9 minute read
Bar Talk
ASk A DoZeN BARTeNDeRS A FeW queSTIoNS AND you’Re LIkeLy To geT A MIxeD BAg oF ANSWeRS, ALoNg WITh SoMe CoMMoN ThReADS AND SoMe INSIghT INTo The PeoPLe BehIND The BAR. We ASkeD LoCAL BARTeNDeRS To ShARe A FeW ThINgS ABouT TheMSeLveS, WhICh We’LL SeRve To you STRAIghT uP:
Chris st. Martin
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Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar 10142 Rue Hilltop Truckee, CA 530-587-5711
YEars BartEnDinG: 15 years.
BEst thinG aBOUt BartEnDinG
I enjoy a lot of aspects of bartending. I like educating people about spirits, beer and wine when they want to learn or ask a question. I love the energy and the interaction. I’ve worked almost every venue from high energy, fast pace night clubs to low key mom and pop joints and in every situation there’s a level of interaction with the customers and energy that is undeniable.
What Can CUstOMErs EXPECt FrOM YOU?
Patrons can always expect a smile, great service and an overall good time when they stop by and see me.
DO YOU COMPEtE?
I don’t participate in any bartending competitions, but I have been voted North Lake Tahoe and Truckee’s best bartender for the last 5 years.
KEnnY CliFtOn
Z Bar 1074 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 775-348-1723
YEars BartEnDinG: 1 year.
BEst thinG aBOUt BartEnDinG
I love making people happy. The look on a customers faces when they taste my cocktails is awesome.
What Can CUstOMErs EXPECt FrOM YOU?
I like to try and create a friendly atmosphere while also providing an amazing cocktail for everybody who comes into my bar. Love and cocktails make the world go round...
DO YOU COMPEtE?
I participated in the 2013 Bombay Sapphire Most Imaginative Bartender Competition, it was my first competition and I had only been bar tending for a matter of months before entering. I took third place for Reno and was incredibly happy, considering my situation.
K.J. FliPPEn
Z Bar 1074 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 775-348-1723
YEars BartEnDinG: 2 years.
BEst thinG aBOUt BartEnDinG
What I like best about tending bar is meeting new people and creating a captivating atmosphere for customers and ensuring that they have a memorable and fun experience.
What Can CUstOMErs EXPECt FrOM YOU?
Customers can expect great quality cocktails, a friendly face behind the bar and a good time. Like we say here at the Z Bar, “Love and cocktails make the world go ‘round!”
DO YOU COMPEtE?
I have participated in a couple bartender competitions. They have provided me with a great learning experience and I am excited to compete in future competitions to expand my knowledge for creating cocktails.
stEPhaniE COOMBE
Davidson’s Distillery 275 E. 4th St. Reno, NV 775-324-1917
YEars BartEnDinG: 1 year.
BEst thinG aBOUt BartEnDinG
Meeting people, seeing the variety of personalities that come into Davidson’s. Davidson’s has an interesting reputation which makes some people turn away, but it’s really just a fun place with good people and great drink specials.
What Can CUstOMErs EXPECt FrOM YOU?
Fast and efficient, attentive and definitely friendly service.
DO YOU COMPEtE?
No.
Special Advertising Publication from the Reno News & Review | RN&R NIGHTLIFE 2014 15
Bar Talk CONTINUED...
Matt EvEritt
Coach’s Grill and Sports Bar 1573 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 775-329-2202
YEarS BartENDiNG: Off & on for 20+ years.
BESt tHiNG aBOUt BartENDiNG
Meeting people from all walks of life and their stories.
WHat CaN CUStOMErS EXPECt FrOM YOU?
Excellent customer service with a smile!!!
DO YOU COMPEtE?
I do not participate in such events... I’m not hip, cool or young enough for those things... to ask how they want their drink made to their preference as well as making vs point to make sure they are satisfied with what they’ve been served.
DO YOU COMPEtE?
I haven’t competed, but would if the opportunity presented itself. My Bloody Mary was voted 2nd Best in the RN&R’s 2013 Best of [Northern Nevada reader poll]!
DENa kirGiN
DaviS NOtHErE
Sidelines Bar 1237 Baring Blvd. Sparks, NV 775-355-1030
YEarS BartENDiNG: 30 years.
BESt tHiNG aBOUt BartENDiNG
The social interaction with people having a good time always puts a smile on my face.
WHat CaN CUStOMErS EXPECt FrOM YOU?
Quality service with quality products.
DO YOU COMPEtE?
Was never into “showtending.” I’d rather talk about setting sales records vs. arbitrary competitions...
trEvOr LEPPEk
Noble Pie Parlor and Ampersand 239 W. 2nd St. Reno, NV 775-622-9222
YEarS BartENDiNG: 22 years.
BESt tHiNG aBOUt BartENDiNG
The energy. When people go out they want to have a good time. I love picking up on their energy and channeling it into my rhythm. I love high-volume bar tending. It’s what I do. I do my absolute best to keep a smile on my face and be sure my guests are enjoying the show... On stage and behind the bar!
WHat CaN CUStOMErS EXPECt FrOM YOU?
A good, consistent cocktail, served with no attitude. I make every drink the way I would want to drink it and I treat everyone the way I expect to be treated. I’m not fancy and into the new high-end cocktail. My goal is to make people feel welcome and want to come back to me as their bartender. I love what I do, which is why - after 22 years - I’m still doing it!!
DO YOU COMPEtE?
Not currently. Years ago in Las Vegas, I entered contests and enjoyed experimenting with different alcohol and mixes. I won an in-house competition while working for the N9ne Group at the Palms. I created the “Ghostini” for the [Palms Las Vegas] Ghostbar.
