Hot Bartender, Cool Drink: EmBARgo

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

What do you wish people knew about bartending?

“Bartender’s Choice” is really hard, because you don’t know if they will like the drink or not.  People order it a lot because they think it makes it easier on us, which is nice, but it’s a little bit of pressure, and then if they don’t love it, we’ve just added to the liquor costs.”

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

This is definitely my career.  I am the bar manager, and I’m here about 50 hours a week.

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

There’s this guy that comes in—he’s from Manhattan.  He comes in at 4:30, 5:00 with his flashy rings and he talks about his Mercedes.  He wears a Louis Vuitton Mink coat with the LV logo imprints on it.  And, of course, he finds the only two girls at the bar and talks to them all night.

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

Personality: anybody can make drinks, but a great bartender has this unique ability to make acquaintances.   People sit at your bar for a specific experience, which is not only to eat and drink.  A cold shoulder jeopardizes that experience.

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

I come here, and to Trader Ed’s.

Need something to take you from last call to after-party?  Try Marissa’s signature beverage:

 All Dave, All Night (named after the manager)

In a shaker filled with ice, pour:

¾ oz. orange vodka

¼ oz. St. Germain

Strain into Martini glass and garnish with fresh lime and orange slices.