Capella Kyoto's Bar & Night Dining 'Yoi' Introduces New Cocktails to Color the Kyoto Night

At 'Yoi,' the bar and night dining venue at Capella Kyoto (located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto; General Manager: John Blanco), new drinks that reinterpret classic cocktails for the modern era are now available. Guests can enjoy delicate drinks focused on aroma and lingering finish, paired with Japanese cuisine using seasonal ingredients, offering a special moment to savor the Kyoto night. The cocktails are produced by Mixology Director Mario La Pietra, who has led bar culture in renowned bars worldwide. His cocktails are inspired by the philosophy of 'Accidental Variations of Greatness (AVG).' This approach does not view cocktails as fixed, perfect forms from the start, but rather as refined structures that are polished through subtle adjustments and intentional changes. For instance, the 'O.G.O.F.' cocktail uses miso caramel instead of traditional sweeteners in an Old Fashioned, incorporating nuances of fermentation and grains. This philosophy is rooted in the Japanese spirit of 'Wabi-Sabi,' finding beauty in imperfection and subtle shifts. By leaving calculated 'negative space' within precise structures, the cocktails gain a living expression. The collection is categorized into five groups, each priced at 2,800 yen (tax and service charge included). Mario La Pietra, born in Southern Italy, brings his global experience to Kyoto, creating a unique experience for guests. The food menu focuses on local Kyoto ingredients, reflecting the changing seasons. 'Yoi' inherits the memories of the building, which was once a primary school, offering a space where nostalgia and sophistication coexist.