Award-winning Dominik M. J. Schachtsiek is Beverage Manager at The Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates.

He has worked previously as Beverage Manager and Bars Manager at such prestigious hotels as the Ritz-Carlton Dubai Beach, The Grand Hyatt Cologne and Grand Hyatt Berlin, Germany, Jumeirah Emirates Towers and then preceded as Beverage Manager at the Grand Hyatt Dubai and Shangri-La. Dominik learned his trade in highly acclaimed bars in his native Germany, which won such accolades as Best Bar in Germany” – Glenfiddich Award for Barculture 2005 and “Best hotel Bar in Germany” – Feinschmecker Gourmet Magazine and even later was mentioned on the ranking of "World's Best Bars" on #36.

Dominik, who has about 25 years experience in the bar business, is well known for creating new beverage concepts, creative cocktail programs and selecting and combining extraordinary cigars with spirits. He received the Service Award of Bar and Restaurant Excellence (Sabre Award) for Marriott international for the Middle East & Africa as Beverage Professional of the year.

He is also known for his unapologetic and bold blog www.opinionated-alchemist.blogspot.com