5 Things with Bar Manager Ariana Vitale

5 Things About Ariana Vitale

BAR MANAGER AT ABIGAIL HALL, PORTLAND, OR

Since its opening in 2018, Abigail Hall in Downtown Portland has become a local favorite for its cocktail program, food, and atmosphere. Bar Manager, Ariana Vitale, brings her creativity to the menu with light and lively drinks inspired by the history of the location and the seasons.

ARIANA STARTED AS A BARISTA.

I started working in coffee and figured if I could do that quickly and efficiently, I could probably make cocktails and make more money. What inspired me to continue bartending is the constant surprise of what I learned about the food and beverage industry, the camaraderie, the creativity, the lifestyle.

HER BEVERAGE PROGRAM IS ALL ABOUT FUN.

Our menu takes you on a journey from light and refreshing, to cheeky and whimsical, and finishes strong and flavorful. I also love playing with colors. Lining the cocktails up, they create a rainbow. It’s one of my favorite menus I’ve created.

ARIANA KNOWS THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPACT.

Think about every element. You want a range of spirits, glassware, technique, style, and color. You want something for every kind of drinker. The drink that may scare people the most when they read it, should be the coolest looking drink to go to the table.

ARIANA BELIEVES GOOD TOOLS MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Buy your bar tools where bartenders buy their bar tools. Cocktail Kingdom, Barfly, Bull in China. Don’t forget a muddler. Practice stirring and shaking at the same time to really impress your friends. Use a latte foamer for Ramos Gin Fizzes. It’s a game changer!

ARIANA LOVES THE HISTORY OF WHERE SHE WORKS.

Abigail Hall pays homage to femininity and history through comfortable yet beautiful design. The 40-seat living room style bar is located in the original library and Ladies Reception Hall of the former Cornelius Hotel. We like to imagine it’s the very sitting room and gathering place where the suffragettes of Abigail Duniway’s time convened and conspired. In the beautiful space you can take in the design, lose yourself in the music, and enjoy the drinks.