Showing posts with label Bars/Clubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bars/Clubs. Show all posts

Monday, September 24, 2012

Sh*t People say to Bartenders

OK so this video was soooooo funny I wanted to share this with some of you. I honestly think I've heard everything that has been said in this video and hear them multiple times when I'm working. Hope you all enjoy this as much as I did watching. Oh and take notes.. if you say some of these things, this might be why the bartender hates you.. lol

Cheers,
Mr.Mixologist



Monday, February 20, 2012

Urban Fetes Group--> A change to Chicago Nightlife

So over the summer I was approached by a young lady about extending my bartending service to a group of people who were re-shaping events here in Chicago. Of course I thought about it and decided to give it a try. I was immediately surprised at the event, how successful it was and how much fun I had while working the bar.

Over time since that very 1st event, Ive been the go to bar service for each event, as they are getting bigger and bigger and more elaborate. The Urban Fetes group has changed the way events are held. From different types of venues, to great DJs, to using the BEST mobile bartending service in the city, DrinkxXx On Me( Shameless Plug). Every third Thursday of the month look forward to an amazing event!! This Thursday, Feb 23rd  is the latest edition of the Mix and Mingle tradition. Check out the press release straight from the founder, and friend of mine Shannon Waldron...

URBAN FETES GIVES CHICAGO NIGHTLIFE A FACE-LIFT
"New Promotion and Marketing Company, Urban Fetes, Offers Young Professionals Alternative Events with Substance and Style" 

For many young professionals in Chicago, nightlife has grown stale. People are over loud bars, expensive drinks, tired DJs, and crowded dance floors. Urban Fetes, one of the area's up-and-coming promotion and marketing companies, is shaking up the scene with fresh alternatives that combine substance, style, and socializing. Its signature event, the #MIXANDMINGLE occurs after work every third Thursday of the month and has gained remarkable acclaim since its inception just five months ago. 

Founder, Shannon Waldron, describes the aim of the #MIXANDMINGLE as two-fold: "We provide opportunities for accomplished and progressive adults to connect socially and professionally with like-minded individuals, while simultaneously giving enterprising businesses the chance to market their products and services to this exclusive crowd." Although the underlying premise of networking remains consistent, the layout of the #MIXANDMINGLE is as diverse as the crowd it attracts. The venue shifts between premier galleries around the city, such as ARTrevolution, Chicago Art Department, and Black Cloud Gallery. Similarly, Urban Fetes takes an unconventional approach to entertainment. Attendees can expect their admission to the #MIXANDMINGLE to include a variety of live performances, featured speakers, and fashion showcases, as well as an open bar and appetizers. For added value, Urban Fetes infuses purpose into this party by collecting canned goods at the door to be donated to the Greater Chicago Food depository.

February's #MIXANDMINGLE is guaranteed to keep pace with its impressive predecessors, offering a grand fashion show with some of Chicago's hottest designers and models, live jazz musicians, a DJ, catered hor d'oeuvres, and a bar hosted by Remy Martin V and Auchentoshan Scotch. On Thursday, February 23, 2012, bring your canned goods to Society Art Gallery (2140 W. Fulton Street (Suite D), Chicago, IL.), and enjoy the #MIXANDMINGLE experience from 8 pm - 12 am. 

Urban Fetes has also hosted spa days, Sunday brunches, and plans to expand to comedy shows, day parties, and other innovative affairs that will keep its following engaged and satisfied. Unlike many of its peer promotional companies, Urban Fetes is not just about throwing hot parties, but with each flawlessly executed event, the team intends to develop a culture and brand that reflects the distinctive lifestyles, interests, and needs of the young professionals it serves in the Chicago area. For a listing of upcoming events, visit the Urban Fetes website at www.urbanfetes.com. 

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If you would like more information about this topic, or if you would like to schedule an interview with Mr. Shannon Waldron, please contact, Katrina Waldron at katrina@urbanfetes.com









So if you are a young energetic professional person who is looking for a change from the norm, these are the place to be EVERY third THURSDAY of the Month!! Im proud and happy to be one of the sponsors who make this event go, and will always be a part of changing the landscape of Chicago Nightlife..Here's a few pics from Previous Mix and Mingle events and the event plugger for THIS THURSDAY'S event!!



