Kirby Flores, a bartender at Harvest by Roy Ellamar at Bellagio, says to not let his young looks fool you. “I’m older than you think, and I’ve experienced a lot,” he said, laughing.

Experience is definitely something this Philippines native has. When he moved to Las Vegas with his family more than 15 years ago, he set his sights on the Strip. His first job was bar porter at Bellagio’s pool in 2001. From there, it was sky’s the limit for Flores.

“Only here in Vegas can you call bartending a career,” he said. Moving his way up the ranks, he bartended at various venues across Bellagio, even taking a graveyard room service shift at one point. When Harvest opened, Flores jumped at the chance. “I’ve bartended in a lot of different places here, but bartending at Harvest, I get to learn about organic, farm-to-table, sustainable food,” he explained. “We try and match the concept of the restaurant—use fresh ingredients, cold-pressed juices made in-house.” Flores said by doing this there’s a big difference. “It’s extra work, but the taste is totally different. It’s more flavorful made from scratch.”

Cranberry and Desert Sage Infusion

Cranberry and Desert Sage Infusion

Besides a successful career, Flores has also found love at Bellagio. “I met my fiancé eight years ago, when I was bartending at Fontana Lounge,” he explained. “She was a cocktail server. We started off just friends … and now, we’re going to get married.” It seems both life and career in Vegas are working out for Flores, all at the tender age of ... 38!

Cranberry and Desert Sage Infusion

At Harvest, guests are given a touch pad that allows them to browse the list of cocktails that pack fresh ingredients and homegrown herbs into each recipe. For something different, try the Cranberry and Desert Sage Infusion. What’s particularly cool about this cocktail (created when ordered), aside from its unique presentation, is that the longer the ingredients mingle, the more the flavors will intensify. That guarantees a changing experience with each sip. The cocktail contains ABSOLUT.® Elyx vodka, Leopold Bros. maraschino liqueur, cranberries, persimmon, kumquat, desert sage syrup, fresh lemon juice and white cranberry juice.

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