Jesse Vida

Jesse Vida's culinary philosophy, deeply rooted in a blend of personal history and keen market observation, centers on pioneering the sophisticated integration of agave and rice spirits into modern mixology. Having started his career in California, Vida developed an profound affinity for agave spirits, identifying a significant market gap in Singapore for a dedicated agave-focused bar. Complementing this, his vision extends to elevating traditional Asian rice spirits—such as soju, shochu, and baijiu—which, despite widespread consumption, have yet to secure their place in the modern cocktail world. Vida believes these spirits possess a bright future, actively investing in their potential given their delicious versatility in cocktails. At the heart of his approach is the "eureka moment" born from combining the "similar but different styles of culinary flavours from Mexico to Asia." This fusion embraces "bright and zesty flavours, chilli, coriander, rice, citrus," among others, creating a unique and harmonious palate. Vida and his team are committed to quality and authenticity, evidenced by their meticulous sourcing of 100% Blue Weber agave tequilas and hand-carrying unique mezcals directly from palenques in Mexico. He likens mezcals to "French wines," emphasizing their terroir-driven characteristics influenced by factors like elevation, season, and agave plant age, and champions the exploration of diverse, often undiscovered, traditional distillation methods. A cornerstone of Cat Bite Club's ethos is making these once-esoteric spirits approachable and educational for guests. Vida structures the cocktail menu as an "easy guide," using reinterpretations of classic cocktails (with agave and rice variations) to provide familiar reference points and showcase the spirits' versatility. This guest-centric philosophy extends to offering high-touch service in an intimate setting, where bartenders actively engage with patrons, introducing them to the vast collection and the rich stories behind each spirit. The aim is to create an immersive experience where guests can escape the outside world and embark on a creative drinking journey, fostering a deeper appreciation for these evolving spirit categories. Jesse Vida's signature approach revolves around the "reinterpretation of classics through the lens of agave and rice spirits," aiming to showcase their versatility and introduce guests to new flavor experiences. His technical style focuses on creating sophisticated, multi-layered flavor profiles that remain unpretentiously presented. The cocktail menu is meticulously designed, featuring a classic drink alongside its agave and rice spirit variations, providing an accessible pathway for guests to explore unfamiliar categories. Flavor-wise, Vida draws inspiration from "similar but different styles of culinary flavours from Mexico to Asia," incorporating "bright and zesty flavours, chilli, coriander, rice, and citrus." He prioritizes authenticity and quality in sourcing, from 100% Blue Weber agave tequilas to unique, wild agaves for mezcals, some even hand-carried from remote Mexican distilleries. His passion extends to Asian rice spirits, where he pioneers new applications in modern cocktails, anticipating their significant role in future mixology. Signature drinks include the **Cat Bite Margarita** (Código 1530 Blanco Tequila, Siete Misterios Espadín Mezcal, Cointreau, Fresh Citrus Blend, Agave Nectar, Sherry) and the **Soju Sprint** (Tokki Soju, Peach, Honey, Mint, Fresh Citrus Blend, Sherry, Absinthe, Soda). Other notable creations and variations include the **Hulk Splash** (an agave spinoff of the Invisible Gin, using Ocho Blanco Tequila), and new concoctions like **Little Italy** and **Ode to Ada**. The bar also features a food menu that "mirrors the flavours found in the drinks, with a mix of traditional Mexican and Asian ingredients."