Twitter time – describe your job in under 140 characters:
Lead Bartender at @uvavancouver, where I make up in speed for what I lack in height! #imnotevenshort
How did you get into bartending? What was the inspiration for your career route?
I think a lot of young kids toss the idea around if how cool it would be to be a bartender, I was definitely one of those kids. I was 18 when I got my first bartending ‘job’ in a cute surf town in Nicaragua, from there I fell in love. Only a bartender will agree that there is a rush like none other when you are behind that bar.
Uva is my first cocktail bar, with the amount that I’ve learned in last two years I can only imagine how much more there is to learn. There really is no limit in bartending.
Is it barrels, carbonation or cocktails on tap? What’s the latest trend you see in bartending?
They’ve all been around for awhile but I’d say the latest would be tap, for putting cocktails out at high volume and maintaining consistency they are great. I also believe bartending is a lot about the performance, there’s not much of a show pouring a prebatched cocktail. So if I’ve got the time, I’d be making the drink on the spot.
What’s the best part of what you do? And what’s the most challenging part?
Having fun and working as a team, you can’t get through a tough night without a great team! The most challenging part is waking up before noon.. (unless we have a 10am whiskey tasting).
What is your favorite spirit to work with behind the bar?
That’s between gin and bourbon.
Do you have a definitive cocktail style?
I wouldn’t say I have a definitive cocktail style, although I do enjoy everything bitter. Balanced, but bitter.
What’s the most memorable moment you’ve ever had working behind a bar?
That would probably have to be a busy Friday or Saturday night when Sabrine’s shaker popped, throwing an entire bourbon sour on me, yes egg white and all. It was awesome. We all laughed so hard and still joke about it all the time, you’ve just got to have fun behind the bar!
What’s the next step for you when it comes to tending bar?
I enjoy to travel more then anything else. Having the ability to go and sit at other bars around the world is great, my list of places/bars I want to go to is endless with new places always popping up.
Who’s bar are you most likely to be found at, and what are you drinking there?
I enjoy many places in Vancouver, that’s a hard one to pinpoint. I like to visit my friends behind the bar but I also like checking out the other places where I can establish new relationships with bartenders and check out the competition! It’s always awesome to see what other bartenders are mixing up and I like to do my best in supporting their bars. Sometimes I find it hard when you’re closing almost every night till 3 am to maintain a social life, but if I didn’t I’d be out every night, so honestly it’s probably for the best!
What’s your go to drink to mix?
I enjoy the chase trying to figure out the best drink suited for the guest, asking the necessary questions to guide them into a drink they will enjoy. As for what I would mix for myself, I usually stick to classics but it all depends on what I’m in the mood for.
Fernet, Mezcal or Chartreuse?
That’s like asking which is my favourite cat.
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