Stephanie Rocard: 2012 Bar Personality of the Year
Lady Stephanie of Mao Mao Chong was crowned the readers’ favorite at our recent awards bash. We caught up with her to hear about her journey thus far and what she’s planning for the future.
On getting into the bar industry
When we first moved to Beijing, we set up a T-shirt shop. Then we moved to another location, selling T-shirts and drinks, because having a place you can shop, drink and eat has long been my dream.
On Mao Mao Chong’s evolution
My husband Stephen is the artist; I’ve been focusing on drinks since the day we opened. The success of our first infused vodka at Wudaoying led us to expand. We slowly stopped selling our T-shirts, and began to focus more on infusions and creative cocktails. It’s like an addiction – once you start creating, you can’t stop.
On the future
Being a bartender or mixologist was not my first choice of work, but surprisingly, I enjoy it very much. I have my own business now, and with the experience I have gained, I might become a consultant or a brand ambassador in the future.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would like to be able to say “no” to people at the right time and in the right circumstances.
On being considered a cocktail expert
I think I’m more of an adventurer. I love creating something new and interesting. But being called a cocktail expert means I’m doing something right. Especially given that I don’t drink – I only taste drinks.
What do you think when someone returns one of your cocktails?
I think that they have no taste.
What is the best infused vodka you guys carry?
Alien fetus disguised as ginseng roots.
Gin vs. vodka. Who would win in a tug-o-war?
Gin is an English-made spirit, vodka is Russian-made. I always support the underdog.
Lions or tigers?
A tiger, because women are tigers.
How many people does it take to find Mao Mao Chong?
If there are hipsters, one or two. If there are no hipsters, five or ten.
Click here to see the June issue of the Beijinger in full.
Photo: Judy Zhou
