‘Top Chef’ Alum Katsuji Tanabe Mixes Up a Mayonnaise Martini in Cary | Eater Carolinas

"The Mexican-meets-Japanese restaurant in Cary, led by former Top Chef contestant Katsuji Tanabe, debuted a polarizing mayonnaise-forward cocktail on Instagram. Inspired by the viral Velveeta mac-and-cheese martini, Tanabe chose Duke’s mayonnaise as the signature ingredient to reflect his Southern base; the drink blends 2 ounces mezcal, 1/2 ounce pineapple juice, 1/2 ounce agave syrup, 1/2 ounce Gran Gala orange liqueur, one teaspoon Duke’s mayo, 1/2 ounce egg whites, 1/2 ounce lime juice, a dash of bitters, and is finished with a chili rim. He encouraged followers to try it at home, and the post drew a split reaction—half intrigued by the frothy creation and half put off by a mayo martini—yet the cocktail could become a rotating special at the restaurant." - Erin Perkins