> > Hey all,
> >
> > I'm a waiter that doesn't know a whole lot about cocktails. I just
> >
> > got hired at a local restaurant that prides itself on its bar, and
> >
> > the bartenders sure know it! I need an easy way (if there is one:) to
> >
> > remember what kinds of garnishes go on the various drinks we serve
> >
> > like limes, lemons, cherries, pineapple, stirrers, etc. I hate asking
> >
> > the bartenders because they have nothing to offer but attitudes! Any
> >
> > help would be much appreciated, thanks!
>
> It is so good to see a willingness to learn. Stop in on say a
> s-l-o-w Monday afternoon shift and ask to "follow" the scheduled
> bartender so that proper glassware and garnish can be learned.
> Believe me, dont be intimidated by their all knowing money making
> efforts or "elitest attitude" (I have bartended a long time and
> worked everthing before that, busser included, so I udnerstand)
> Forget attitudes. Ask for their help on how to garnish and I am
> sure they will be happy to show you. What to cut, how to cut and how
> to put together with a little sword, and why too. But keep in mind
> this is during the slowest time for them and respect it. It goes a
> long way. You are off to a good start. The more you learn with a
> positive attitude the farther you will go. I've seen it happen. (I
> started out as a busser and am now a general manager of the same
> restaurant)
>
> the good drink doctor
Thanks for the advice, I will definitely take it! Actually I was in the other
night and my customer ordered a cosmo, so I figured I would take the
initiative and put a lime wedge on it...only the bartender corrected me and
told me to put a lemon twist in it. Sure, I said. No problem. So I proceeded
to fight with the lemon to get the slice of peel off because I had no idea
what I was doing...he was cool and laughed for a sec and then helped me out.
He's one of the few nice ones!
Now you seem like a pretty reasonable guy that has been in the trenches and
knows the biz...can you tell me what it takes just to get started in the
bartending world? I'm not talking about getting a job at the hot new dance
club where you make $600 per shift. I just want a simple, entry level
bartending job where I can learn the basics of being a GOOD bartender. I don't
care about the money. I think bartending is fascinating and I just want to
learn it. I've been investigating it for nearly a year and as someone with no
experience, I decided to go into waitstaff first. And believe me, I LOVE it. I
really do. I'm getting experience with different drinks and upselling the top
shelf liquors, garnishes:), etc. and the people are just really cool to meet
and chat with. But bartending seems like one of those situations where no one
will hire you unless you have experience....so you reply well how am I
supposed to get that experience if you won't hire me? and round and round you
go...would you suggest starting with private parties for friends just to build
experience? or do common franchise restaurants hire fresh off the wagon
bartenders? are the certification courses worth the money, especially the ones
offering job placement help? Anything you can suggest would be much
appreciated. Thanks!