From Argentina to Bahrain: When Tato Giovannoni Starred at Brasero Atlántico’s Negroni Week

Brasero Atlántico recently welcomed renowned Argentine hotelier and mixologist Tato Giovannoni to Bahrain for a special Negroni Week celebration. The talented bartender from Florería Atlántico, one of the world’s 50 best bars in Buenos Aires, brought his expertise to the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, mixing delectable drinks and creating an unforgettable atmosphere for guests.

Argentine hospitality has always been shaped by cultural fusion, immigrant influence, and indigenous traditions. It’s a way of life, really. Giovannoni embraces this philosophy, transforming every guest experience into something memorable.

While he was creating magic behind the bar at Brasero Atlántico, we caught up with him for an exclusive chat about honouring his roots and why guests should always come first.

What’s one thing about Argentine hospitality culture that you made sure guests at Brasero Atlántico experienced during your Negroni Week visit?

Argentine hospitality is very warm. I believe it has to do with who we are and how we mix culturally with the influence of immigration and native communities. I wanted to showcase a little bit of who we are as Argentines, and how much we – those of us in this industry – love giving our guests a little escape from their daily routines.

Can you tell us a little about how bartending, as a craft, has evolved since you started?

It’s changed enormously: new techniques, new equipment, bringing several things from the kitchen to the bar. There are many new spirits and small producers, as well as in-house distillations and infusions. But I think in some cases, some bars and bartenders have forgotten about our guests and put their egos first.

Evolution is good when it comes to technology and techniques, but never when it distances us from our guests. I don’t like bars that don’t allow people to sit at the bar or bartenders who don’t interact with the people who visit. We should never forget that we’re here to make guests happy, to bring them joy.

Florería Atlántico, which you own back in Buenos Aires, is recognised as one of the world’s 50 best bars. What makes a bar or restaurant, in your opinion, truly special?

The people – staff working together as a group, as a family, united. That’s what makes the place special. The way they devote their lives to bringing joy to guests. Good drinks, good music, and good food are easy to find. You can have a great concept, but if you also have that human quality – putting your ego aside and giving your best every day to create a space where all guests, no matter who they are, feel at the same level – then you’re creating something special.

Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry?

I admire many people in this industry, but my biggest inspirations come from my childhood. The waiters, chefs, cooks, runners, and dishwashers who worked for my father for more than 30 years in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. This industry gave them a profession. Many came from very humble places, loved what they did, and left everything aside every day to share love through their hospitality.

What’s the one question about your craft that no one ever asks, but you wish they would?

No one ever asks us about the journey or takes the time to understand how we got here.