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cover art for Masters of the Art of Bartending - Ron Wolf and Mike DeSimone

The Raw Hospitality Show

Masters of the Art of Bartending - Ron Wolf and Mike DeSimone

Season 1, Ep. 6

Today I am joined by this dynamic duo - the ever inspiring, utterly charismatic, true professionals of hospitality - Mike DeSimone & Ron Wolf.


These are the guys behind the bar at the legendary (and infamous) Sparks Steak House in Midtown Manhattan. For those who have never heard of it, Sparks was founded in 1966 and is famously the spot where mobster Paul Castellano was gunned down outside its entrance in 1985.  Nowadays it’s a far more civilized affair, with a loyal customer base, welcoming people from all over the world and renowned for serving some of the best steak in town, having an unrivaled wine list and they also make a mean Martini (or whatever your favorite tipple is).


Hailing from Australia and Staten Island, these guys fell into hospitality and have made it an absolute art form.  Their passion, camaraderie and teamwork oozes from them, ensuring that anyone who steps into the place is treated the same and made to feel special.


Aside from mastering mixology and customer relationships, these guys have seen it all, from 9/11, the GFC, Hurricane Sandy and now COVID, we talk about the impact these have had on the hospitality industry and their point of view on the future. 


It’s a highly engaging, feel good chat, so sit back and enjoy the wisdom of these guys.


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