brendanc Posted January 1, 2006 Share Posted January 1, 2006 It seems a bit odd that I never gave as much consideration to who is behind that two and a half feet of mahogany before and what it takes to remain there. Sure I've had friends behind the bar, sending freebies of guiness and I always tipped well, even for mediocre service. Tonight I have resolved to tip better. After 120 covers, 60 odd tasting menus, a fistfight between busser and frontwaiter, I had to jump behind the bar for New Year's late night. Angry, pleading throngs of postgraduate flotsam and jetsam fighting to get my attention and a drink, a computer system I've never seen and a desire to really start slugging it out when someone keeps pestering me to put their, "super-awesome new years cd in the system". It was fun, and f-ing hard work. I did a poor job I'm sure, really, all I did was say we were out of everything except stella on tap, I can do that. I've come away with a renewed respect for the good bartender and probably won't ever enter a bar with more than twenty poeple in it again. Charcuterie is a lot more up my alley than a cosmo is.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveBVI Posted January 1, 2006 Share Posted January 1, 2006 Ahh, yes, the shoe and the other foot...I came up as a barback, then a bar tender, I used to say that it was the last honest profession, or, conversely, being on the other side, as a regular, it is cheaper than therapy. Behind the bar, there is nowhere to hide...a trained observer can tell in 5 min if you know your a#* from your elbow. If you are an honest barkeep, you certainly earn every cent, on the other hand, you do sleep well... Been there, done that, might do it again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPW Posted January 1, 2006 Share Posted January 1, 2006 Allow me to announce my upcoming new book, "All I ever really needed to know I learned behind the bar". It's a real education in human nature. My favorite bartender lives about 250 miles from here. He owns the bar and is behind it every night. He knows more about his patrons they do about themselves. One night he'll follow in the footsteps of his father by having a heart attack and dying behind the bar. Like his father, his funeral portrait will hang on the wall so that all the old timers can raise a toast to him as his son pours them beer. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweaked Posted January 1, 2006 Share Posted January 1, 2006 Mark and Christa at the Cap Lounge and Jerry at the 18th Amendment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meaghan Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 Arrity Dreisbach from that place near the zoo. Dear Arrity, You’re my favorite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanishka Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 Arrity Dreisbach from that place near the zoo. Is that "place near the zoo" you refer to Palena? If so, I have to say she's pretty great. I've got a serious weakness for the bartenders at Tunnicliffs, but that's because they've transcended the bartender/friend barrier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stretch Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 Know why the Capitol Lounge caught fire? Because that blonde bartender who used to work the back bar was so unbelieveably freaking hot! I used to throw drinks over my shoulder so she'd come round to refill me more often. Actually, that's not true. But it totally would have been if I drank slower. Uh, I'm gonna go now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 Know why the Capitol Lounge caught fire? Because that blonde bartender who used to work the back bar was so unbelieveably freaking hot! I used to throw drinks over my shoulder so she'd come round to refill me more often. Actually, that's not true. But it totally would have been if I drank slower. Uh, I'm gonna go now. Um, Andrew: are you going to let us know when Whopper, Jr.'s sibling arrives? Please. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Riley Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 I truly don't know how bartenders in busy restaurants manage to keep up with everything. All of the drink orders, the sheer amount of focus that they have to maintain... I couldn't do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 [Name some names on this thread. These great people are worthy of our attention, and deserve to be lauded and held under a benevolent spotlight. Cheers, Rocks] Tony Allen at Equinox Jawad and Salvatore and Yee-Hwa at Citronelle I love these guys, and would do anything for them, and there are so many more: Jayne at Circle Bistro Manolo at Taberna del Alabardero Jamie at Buck's Fishing and Camping Chris at Dino Ken and Tami at Restaurant Eve Keep 'em coming. They deserve recognition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferhat Yalcin Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 Eduardo at Oyamel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 Mounir Safaa at Equinox. Most of the gang at Zaytinya (at least not while they're totally vodka-cranberry slammed). Anyone at Corduroy. Most of the folks at Old Ebbitt. And pretty much everyone Don said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrescentFresh Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 (edited) Diego at Jaleo. Bill at Cashions. Edited January 2, 2006 by CrescentFresh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sthitch Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 (edited) Sam Lek at the Town and Country Lounge in the Mayflower is the best in town for an old school drink. Edited January 2, 2006 by Sthitch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeMc Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 I'm so happy about this thread. . . I also want to add Mark O Flahavan from The Raven. He quotes Gatsby, Silas Mariner, invites people to try sister and brother in laws' ribs, and buys back rounds. He's great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLK Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 Arrity @ Palena (again! Although I still miss Jeff) Krishna at Aroma (no food, but you can bring in takeout from Spices, Indique, Vace, etc.) Chris at Dino Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brendanc Posted January 2, 2006 Author Share Posted January 2, 2006 (edited) From the way back machine, Mike from the Back Bar at the Ebbit. Post-service friend to the old 'Nox crew, the champagne and oyster rounds helped the mood as well Of course my boy Mounir at the 'Nox and Tony Allen, even thouygh he is a