The only-in-San-Francisco collaboration between Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon, proprietor of Empress by Boon, and bartender extraordinaire Simone Caporale, named the World’s Best Bartender and his establishment, SIPS Barcelona, the World’s Best Bar by World’s 50 Best, is set for January 22 – 24, 2025. 

Caporale rocketed to international fame during his tenure at London’s Artesian bar in The Langham hotel, transforming a stately hotel establishment into one of the hottest cocktail destinations in the world and winning the title of World’s Best Bar four years in a row. In 2020, he co-founded SIPS Barcelona, the 2024 World’s Best Bar winner, giving full expression to his “Drinkery House” philosophy and playing a major role in establishing Barcelona’s dynamic nightlife scene. 

The unprecedented partnership, titled “Simone + Boon: A Drinkery House and Empress by Boon Dinner Collaboration,” will explore themes of innovation and experimentation as Chef Boon and Caporale merge their creative forces presenting specially curated prix fixe menus paired with Caporale’s genre-defying cocktails that blur the line between mixology and artistry. Events include:  

• Wednesday, January 22: Cocktail reception with canapés at 6 p.m. for $125 per person, reservation link Open Table. 
• Thursday, January 23: Chef Ho’s multi-course tasting menu paired with Caporale’s cocktail creations. The dinner is available to book from 5 to 9 p.m. and is priced at $225 per person, reservation link Open Table.    
• Friday, January 24: Cocktail-making masterclass with Caporale at 1:30 p.m. ($100 per person, reservation link Open Table ), followed by a cocktail pairing dinner available to book from 5 to 9 p.m., priced at $225 per person, reservation link Open Table. 

Reservations for all three events are strongly encouraged. Reservations for these limited events can be made at reservations@theempresssf.com and on Open Table. Reservation certificates for all three events are also available as ideal holiday gifts.  

Empress by Boon is located at 838 Grant Avenue (between Washington and Clay streets).