Marc Koch’s downtime might seem more like hard work to someone else. “Jiu-jitsu, karate, kung fu, mixed martial arts, competitive pistol shooting, wilderness backpacking—that’s my downtime, my Zen time,” he says.
Hard work for Koch comes by way of being the director of beverage for SAHARA Las Vegas. He joined the property only a few months ago but has many, many years of experience in the beverage industry. “It’s always the staff,” Koch says. “… I like spirits, beer and wine, but honestly, it’s always the staff. I have made so many good friends on the beverage side. They’re legit, great people. Bartenders, cocktail servers. That’s always been the favorite part of any of my jobs. We just jive.”
Unlike most directors of beverage who usually have a bartending background, Koch comes from the financial side. He spent years as an inventory controller and cost analyst for beverage in addition to managing and directing beverage departments at properties including Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Rio Las Vegas, Suncoast and MGM Grand. “I feel like it gave me an advantage, the financial side,” he says.
After all these years, Koch has come to love beverage, he says. Creating cocktails and menus, giving his staff the chance to show off their cocktail-making skills, giving guests memorable experiences—they all add up to a great career. “I love this industry,” he sums up.
Libation: The Fireside Fashioned
New to the cocktail menu at The Tangier (where we met up with Koch) is The Fireside Fashioned. Created by Koch, the cocktail is a mix of Zacapa Solera 23 rum, Licor 43, Luxardo cherry syrup, orange bitters and a dash of allspice, which adds a warm, savory aftertaste.
Benefit: Show your monorail ticket at The Tangier to receive 20% off your order.
SAHARA Las Vegas. saharalasvegas.com
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