过年How?: Spontaneous Destinations and the Importance of Water With Keith Motsi From Equis
We quiz some long-term Beijingers on how they intend to spend this year's Chinese New Year and hopefully uncover some horror stories along the way. 过年 How, y'all?
Keith Motsi is a face and the personality to remember. He's built quite the following for himself in the short time he's been heading Four Season's sprawling Equis bar, thanks to his instantly recognizable red blazer, warm hospitality, and of course, some lethal mixing skills. Those finely tuned dabblings in cocktail making were instrumental in helping him and his team win DRiNK Magazine's Hotel Bar of the Year Award 2018. Here, we quiz the drinkmaster about his various Spring Festival adventures and spirits.
What's your full name and where are you from?
Keith Motsi from the United Kingdom. England, Yorkshire to be precise. God's own country!
What does your average CNY entail? Where are you headed this year?
My first Chinese New Year was last year, so I did not really know what to expect. I was in London, UK, and Paris for most of it. This year it will be Cambodia or Bangkok, depending on which destination I settle on once I arrive at the Capital Airport. I enjoy making spontaneous decisions. Planning is way overrated.
Tell us about a particular CNY nightmare that you've encountered.
You hear stories on how hectic and chaotic it is to travel during the CNY period but last year I wasnʼt prepared for the actual scale of how crazy the airport was going to be. It was way worse than the London Underground during rush hour. I always imagined thatʼs what hell is like but it was much worse. However, credit to the amazing airport staff at the Capital Airport. How they managed to keep the whole thing moving with such huge volumes of traffic is beyond me.
Which dishes do you particularly look forward to gorging on every year?
I enjoy all the food. Most importantly, I like to save enough space for a drink.
What are three tips for avoiding the excesses of eating and drinking that CNY is defined by?
All I will say is drink lots of water. A little excess is allowed once in a while so I say go for it. Three tips: drink, eat, sleep (repeat!).
How do you deflect awkward family questions?
Just be polite and smile or always know at least one silly story on everyone attending the gathering so you have something to counter it with.
When are you getting married?
Marriage is overrated, happiness is not. Whatever makes one happy.
What are you going to spend your hongbao haul on?
Hongbao haul? Oh, snap what is that? Red envelope Iʼm assuming? I havenʼt received any yet...
Do you think this year's New Year Gala will include: racism, sexism, ageism, or all of the above?
That is why these galas happen once in while, so enjoy it and drown out the negatives... I say put your phone down, find that one cool crazy aunt/uncle, sit back listen to their stories, and enjoy.
What do you predict the Year of the Pig holds for you?
Happiness, good health, and success to me and all my beloved ones. Every year is our year. Everyone should embrace being alive, every day is a blessing.
Get to know Keith better over a drink, with this Q&A.
More by this author here.
Email: tautviledaugelaite@thebeijinger.com
Images: Uni You, courtesy of Keith Motsi
