Find out who Inés de los Santos is, the Argentine bartender behind the drinks at the new Kotchi
Tall, thin, short hair combed impeccably, well-rounded, with the demeanor of a dancer. When Inés de los Santos walks into a room, you don’t know if she’s a CEO, someone from the fashion world or simply the owner of everything. In Sao Paulo he is responsible for service and cocktails at Kotchi, a new listening bar in Jardins.
But the Argentinian from Buenos Aires has only gotten this far by accumulating success stories in the world of bars – and not just in the neighboring country. Inés has spent more than half of her 47 years behind the counters. He started at the classic Gran Bar Danzón (like another world star, Tato Giovannoni) and exploded at Casa Cruz.
From 2005 to 2008 it was the meeting place of the jet set from all over the Southern Cone. Casa Cruz brought together drinks, the cuisine of chef Germán Martitegui, the wines of sommelier Aldo Graziani and the hospitality of Juan Santa Cruz. Despite the amount of bottles of Dom Perignon that were circulating, the girl stood out, to the point that one of her customers, Luigi Cardoso, began to insult her. Professionally, we are very clear.
Current partner of Makoto and L’Avenue, the businessman took the bartender to Sao Paulo several times, sometimes with Tegui, sometimes with Juan, to see if he could find a bar, but things always blocked. Three years ago, when he discovered CoChinChina, he was determined to make the partnership a reality.
With the help of partner and restaurateur Roger Rodrigues, who never moved beyond the extinct Brasserie des Artes, he managed to bring the master of cocktails to the Jardins. “They wanted a CoChinChina, but I don’t see CoChinChina in such a small space. It might have something in common, but Kotchi is unique,” guarantees Inés.
The project the bartender refers to was born in times of pandemic, as the most complete trip that can be done without leaving Palermo. An instant hit, the house still today (though it’s no longer on the menu) offers one of the best cocktails in the Americas, the Umami Martini, a dry gin-based drink with mushrooms, seaweed and spices. No wonder, it was just crowned the 22nd best bar in the world by 50 Best.
But that’s not the only reason why Inés is influential in this universe so unaccustomed to female leaders. The bartender has developed and develops drinks (her new vermouths are of the highest level). He trained and trains the brigades with mastery. He presented cocktail shows (he stars in the series “El Gran Bartender”). He has signed and continues to sign bars with famous chefs, including that of the three-star Mauro Colagreco in Shanghai.
She is currently a partner with boss Narda Lepes at Kona, an Asian bar that transforms into karaoke on inspired evenings. And, a couple of months ago, together with another chef, the talented Pedro Bargero, he opened Costa 7070, a giant space near the Aeroparque urban airport, made for drinking, eating and dancing.
“Over the weekend I served almost a thousand people there and I danced, of course. I died, I’m not old enough for that,” she confessed as she excitedly asked for a drink before two in the morning. Inés is like this: she always has unwavering energy, making sure everyone is safe and, preferably, with a cup in hand.
Her broad smile hides the constant pain in her knee, punished by long hours behind counters and doomed in her teens, when she was brutally run over on Avenida 9 de Julho in downtown Buenos Aires.
In her phoenix-like pride, Inés de los Santos never complains. Imagine wines and cocktails, enjoying the company of your preteen daughter, Cora, and good food like there’s no tomorrow. Oh, and when you’re in Sao Paulo, there’s always time for omakase and late nights at Baretto.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
