Fu’s Repair Shop cocktail creator and general manager.
by Mary Bailey
with photos by Curtis Comeau Photography
Niki Willis has worked in bars for over 22 years. “It was part time at first and convenient. I had a daughter, I could be with her during the day,” she says, talking about her early years in hospitality.
Remember New City Likwid Lounge and New City Suburbs? Niki was there. “There was a guy named Marty who worked there, I watched him cocktail and thought, I want to do that.”
It was high volume bartending, long before the resurgence of the art of the cocktail. And, it was a young person’s game. But, as Niki’s career started to take off she thought ‘why can’t I keep doing this? There are so many more fun things to learn.’
Recently, after a few years being the general manager at El Beso and Pablo, she thought of getting out and doing something different, manage a dental office maybe. But, Kyla Kaziel of The Common made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. For Fu’s Repair Shop, the light-hearted, new wave Chinese resto next door to the Common.
Now, Niki spends time researching Asian spirits and flavour profiles to create new cocktails that complement Fu’s cuisine.
“I’m learning about Chinese culture. I’ll sit with Winnie (Winnie Chen, Fu’s exec chef and co-owner) experimenting and going over flavours.
What is Niki excited about now?
“Baiju and soju and sake, the Asian spirits. I’ve started playing with pandan, it’s nutty, floral, leafy. As much as I love the classic cocktails, it’s exciting to switch them up, infuse with something or make them lower proof with sake. The balance in a cocktail is always key no matter what.
“I am leaning towards more savoury cocktails. We’re always going to sell pretty fruit-forward cocktails, but it’s fun to try something different like the Wasabi Sazerac, with wasabi instead of absinthe.
Cocktails from left: Soju and Soda; Cherry Blossom; Return of the Dragon; Butterfly Tea Sour; Lychee Martini; Jalapeño Mandarin.
Her fave cocktail?
“The Return of the Dragon, made with habanero simple syrup and clarified with coconut milk. It’s spicy yet mellow due to the coconut. The Cherry Blossom is one of our best sellers, low abv, made with sake, so pretty. I love the whole creating part of my job, we have new drink features quite frequently.”
The other thing Niki is excited about is education and changing the world of bartending. “Our industry is still male dominated. Yet here at Fu’s we have mostly female bartenders and a female-led team. You could say there is a heavy female influence at Fu’s and I think a little more finesse. I’m really excited about helping the next generation of ladies to step up.”
Note: Fu’s Repair Shop is moving to The Station location on Jasper, essentially tripling their space. Opening late spring.
The Cherry Blossom
This is a low-proof cocktail with a delicate flavour. It looks even prettier in a lovely glass and garnished with baby’s breath. Or make it long drink with soda or Prosecco.” –Niki Willis, creator.
| 1.5 | sake (Gekkeikan) |
| .5 | elderflower liqueur (Bols or St-Germain) |
| .25 | simple syrup |
| .25 | fresh lemon juice |
| .25 | tart cherry juice |
Give it a good shake and strain into a coupe or a Nick and Nora glass.