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

Raf's New York Comes To Raffles Boston This Summer

This July 15-19, <a href="https://www.raffles.com/boston/">Raffles Boston</a> will welcome New York’s fashion-forward bistro, Raf’s, for an exclusive culinary residency at two of its flagship dining venues, Long Bar &amp; Terrace and Café Pastel, introducing a taste of downtown Manhattan to New England’s summer season in Back Bay. &nbsp; <a href="https://www.rafsnewyork.com/">Raf’s</a>, the celebrated French-Italian bakery and restaurant from sisters Jennifer and Nicole Vitagliano alongside Executive Chef Mary Attea, is located in New York’s NoHo neighborhood and embodies an Old World, café-society spirit that has quietly made it a gathering place for the city’s tastemakers and creative communities. The acclaimed all-day concept has earned recognition from the MICHELIN Guide and cultivated a loyal following for its warm trattoria sensibility, impeccable fare, and stylish dining room. &nbsp; The residency begins at Café Pastel, Raffles Boston’s street-level café, where guests can enjoy a selection of Raf’s coveted pastries and baked goods such as the Orange Marmalade Croissant and Baci di Dama, the classic Italian chocolate and hazelnut cookie whose name translates to “lady kisses”, each morning and afternoon. &nbsp; As day turns to evening, the residency moves to Long Bar &amp; Terrace, Raffles Boston’s sky-high restaurant on the 17th floor. For three nights only (July 15-17), Culinary Director Jim Reutemann and his team will bring Raf’s celebrated menu to Boston, serving the restaurant’s exact dishes across appetizers, mains, and desserts. Inspired by the coastal cuisines of France and Italy, the menu reflects the transportive style that has made Raf’s one of New York’s most sought-after dining destinations. Highlights include Tuna Crudo with radish, basil, and sumac; Chicken Liver Agnolotti with chanterelles, saba, and rosemary; Whole Dorade with Castelvetrano olives; and a Dry-Aged Côte de Boeuf for Two. To finish, guests can indulge in Raf’s Caramelized White Chocolate Budino with salted whipped cream. &nbsp; The culinary offerings will be complemented by five of Raf’s signature cocktails, including the Zaffri’s Tini with mahon, saffron, and Cocchi Americano, the Manhattan Special with vodka, espresso, mint, and Baladin Spuma, and Together Forever, a bright blend of gin, elderflower, Lucano limoncello, and grapefruit. Café Pastel Available for five days only: Wednesday, July 15 through Sunday, July 19 Hours:<ul><li>6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday</li><li>7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunday</li></ul>Long Bar &amp; Terrace ﻿Available for three days only: Wednesday, July 15 through Friday, July 17 &nbsp; Hours: 5:00 to 11:00 p.m.&nbsp;

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Experiences

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

Raf's New York Comes To Raffles Boston This Summer