Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel Mora.
Miguel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Arizona. Grew up around Central/West Phoenix during high school and Scottsdale during my early twenties (Currently living in Arcadia.) Started working in Hospitality when I was 18, from there I changed jobs a few times. I even worked in a Tattoo Shop (on and off) for a few years. But I always found myself coming back to Food and Beverage. I got my start in serving in 2011 at a Mexican restaurant in Old Town, where I learned the art of Bartending. I had many mentors over the years, but Colton Brock (Ladera Taverna y Cocina ) and Jared Putterman really took the time to show me the patience and creativity behind the craft.
From there I worked at a few different bars around Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix. I’ve done everything from high volume bartending to dive bar classics. But crafting and creating is something I’ve always been obsessed with. My most recent projects include Straight Up Cocktail Lounge at Hotel Adeline in Scottsdale and Maple & Ash in Old Town. Each place I’ve worked at has taught me more about the craft I love so much, and I try to take a little bit of each place with me wherever I go. Currently, I’m the Bar Manager at Vecina in Arcadia (56th st. and Indian School.)
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would say I’m very lucky with all of the opportunities I’ve come across in my career. The people I’ve met and the places this profession has taken me is only getting better. But the road to get here was definitely rocky. There were a lot of challenges along the way, and in order to get past them, I had to take all of the knowledge I gained from my previous gigs and apply them towards the problem at hand. I always found a solution, and when I didn’t, I asked. The one thing I would say helped me in all of those rocky situations was that I wasn’t afraid to ask for help. Nobody can do everything alone, so when you work in a bar, it’s like you have a new family.
Looking back, I would say I went through a lot to get here, and it was definitely worth it.
Vecina – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The restaurant I work at is called Vecina, its located in the heart of Arcadia. We’re a Modern American kitchen with Latin inspiration. We’re a small kitchen but we hold a high standard when it comes to ingredients, flavors, and presentation. The same goes for our cocktails. Virtually everything we make is from scratch, including our bar ingredients.
I’m the Bar Manager for the company and I curated our current cocktail menu. Right now, I would say we’re mostly known for delivering great food… I say that in the context of, you rarely come to a restaurant anymore that isn’t trying to do something different or off the wall. Our food and cocktails are simple yet complex in both flavor and presentation. But one thing is certain, you can taste the quality in both food and drink and leave with a full belly and a happy heart. I think the entire experience is what we’re known for. I also think that’s what sets us apart from other places, is that we’re not trying to be anything other than what we serve. Great food, Great drinks, Great Service. Vecina is just a great place to be.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, success is all about personal happiness. Find something you want to succeed in, and take that as far as you can. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a job, but a hobby. True success can only come in the form of personal happiness, everything else will fall into place as it should.
My criteria is to set an annual goal for yourself, whether it be big or small. Give yourself something to look forward to at the end of the year. But during that year, find smaller goals to achieve during the month. Not every goal has to be life-changing, but you always want to make sure you’re moving forward. Never set impossible goals either, you know yourself, set believable goals to not discourage yourself. You can do this!
Contact Info:
- Address: 3433 N. 56th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85018 - Website: www.vecinaphx.com
- Phone: 602-675-2000
- Instagram: @miguel.phx @vecinaphx
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/gTKg/6xl3HhWdL1
Image Credit:
Profile Photo Credit: Movement Visuals
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