Explore selected press and media features, industry awards, and global publications highlighting signature beverage programs and luxury cocktail architecture
ROBB REPORT
August 29, 2026
Robb Report: Searching for the Coldest Martini in the World
How Mimi Kakushi’s Sub-Zero ice ritual was created?
“Basically, I had to live inside of a freezer for six months… The bespoke bottle is carved out in front of guests, who can then take it home as a memento.” — Manja Stankovic
When Robb Report hunted down the ultimate freezing-point cocktail programs across the globe, Group Beverage Director Manja Stankovic broke down the exact science behind Mimi Kakushi’s -20°C tableside ice-carving ceremony.
HOSPITALITY & CATERING NEWS
July 13, 2026
Scaling Global Concepts: Mimi Kakushi and Delano Miami Beach
As Paris Society heralds the landmark reopening of the iconic Delano Miami Beach, the expansion brings world-renowned dining and beverage architecture to the U.S. market. In this exclusive industry feature by Hospitality & Catering News, the spotlight focuses on the meticulous integration of global concepts—highlighting the Kintarō cocktail menu crafted by Manja Stankovic, Group Beverage Director. Grounded in cinematic storytelling and avant-garde mixology inspired by Japanese cinema, the program brings the award-winning identity of Dubai’s bar culture straight to South Beach
COQTAIL MAGAZINE
June 5, 2026
How Manja Stankovic built Mimi Kakushi’s identity
In a city driven by trends, Mimi Kakushi’s identity stands apart through uncompromised conceptual consistency. In this exclusive feature with Coqtail Magazine, Manja Stankovic—the mastermind behind the venue’s world-renowned beverage program—breaks down the philosophy, cinematic storytelling, and rigorous engineering that built one of Dubai’s most iconic bar cultures.
CATERER MIDDLE EAST
March 21, 2026
Why today’s cocktail Culture is about storytelling, Showmanship & Sensory Experience
Manja Stankovic sits down with Caterer Middle East to discuss narrative-led mixology, cinematic inspiration, and how the iconic bar program at Mimi Kakushi shapes Dubai’s evolving bar culture.
50 bEST STORIES
December 12, 2025
Manja Stankovic Collaborates with World’s Best Culinary Icons for MENA 50 Best Restaurants
Group Bar Manager Manja Stankovic represents the pinnacle of modern mixology, joining forces with the world’s leading culinary talents—including Maido’s Mitsuharu Tsumura—for an exclusive 50 Best collaborative showcase.
CONDE NAST TRAVELLER MIDDLE EAST
October 8, 2025
Mimi Kakushi Named No. 36 in the World 50 best bars
Featured in Condé Nast Traveller, Mimi Kakushi is ranked among The World’s 50 Best Bars under the beverage direction of Group Bar Manager Manja Stankovic.
GAULT&MILLAU UAE
September 8, 2025
Mimi Kakushi unveils Kintaro: new 1920s cinematic Cocktail Menu
Curated under the creative direction of Group Bar Manager Manja Stankovic, Mimi Kakushi launches its cinematic Kintarō menu, earning critical acclaim from Gault&Millau for pioneering narrative-led mixology in Dubai.
THE SPIRITS BUSINESS
April 16, 2025
Cocktail Stories: Kori Kakushi Martini, Mimi Kakushi
Dubai’s hottest drink is also its coldest, as Manja Stankovic, the mastermind behind Mimi Kakushi’s beverage program, breaks down the craft behind the venue’s signature Martini, the Kori Kakushi Martini otherwise known as Shadrach.
THE WORLD’S 50 BEST
January 3, 2025
8 of the world’s most Innovative cocktail menus
Under the direction of Group Bar Manager Manja Stankovic, Mimi Kakushi’s revolutionary Kikuchi menu is showcased globally by The World’s 50 Best Bars, highlighting its vinyl-inspired concept and immersive sensory storytelling.
COINTREAU GLOBAL
September 2024
Elite Selection: 11 Top Global Bartenders Handpicked for Cointreau’s Exclusive Citrus Series Launch
Handpicked based on elite status and industry biography, Group Bar Manager Manja Stankovic is featured as one of only 11 exclusive bartenders globally brought down by Cointreau for the premiere launch of their limited-edition Opus #1 The Corsican Pomelo.
TASTING TABLE
March 12, 2024
One of the World’s Coldest Martinis: Inside Mimi Kakushi Ice Ritual
Featured in Tasting Table, Beverage Director Manja Stankovic breaks down the craft behind Mimi Kakushi’s signature Kori Kakushi Martini—hailed as one of the coldest martinis in the world. Discover the story behind Dubai’s ultimate ice-carving cocktail ceremony
MINT
February 12, 2024
Carving Martini Out Of Ice And Mixing Drinks With Jazz
In this feature by Mint, Group Beverage Director Manja Stankovic breaks down the innovative architecture behind Dubai’s Mimi Kakushi. Highlighting sensory-led cocktail programs—such as the ice-encased Kōri Kakushi Martini served at -20°C and the vinyl-paired Kikuchi menu inspired by Kikuchi Shigeya—the piece explores how narrative-driven mixology and deep attention to detail are redefining global bar culture.
CATERER MIDDLE EAST
June 20, 2023
Manja Stankovic – Bar Manager of the Year
Named Bar Manager of the Year at the 2023 Caterer After Dark Awards for building and running the bar program at Mimi Kakushi.
GAULT&MILLAU UAE
June 14, 2022
Top 5 Sommelier of the Year Finalist
Recognized among the top 5 elite beverage professionals in the UAE at the Gault&Millau Gala, highlighting exceptional wine expertise and leadership in luxury hospitality.
CONTACT ME
Manja Stankovic
Tel: +971586382949
Email: [email protected]