Ektoras Binikos

Co-Founder & Partner 

Ektoras Binikos has been at the forefront of New York’s cocktail culture for three decades, managing the bar programs at numerous fine-dining establishments including Aureole, Oceana and most recently as the Bar Manager at the two-Michelin star restaurant, Gabriel Kreuther. As managing partner and head mixologist of the now-closed 2nd Floor on Clinton, an exclusive cocktail bar on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Binikos received critical acclaim, including being named by Thrillist as one of New York’s Best Speakeasy Bars. 

He was the founder/owner of Art & Spirit Mixology, a consulting company focused on brand development, cocktail seminars and custom-designed specialty cocktails for corporate & private events, including a cocktail for artist Marina Abramovich’s 60thbirthday celebration gala at The Guggenheim Museum. 

Originally from the Greek island of Ikaria, Binikos studied filmmaking and visual arts. His approach to mixology is deeply informed by his role as a fine artist; Binikos strives to make each cocktail a work of art, imbued with the potential to transport to new places and evoke an emotional response. “I wish there were more bartenders like him,” noted the late writer and cocktail pioneer Gary Regan. “He’s one of a kind, we are lucky to witness his genius.” 

Simon Jutras

Co-Founder & Partner 

Simon Jutras has a diverse creative background including architecture, interior design and furniture design for private clients. Also a professional photographer, with a focus on both commercial work and fine art, Jutras ran Simon Jutras Photography for over 20 years with clients including Calvin Klein, Nine West, Tod’s, Mark Fisher, Coach, and Guess, among others. His work has been published in numerous books and magazines. Jutras is currently working on a book of fine art photography with Binikos that centers on mixology inspired by world-renowned artists.