Bobby "Slappy" Trask hails from Rock Island, Illinois where he tends bar at Poor Boys Pizza & Pub. He describes Poor Boys as "a great neighborhood bar, with tons of fun people. Some of the best food in the Quad Cities Area." Slappy was kind enough to share a few bartending tips as well as a killer recipe for a Mississippi Mudslide.

Why did you decide to get into bartending?

Quite honestly, I was once a firefighter in the state of Florida. I ended up moving to Illinois, and had to retake allot of classes on firefighting and paramedics for the state of Illinois. While I was going through the year and a half of classes, I decided to do something different part time. One day I noticed a little hole in the wall bar was hiring a new bartender in the want-ads, and I decided what the heck! What better way to make some fast cash, and maybe even meet some members of the opposite sex.

How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?

Actually my first bartending gig wasn’t too hard to land. After I applied, I called the manager twice a day, and annoyed her into hiring me. That was 6 years ago. I’m working in a new bar now, and she stops in to see me every now and then. She still tells me I’m the best bartender she has ever hired. I owe my first bartending experience to her……she’s still a great friend.

What is your favorite drink to make?

I’ve come up with my own version of the Mudslide. The city that I live in "Rock Island" is located on the Mississippi River, so I like to call it the Mississippi Mudslide. This version of the drink contains…

1 oz. Kahlua
1 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
1 oz. Malibu Coconut Rum
3 oz. Milk
4-5 oz. Ice Blended

Mix all ingredients in a blender, and blend into a milkshake like froth. Pour into a large chilled glass.

What is your least favorite drink to make?

As dumb as this sounds, I can’t stand making Jager Bombs. An upper and a downer in one drink? No wonder people are so confused nowadays.

What is your bartender pet peeve?

People that whistle, or snap there fingers at me. This will earn you an early exit from my bar.

What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?

This may not be scandalous, but it sure was interesting. A beautiful young girl, around the age of 23 walks in the bar. It’s around 1/2 an hour before I close, so I only have around 10 people left in the bar. She makes it about 6 steps through the front door. I look right at her just in time to watch her throw up all over the floor. As I stood there in amazement, knowing that I was the one that would have to break out the mop, she stands up straight, wipes her mouth on the back of her arm, and proceeds to step up to the bar and orders a beer. Needless to say, she staggered back out of the front door to the sounds of my hysterical laughter.

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?

WOW! There’s so many! I did last call one night, and a few minutes later two college girls came in and ordered drinks. I told them I was closing, and they said they would "show me their boobs". I said "fine with me". They proceeded to lift their shirts, as I stared at their breasts for a short time. They finally pulled their shirts back down, and asked for their beers. Of course I told them….."Nope, I’ve already done last call!".

What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?

Honestly?

"My mom gave me a quarter, and told me that if I ever see an angel, I should call her. Can I have your number?"

I can’t believe she gave the guy her number!

Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?

Mikey from American Chopper. That dude would be a riot to get hammered with!

Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.

I know a lot of bartenders that think that they have to give free drinks to customers in order for them to keep returning. The only thing this accomplishes is keeping the "freeloaders" around. Of course I give away the occasional birthday drink, and a free drink or two to customers that spend a lot of money in our establishment, but never to excess. All you have to do is make sure your customers always have a fresh drink in front of them, and a friendly smile, as well as some fun conversation….and they will keep coming back for more.

For more information about Slappy, check out his MySpace profile. "I’d love to meet a lot of other bartenders, and have them add me from my own MySpace page, where I also create computer artwork." Or, the next time your in Rock Island, Illinois, stop in and order a drink… and tip him good!

Tags: bartender, bartending, interview, cocktails

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