RAISING THE BAR @ CULINARY CONFIDENTIAL
Season Two of CULINARY CONFIDENTIAL begins this Sunday, September 28th at 9pm on AM 970: The Answer, and it opens with a story that’s shaken the cocktail world to its core. The world’s best bar isn’t in London or New York—it’s tucked behind an unmarked door in Mexico City’s Colonia Juárez. It’s called HANDSHAKE SPEAKEASY, and it’s not just a bar. It’s a revelation.
For the premiere, host Christina Cates sits down with two of the minds behind this extraordinary establishment: Rodrigo Urraca, co-founder and architect of the experience, and Javier Rodriguez, the head bartender whose creations have redefined what a cocktail can be.
Rodrigo Urraca is no stranger to the art of hospitality. With a background in business and a deep appreciation for design, he envisioned Handshake Speakeasy as more than a place to drink—it’s a place to feel. His approach to building the bar was rooted in storytelling, in crafting an environment where every detail, from the lighting to the glassware, contributes to a narrative of elegance and surprise. Under his leadership, Handshake Speakeasy has risen from local secret to global sensation, earning top honors from The World’s 50 Best Bars and becoming a pilgrimage site for cocktail lovers around the world.
Javier Rodriguez, meanwhile, is the alchemist behind the bar. His cocktails are not just drinks—they’re performances, experiments, and emotional experiences. Drawing on culinary science and rare ingredients, Javier’s menu includes creations like clarified milk punches infused with obscure botanicals, and smoked negronis served in custom vessels. His work has been featured in international publications and praised for its precision, creativity, and soul. Javier doesn’t just mix drinks—he composes them, each one a reflection of his belief that technique is the canvas, and emotion is the paint.
Together, Rodrigo and Javier have built a bar that earned its title through more than just taste. Handshake Speakeasy was voted the world’s best by over 700 drink experts, thanks to its innovation, hospitality, and consistency. It’s a place where rare spirits meet lab-based techniques, where every guest is treated like a regular, and where the cocktail menu evolves with the seasons, inspired by art, science, and culture.
Guiding this conversation is Christina Cates, host of CULINARY CONFIDENTIAL and a seasoned voice in the world of food and hospitality. Christina brings a rare blend of curiosity, warmth, and insight to every interview. With over two decades of experience in the food-service industry, interacting with chefs, bartenders, and restaurateurs across the globe, she’s known for drawing out the stories behind the craft. Her interviews are less about technique and more about the people—their passions, their struggles, and the moments that shaped them. CULINARY CONFIDENTIAL is her brainchild: a show that explores the intersection of flavor and identity, where every dish and drink becomes a window into culture, creativity, and connection.
This Sunday, Christina invites listeners behind the velvet curtain. How did a hidden lounge in Mexico City rise to global prominence? What does it take to build a bar that’s not just good, but unforgettable? And what’s next for the team that’s already conquered the summit?
CULINARY CONFIDENTIAL returns with a deeper lens on the people who shape what we eat and drink. This season promises intimate conversations with chefs, bartenders, and culinary thinkers who are pushing boundaries and telling stories through flavor. The premiere sets the tone: bold, thoughtful, and unforgettable.
Tune in. Raise a glass. And discover the magic behind the world’s best bar.
To stream the show, or to catch a replay, visit: https://culinaryconfidentialchristina.com/
This isn’t just an anniversary — it’s the start of something exceedingly delicious!
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