Dare to Flair

I write a lot about the things that guests do that get under my skin.

However, there is a growing list of things that bartenders do that drive me crazy as well.

The first thing I’d like to mention is the lack of knowledge that a large number of bartenders have. Too many bartenders these days are hired based on their looks rather than their qualifications.

If all I ever wanted to drink were rum and cokes for the rest of my life, I might be able to survive, but if I would like to have a creative cocktail, or try something new, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a qualified bartender!

Another thing that gets me going is when bartenders don’t put thing back where they came from. If I’m trying to serve my guests efficiently, but I have to search around to find things that aren’t where they belong, it will take me longer than it should; lowering my overall income.

● Do not scoop the ice with the glass. If the glass breaks in the ice, we have a SERIOUS problem.

● Do not leave a bottle on top of the bar. We could lose our liquor license and all be out of jobs.

● PLEASE keep your work station neat and organized. If I have to cover you for a “smoke break”, and clean up after you 1 more time…

● STOP TALKING AND MAKE SOME DRINKS

This is a fun industry to work in and we can make some good money if we all work together and don’t kill each other first!

When ordering cocktails from the bar, please make sure you use some consistency so you don’t appear to be a shmuck. The proper way to order is to say the spirit first, THEN the mix. For example; rum and coke, gin and tonic, or vodka soda. Make sure you do not order a cranberry vodka, a coke and rum, or a sour whiskey. Another classic favorite of mine is a diet rum and coke. When did they start making diet rum?

Please don’t touch anything on the bar that does not belong to you.

This includes the straws, lemons, limes, olives, cherries, the glassware under the bar and anything else that you might contaminate.

If you would like a cherry, I will be happy to get you one.

No one will want to eat or drink anything that 5oo people have had their hands in.

It is a health code violation for anyone to have their hand in a garnish tray.