Head of Mixology at Maison Pic, Valence
Mixology can accompany a meal. However, with Mike Kassabian, it becomes an integral part of the dining experience. Indeed, his cocktails are designed as a natural extension of the cuisine, with each creation interacting seamlessly with the dishes, flavors, and overall gastronomic journey. Mike Kassabian is a bartender and mixologist based in France, widely recognized for his culinary approach to cocktails. Originally from Lebanon, he now operates at the highest level of fine gastronomy. In particular, he serves as Head of Mixology within the Pic Group, a world-renowned reference in haute cuisine. As a result, he has developed a unique vision: positioning the cocktail as a central element of the meal, just like a wine pairing. His work is therefore defined by a precise, elegant, and deeply gastronomic style of mixology, where every detail is carefully crafted to elevate the overall dining experience.
Mike Kassabian discovered the world of hospitality at an early age, growing up in his family’s restaurant in Lebanon. As a result, he quickly developed a deep sensitivity to flavors and a strong sense of hospitality. He then naturally turned to mixology, although his journey did not stop behind the bar. In parallel, he also worked as a chef in Michelin-starred restaurants, where he gained a rare mastery of culinary techniques. This unique blend of culinary and bartending experience has become a defining element of his approach. In 2017, his talent was officially recognized when he won the title of Best Bartender in Lebanon at the World Class competition. Today, this hybrid background shapes his unique identity: a mixologist at the crossroads of bartending and gastronomy.
Today, Mike Kassabian is based in Valence at Maison Pic, where he leads cocktail creation across the entire Pic Group, including several Michelin-starred restaurants. In practice, he develops cocktail menus, designs food and cocktail pairings, and creates custom-designed experiences tailored to each venue. His creations are notably featured at Bar Pic, where they are conceived as a seamless extension of Anne-Sophie Pic’s culinary universe. As a result, he plays an active role in shaping the evolution of modern liquid gastronomy.
For Mike Kassabian, a cocktail should not simply accompany a meal—it should be part of it. Indeed, each creation is designed like a dish, built around flavor balance, textural precision, and meticulous attention to detail.
As a result, he incorporates techniques from gastronomy, enabling him to craft cocktails that are both complex and perfectly structured. Moreover, he places great importance on food and cocktail pairings, ensuring his creations can be served seamlessly throughout the dining experience. Ultimately, his approach is guided by a clear principle: to create a fluid and harmonious connection between cuisine and mixology.
Mike Kassabian has gained both technical expertise and international recognition through his key achievements:
-Best Bartender in Lebanon – World Class 2017
-“Cocktails at Home” category winner – World Class Global Final
Mike Kassabian is based in Valence, France. He primarily works at Maison Pic and at Bar Pic, a space dedicated to mixology.
There, his cocktails are designed as part of an immersive experience, seamlessly accompanying the cuisine and enhancing the overall guest journey.
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