Sydney, Australia
Rachel Harrison, Owner
What’s not to love about Sydney? Its visual wow-factor is like few other cities – spectacularly draped around its glorious harbor and beaches. I’m visiting Sydney for the first time since 2010 and don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a vacation. At the top of my long list is a visit to our friends at Maybe Sammy, Australia’s most famous cocktail bar (and #29 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list). The menu includes our client Mr Black Coffee Liqueur (made in Australia) and non-alcoholic concepts for, in Maybe Sammy’s words, “those brave souls that choose to abstain.”
Speaking of non-alcoholic spirits, I’ll be drinking NON – a non alcoholic wine created in Australia by our client Aaron Trotman to help push forward and create the future of drinks.
I’ll really excited to visit my friends at Hickson House Distilling Co., Mikey Enright, Julian Train, and head distiller Tim Stones. I was lucky enough to try their Australian Dry Gin at Tales of the Cocktail a few months ago. It’s exceptional. I love the unique flavors of Australia’s native botanicals shining through; oolong tea, finger lime, and aniseed myrtle.
They’ve also created a Tepache Barrel-Aged Gin I’m dying to try, and a Wild Rosé Summer Cup in partnership with our friend and once client Mark Ward over at Regal Rogue Vermouth. Its kind of like a Pimms Cup gin. Hickson House distiller, Tim Stones steeped muntrie berries for almost a week to enhance the fruity flavor profile of the vermouth. The summer cup is a blend of Hickson House Australian Dry Gin, Regal Rose Vermouth, balanced with Tonka beans, muntrie berries, and bush tomato distillate.
Im really looking forward to visiting all of my Australian friends and clients. Maybe catch a DJ set by Nick Van Tiel. Drink a Death Flip from the creator Chris Hysted-Adams. Champagne with Mr Black creator Tom Baker to celebrate the sale to Diageo. And a visit to the brother I never asked for, Stu Gregor from Four Pillars.
I’m looking forward to meeting some of our new friends that are helping to open our Sydney office, but I also plan on having some non-work adventures. My plan is to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, bike the city, take the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach, maybe camp a day or two to admire the midnight stars of the southern hemisphere. And of course I’ll hit Bondi Beach And Coogee. And!!! I’m there during pride! My great friend John Gakuru will be in town and we plan on joining in on some of the citywide, weeklong celebrations.
Follow RHC on Instagram for the highlights.
Sicily, Italy
Nick Papa, Managing Director
“I’ve been all over Italy,” says Nick, “but Sicily – where half of my family comes from – is the one area I’ve yet to explore.” Nick’s Northern Italian heritage prepared him to handle the social media management for Treviso-based FIOL Prosecco, but he fully admits that the third episode of The White Lotus season two, when Aubrey Plaza and Meghann Fahy visit a 1500s villa for the night, sparked the idea to finally plan a trip to the south. “Murals throughout the Villa Tasca in Palermo inspired the incredible opening credits. Seeing them up close would be amazing. And make for the ultimate Instagram Story series.”
Piedmont, Italy
Lauren, Managing Director
“My 2023 travel goal is to visit more vineyards,” says Lauren, “so I’ll go wherever the wine takes me!” Lauren loves exploring the English vineyards close to London, but after hearing Bella, The NoMad Hotel’s wine director, talk so passionately about Nebbiolo and Barolo, Italy’s Piedmont region went to the top of her list.
Bhutan
Cass Lovett, Senior Director
With an affinity for South Asia (she represents the Tourism Authority of Thailand and has lived and traveled extensively throughout the region), Cass is looking forward to visiting Bhutan, the kingdom that remained closed to tourists until 1974. “From the first descent into Paro to overlooking Mount Everest and visiting monasteries and textile designers, I’m eager to experience this enthralling and culture rich country,” says Cass.
Buenos Aires
Kiley Rendak, Account Supervisor
“Buenos Aires has ben at the top of my travel list for years,” says Kiley, “since I started studying Spanish in high school.” She’s most looking forward to the architecture, fashion, chef-driven dining scene, and rich culture and history. “I’m seeking any and all travel tips along the lines of city walks, sipping Malbec, and a beach weekend in Cariló. As much as I love visiting my family in Chicago, I’m ready for my Argentinian adventure.”
Mexico City
Jenn Smulo, Account Manager
Jenn visited Mexico City ten years ago, and now she’s ready for a return visit. “There’s an array of art, food, and culture to explore, and so many new things to do that have been introduced in the last decade.”
