AZ88
Steen Olson
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Z88’s Steen Olson has been at the helm of the restaurant’s bar for 13 years, as both a bartender and manager, and he’s been in the industry for more than double that. His first bartending job began at now-closed Greasewood Flat 27 years ago and he says he’s never looked back. A Valley native, Olson says he feels very rewarded to be at a place like AZ88 that has lasted for so many years (since 1988, in fact), giving a nod to owner Karl Kopp for always encouraging his team’s success. “I am the most fortuitous bartender in town to be able to master my craft with a great staff and the best bar-backs in
Scottsdale,” he says. Olson promises he makes a mean sidecar, perfect for Arizona’s spring weather, but he shares that his favorite cocktail to make is an Old Fashioned. This cocktail is comprised of Makers Mark, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur and Peychaud’s Bitters, all aged in American oak for 21 days. Olson then pours the concoction over ice, muddled with cherries and fresh sliced orange, and adds a personal twist – he tops it with ginger beer instead of soda. Ask Olson for his specialty the next time you drop by for dinner and a drink. Olson notes AZ88 sees its fair share of high profile individuals, some of the SO SCOTTSDALE! |
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nicest and most down to earth being baseball players Cody Ross and Dontrelle Willis. We also got the low down on one of Olson’s most memorable stories about a guest. “Slash [the lead guitarist] from Guns N’ Roses came in with his wife or girlfriend at the time. I will never forget what he ordered: an ice cream sundae and a Kettle One martini straight up with olives. He then proceeded to draw cartoons on the beverage naps. Needless to say, he was very gracious and entertaining.” AZ88, 7353 Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale; 480.994.5576; www.az88.com.
| APRIL 2016
3/28/16 8:06 PM