THE FLAIR:

The bartender turns up the music and rings the bell, and you just know that he’s up to something fun.

Soon enough, he blows fire out of his mouth, flips bottles, and swirls the cocktail shaker above his head. Then, with great flourish and another ding, he pours the colorful contents into a waiting glass, creating a “rainbow” drink.

It’s not an oft-seen sight on Saipan, but it’s been happening every night for more than a week now at The Flair, decidedly the newest and trendiest place on island.

The Flair is a franchise bar of South Korea’s “Those Who Make Party Co.” and a business venture by former bartending champion Park Jae Woo—or simply “Cass.”

Located along Beach Road in Oleai, The Flair on Saipan is currently the only such franchise outside Korea. It is owned by two young couples—Champ and Ari, and Hayashi and Weby. All four of them used to work as bartenders at one of the 20 The Flair bars throughout Seoul.

Although the new cocktail bar has been serving drinks since June 21, its grand opening will only happen tonight.

Creative drinks, prizes, and lots of fun are in store for everyone, says co-owner Hwang Kyung Rok (or “Champ”).

Doors will open at 8pm, while the main show will begin at 10pm. The show will feature performances by the award-winning bartender owners Champ and Hayashi.

Champ’s many awards include the 3rd place for the Layer Round of the 2004 Gold Shake Cup, an international competition otherwise known as the “Bartenders Olympics.”

For his part, Hayashi has proven his cocktail-making expertise when he won first place in Creative Round of the 2004 The Flair Competition.

In between the hourly cocktail show, Champ can be expected to go around the place entertaining customers with his close-up magic tricks. Champ’s astonishing tricks with cards, coins, and cherries, among other things, had earned him 2nd place in the 2003 magic competition by world-renowned magical artist Jeff McBride.

As part of the bar’s attractions, there will be a magic show every Saturday nights.

However, the bartenders at The Flair do more than just flip bottles and do tricks. They also offer style, sense of humor, and a personalized service not found in every event bar.

A promotional free drink will be given to each customer present during the opening party. The lucky winner of a surprise game will receive a free bottle of tequila. Special The Flair shirts will also be given away.