My Wife Became A Bartending World Champion. Can I Do The Same? | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• Side Door: A bar co-founded by Banani Kang (Bunny) and Ten Crack (Tricson) emphasizing a cozy, home-like atmosphere and personalized guest experience.
• World Class Competition: A prestigious global bartending competition considered the “Olympics of Bartending.”
• Modern Classic Cocktail: A cocktail approach that builds upon classic recipes while incorporating personal inspiration and meaning.
• Signature Pairing (Tropica & Ugly Duckling): Side Door’s signature drink and tapas pairing, a Negroni variation with passion fruit and espresso served with a potato and fogra mousse duck-shaped tapas.
• Importance of Storytelling & Presentation: The critical role of conveying personality, inspiration, and a holistic experience in bartending competitions and customer service.
• Legacy & Support: The influence of family and partners in pursuing passion and achieving success.

The Journey of Side Door & Tricson’s World Class Pursuit

This transcript details the story of Side Door, a unique bar in Singapore, and the journey of its co-founder, Tricson, as he prepares to compete in the World Class Bartender of the Year competition in Toronto 2025. The narrative intertwines the couple’s personal history, their approach to bartending, and the significance of the competition.

I. Side Door: A Home Away From Home

Side Door is described as more than just a bar; it’s a “home away from home” created by Bunny and Tricson. They intentionally cultivate a cozy, familiar atmosphere, aiming for a cafe-like feel rather than a typical bar environment. This is reflected in their back bar, which resembles a home kitchen. They prioritize creating a complete sensory experience for guests, emphasizing not only the taste of the drinks but also the glassware and plating used. Bunny explains that guests often comment on the feeling of familiarity when they visit, suggesting a successful realization of their vision. They actively seek inspiration from places like House Gallery, valuing handmade pottery and glassware for the character and story they bring to the dining experience.

II. Personal Histories & Shared Passion

Bunny and Tricson met 14 years ago while working in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry – Bunny as a trainee waitress and Tricson as a trainee cook. They have been together for almost 15 years. Tricson was born and raised in Singapore, with a father who ran a hawker stall selling fish ball noodles, instilling in him an early exposure to the food industry. Bunny hails from a small town in South Korea called Gingu. She emphasizes the strong support of her traditional family, who encouraged her to pursue her overseas ambitions despite the financial burden of travel. She attributes her passion and patience, qualities crucial to her success as a bartender, to her upbringing and the love of her family.

III. The World Class Competition & Tricson’s Preparation

The World Class Competition is presented as the pinnacle of bartending, described as the “Olympic” of the industry. Tricson’s initial interest in bartending was sparked by this competition. He achieved a significant personal milestone by placing in 2019, a “dream come true.” He is now preparing to represent Singapore in Toronto in 2025. The competition format involves a 5-minute presentation, including drink preparation, storytelling, and a Q&A session with judges (2 minutes setup, 2 minutes drink creation, and 1 minute Q&A).

IV. Modern Classic & Signature Cocktail: Tropica & Ugly Duckling

Tricson’s bartending philosophy centers around the concept of a “modern classic” – a cocktail that carries meaning and inspires both the creator and the drinker. His signature pairing at Side Door, “Tropica & Ugly Duckling,” exemplifies this approach. The drink is a DNA from a classic Negroni, enhanced with passion fruit and espresso, offering a fragrant, acidic, and coffee-like flavor profile. The accompanying tapas features a fogra mousse with potatoes, shaped like a duck, visually complementing the drink’s name.

V. Mentorship & Refining Presentation Skills

Recognizing the importance of presentation, Tricson sought guidance from Peter Chua, a former World Class champion. Peter identifies Tricson’s strength in drink creation and personality but notes a need for polish in his delivery. He emphasizes the power of “dramatic pauses” and eye contact to enhance impact. Bunny acknowledges the challenges of training Tricson, as their personal relationship sometimes leads to friction, but she recognizes the value of Peter’s objective feedback. She invited Peter to help specifically to avoid damaging their relationship during the intense training process.

VI. Community Support & Legacy

A send-off party is held for Tricson before his departure for Toronto, demonstrating strong community support. Customers and friends cheer him on, recognizing the significance of the World Class competition. The transcript highlights the potential impact of winning, describing it as “world changing.” Bunny’s previous success in the World Class competition serves as inspiration for Tricson. She emphasizes that the greatest achievement isn’t about winning or losing, but about self-belief, focus, and pride in one’s daily life. She proudly represents Singapore, a “small red dot on the map,” on the global stage.

Notable Quotes:

• Bunny: “Good drinks, good ingredient is important but a good glassware or a good plate tell different kind of character and different kind of story.”
• Tricson: “So what is modern classic to you? For me it's very straightforward. It's very easy. It carry a meaning and inspire the one who making it or even drinking it.”
• Bunny: “She shared with me the greatest isn't about winning or losing. It's not who you are, where you from. It's about constantly believe in yourself, focus, show pride in your daily life.”

Technical Terms:

• FnB: Food and Beverage industry.
• Hawker: A street food vendor, common in Singapore.
• Negroni: A classic Italian cocktail made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
• Fogra Mousse: A type of mousse, likely referring to a specific flavor or preparation method.
• Tankeray No. 10: A specific brand of gin.
• Chartreuse: A French herbal liqueur.

Conclusion:

The transcript paints a compelling picture of Side Door as a bar built on passion, personal connection, and a commitment to providing a holistic guest experience. Tricson’s journey to the World Class competition is not just about crafting exceptional cocktails; it’s about storytelling, presentation, and representing his country with pride. The support of his wife, Bunny, and mentor, Peter Chua, underscores the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in achieving ambitious goals. The narrative ultimately celebrates the power of pursuing one’s passion and the enduring legacy of dedication and self-belief.