The Tao Of Ezra

THE PANORAMICALLY ACCLAIMED BAR-OWNER/TENDER EZRA STAR REFLECTS ON HER DESTINY.

- INDRAN PARAMASIVAM

BARTENDERS ARE some of my favourite people. The best amongst them do not merely know their way around the spectrum of alcohol and how to harness the power of all its constituents—they also know how to embrace you into their sanctum. Strangers have become confidantes just by me crossing the threshold of a bar for the first time and ordering a Paloma. The physics of those relationships have become an everyday reality for me, but for Ezra Star, they give her life’s calling its sacrosanct power.

The bar owner, entrepreneur, and exemplar of upper-echelon mixology stands atop a slew of accolades, the most recent being her farm-to-glass bastion Mostly Harmless ranking 45th in Asia’s 50 Best Bars (2024). Despite this, her admirable sense of humanity remains within that glorious, hard-won arc.

In your eyes, what value do masterclasses and guest shifts hold?

The real value of a masterclass is in connecting with people who are interested in progressing their careers. I like using them as a way of offering initial inspiration for mentorship in whatever form that might be. When you’re starting out, it’s very challenging to figure out how to get to where you want to be. Having somebody who can show you what they’ve done and offer advice is extremely important. I can safely say that I’ve learnt something at every masterclass I’ve attended.

How does a biochemist come to have such an illustrious career in drinks and hospitality?