Hot Bartender, Cool Drink: Colombo's

In between pouring drinks, she answered 5 questions for us:

What do you wish people knew about bartending?

That we live off our tips, and our hourly rate isn’t that high.

Is this your career, or is it just paying the bills?

This is what I am doing, for now.  I’m a mom, so this works for me.  I used to be a flight attendant for a company called TransFloridian, and I want to be in the fitness and nutrition industry.

Bartenders talk to a lot of people every day—tell us about the most bizarre person or experience from work.

It’s actually pretty mellow here.  People come to eat and drink, but it’s really chill.  It’s not a beer-and-shot kind of place.  So, I really don’t see a lot of crazy stuff!

What one quality separates a regular bartender from an unforgettable one?

An unforgettable bartender pays attention to the customers.  They have a 3rd eye and a 3rd ear.  If you hear someone talking about getting another drink, then you get it for them.

People come to you to let off some steam and relax—what is your favorite spot in town to do the same?

I don’t get too many chances to go out anymore, but I like going to Embargo’s and Ying’s.

Being a mom and working at night takes its tolls.  Here’s how Paige stays awake:

3-Bean Espresso Martini

In a shaker with ice, pour:

1 oz. Stoli Vanilla

0.5 oz. Kahlua

0.5 oz. Bailey’s

Splash of Frangelico

Splash of Espresso

Shake and then strain into Martini glass.