up front
drinks
Something Sweet for Valentine’s Day "The Sweetheart"
Story by M.B. SELLERS
A
ntonio Padilla has worked
The Sweetheart is a light drink
His words ring true. Julep has
for four years at Julep in
that should be paired with an
class. It’s a swanky shopping spot
Jackson, Miss., and “The
entrée. Bits of fresh red strawberry
located in Highland Village and
Sweetheart” cocktails he slings
are muddled in the drink along
there’s a definite variety of people
would make any cherub swoon.
with ice chips. It’s sip worthy
who visit. The easiness of the
and fortunately far less candied
place and the light conversations
than most fruit drinks. It tastes
established instantly with the
natural and the strawberry flavor is
customers are part of Julep’s
accompanied nicely by the vodka
charm.
Despite the well-worn trappings and arguably trite reputation of Feb. 14, lovers will always enjoy dinner and drinks, regardless of commercial interests. The concept of sharing a meal with significant others has managed to survive the seasons with or without designated days, and the tradition of dining out for Valentine’s Day, in spite of skeptics, is still undeniably a popular activity with all ages. Whether you celebrate or not, taking a loved one—be they significant other, close friend, or even family member—out to dinner on the Day of Love should always include a cocktail. 28 FEBRUARY 2014 | myclickmag.com
and juice. Although it is definitely classified as a lady’s drink, don’t worry, men, you can try a sip, too. It’s a refreshing drink that eschews loyalty to any one particular season, the same way Julep isn’t just a place to visit for Valentine’s Day. “Julep is very laid back. We’re not fine dining, but we’re not casual Applebee’s, either. We rank ourselves right in the middle. It’s a place where people can get a little louder without being ashamed and our crowd varies from night to night,” Padilla said.
“We have a young college crowd on the weekends – we have live bands, then. And, on the weekdays, we have the older regulars who just enjoy coming to have a few cocktails where everyone can speak and enjoy each other.” When asked about Padilla’s own background in bartending, he explains, “I walked into my first bartending job. I was 21, a bouncer and the bartender decided to quit that night. They decided to pull me on there. That was about 10 years