When it comes to managing, Michael Lee, assistant director of beverage for The Cabinet of Curiosities Bar and Lounge at Horseshoe Las Vegas, says, “I always tell people you can’t teach personality—you have to have it; it just has to be a part of you. Ever since I started in the industry as a manager, I’ve always been upbeat and positive. I credit that to how I moved up in my career. You live every day happy. Not take anything for granted. Be happy you have family, friends and a job. … The staff here will tell you—that’s one of the best things (I did) when I came here—I shifted the energy. That was the goal.”
Since he joined the venue eight months ago, Lee has been managing the experiential bar and speakeasy, overseeing day-to-day operations as well as employee relations and “creating the culture here,” he says. “This is not an ordinary bar; this is an experience. It’s that ‘wow!’ factor. It’s a place where you can come and get different ambiences and great cocktails and great service. It’s just a great, great vibe here.”
Lee possesses a wealth of knowledge, beginning in the food and beverage industry in his home state of North Carolina and expanding his resume when he moved to Las Vegas in 2010. He quickly moved up the ladder, managing many of the Caesars Entertainment restaurants and bars as a relief manager. “I’ve been progressively moving up in my career,” he says. “If you can make it in Vegas, you can make it anywhere. Being upbeat and positive—that’s a huge key, but also being consistent and fair across the board.”
Libation: Festival of Lights
One of the top-selling specialty cocktails is the Festival of Lights, a blend of bourbon (your choice), vermouth, Caravella Orangecello, lime juice and honey syrup. Inside The Lock, guests are specially treated to personalized cocktails—the bartender will ask you your taste preferences and create a cocktail for you on the spot.
Benefit: On Friday and Saturday find the hidden key inside The Cabinet and get expedited entry into The Lock (speakeasy).
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