Pairing a cocktail menu with high-quality Japanese food is a challenge. In this episode of The Muddler, our host TJ Bonaventura sits with Tim Cosgrove, Bar Manager of Mamanoko, a comfortable and vibey sushi restaurant in the vibrant SF Marian District. Stryker Scales and Sam Josi the owners of Mamanoko built this restaurant with quality of produce in mind and the cocktail bar is no exception. The simple but delicious cocktail menu heavily relies on Japanese Whiskey paired with imported sake and regional beers. Tune in and join us in our second dive into a restaurant-first location that pairs simple and delicious food with original yet clean cocktails. 

Jump straight into:

(01:59) - Mamanoko: A sushi restaurant with a great cocktail menu in the vibrant SF Marina District.

(03:50) - What is the perfect drink for Japanese food?: The challenge of pairing the bar program with an excellent sushi menu. 

(08:06) - Building the experience: How they created the whole ambiance for a high-quality comfort experience. 

(11:49) - The COVID-19 pandemic: Adapting Mamanoko to operate in a completely new way and rebuilding that sense of community.

(23:07) - Trying Mamanoko’s signature drinks: The reason behind the Japanese whiskey drinks and their eclectic tequila cocktail.

(37:35) - Last call!: Tim’s craziest story at bars and handling an outside restaurant in SF Marina District. 

Episode resources

Golden Rule Spirits

Mamanoko

Thank you for listening to The Muddler. If you liked this episode be sure to rate the show wherever you listen. Visit themuddlerpodcast.com and follow us on Instagram @themuddlepodcast. Tell us about your favorite bar and drinks!

The Muddler is a StudioPod Media original podcast produced by TJ Bonaventura. Our writer is Joey Mezzatesta. Editing and music provided by Nodalab.