Del Ray Alexandria bartender hoping for local support in 'Bar Boss' competition

Whether he’s constructing a unique dish or using his understanding of flavors to mix an incredible drink, mixologist Aung Pyae Sone—or “Kelvin,” as he’s more commonly known to friends and regulars at the restaurant—is tapping into his innate creativity and desire to make something unforgettable. “I am truly grateful and happy that I am able to connect and give people awe-inspiring experiences while mastering my crafts,” he says.

For Kelvin, life “off the clock” looks much like his time at work, as his passion for cooking and mixing drinks began early and has never waned. “I’ve always hoped to have my own business in the future, so I keep polishing my skills and making new connections,” he notes.
 
Originally from Yangon, Myanmar, Kelvin came to Chico, California, in pursuit of education. Life took him to New York and then to his first service industry job in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After a couple of months, he moved to DC to train to become a sushi chef and eventually found his way to KaiZen Tavern (now Zuki Moon) in Alexandria, where he later became head sushi chef. “From there, I kept making a lot of connections with so many awesome and talented individuals,” he says.
 
Someone who stays cool under pressure, it’s little wonder that navigating a new country alone did nothing to dampen Kelvin’s determination to succeed. “I took a train alone when I left California and it took me almost five days to get to New York,” he says. “It was a bizarre experience for me. I met many kinds of people and I had a lot of fun on the train. We had so many stops and I was able to see so many cities along the way. It is still worth so much to me.

Kelvin saw the national Bar Boss competition on social media and knew he had to enter. Having been accepted as a competitor, he is now asking for community support.

Voting for the competition is aready underway! Links to vote will be posted on the Zuki Moon Facebook and Instagram pages.

Kelvin says that people can vote twice per day throughout the competition.

You decide who will be the Bar Boss, win $10,000 and the cover of Bartender Magazine. It only take a few moments to vote, but it could change this local bartender’s life forever!

When asked what he would do with the $10,000 prize, Kelvin says, “I would use the winnings it to create a new cocktail line / program showcasing Asian flavors, there are so many unusual and unique ingredients from the lychee flavors of rambutan to the smelliest notes of durian fruit. I would really promote my home, Myanmar and the cultures of Asian countries. There’s always more to learn which brings us closer together.”