LAS VEGAS, NV (Dec. 17, 2019) – The Golden Tiki’s Head Bartender, Grand Exalted Poobah and High Priest of Skull Island Adam Rains, has been named “Drink Specialist of the Year” by the Nevada Restaurant Association. The award was given as part of The NvRA’s 37th Annual Culinary Excellence Awards & Annual Meeting at Wynn Hotel and Casino on December 12, 2019. Denise Valdez, KLAS-TV Channel 8 Anchor, served as the Master
of Ceremonies. 

“Out of the many great bartenders in Nevada, especially those nominated, this is an honor, and very humbling,” said Adam Rains. “For me, it is an inspiration to be a part of Nevada’s evolution in hospitality and the great living art that is bartending.”

An active member of the Las Vegas USBG, Rains leads the Golden Tiki’s charity mug program and created an additional Holiday Cocktail program for the bar in addition to their regular menu of original and classic
Tiki drinks.

About Adam Rains

Adam Rains comes to the Golden Tiki with an impressive pedigree. Previously he’s held bar positions at Carnevino (one of the highest grossing restaurants in the US), the James Beard-nominated Flock & Fowl, the flagship Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill and others. In the industry, he has also held officer positions in the United States Bartenders’ Guild Las Vegas, been a brand ambassador for Brooklyn Brewery and written extensively on cocktails and bar culture for Tales of the Cocktail, Chilled Magazine and The Las Vegas Food & Beverage Professional. He has received certifications from United States Bartenders’ Guild, BarSmarts, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Academy, Court of Master Sommeliers, International Sommeliers Guild, Consejo Regulador de Tequila and the Certified Cicerone Program. He has placed in several local, regional and national mixology competitions including Diageo World Class, Marie Brizzard and others. He also holds a B.A. in International Business from San Diego State University. Adam was recently bestowed the “Drink Specialist of the Year - 2019” by the Nevada Restaurant Association. His mantra with both food & cocktails is, "fresh is best."