CARLO SPLENDORINI

PARTNER / MIXOLOGIST

Born and raised in Italy, Carlo discovered his passion for hospitality at an early age, attending the Istituto Albergiero di Assisi at 13 and staging at Caffe di Perugia next to the Bacardi Classic champion, one of the greatest bartenders in Italy, at only 14 years old. Shortly thereafter, he made his way to Germany, where he experimented with German and European bitters and amaro. He then traveled on to London and developed his talents with Sardinian products and herbs at Canal Sardo while experimenting with Japanese influenced cocktails at Nobu Green Park.

Carlo left Europe for San Francisco in 2007, where he honed his skills and came into his own creating Gitane’s bar program. It was at Gitane that Carlo was first recognized for his talents creating classic cocktails made with seasonal ingredients, paying particular attention to small distilleries and handcrafted spirits.

Carlo became Lead Bartender for the Michelin-starred MICHAEL MINA San Francisco, where he was the force behind a cutting-edge and continually evolving cocktail program. Carlo helped establish Chef Mina’s flagship as a front-runner in San Francisco’s competitive cocktail scene with stunning classic cocktails that incorporate unique flavors and syrups, hand pressed juices, and market fresh ingredients. His role became Corporate Bar Director to ensure that the same level of cocktail will be experienced at Michael’s restaurants across the country.

Since opening the restaurant alongside Michael in October 2010, Carlo has been named a 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Bar Star, Zagat 30 under 30 and winner of the 2012 Bartender of the Year World Competition in St. Martin hosted by Domaine De Canton. He also received 1st place prizes in the Original Moonshine Cocktail Competition 2011, the 2011 Nolet Gin Cocktail Competition, Makers Mark Cup, and SF Margarita Competition.

Carlo’s impressive journey has led him to become Co-Founder and Bar Manager of Modernist Private Social Club in San Francisco, Co-Founder of Phantomphood Fine Dining Experiences, and has consulted on cocktail and bar programs for over 50 establishments across the U.S.