YEarS BartENDiNG: Over a decade.
BESt tHiNG aBOUt BartENDiNG
There’s just something about being behind the bar that makes me happy. I feel at home back there and when everyone is enjoying themselves you feed off that positive energy. I love the interaction with the customers, mixing up our signature cocktails from our new cocktail menu and creating new concoctions.
FrEDDY SaNCHEz
Bar Centro at Eldorado 345 N. Virginia St. Reno, NV 775-786-5700
YEarS BartENDiNG: 3 years.
WHat CaN CUStOMErS EXPECt FrOM YOU?
Fun conversation, a vast knowledge of beer, wine and cocktails, well-executed drinks and excellent customer service. Also making sure
BESt tHiNG aBOUt BartENDiNG
What I like best about bartending is getting to meet so many new people everyday. I also love the fact that its kind of like getting to throw your own party at work when you’re there. Bringing positive energy and likeminded people to your bar turns any night into a great night!
WHat CaN CUStOMErS EXPECt FrOM YOU?
Customers can expect me to be very positive and upbeat while also giving them my best possible service. When you come to my bar, I want you to feel like there is no worry about any of the service I offer. I want to make you the best drink possible and do it right!
DO YOU COMPEtE?
I have not participated in any bartending competitions as of yet, although I was voted “Best Male Casino Bartender of 2012” [in the RN&R’s Best of Northern Nevada reader poll] and just missed the top spot again in 2013.
16 RN&R NIGHTLIFE 2014 | Special Advertising Publication from the Reno News & Review
CarY DEMarS
3rd Street Bar 125 W. 3rd St. Reno, NV 775-323-5005
YEarS BartENDiNG: 22 years.
BESt tHiNG aBOUt BartENDiNG
Entertaining people, making them smile and forget about the day’s stress or whatever. A very large majority of customers have become lifelong friends which is priceless. I believe that in life, it’s all about who you know, and how you treat other people that brings happiness. Bartending/Mixology brings all walks of life right to you. Who knows what kind of cool experience awaits? I met the most important person in my life in a bar: My lovely wife, Thetan. Life has never been better!
WHat CaN CUStOMErS EXPECt FrOM YOU?
You can expect one hell of a drink, to be known by your name, be entertained and served/treated in a way you’d want to be served/treated. You can expect some advice if asked, may not be the best advice, but it’ll be advice nonetheless! I also dig playing Cupid at the bar for those single peeps looking for love or whatever ;)
DO YOU COMPEtE?
I participated in the Mt. Rose Drinks Bartender competition at Bully’s and won for a drink category featuring Grey Goose. Reno News & Review readers voted me Best Male Bartender in 2011 & 2012 [Best of Northern Nevada reader poll] which is a huge honor!
JESSE WELCH
YEarS BartENDiNG: 3 years.
BESt tHiNG aBOUt BartENDiNG
When a customer has no idea what they want to drink, you surprise them with your own creation and they fall in love with it - usually going out of their way to come back again and again for the same thing.
WHat CaN CUStOMErS EXPECt FrOM YOU?
I hardly consider myself a “mixologist” but rather a “experimentist” (word I made up lol). That being said, customers can expect a pleasant surprise when confronted with the tantalizing task of ordering a random drink from me at my bar, which is a daily endeavor.
DO YOU COMPEtE?
Although I’ve yet to compete I have created a very special bloody mary which I plan to take to the national bloody competition this year, with high expectations from me and many local bartenders alike.
NiCOLE BarkEr
Red Creole Fusion 585 Elgin Ave. Reno, NV
YEarS BartENDiNG: 8 years.
BESt tHiNG aBOUt BartENDiNG
Tending bar is an amazingly stimulating profession. I constantly get to interact with people as well as have a creative outlet. It’s a fun and always changing environment.
WHat CaN CUStOMErS EXPECt FrOM YOU?
Guests can expect me to be real with them. I like to create a unique experience that is tailored to the individual. I love making customized cocktails and helping guest a to find something that they love.
DO YOU COMPEtE?
I participate in a wide range of bartender competitions, mostly through the United States Bartenders’ Guild. I compete in local and national level competitions. It’s a great way to gain experience and expand my network. In the past couple of years, I have been a national finalist in the Absolut Best Bloody Mary, Don Q Shake It Up and Don Julio Tequila Challenge. I am currently competing in the Bols Around the World Competition and the Diageo World Class Competition.
Open daily for lunch & dinner 11 a.m. – close
Come in and experience our award-winning food and specialty cocktails.
thechocbar.com
Downtown Reno
775.337.1122
Northstar
530.562.1800
2 Happy Hours • Monday-Saturday (bar only)
Monday-Friday
3pm-7pm & 8:30pm-Close Prime Rib Sliders $6 Baja Fish Tacos $5 Mediterranean Trio $7 Swordfish Nuggets $5 Classic Buffalo Wings $6.50 Blue Point Oysters $5.50 Steamed Manila Clams $5.50
See Menu for More Choices
Saturdays
4pm-7pm & 8:30pm-Close Well Cocktails $3.50
Skyy Vodka, Bombay Gin, Sauza Tequila, Johnny Walker Scotch, Bacardi Rum House Wine $3.50 Draft Beer $3 Martinis $5 $1 OFF ALL BOTTLED BEER
1555 S. Wells Avenue, Reno www.Rapscallion.com
775-323-1211 :: 1-877-932-3700 Find us on Facebook
Special Advertising Publication from the Reno News & Review | RN&R NIGHTLIFE 2014 17
