Dare to Flair

Tales of a Professional Showoff

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Rising Stars: Zack Prohaska

Zack Prohaska

If you are like me, you love watching flair bartenders perform. There is a hypnotizing element to it all.

I sometimes find myself watching the same guys over and over again, without seeing what the new guys have to offer.

This segment features the rising stars of the world of flair bartending.

I am proud to feature a colleague of mine, who has been working overseas for a few years, and now he’s back ready to take on the best in the world.

Here’s my interview with Zack Prohaska.

How did you get into flair?

Well, one day while driving to work, a Movers ‘n’ Shakers ad was played over the radio. The ad offered flair bartending lessons taught by Gavin MacMillan of BartenderOne.

I didn’t know much about flair besides what I have seen in the movie “Cocktail”, but being a bartender, I figured it would be something fun to try.

The Movers ‘n’ Shakers course blew my mind! Way better than Tom Cruise could ever do! I couldn’t wait to start. Taking that course was one of the best things I have ever done.

What opportunities have come your way since?

A year later I was offered a job to flair bartend for largest restaurant and nightclub chain in Japan, Sam and Dave’s.

For 3 1/2 years I lived in Osaka. I have met some of the most interesting people from all over the world! Among those people have been some of the best flair bartenders in the world.

I have partied all over Japan, Korea, and Thailand all because I could throw a bottle around… pretty awesome eh?!

What does the future hold for you?

Now I am back in Canada. I am taking this time to really start training. My plan is to join the FBA tour and hopefully make my mark in the flair world.

Representing Canadian bartenders in front of hundreds of people would be an amazing experience… and I can’t wait to do it!

Thanks Zack, we can’t wait to see you set the flair world on fire.

All the best and good luck!

posted by admin at 2:31 pm  

Monday, December 22, 2008

Bartender Profile: Tom Dyer

Tom Dyer

Age: 26 Years Old
Nationality: England:
Lives: LONDON (England)
Bartending: 8 Years
Flairing: 7 Years

Tom Dyer is one of the world’s best and most innovative flair bartenders.

 

I had the privilege to meet him at a flair competition in Toronto in 2005, and was lucky enough to pick his brain and have him give me a few pointers!

 

Here is my interview with Tom Dyer.

 


1. Why did you get into flair?

 

I started working at a restaurant and was a buss boy and a bar back. When I turned 18 I had the choice to become a server or bartender. I started working on the bar, and enjoyed it, but I wasn’t hooked just yet. It was when I went to see the Roadhouse world final flair competition in November of 2000 that I decided that this is what I wanted to do. I turned down a job at a bank and quit my university, and have never looked back since.

 


2. Other than yourself, who is your favourite flair bartender?

 

This brings me back to the competition I mentioned at the Roadhouse in November of 2000. I saw Nicolas St Jean flair and was amazed by the show he put on, and to this day I still think it is one of the greatest routines I have ever seen. I do have a few other favourites such as Sebastian Oguic for his shear style and grace, I could watch it all day. A new guy coming up called Alex Searle for his dedication to be original and Tomek Malek and Marek Posluzny for the amazingly difficult and aggressive moves they bang out on stage.

 

3. What is your favourite flair bar?

 

Well I have a load of favourite places from all over the world. They include some of the obvious and some you may not have heard of.

They include:

Las Vegas – Carnaval Court for the crazy parties and biggest shots of Jager in the world.

London – Roadhouse, the home of flair in my opinion and the greatest competition around.

Romania – Interbelic, new to the scene, but mixes mixology and flair with some top tunes.

Prague – Coyotes for the great show.

Japan – Liner flips for their love of flair.

Taipei – Luxy for the amazing nights out and the flair shows every night.


4. What is your greatest flair achievement?

Well recently I reached my ultimate goal in flair, which was to win the Roadhouse world final competition. I have been trying for 7 years and I won the 7th time lucky. I have also made some other big achievements, such as winning the UK championship 6 times and winning over 50 competitions worldwide. Now that I have reached my ultimate target though I have set some new targets for myself, which I am keeping secret for now.

 

 

You can check out what Tom’s up to by checking out these sites:

www.dangerousdyer.co.uk

www.creativebartending.com

www.worldflairassociation.com

Thanks again Tom!

posted by admin at 3:27 pm  

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Bartender Profile: Justin Keane

justin_top.jpg

Justin Keane

Age: 29

Nationality: U.S.A

Employer: Carnaval Court at Harrah’s

Years Flairing: 6

I Asked Justin A few Questions and found out some interesting facts.

Here’s my interview with Justin Keane.

Q. Why did you get into flair?

A. I got into flair because when i was barbacking in Hawaii i worked with a bartender who flaired a little bit and was totally intrigued by it. Then after a trip out here ( Las Vegas) for the bar and nightclub convention in 2000 i was all about it. i saw my first legends and told myself that i would be on that stage one day.

Q. Other than yourself, who is your favorite flair bartender?

A. This question is a hard one because it changes all the time… if i had to pick though, it would have to pick two. As for competitions it would have to be Tom Dyer, he goes for it everytime and always has something very original and new to watch! When it comes to working flair, Adam Kotarski from Carnaval Court… this guy can ring high while flairing everything and not repeat a move for hours. All while remembering his regulars and taking multiple orders.

Q. What is your favorite flair bar?

A. This one is a no brainer… Carnaval Court baby!!! Big flair, big money and big time fun even though i work there i still have a great time as a guest! The energy that comes off that bar sometimes is even better than some of the biggest comps I’ve been in. some day want to go to Maloney’s though… i hear its an awesome working flair bar.

Q. What is your greatest flair achievement?

A. My greatest achievement would have to be getting hired at Carnaval… it’s something I wanted for years but never though I could get. Luckily one day John Arishita called me and asked me if i’d like to come in for an audition. I said yes of course ;) . To work next to some of the greatest bartenders in the world is truly an honor and am thankful for it everyday! Another thing I’m proud of is my new website, it will be done this week. Please check it out at:

www.servedwithstyle.com

thanx!

Justin

posted by admin at 1:33 pm  
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