From the highly-trained sommeliers and bartenders who transform a wine or spirit into an unforgettable experience, to the invaluable chefs and servers who make your night out run flawlessly, women are everywhere in the hospitality industry.
This month, Hotel Nikko is recognizing its critical contributions to the food and beverage industry, where women’s creativity and innovation continue to give your dining and drinking experiences a fresh edge.
The San Francisco hotel — home to dining and entertainment establishments like Restaurant Anzu and Feinstein’s — is celebrating March’s Women’s History Month with a full slate of offerings, including a cocktail menu that honors women in beverage and a collaboration with a local nonprofit that’s fighting domestic violence.
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“By celebrating and elevating female voices, we aim to foster visibility, recognition, and inspiration for current and future generations of women in the hospitality industry,” said Edgar Monsivais, director of food and beverage at Hotel Nikko. “Ultimately, this program reflects our belief that celebrating women, promoting equity, and creating purpose-driven experiences can have a lasting impact on both our community and our guests.”
In Good Spirits
Hotel Nikko guests will find new cocktail menu offerings at the on-site Restaurant Anzu during March, when the hotel is highlighting five women in distilling and brewing.
“The cocktail program brings women’s creativity in spirits to life [by] featuring drinks influenced by history, spins on classic cocktails, and a sake offering,” Monsivais said. “Each creation highlights unique flavor profiles, from rich rums and whiskeys to bright tequilas, while telling the stories of the women behind the spirits.”
Every new cocktail will feature a woman-created spirit from one of five industry leaders, who include:
Lorena Vásquez, master distiller of Ron Zacapa and a respected rum producer
Sara Sergent, the founder of Alpine Distilling, who represents the essential work of spirits distribution and development
Nicole Austin, master distiller of George Dickel and an American whiskey innovator
Kat Hantas, Nicole Emanuel, and Sarika Singh, co-founders of 21 Seeds and disruptors in the male-dominated tequila industry
Hiroko Yokozawa, brewmaster at Tsukinowa Shuzoten and a master of blending cultural craft and storytelling
A True Community Partner
As Hotel Nikko elevates female leaders in food and beverage, the hotel’s team also wanted to look beyond the industry and celebrate women who give back to the San Francisco community. That desire to turn outward led hotel leadership to partner with Casa de las Madres, a women-led San Francisco nonprofit that has been responding to and caring for domestic violence survivors for 50 years.
“We wanted this program to be more than a celebration within our walls,” Monsivais said. “By partnering with a women-run nonprofit that is also marking such an important milestone, we are able to extend the impact of this initiative beyond hospitality and into the community.”
The cocktail program will run in collaboration with Casa de las Madres throughout the month, culminating in a dinner celebration that will bring philanthropy and culinary expertise together for an unforgettable evening. A portion of the proceeds from the dinner event and from the Women’s History Month cocktail program will benefit Casa de Las Madres.
The March 28 dinner at Restaurant Anzu will honor a Casa de las Madres representative, celebrating the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary while also focusing on women trailblazers in the spirits industry. Diners will hear from Alpine Distilling founder Sara Sergent, who will discuss running a successful, female-led business.
“Guests not only enjoy an exceptional dining experience but also participate in honoring women’s leadership and supporting a local organization that has made a lasting impact on the community,” Monsivais said.
Attendees can also look forward to a pre-fixe menu from Hotel Nikko’s culinary team and a selection of wine pairings from Northern California’s Frank Family Vineyards. Reservations for the March 28 dinner are still available on OpenTable and Eventbrite.
More Fun At Feinstein’s & Beyond
Hotel Nikko’s unique spin on Women’s History Month means guests can learn more about women to watch in food and beverage, experience community connection, and even be wildly entertained.
Feinstein’s, the hotel’s onsite nightclub, will feature a female-led lineup that’s sure to bring the house down this March. Tickets are available now for:
Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, will perform March 20-21 as she travels the country on her new book tour.
Nic and Desi, the BroadwayWorld award-winning pair for Best Cabaret Duo in New York City, will return to Feinstein’s on March 28 for a night that’s sure to dazzle.
For guests who want to experience exclusive concerts, brunches, and curated experiences at Feinstein’s all year long, the Become a Friend of Feinstein’s membership offers priority ticket access, preferred seating, VIP entry, free ticket exchanges, and special discounts and occasion perks at San Francisco’s most intimate nightclub.
Regardless of how you celebrate Women’s History Month, Hotel Nikko will have something for you and the community.
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“Through programs like this, we aim to inspire guests, honor leadership, and give back in ways that are culturally meaningful and impactful, turning hospitality into a force for connection and positive change,” Monsivais said.
For a full calendar of events and more information regarding reservations and room packages, please visit the Hotel Nikko website. March guests can also take advantage of Hotel Nikko’s March 12-May 31 Spring Serenity Package, which welcomes Nikko guests with a fresh orchid and a bottle of sparkling rosé. Spring Serenity guests will enjoy a Deluxe King Room, a late checkout time, and decadent breakfast dining at Restaurant ANZU. Use code SPRING to book a tranquil, refreshing getaway and welcome spring.
