The Yum List chats with Mark Jacob, mixologist at Fu Luck Bar in TREC KL about how he got into the industry and discovers some interesting stories from behind the scenes.
What do you do and how did you get into the industry?
I was managing a block of apartments for my mum’s business when a friend asked me to try out the F&B sector. I did and I still enjoy it very much up to this day. It was something new to me then but I could learn so much from it. I have been in the F&B sector for seven years now and this is my career.
What’s the best/ worst part of your job?
The best part of my job is making people happy and seeing them smile, especially when they first enter the bar looking forlorn. I enjoy making them drunk, too, all in the name of fun!
The worst is getting my fingers cut by a knife and broken glasses in a dimly-lit environment when I first started out as a bar back washing glasses.
What’s your favourite drink at Fu Luck Bar?
My favourite drink is Hocus Pocus and it is one of my creations. It’s so refreshing, sweet & sour, too. It comes with a cute biscuit for presentation.
What’s one of the funniest/ most outrageous things you’ve seen behind the scenes at the bar?
I once saw three of my bartenders freaking out because there were 300 people and most of them had ordered cocktails. They were overwhelmed by the orders. I was still pretty calm and collected. We had to raise our voices when talking to each other because the place was too noisy and we couldn’t hear ourselves. Proud to say, no complaints that night, and every customer left happy or wasted. Or both!
The perfect day off…
… would be simply doing nothing. I just really enjoy me-time.
A day in the life…
… behind the bar is awesome.
What do you do for fun?
I like to play extreme sports – skateboard, biking and sometimes I go train up in boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai.
What’s something you’d like guests to know about Fu Luck Bar?
Fu Luck Bar is a KL’s authentic vintage-themed bar where people can walk down memory lane, have a good time with friends, drink, listen to music and play drinking games.
What’s your favourite food and cocktail pairing?
Salted Egg Sotong & My Fair Lady, and they taste good on their own, too.
What’s your view on the bar scene in KL?
The cocktail scene in KL is thriving and mixologists are coming up with some really good creations as well as re-creating interesting classics too. There is also a shift in cocktail appreciation where we see more younger adults enjoying the cocktail culture and movement. There is a healthy growth in the number of cocktail bars that have sprung up in KL in recent years, to cater to a wider audience.
What’s in store for you in the upcoming months?
Prepping more new cocktails for Fu Luck Bar, and that’s the exciting part for me.
Me too! My perfect day, simply doing nothing! LOL!!!
Love these interviews. Have a great day Diane
Interesting interview. A life of a mixologist. I didn’t know there is such word but I learnt something new here.
As usual very interesting! Thanks a lot for sharing)
salted egg sotong! Damn I miss it so much.
Great interview with Mark who definitely sounds like he enjoys what he does! I love the concentration on his face that you’ve captured here!! Whenever I do nothing, it seems like the day goes by at 100 mph. 🙂