Founder Shannon Waldron


Myself Pouring the Remy Martin Punch at the last event!


Our Crowd..



Until Next time
Mr.Mixologist




Monday, June 14, 2010

Drink Measurements and Glassware

Hello all!!!

One of my bars i work is at a nightclub. If you're ever in the Chi some see me at Krush nightclub(shameless plug). In this club when we make drinks, we don't use traditional glassware. We have to use plastic cups. Why you might ask? Because if anything happens in the club(fight, altercation, accident,etc) having traditional Glasses can prove to be a hazard to myself, the other bartenders, and patrons all throughout the venue.




So,  You're probably wondering, why the hell is he telling us this? Well the #1 question I get posed while I'm at this spot is, "Is this the cup the drink comes in?" or "Can you make the drink stronger, since it comes in that cup?"

Now we use a standard 8oz. cup. So its a little shorter than a 12oz glass. The alcohol measurements don't change,just because its in a shorter cup!!! For example, I made a Long Island this weekend in a glass and a cup just to show someone that the size of the glass doesn't matter, its all about the measurements. A Long Island is a 1/2oz of Vodka,Gin,Rum,Tequila, and Triple Sec no matter what you put it in. The bigger the glass doesn't equate a stronger drink. Actually the bigger the glass is the more ice and juice!! The alcohol levels remain constant no matter what.



Also patrons, please stop asking for a "Strong Drink" or "Can you make my drink strong"? There is no such thing. Any respectable Mixologist/bartender is going to measure out the drink properly. My rule is this.. YOU WANT A STRONG DRINK, ORDER A DOUBLE!!!!

Every business has costs. In our business, alcohol is very expensive. So drinks need to be measured to keep costs down and be able to provide all you guys with new drinks and different brands when they come on to the market.

So the moral of today's post is, Trust your bartender! If i make you a drink, I know what I'm doing. The size of your glass and the drink measurements will even out. Who wants to be drunk from one drink because your bartender made it "Strong". You want to have a great cocktail, and be able to drink throughout your evening. And I want you to come back to the bar and continue to order drinks, and most importantly,.... TIP.

Sorry for the rant, but i got these question's asked to me all weekend. Next post will be much more fun and positive.

Until next time
Mr.Mixologist

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Monday, December 21, 2009

Drinks Of the Week


Hey everybody,

Back with a couple of drinks recipes, from my trip to New York a couple weeks ago. First one is the Ice Cream Soda. Had this at the Sweetwater on 139th in the South Bronx. This is a custom drink from their menu..Im usually skeptical when it comes to real sweet, blended drinks but this def is the exception to the rule... It wasnt too too sweet, but it had alot of kick on the backside..So here it is...Pic anbove is what it should look like...

Ice Cream Soda
2oz Captain Morgan
1oz Baileys
3/4oz Grenadine
10z Coca-Cola

Place all ingredients in a mixing cup, Shake then blend with Ice...

Put a Cherry on Top and Enjoy!


On to the Next one..

California Car Bomb
This one is for those of us who enjoy Jager Bombs, Lunchboxes and all other drinks with a shot dropped. It was a refreshing drink, not too strong, but def tasty. I enjoyed this at McFadddens on 40th and 2nd ave in Manhattan...

California Car Bomb
1oz Stoli Orange
1 half glass of Red Bull
Dash of Cranberry Juice

Drop the shot of Stoli into the Red Bull and Chug away!!!


Hope you guys enjoyed these two new drinks that i will def be making, and drinking in the near future.

Until next time

J.O.

Follow me on twitter.com/MrMixologist
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Thursday, June 11, 2009

Part #1 My rules at the Bar

Whats up everybody? I finally got this whole blog thing going. So bear with me as I'm getting used to this. So Ill start by giving a little background info about myself. I have been a bartender for over 3 years professionally. Before that i was the bartender at all the parties and I was in Retail management. Bartending is a passion that i have had for many years. I remember watching "Cheers" with my grandmother when I was younger, and telling her I want to do that one day! So lately I've taken the moniker " The Black Sam Malone". lol I've worked in a few different environments from a nightclub, a neighborhood sports bar, to now I work at a banquet hall. All of these different locales have given me an interesting perspective to the nightlife industry.

