E29 Mary Palac

This week we are joined by Mary Palac from San Jose, California. Originally born in the Philippines, Mary along with her family, immigrated to the Bay Area of California in the 1980’s. Mary got her start in the Industry as the age of 15 when she started working in restaurants. She has been bartending for the last 12 years. Mary is a founding member and President of the Silicon Valley Chapter of The United States Bartender’s Guild. She is also an alumna of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Cocktail Apprentice Program ; Beverage Alcohol Resource 5 Day Program as well as Camp Runamok - a bartender Education Summer Camp in the heart of Bourbon Country as well as many other industry programs. Mary was the Season 7 Ms. Speed Rack California and 2 time BARMANIA Champion.

Mary’s recipes and views have been featured in several national publication, including Liquor.com, PUNCH, Saveur and USA Today. In 2020, Mary was named as a National Top 4 Honoree for American Bartender of the Year thought eh Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. In 2019, she was honored with a commendation from the City of San Jose for her contributions to the city’s food and beverage community. She has travelled all over the world to visit bars and distilleries in order to expand her knowledge in the world of spirits and liqueurs.

Mary Is currently bartending at Paper Plane in San Jose, California.

Instagram @mixtressmary

Silicon Valley Chapter of The United States Bartender’s Guild @usbgsv

Camp Runamok @camp_runamok

If you would like to get involved to help keep independent restaurants and hospitality businesses stay alive, check out - thirstgroup.org

Podcast Artwork @zak.hannah