El Che Bar & La Sirena Clandestina Nab New Beverage Directors

Weeks away from opening day, El Che Bar has locked in a beverage director. The forthcoming Argentinian-inspired restaurant has lured Bill Anderson away from the suburbs. Anderson spent the past three years overseeing the beverage program at Paul Virant's Vie in Western Springs.

Anderson's list in the West Loop will be heavily influenced by the restaurant's open hearth, with cocktails featuring smoke, fire, and ash elements. Drinks will also rely on South American spirits, including mezcal, cachaça, and pisco to mirror chef John Manion's food menu.

Meanwhile at The Mermaid Shack, AKA La Sirena Clandestina, Jessica Tessendorf has taken over as beverage director. She replaces Anthony Mitchell, who ran the program for the past year and recently took up residence behind the bar at Revel Room.