Comments | benponder: request for input

benponder

request for input

Oct 28, 2004 01:26

the second night I was working at the bar, I got into a conversation with the manager about my philosophy of what it means to be a bartender. I rambled for a little bit, eyes closed as I normally do when thinking very deeply, and when I opened my eyes the manager was looking at me with an awe filled smile. She was so impressed with what I'd said ( Read more... )

Comments 16

rawbery79 October 28 2004, 05:02:29 UTC

I think it's pretty cool.

beerjudge October 28 2004, 07:35:32 UTC

A very good list, I would only add:The bartender must ensure that all customers are enjoying themselves, and either calm or remove the individual who’s disrupting.

benponder October 28 2004, 07:44:06 UTC

good call, I was thinking about bartender-customer interaction, not the bartender's role in customer-customer interaction.

The bartender connects all the dramas in the bar. The bartender fills a role which is harmonius to all the customers, providing each with they want and not allowing the role they play for other customers, or the other customers themselves, to unneccesarily interfere with anyone else's story.

That work?

beerjudge October 28 2004, 08:12:29 UTC

*nod* Sounds much better. It's amazing how one obnoxious drunk can ruin it for everyone. Of course that depends on the kind of bar it is...a sports bar is much more tolerant of bad behavior then an upscale night club.

benponder October 28 2004, 08:25:57 UTC

it's certainly upscale... no smoking in the bar, a wine list that takes a full page, and all the mixed drinks on the menu are martini variants.

I've had to deal with one guys obnoxious behavior... best way I've found is to joke around with the guy, such that he thinks i'm cutting up with him. The more sober people, however, can watch my tongue boring a hole in my cheek and watch me subtly make fun of the guy. Keeps everyone entertained. Then I make sure to balance the humor in such a way that those who are looking for a good time and those looking for a quiet undisturbed drink are all appreciative of it.

The joys of social engineering :)

anonymous October 28 2004, 08:25:17 UTC

I like it. It's what I would want from a bar tender when I go to bars.

eyes_of_cyrene October 28 2004, 20:52:07 UTC

I think it completely works for the kind of atmosphere you're bartending in (and, dammit! I AM going to see it for myself soon!).

I agree with Tim's comment and I like the way you phrased your response to that.

Run with it, my friend!

sarahibiz October 28 2004, 21:03:18 UTC

You're hired.
I manage a restaurant...This is good stuff.

benponder October 28 2004, 21:13:27 UTC

heh... where's the restaurant? Thus far money isn't working out too well at the bar, but pretty much my entire resume is food service. I might need to look for a second job.

sarahibiz October 28 2004, 21:18:16 UTC

Food service is MY LIFE. lol I've grown up in restaurants.

The restaurant is in Des Moines. If you ever end up here and need a job, let me know.

And might I suggest showing a little cleavage? Always works for me when the tips are bad. lol

benponder October 28 2004, 21:23:52 UTC

nobody wants to see my cleavage. too much hair, and I really don't feel like shaving my chest :)

I usually just drink some lemon juice and do some stretches in the breakroom, and go do my job with catlike grace of movement and a very deep, smooth voice. Only works with tables of older women though.

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