And if I’m out and about at night, I’d say I’m a whisky lover, so anything from rye and bourbon to scotch. I enjoy an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan.”
What Tahomar loves about Las Vegas: “The amenities. I think that we are spoiled by design on a night-and-day basis for world-class mixology, gastronomy and live entertainment. Beyond that, there are great activities to do outdoors year round.”
A little-known fact about Tahomar: “I’m a lifelong surfer, and I have a black belt in jujitsu.”
Prime Pro Tip From Tahomar: “My pro tip is an emphasis in the fact that bartenders are loaded with pro tips. Establishing a friendly conversation with your bartender can go a long way. We have useful local knowledge that can greatly improve your experience! Everything from the best tacos in town all the way up to tips on how to obtain an impossible reservation at a world famous restaurant. Talk to your bartender!”
If you go: Easy’s Cocktail Lounge, 3730 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. (702) 590-8673; EasysVegas.com
Heart of the Ocean
Codigo Blanco Tequila, orgeat, lime, blueberry spirulina and pink ocean air
