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Anthony tends bar at Jillys, a Frank-Sinatra themed piano bar in Chicago. Frank says the club is named “named after Jilly Rizzo, Franks bodyguard and best friend.” For more information about Jilly’s, check out their website.
Why did you decide to get into bartending?
While waiting tables I noticed the bartenders where the most revered in the business and I wanted to have the love and respect they commanded.
How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?
When I turned 21 I asked my manager who I was friends with if I could learn to bartend and he said sure. It was at Olive Garden which is a perfect place to learn without getting thrown into the fire.
What is your favorite drink to make?
Right now it’s a drink I created for my bar called “That’s Amore” Basically Vanilla Vodka, Liquor 43, Fresh Strawberry Puree and fresh basil. Shaken and served straight up. The basil cuts the sweetness and gives it a very complex flavor.
What is your least favorite drink to make?
The Mojito is the most time consuming but I enjoy creating great cocktails so I don’t mind it unless I’m really busy.
What is your bartender pet peeve?
Behind the bar I hate when other bartenders don’t rinse their shakers between drinks. No one wants to taste the Appletini made earlier in their Grey Goose Martini. It drives me nuts when customers flag me down then turn to their friends to find out what they want to drink.
What’s the most interesting/scandalous thing that’s happened to you on the job?
The worst thing that has happened to me behind the bar is when I found out my barback was stealing money. I like to believe we can trust each other behind the bar.
What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink from you?
I’ve been offered sex for a free drink. That’s just desperate.
What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard?
“Hi, would you like a drink or should we just stop wasting time and go have sex?”
Who would YOU want to have a drink with and why?
Keira Knightley because she is sooo hot and I think we’d hit it off if we met.
Tell us one thing about tending bar that we might not know.
It’s the little things that make the difference. keeping the bar top clean and refilling water and soda without being asked too is always a nice touch.
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July 18th, 2007 at 10:39 am
Tony is the best bartender I know, his most memorable line I heard is “Step aside son let me show you how is done”
July 22nd, 2007 at 9:04 am
I love when I can call on Tony & he can make up a drink recipe out of whatever I have in my bar. This guy is a genius & he has excellent taste!
July 23rd, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Aw, he seems like a great bartender. I agree that it’s the little things that really make a big difference. There are bars that lose customers because of poor service– and because of not rinsing shakers before serving another type of drink!
July 24th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
Tony is the best bartender. I never have to think of a drink order. He just makes me what he wants to and it is always delicious. In fact, I am using his PAMA & Circumstance as a theme drink for a party next month. I’m also a sucker for garnishes and he never disappoints. I have noticed that he never lets an empty glass stay that way unless the customer is done. He does keep a very tidy bar. With all that said he just might have a chance with Keira.
October 16th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I totally 100% agree that little things that really make a big difference..when i m there and I meet him Tony & he can make up a drink recipe out of whatever I have in my bar. This guy is a genius & he has excellent taste!… so he just might have a chance with Keira… ok