Raffles Boston Launches Guest Bartender Series with 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year

Raffles Boston Launches Guest Bartender Series with 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year Takuma Watanabe brings signature cocktails from NYC’s award-winning Martiny’s to The Blind Duck for two nights only, October 28–29.   One of the country’s most acclaimed bartenders is heading to Boston this month—and kicking off a new monthly guest bartender series at <a href="https://www.raffles.com/boston/dining/speakeasy/">The Blind Duck</a>, Raffles Boston’s luxurious two-story speakeasy and cocktail lounge.   On Wednesday, October 28th and Thursday, October 29th, The Blind Duck will welcome <a href="https://www.instagram.com/takuma0w/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Takuma Watanabe</a>, the 2026 Spirited Awards U.S. Bartender of the Year and beverage director of New York’s <a href="https://www.martinys.com/our-story?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Martiny’s</a>—one of North America’s 50 Best Bars—for his first-ever guest shift in Boston. Takuma will be behind the bar for two nights only, from 6 to 10 p.m.   Takuma’s takeover will bring four signature cocktails from the award-winning Martiny’s menu to Boston, alongside special bites from The Blind Duck inspired by his pours—all available to order à la carte to mix and match as you please.   Reservations are highly encouraged <a href="https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/blindduck/reservations/create/search/?date=2026-10-28">via SevenRooms</a>, with walk-ins also welcome, subject to availability. The Blind Duck’s entertainment will begin early for the occasion, with its Wednesday DJ set and Thursday live jazz starting at 8 p.m. both evenings, one hour earlier than usual.   The two-night residency with Takuma will also mark the launch of “IN FLIGHT at The Blind Duck: Guest Bartender Series,” a new monthly concept inviting notable bartenders to land at The Blind Duck for pop-ups that bring a taste of their own cocktail programs to the speakeasy, in collaboration with lead bartender Nancy Nguyen.   Following Takuma: Jen Romero of downtown hot spot The Zebra Room is taking over on Tuesday, November 17th alongside COJE Director of Bars, Raymond Tremblay. In December, James Sutter of South End Lebanese favorite Bey will step behind the bar (date to be announced), with additional guest bartenders joining the series in the new year. IN FLIGHT at The Blind Duck: Takuma Watanabe   SIPS   Grand Martiny’s $22 Grey Goose, manzanilla sherry, ruby port, St-Germain, Rémy Martin VSOP, marinated red grapes Caprese $24 Teeling Whiskey, tomato water, grapefruit, basil, lime, milk Maia $21 Patrón Silver, yuzu, basil, pineapple Tea Ceremony $23 Bacardi 8 Year, matcha, cacao white, coconut water, hanaho-jiso   BITES   Island Creek Oysters $38 three oysters, yuzu sabayon, white sturgeon caviar   Wagyu Tartare $24 black garlic, cured egg yolk, milk bread   Okonomiyaki Bites $18 two pancakes, Kewpie mayo, green onion, ginger, bonito flakes   Kabocha Squash Tempura $18 truffle aioli

Raffles Boston

Vanessa Kuo

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Raffles Boston Launches Guest Bartender Series with 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year

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