Today we’d like to introduce you to David Silva
Hi David, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Been working in the service industry as soon as I was 15 years old. Got into more hospitality and understanding the skills of multitasking by working in Orlando, Fl at Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe. Barback to bartender, then working at Joes crab shack before departing to exceed my travels to Philadelphia.
Joined Max Brenner, a dessert establishment with restaurant food and drinks which got popular in the tourist eyes. Bartending and leading this position with my work flow, I started desires to make drinks that nobody has done. I realized I have not even begun to enter the world of mixology.
Working for a few more years I stumbled upon a speakeasy named The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co. This cocktail bar took me in under their wings and I grew my library of drink history. This is where I gained the confidence and starting experience to work at fun leveled, fast paced and innovative bars.
Eventually moved to New York where my experience allowed me to open The Dumbo House (soho house associated). Short time at the program I found a more fast style bar for my liking. In Chelsea a speakeasy named Bathub Gin was a solid ground to network and grow my connections in the NYC community. A year and some I traveled to London and learn about Distillery work, Puerto rico and traveled to follow eventful places.
A few more bars encouraged me to grow; Barely Disfigured, Cafe de L’Enfer invested Amor y Amargo and now in Austin Small Victory and Drinkwell. Both Austin bars carry heavy cocktail influence in the city and gave me the opportunity to find new paths.
Now I was found by this hidden gem Eden Cocktail Room and its team which have allowed me to run a solid cocktail program and format for the crew to also grow from. This includes structure, discipline and self learning for creating their own style drinks to be expressive. I hope to expand the bar to make it as curative as it was when it first opened. It’s an exciting time to make new things happen!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not entirely. With the pandemic, change in cities and atmosphere, having a new born baby and reprogramming a schedule for my in and out of work. Austin is still a growing spot for more to come. Being tired and sick is not an option anymore.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love bringing old school methods to life. I will find something or create things maybe you’ve never heard of. Or have you try something you thought wouldn’t go well together. To be creative doesn’t exactly mean complex, but to find the obvious just from a different point of view. Fun things can last if we put them in new places.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Growing up I loved playing dodge ball. I was not tall or large. But skinny and agile. This gave me the upperhand with my quickness and also gave me moments to think, observe and coordinate my next initial move. Just like behind the bar, multi-taking is a big go-getter. It gives an edge on those working with multiple drinks or tasks that guests are watching you to perform. I was a quick kid with slick moves. I don’t think those left me just yet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.edencocktailroom.com/
- Instagram: Edencocktailroom
Image Credits
Jeremy Andre, Olivia Delmore, Lizzie, Adrian, Samantha, Aidan Loughran, Franklin Bar, Barely Disfigured