Dallas Fan Edited January 2, 2006 by brendanc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starfish Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 the bartenders that made my christmas list... mark and sonja - capital grille billy and george - cashion's krishna and billy - aroma daryl aka durty, kevin, song, laura - bedrock billiards dirty sarah - felix anna - the reef schmitty - childe harold tracy - charlie palmer's margaret ann - old ebbitt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meaghan Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 the bartenders that made my christmas list...mark and sonja - capital grille billy and george - cashion's krishna and billy - aroma daryl aka durty, kevin, song, laura - bedrock billiards dirty sarah - felix anna - the reef schmitty - childe harold tracy - charlie palmer's margaret ann - old ebbitt You really get around! I think Billy from Cashion's is a gem, as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Dente Posted January 2, 2006 Share Posted January 2, 2006 dirty sarah - felix Note to self: It's time you check out Felix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacques Gastreaux Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 (edited) Tami and Ken-Eve Rachel, Trish, Martin and James at Firefly. Edited January 3, 2006 by Jacques Gastreaux Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm chen Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 A third prop for Chris at Dino. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwertyy Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 (edited) Here here (hear hear? wow I need another coffee) for Billy at Cashion's and Krish at Aroma. I'll also add Coty at the Reef, Shola at the Tabard, and Chris at the Lucky Bar. Edited January 3, 2006 by Connave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonaire Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Mark, Tom, Patrick, Sonya, Rachel and Sue all at Capital Grille. They're all phenomenal and so great to spend time with. Plus, they put up with all of my antics (and those of my friends) John at DC Coast (used to be at Signatures) Nick (used to be at Signatures, not sure where he landed...if you ever find him, ask him for "The Nick"...makes you feel like you're on a beach with waves and warm sun) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris W Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Billy at the new Clydes at the MCI center. He was at Boulevard Woodgrill but is now day bar at Clydes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banco Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Terry at Mr. Henry's on the Hill. I come in only a few times a year but he always knows what I'm drinking and looks after me late at night if I have that I-know-your-kitchen-is-about-to-close-but-I'm-hungry look on my face. Mick at Sonoma. On a very cold day before Christmas he searched the place up and down for a bottle of Hendrick's (unfortunately to no avail). He didn't go into the cellar, though, saying, "You think I'm gonna freeze my ass for you?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camille-Beau Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Manny & Chris at Bobby Van's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jparrott Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Manny & Chris at Bobby Van's Too bad they don't have any Double Diamond to pour anymore. Seriously, is there a less imaginative beverage program in the city? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs. B Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 [ducking] Kevin at the Palm [\ducking]. Waitman took my SIL there for a cocktail and Kevin gave him the evil eye and upon W-man's departure suggested in no uncertain terms that his (Kevin's) regards be extended to me - as in "say hello to your wife" (you scum I have your number) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenticket Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Greg at Southside 815 - he's a real sweetheart! (along with most of the other guys behind the bar there) (WAY) Back in the day.... Norm at Garrett's - he moved from there to Angles(?) the bar upstairs from Little Fountain, no idea if he's still there, but wherever he is now, he was very good (ah, those days of 'yewt' ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonRocks Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 and Tony Allen, even though he is a Dallas Fan Bartender: "I need a new car."Drunken Patron: "Want a BMW?"Bartender: "Sure!"Next time you go to Equinox on a Monday or Wednesday, ask Tony (a personal trainer by day) about the time he swapped fitness-training sessions for a car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Slater Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 "Sully" AKA Ron Sullivan at The Guards. Best in town. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Foodie Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 I can only vouch for this on one ocassion, but the other patrons in the bar area the night I was there certainly seemed to agree with me that Thom at Notti Bianche is up there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcpolicywonk Posted February 7, 2006 Share Posted February 7, 2006 A third prop for Chris at Dino. Definitely! Was there last week for a glass of wine and a snack after work and he was great. Willing to really talk about the wines and had good suggestions. Another reason (like there aren't already more than I can count) to spend time at Dino. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCMark Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Ed, Dushawn and (barback) Ishmael at the now closed Club Red. Some of them now work at Dragonfly. Treated regulars very well. Often had to request 'less' vodka in my drinks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waitman Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Patrice at Tonic. Babelicious -- and an excellent bartender. Also, my favorite ex-marine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunnyJohn Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 After 28 years tending to the inmates of Darwin's Waiting Room -- aka the basement of the Childe Harold -- Roland Desonnier is drawing his last beer, relinquishing his bar rag and hanging up his apron this Wednesday afternoon, October 25. Those of us who have benefitted from Roland's good humor, generous pours and wise counsel over the years plan to gather at some point in the late afternoon to wish him well as he leaves the Childe to take up a full time