Archive for Bartender Interviews
Bartender Interview: Jake
Like a lot of bartenders, Jake stumbled into the career without really trying to. As a musician, he had a lot of club contacts and bartending was a perfect fit. He is now the beverage manager at the Triple 7 Lounge. When that isn’t keeping him busy, he teaches at a bartending school.
Why did you decide to get into bartending?
It wasn’t a decision really, It just happened. I was at the right place at the right time. Why I decided to return and stay is simple: It’s really fun and the money is great.
Bartender Interview: Rebecca of VIPBartenders
Rebecca tends bar at Fury Lounge in Newport Beach, California. “It’s a sushi Lounge and has great food,” she says. However, one killer bartending gig isn’t enough for Rebecca. In January 2007, she launched her own company. “I also started my own company called VIPbartenders,” says Rebecca. “It’s a sexy, mobile bartending service. My launch was the Golden Globes Gift Suite in Jan ‘07.”
Sexy… Mobile… Bartending… We want to know more…
Why did you decide to get into bartending?
I started out serving and cocktailing but bartending always looked like so much fun. Not to mention the money…ha ha. Once I did it, I realized there’s a lot of work involved but I still have a blast!
How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?
Actually, I was serving at a sportsbar and the bartenders kept quitting (the owners were having marital problems so it wasn’t being run very well). So they threw me behind the bar and said “Go ahead”. I was like, “Omigosh! What do I do?!” I learned literally by experience!
Bartender Interview: Matthew B
Bartender Matthew B. lives in New Jersey but has worked all over the place. “I have worked at several different places in New Jersey and New York,” says Matthew. “But if you want to check out my all time favorite: The Hudson Hotel in NYC!”
Why did you decide to get into bartending?
I saw bartending as an amazing way to meet new people, make a ton of money,and be out without having to go out! All three have rung true in the past eleven years. I actually met the love of my life while bartending - she is a bartender too!
How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?
I actually went to bartending school - I know, most bartenders say “you don’t need bartending school,” but I found it to be a great tool in helping me feel more comfortable behind the bar (which is a huge asset to have when looking for your first job. The school I attended had a job bank and I searched through and found a sports bar in a pretty busy hotel.
I went on the interview and the manager said he “liked the fact that I was inexperienced because I was trainable and had no bad habits…yet!” I was hired rather easily because they needed someone to cover three dreaded lunch shifts and they knew I would take anything. So I took the job. In the beginning it sucked because I really didn’t know exactly what the hell I was doing. But as time went by, I begin to make some good money at “Happy Hour” and eventually got two night shifts as well.
Bartender Interview: Anthony Maffei
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.
Bartender Interview: Michelle
Michelle tends bar at Blush, a gentleman’s club on Long Island where she has been employed for 5 years. “Every day is more different, more crazy and wild than the next,” says Michelle.
Why did you decide to get into bartending?
At the time I was a competitive Ballroom dancer and I needed extra cash to help pay for my coaching and costumes.
How did you go about getting your first bartending gig? Was it tough to land your first one?
I got a lead through my bartending school at the Coliseum Sports bar in St. James NY. I got the job right away as a Saturday day bartender.
I don’t remember the interview being hard, I just remember being overdressed like I was going to church on Sunday. I didn’t know that black on black would have been more acceptable attire.