M'tucci's Bartenders in the Finals
/For the past few years, the 505 Food Fights has raised thousands of dollars for local charities, while providing local chefs and bartenders a chance to show their creative skills. After several months of competition, the finals will be held at Sobremesa at 6:00 on Monday, October 7.
The M’tucci’s family is pretty excited to have two of their bartenders in the 3-person finals, Ashley (Addy Nicole) and Jake. Ashely has been with M’tucci’s since she was 16 and Jake recently joined our management team.
Addy Nicole - “My name is Ashley, but I commonly go by Addy. I've been working with M'tucci's for the past 11 years, almost since they opened. I started when I was 16, working as a hostess and server and became a bartender when I turned 21.
Since then, I've grown to love bartending & mixology very much. I was very fortunate to learn from some of the best. Trey & Joe, former bartenders at M’tucci’s Italian, were just a few who mentored me. They cultivated the passion that I now have for mixology. I also learned quite a bit from Arcy, who is now a partner at Teddy Roe’s, during his time at Italian.
My favorite bar is Death & Co. This bar has published a series of books that also helped cultivate my love for bartending. When I first started out, close friends gave me these books and they taught me a lot in my journey.
Though I can create some pretty tasty cocktails, when it comes to what I drink, I tend to keep it simple. My personal go-to drink is usually a beer (specifically IPA - La Cumbre’s Elevated and Ex Novo’s Mass Ascension) or a good dirty martini.”
Jake Robertson - Born and raised in Grand Junction, Colorado, Jake Robertson has dedicated over half of his life to the Food & Beverage industry. He began his journey at 16 as a Server’s Assistant, where his interest in the bar scene quickly grew. Jake often stayed late to assist bartenders, earning extra money and gaining valuable experience.
At 18, he moved to Austin, Texas, to pursue a career in music. As a touring musician, he explored diverse demographics across the country, experiencing a variety of cocktails and dishes. After a few years in the music industry, Jake returned to his true passion: the Food & Beverage industry.
Jake has opened numerous restaurants, designing their programs and menus in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. He also offers “Bar & Restaurant Rescues,” helping smaller businesses succeed. His expertise has earned him features on John Taffer’s Bar Rescue podcast and multiple awards, including “Top 5 Best Craft Cocktails,” “Best Old Fashioned,” and “Best New Restaurant” of 2022 and 2023, as well as “Top 5 Best Bartender” in 2023 by Albuquerque the Magazine in their “Best of the City” issue.
His passion for the Food & Beverage industry is unwavering, and he is excited to join the M’tucci’s family. After moving to New Mexico, he met his fiancée and best friend, Jennifer Rose, while working in the industry. Together, they enjoy attending concerts, comedy shows, traveling, and watching movies or TV shows. Jake loves playing music with his band, golfing, sports, and spending time with friends, family, and his two dogs, Samson and Delilah.
Addy Nicole at Hollow Spirits working with Pumpkin Vodka and Caramel for her semi-Final win in September
M’tucci’s Vice-President and architect of M’tucci’s Cocktail Program, Austin Leard commented about Addy Nicole’s and Jake’s strengths as bartenders:
“Ashley has absorbed the intricate details of craft bar culture over the years at M'tucci's and possesses a natural creative ability.
Jake has a natural ability to understand what a guest is looking for and able to make a proper recommendation for just about any palate.”
The entrance fee for the finals is $20 per person, which goes to Monday night’s charity, The Phoenix Affect.
Weekend Specials
M’tucci’s Italian
Crab/Ricotta Filled Ravioli - Lobster, Heirloom Tomatoes Medley, Capers, Spinach, Lemon Cream Sauce, Saffron Bread Crumbs $29
24 oz. Porterhouse - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Lemon, Balsamic Reduction $43
Pan-Seared Bronzino - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Grilled Artichokes, Lemon Caper Sauce $36
Porcini Braised Flank Steak - Black Truffle Gnocchi, Lion Mane Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Kale $27
Weekend Cocktail
Blackberry Barrell - M’tucci’s Barrell Bourbon, Peach Torani, Fresh Lemon Juice, Muddled Blackberries
M’tucci’s Moderno
24 oz. Porterhouse - Crispy Salt Water Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Italian Salsa Verde $43
Pan-Seared Corvina - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Broccolini, Roasted Artichokes, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce, Prosciutto Powder $35
Herb Roasted Chicken - Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Mushrooms, Red Onions, Capers, Red Wine Marinara Sauce $25
Weekend Cocktail
Blueberry Gin Sour - Bulldog Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Blueberry Simple Syrup, Egg White
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five
Red Wine Braised Lamb Lollipops - Polenta, Citrus Dressed Arugula, Hummus $39
Pan-Seared Ono - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Zucchini, Artichoke Hearts, Lemon Caper Butter Sauce $33
8 oz. Picaña - Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Creamy Horseradish Remoulade $33
Weekend Cocktail
The Big Apple - George Dickel Bourbon 8 yr., Cinnamon Simple Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Egg White, Apple Bitters, Malbec Red Wine float
M’tucci’s Bar Roma
Pan-Seared Ruby Trout - Garlic Whipped Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Arugula, Capers, Roasted Artichokes, Lemon Butter Sauce $27
Guance di Maiale - Milk-Braised Pork Cheeks, Acorn Squash, Farro Risotto, Cacio Cream Sauce $27
Weekend Cocktail
In The Mangroves - Prichard’s Rum, Mango Cardamom Shrub, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Club Soda Splash
Live Music for October
M’tucci’s Bar Roma - 6:30pm Wednesday & Noon Sunday
10/6 Melissa Rios
10/9 Cali Shaw
10/13 Michael Rascon
10/16 Shane Wallin
10/20 RJ Perez
10/23 Robb Janov
10/27 Eryn Bent
10/30 Myles Chavez
M’tucci’s Moderno - 6:30 Thursday & 7:30 Friday
10/4 Gilbert Uribe
10/10 Shane Wallin
10/11 Melissa Rios
10/17 Matt Jones
10/18 Eryn Bent
10/24 TBD
10/25 Robb Janov
10/31 Halloween no Music
M’tucci’s Twenty-Five - 6:30 Thursday & 7:30 Friday
10/4 Robb Janov
10/10 Cali Shaw
10/11 Matt Jones
10/17 Shane Wallin
10/18 RJ Perez
10/24 Johnny Lloyd
10/25 Myles Chavez
10/31 Halloween No music
Thanks for reading. See you next Friday. Ciao!