Now that you have a little background about me, I feel the need to let you all in on a few secrets to making your bar experience a great one. Whether you are at a busy club, sports bar, or a wedding reception there are a few rules that you should always apply.Your bartender should always remain even tempered and always place customer service at the top of his/her priorities but here are a few things you guys(patrons) can do to make the night go a little easier on us and help to keep the party going... SO without any further adieu here is part #1 of my rules at the bar.


1. Do not make eye contact with the bartender if you do not want a drink.

Most bartenders are working a long bar. So if we have 10 customers on one end, and you are standing at the other end, if you make eye contact we will come down there to you. No one outside of the bartender can really understand how disheartening it is to leave customers just to go to the other end of the bar(usually running with 2 or 3 bottles in your hands) just for you to say you don't want anything.

2. You offer to buy a woman a drink and she refuses, she does not like you.(...which means: STOP TRYING)

Fellas take it from me, most women come to the bar to hang out just like we do. It doesn't always mean an open invitation to bug her the whole evening. I once saw a guy go down the whole bar, with the same rap offering to buy all the ladies a drink. All refused!! He gave up and tried to get the female bartender that was working with me with the same game!!! Trust guys, everybody likes free, so if she refuses, just pick up your pride and WALK AWAY!!!!!

3. If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to drink in a bar. Go to the liquor store.

Self explanatory...Its been many nights I've worked a patron to death, answered all his questions, made the drink he had at his buddies house 2 weeks prior, and still only got a very small tip for a very large bill. Gratuity is a part of the game, so if your bartender takes care of you, take care of him/her.

4. Don't tell us you bartend too!

Yet another self explanatory one here. If you do bartend, Great!! But for the most part, making drinks at your friends house does not constitute as bartending. We don't come to your job and tell you how to be a banker, construction worker, accountant, etc.. So please don't give us mixology tips.

5. Don't string-order your drinks.

Please try and give me all your drinks at once. Don't tell me "2 sex on the Beaches" then i make those and you ask me for 2 more then after that a rum and coke. If its you and a few of your friends, have your order ready when you step up. I guarantee you will get the drinks faster and wont piss off the bartender either!

6. Do NOT lean as far as you can over the bar, in case I didn't see you. I see you.

I see you, and you leaning or standing on a chair or waving and yelling won't get me to you any faster. If anything it will get you ignored and just irritate you and me!!

7. Don't start the order off with, "GIVE ME A STRONG DRINK!"

Any respectable business has costs. And those costs stay down when the bartender measures the liquor and uses the right amount in each drink. A " Strong Drink" really doesn't exist. You want it stronger, order a double.

8. Don't COMPLAIN ABOUT PRICES!!

See Rule #3. If you got Hornitos money don't order Don Julio. Well and Call liquor are not as expensive as premium. And domestic beer is cheaper than Imported. So check your wallet before you get there. Complaining about the price is not gonna change them!!

9. Our names are NOT "Hey" or "Yo", nor do we respond to whistles, psst, or banging your bottle, glass or hand on the bar!

See Rule #6. This is a surefire way to get ignored, and then when i do get to you, I can guarantee the weakest drink EVER!!!!!

10. Last call is LAST CALL!

Please don't hang around the bar continuously asking for one more drink. Or sipping your drink slower. There is alot that goes on in the bar after hours. And the longer you are there that's the longer we are in the bar. Inventory, clean-up, glassware, money, trash, all need to be taken care of. We cant start until the bar is clear. So please respect the Last call and exit. 9 times outta 10 you'll be right back at the bar the next evening.

So I hope this gives you a little insight on how to keep the night going smooth for you and the bartender. We are the party starters and want you all to have a good night!! But we want a good night as well. So remember these tips and be sure to TIP YOUR BARTENDERS!!!!

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