In Memoriam- Jason Cevallos from the Aviary

He was one of my favorite bartenders when he worked at The Office. So friendly, fun to talk to, and his drinks were amazing. I was very upset to learn that he died this week of complications from salmonella. He had just moved to Hong Kong to take a job there.

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The staffs of the Aviary, Next, and Alinea are beyond saddened to learn that Jason Cevallos, former employee and bartender in The Office, passed away this morning due to complications related to salmonella poisoning. Jason was an immensely talented bartender who was a welcoming presence in The Office for over 2 years. He was favorite of many of our patrons, and his passing is a loss for the Chicago culinary community as a whole. Our deep condolences go out to his family and friends. We will raise a glass to him in the Office tonight.

He will be deeply missed.

Jason was the epitome of what an excellent bartender is possible of being. He raised the bar for me personally and for many people in the Chicagoland community and probably further out than that. A sieve of not only fortaleza tequila but knowledge and a technique of allowing people to drink like they eat.

A huge loss.

I once went to the Office with a friend and we sat at the tiny bar. By far this was my favorite experience there, as we hung out with and chatted with Jason for a couple of hours. We talked about music, random bartender/drinker talk, and the people whom it turned out that we both knew. Much to my disappoint, on return visits to the Office I never was able to snag a seat at the bar again.

I saw him a couple months ago at Scofflaw. I wished I'd said hi. RIP.