Assistant Coaching position for U of MD's track team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 After 28 years tending to the inmates of Darwin's Waiting Room -- aka the basement of the Childe Harold -- Roland Desonnier is drawing his last beer, relinquishing his bar rag and hanging up his apron this Wednesday afternoon, October 26.Whoa. Scott and I might have to stop by.I still miss Rodney from the Childe. My favorite bartender ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunnyJohn Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Er -- that's Wednesday Oct. 25th (note to self: finsh coffee before posting in the morning) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seanchai Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Whoa. Scott and I might have to stop by.I still miss Rodney from the Childe. My favorite bartender ever. Wow. As someone who hasn't been on the DC bar/Irish pub circuit since the early 90's, even I remember hearing stories about the legendary Rodney. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Wow. As someone who hasn't been on the DC bar/Irish pub circuit since the early 90's, even I remember hearing stories about the legendary RodneyRodney was the best. He talked me through my divorce & subsequent rebound relationship and made sure I was left alone at the bar. Scott (my hub) was only allowed to sit next to me because Rodney knew him and thought he was OK. And he mixed a mean drink. I probably bought him a drink every time I was in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seanchai Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 I have to give a shout out to a good friend: P.J. Lavelle working Saturday nights at Murphy's of DC for more than 15 years. He's worked hard to provide a haven for locals at this tourist cash cow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmbrown Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 Ladies and Gents of the board, Please make sure to tip you bartender an extra buck and drink an extra pint on December 5th in celebration of the repeal of the stupidest and most backward legislation to every be inacted in these great States, Prohibition. Thank God we came to our senses, or I'd be mixing avocado and balsamico in an attempt to make the perfect aperitif--yuck! Check out mixiologist JeffreyMorgenthaler's post on his blog: http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christopherc Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 Just thought I would add my two cents to this string. Susan at Landini's in Old Town, Ken, Jake, Tammy, and, at one time Dustin at Restaurant Eve, some can also be found at Eammons in Old Town, George at Cashions, Dave at La La Land in Rehoboth Beach, Tara, formerly at 219, and many more to numerous to name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLK Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 Dave at La La Land in Rehoboth Beach,Leopardhead!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Orel Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 Ladies and Gents of the board, Please make sure to tip you bartender an extra buck and drink an extra pint on December 5th in celebration of the repeal of the stupidest and most backward legislation to every be inacted in these great States, Prohibition. Thank God we came to our senses, or I'd be mixing avocado and balsamico in an attempt to make the perfect aperitif--yuck! Check out mixiologist JeffreyMorgenthaler's post on his blog: http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com. Cheers! I agree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol_ironstomach Posted December 4, 2006 Share Posted December 4, 2006 Ladies and Gents of the board, Please make sure to tip you bartender an extra buck and drink an extra pint on December 5th in celebration of the repeal of the stupidest and most backward legislation to every be inacted in these great States, Prohibition. Thank God we came to our senses, or I'd be mixing avocado and balsamico in an attempt to make the perfect aperitif--yuck! Check out mixiologist JeffreyMorgenthaler's post on his blog: http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com. Cheers! Bump. Tuesday approacheth. The DCDrinks guys, and others, will be celebrating at Billy Martin's Tavern that evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starfish Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 I had the privilege of sitting with a veritable “Murderers Row” of DC bartenders last night – I will not name them as it is not my place to disclose the affairs of others. At one point, one of the members of our happy band of drink makers quipped “of the ten bartenders in DC that know how to make a proper sazerac, six are in this room and four of us aren’t behind a bar any more.” While there was certainly a touch of hyperbole in his statement, it wasn’t that far from the truth. We then set about lamenting the state of the bartending profession in DC. Next time you come across a truly great bartender, please give him or her a knowing smile when you thank them for a job well done. There certainly aren’t enough of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenlover Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 I had the privilege of sitting with a veritable “Murderers Row” of DC bartenders last night – I will not name them as it is not my place to disclose the affairs of others. At one point, one of the members of our happy band of drink makers quipped “of the ten bartenders in DC that know how to make a proper sazerac, six are in this room and four of us aren’t behind a bar any more.” While there was certainly a touch of hyperbole in his statement, it wasn’t that far from the truth. We then set about lamenting the state of the bartending profession in DC.Next time you come across a truly great bartender, please give him or her a knowing smile when you thank them for a job well done. There certainly aren’t enough of them. Forget making a proper Sazerac, there are plenty of bartenders in this town who can't even pour a pint. Since moving to DC I've basically given up on going to bars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol_ironstomach Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 At one point, one of the members of our happy band of drink makers quipped “of the ten bartenders in DC that know how to make a proper sazerac, six are in this room and four of us aren’t behind a bar any more.” O Johnny Monis, what have you wrought?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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