Behind the bar with…Matteo Stefani

Matteo Stefani is the bar manager of Fishsteria, Wan Chai’s haven for all things seafood. A native of Sassuolo in Modena, Stefani has had decades of experience working behind the bar in Italy and moved to Hong Kong last year. He speaks to dbHK about Hong Kong’s thriving bar scene and his favourite Diplomatico rum cocktail.

What led you to be behind the bar?

I started at the age of 16 in a small beach bar in Marche for four years where I was really able to be creative with my own cocktail recipes, then I moved to Millionaire, a cocktail lounge in Cattolica and Forte in Cervina before moving back to Sassuolo where I was part of the team at La Bolla.

Which spirit ignited your passion?

I loved worked with all different kinds of spirits but at the moment I love gin.  My favourite is Tanqueray 10, it’s in the English dry-style and very elegant. It also makes the best gin martini!

What are the best and worst things about the industry?

There is so much information out there and you have friends based all over the world. In Hong Kong you can get hold of a huge variety of spirits and I think it’s one of the best places in the world to be a bartender right now.

The worst – and I think this applies more to Europe than in Asia – is that it can be hard getting started as a bartender. Certainly it seems to be the case in Italy and Spain, for example. There is a lot of competition and you don’t receive a lot of support in your efforts at the beginning.

Stefani’s Night & Day Diplomatico rum cocktail

If you had to be a particular spirit or cocktail which one would you be?

I’m currently participating in the Diplomatico rum cocktail competition in Hong Kong and I love my Night & Day cocktail. It’s a classic rum sour with the addition of a little olive oil – the spirit of Italy! I add fresh lime juice and fresh yuzu, sugar and olive oil to Diplomatico riserva exclusive.

Lime or lemon?

Lime. Lemon is a bit too sweet – like white sugar – while lime is very refreshing.

Complete this sentence, last time I drank, I…

Went to Ophelia and then Mizunara. I also love going to Stockton and ON Dining.

What are your favourite seasonal cocktails?

Martini. You can have one in every season. It’s classic, elegant and serious.

Where is your favourite place in Asia for cocktails?

I’ll say Hong Kong for now, as I’ve only just got here!

Please share one of your favourite recipes?

It’ll be my Diplomatico Night & Day cocktail, I can’t get enough of it at the moment.