Here's a quick update to the story that Clint Rogers is leaving Henri and the Gage. The mixologist just told Eater that his last day there will be this Saturday and will then start work with Mindy Segal at the recently revamped Hot Chocolate on Tuesday June 5.
Rogers said he has loved working with owner Billy Lawless and chef Dirk Flanigan at Henri, but that he's ready to work on a more focused cocktail program. "I love where I'm at, but basically the crowd at Hot Chocolate is more geared toward pushing a cocktail program," Rogers said.
In his new role, he'll not only be behind the bar five nights a week, but will also be the beverage director and do all the beer and wine ordering. He'll get to know the clientele before introducing the new cocktails, but said the list will always have a rotating selection of house cocktails and classics or an interpretation of classics with six drinks in each section.
Rogers said he's really looking forward to is taking advantage of the restaurant's 2 a.m. license and making the newly expanded Hot Chocolate bar a late-night destination. "We're going to push the boundaries and want to make it a popular destination for dinner," he said, "but push it into an after-hours bar with a smaller food menu."
· Clint Rogers Leaves the Gage, Henri; Thomas Mooneyham Takes Over Bar Duties [~EChi~]
· Mindy Segal Opening Hot Chocolate Craft Food & Drink With a New Look and Philosophy Thursday [~EChi~]