Graziella Nieto triumphs as Bartender of the Year

Okku Dubai mixologist Graziella Nieto was crowned Bartender of the Year at the Caterer Middle East Awards last night.

Nieto was commended by judges for her ambition in her career and was recognised by Okku for the training and integration of junior members of staff.

Commenting on her win, Nieto said:”I feel absolutely overwhelmed. It is unbelievable."

She beat off competition from numerous entrants, including five shortlisted candidates — all of whom were praised for their contribution to the industry.

Usually when you talk about bartenders they are a mixologist or they are a flair bartender. Doing both at the same time is probably what sets me apart," she added.

The highly commended positions went to Nenad Stanojkovic-Romeo from Cavalli Club, Restaurant and Lounge in Dubai and Joseph Mijares from Fairmont Dubai.