By Kiko Miyasato
Rene De La Chesnaye
If you want to be entertained while a bartender makes your drink, you most likely enjoy flair bartenders. If you want to find the largest concentration of flair bartenders in the city, you most likely want to visit the Rio. The property has long been known for its flair bartenders—and in that concentration is one of the best: nine-year flair veteran Rene De La Chesnaye at VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub. “Flair bartending is a tool to entertain people that are looking to have a good time, and I can show them that good time,” said De La Chesnaye, a Mexico City native and 15-year Las Vegas resident.
A trip to watch flair bartenders at Carnaval Court at Harrah’s piqued his interest, and from that day forward it was all about flair. De La Chesnaye has entered flair competitions, but it’s behind the bar at VooDoo that he feels the most comfortable. “It’s not just about flipping bottles; it’s also about making sure that you connect with your guests,” he said. “VooDoo is (all about) the experience of flair, with the wonderful view that we have and the atmosphere and fun, too. We provide a laid-back, comfortable space … We want smiles, no tough guys.”
“Vegas (and Rio) has provided me with a career that I never thought could be classified as a career. I love this city, I love my job, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The Voodoo Hex
This cocktail is not on the menu, so don’t bother looking for it. You have to specifically seek out De La Chesnaye behind the bar and ask for it by name—it’s one of his own signature drinks. Mixed with Patrón tequila, Lillet Blanc, passion fruit and pineapple juices and a splash of orgeat syrup, it “takes on fruity and citrus flavors. It’s well-balanced and very flavorful,” De La Chesnaye said.
