Dare to Flair

If I had a dollar for every time someone used that line at the bar, I would have retired years ago.

Every guy that watched Casino Royale insists on using the famous line the next time they go to the bar.

First of all, martinis are not supposed to be shaken because air is added during agitation, causing the martini to get cloudy.

It also breaks up the ice and little ice shards will pass through for you to choke on.

Proper martinis are to be stirred gently to ensure the cocktail will be crystal clear.

The Vesper Martini is named after Vesper Lynd, a double agent and also Bond’s love interest in the movie.

Bond invents the martini which consists of:

-3 parts Gin

-1part Vodka

-1/2 oz. Kina Lillet

-Shaken hard

-Garnished with a lemon twist

In my pub days I would always get stiffed when it came to take out.

People seem to think that take out is less work, so they don’t have to tip. Really take out is just as much work if not more because you have to anticipate anything the guest will need and make sure it is all tied up in a neat little bag for them.

So now, I always make sure to tip when I get take out.

What I have been finding lately, is that the kitchen guys pack up the take out, the server or bartender gets the tip and no one double checks to make sure that the order is correct.

It has been so bad recently that the last three times that I have ordered from this particular place, they have screwed up my order.

I get heated when I over tip in most cases, and the person receiving it is too lazy to double check the order.

It has gotten to the point where I have boycotted an entire pub chain, and will never go back!

So I am head down, pumping out cocktails. I see who is in line and what order they got there, and I hear this voice say. “Hey, all I need is a water man.”

I look up to see that the voice came from some random guy who decided that he doesn’t have to wait in line like everyone else, because he’s only getting water.

I reply, “You’re going to have to wait a second, these people are in line ahead of you.”

“I said all I need is a glass of water”, he chimes back. Without wanting to get into it, I take the time to get this guy his water, and without a please, thank you, or a tip he turns around and walks away.

Just for the record, a glass of water takes no less time to make than a rum and coke does. Just because it is free, does not mean that you do not have to tip. Or at LEAST say thank you!