Episode 70: Caitlin Doonan

Published: Feb. 5, 2014, 5:25 p.m.

b'Toro is located in the old Nabisco Factory (85 10th Avenue at 15th Street) and helmed by Co-Chef/Owners Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnett along with partners Doug Jacob and Will Malnati. South Chelseas incarnation of Bostons Barcelona-style tapas bar features an eclectic menu focusing on both traditional and modern tapas, combining regional Spanish flavors and techniques with local and market-fresh ingredients. The Spanish-focused beverage program from Caitlin Doonan features a cocktail menu with a dedicated section of Gin Tonic variations like Nuestra Casa with Oxley gin, allspice and pear and Atencion Gratuita with Bols Genever gin, thyme and lavender, sherry-centric cocktails like Sherry Julep with Amontillado sherry, cura\\xe7ao and mint, and others such as Verdad y Amor with tequila, hibiscus and ginger and the Rosaritas Fire with mezcal, pomegranate and cava. The wine list emphasizes Spain and the old world, with a focus on small producers and growers, and features an extensive sherry section. Additionally, seasonal sangrias are available on tap, along with a selection of beer. Caitlin began her career as an actress, but quickly found that her energy and passion were better suited for food and wine than for the stage. Caitlin trained under some of the biggest names in wine, including Theresa Paopao, former wine director at Momofuku. As the beverage manager for M\\xe1 P\\xeache, she designed the drinks component of Kappo, the restaurants renowned omakase menu, working alongside Paul Carmichael, to help earn the team at M\\xe1 P\\xeache a spot among Wine Enthusiasts Top 100 Wine Restaurants of 2013. After a stint at Bostons Market by Jean Georges, Caitlin was thrilled to join the team at Toro, where she focuses on varieties from Spain and the old world, with an emphasis on small producers and growers. This program has been sponsored by Many Kitchens. Todays music Todays music provided by Obey City. I think for so long people wrote off Spanish wine, so now people are saying no, were going to focus on quality not quantity. [19:15] Caitlin Doonan on In The Drink'