Groupe Barroco’s Kate Boushel and Atwater Cocktail Club Finalists in 17th Annual Spirited Awards

Groupe Barroco, the Montreal-based hospitality group known for their eclectic mix of restaurant and bar concepts, has been named a finalist in three categories of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s 17th annual Spirited Awards:

• International Bartender of the Year – Director of Beverage and Education Kate Boushel 
• Best International Bar Team – Atwater Cocktail Club
• Best International Cocktail Bar – Atwater Cocktail Club

In partnership with Forbes, the Spirited Awards official media partner, TOTCF will honor recipients during the Tales of the Cocktail conference, which is celebrating its 21st year in New Orleans from July 23-28, 2023.

About Groupe Barroco

Groupe Barroco is a Montreal-based hospitality group fueled by a passion for food, cocktails and creating unique environments rooted in innovation and an unmatched dedication for hosting. Founded in 2008, Barroco Groupe has evolved from a single fine dining restaurant (Barroco Restaurant) to three distinct culinary concepts, two award-winning cocktail bars and their latest project, a new dive bar. As singular as each concept is, the common thread of their establishments is the consistent care to prepare their dishes and cocktails in an optimal manner by hand picking the best ingredients and the most professional employees in an ideal hospitality scenario 7 days a week. Furthering Barroco’s vision is a team of culinary and beverage all stars.

Founded by Roberto Porres and Christophe Beaudoin Vallières, Barroco Group is powered by a passion for food, music, wine, design and beautiful moments. French-native Chef Jeremie Falissard leads Barroco’s culinary vision and can be seen on the current season of Top Chef France which aired earlier this month. Falissard recently tapped Paris transplant, chef Clement Girodengo, most recently at Michelin-starred Septime and Michelin-starred Auberge Paul Bocuse to take the reins alongside him as Barroco continues to grow.

About Kate Boushel

Based in Montreal, Boushel has been the leading force behind Groupe Barroco’s award-winning bar concepts including Milky Way Cocktail Club, Bon Delire and Atwater Cocktail Club. Most recently, Kate and her team were recognized at the World’s 50 Best Awards in San Miguel de Allende which ranked Atwater Cocktail Club as #32 in the North American category. She has led Group Barroco’s cocktail vision and has participated in competitions across the globe including Marie Brizard Masters, Diageo World Glass and Bombay’s Most Imaginative Bartender, among others.

She has been named Bartender of the Year at Les Lauriers de la Gastronomie Quebecoise and a Top 10 nominee for International Bartender of the year at Tales of the Cocktail. She is a champion of female leaders in the hospitality community and strives to give back to build the next generation of leaders through mentorship. fundraising and knowledge sharing. While she stays busy, she can’t give up her love of connecting with her guests and is frequently found mixing it up behind the bar at Atwater, Milky Way and Bon Delire.

About Atwater Cocktail Club

Located in Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighborhood, Atwater Cocktail Club is a speakeasy-style bar where creativity, authenticity & hospitality converge. Tucked behind Foiegwa (another Groupe Barroco outpost) and through an unassuming alleyway, ACC greets visitors with moody lighting and understated opulence which compliments the unique selection of cocktails in the spirit of simplicity, using only the highest quality ingredients, housemade syrups and handpicked spirits.

About Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization that Educates, Advances, and Supports the global hospitality industry and creates a lasting impact in its host communities. TOTCF is the global leader in spirits education and a platform that tackles critical issues and topics facing the cocktail community. This year, TOTCF hosts its 21-year anniversary Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) conference in New Orleans from July 23-28, 2023, and celebrates the theme Vitalize.