Maxime Belfand is the Bar Director at AvroKO, whose work has been published in the Daily Beast, Cocktail Courier, Thirsty Mag, Punch Drink, and Liqour.com. Born and raised in Chartres, France, he graduated culinary school by 20 years old and began his career in the industry immediately following. Upon moving to London to expand his horizons, he realized the kitchen was not the place for him and he began working behind the bar.

Belfand worked at Ronnie Scott in London as a barback and quickly accelerated to Bar Manager. After 3 years in London, he moved to Mexico before finally finding his way to New York City. He worked a few odd jobs in Brooklyn before joining Saxon & Parole, where, under the tutelage of Naren Young and Masa Urushido, Belfand became the Bar Director.

Belfand spent the 2020 summer & fall seasons at Moby’s in East Hampton, NY; building the most pandemic effective cocktail program in the busiest restaurant in NY State.

In this episode, we dive into Belfand’s success during the pandemic, his mental strength and stamina, and how the City has featured in his career.

Recorded Dec. 3rd, 2020.

Hudson Yards, NYC.

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