Bios

Nick Lacasse – Executive Chef
Born in Vermont, Chef Nick Lacasse rose from humble beginnings as a dishwasher to sous chef within four years of working in the kitchen.  He continued his culinary path to Seattle, Portland, and eventually Chicago.  After years of tutelage working with four James Beard award-winning chefs, Chef Lacasse has developed a style of his own that has received local and national acclaim for his creative and at times unconventional techniques.

  • Published in Celebrated Chefs
  • 100 Best Things, Time Out Chicago

Charles Joly – Chief Mixologist
Charles Joly is Executive GM of Three Headed Productions, Principal of Angel Share Mixology, and Chief Mixologist at The Drawing Room.  He has quickly risen in the national and international Mixology scene in the past two years, best known for his rock star appearance but refined tastes.  At The Drawing Room, where you can find him behind the bar on any given Friday or Saturday night, he has designed an innovative cocktail program combining classic, pre-prohibition era drinks and contemporary creations.  With an emphasis on seasonal, fresh and house made ingredients from bitters, tinctures, and simple syrups to the perfect ice that stays cold longer, an attention to detail distinguishes the Drawing Room menu.  Joly’s creative recipes extend beyond the cocktail menu; the Drawing Room also features a unique offering of house made sodas, teas, and non-alcoholic beverages.

  • 1st Place, Auchentoshan Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky “Switch” Contest 2011, Las Vegas
  • Beverage Professional of the Year 2011, Chicago Tribune
  • 1st Place in International Olmeca Margarita Contest 2011, Mexico City
  • America’s Top Bartender 2010, On the Rocks, NBC
  • 1st Place Don Q Regional Winner and member of National US Drink Team 2010 to compete in Puerto Rico
  • Tied for 1st Place in Del Maguey Mezcal Competition 2010
  • 1st Place Vinos de Jerez Competition 2009, New York
  • 2nd Place in Shake it Up! Competition at Nightclub & Bar Show 2010, Las Vegas
  • The Drawing Room named Cocktail Lounge of the Year 2010
  • 2nd Place, World Cocktail Cup in New Zealand
  • 2008 nominations for Tales of the Cocktail in the Best Bartender and Best Cocktail Menu categories
  • Cheers Rising Star Award
  • Beverage Media “Top 10 Mixologists”
  • 1st Place, Right Gin Competition
  • Finalist, Domaine de Canton competition 2009
  • Midwest High Scorer and tied for National High Score, Pernod-Ricard BAR Smarts
  • Completed highest level of BAR program in NYC and earned scholarship to Masters Program
  • Graduate of Advanced Mixology Academy, Chicago
  • Successfully passed the 1st and 2nd tiers (only one in the nation) of the USBG Master Mixology Certification