SAM MALONE? November 14
I was just getting siutated behind the back bar at McFaddens around 5:45 last night….when I heard someone say…”hey Sam Malone up there, get me a jack on the rocks and a shot of yagermeister.” That was a first. No offense to Sam Malone from Cheers or actually Ted Danson but I think the reference had to do with the fact that I was the only bartender or patron for that matter with any white hair. I digress. My position in yesterday’s blog about the New Pub Chic was well proved last night by the crowd in attendance. As to the new “Pub Chic”, maybe most of us are just realizing the simple reality that as good or better time, with an eclectic, attractive and friendly crowd is more often being had at some of the city’s finer Saloons and Pubs than necessarily at the most exclusive upscale lounges. Although I agree that those other establishments have their place, it won’t be too soon before I want to join Murph and company at McFaddens again.
The experiences I have had bartending over the last year or so whether at the Mixed Up Mosaics Gallery, Marcel’s Infamous Cocktail Parties a Women’s Entrepreneurial Network event or even pouring at a FunwithWine event which I did recently at Lansky Lounge, have provided me with a new perspective some interesting insights into human nature.
Do women have beer googles too? Is it that I look more desireable after a couple of rounds? Is it the heavy pour on cocktails that makes the women come back for more and flirt aggressively with me? Perhaps I am still charming and cute. Don’t get me wrong. I am not complaining but I wonder how many cocktails it takes for me to look 25 again and for women to find me as hot and young looking as I was then? I do not want to sound insecure but the last year with the injuries I have experienced my once chiseled frame is not what it used to be and the stress emanating from the impact on my business from a Post 9/11 world has left me a little exhausted or tired looking to say the least. Before and After shots from last year to this one show a world of difference. But here is hoping that 2004 is my year again to get back on top…where I think I rightfully belong. I could not agree more with many of my friends in sales related positions who have talked about the relative challenges of making a buck these days. There is alot less free flowing cash than there was in the 80’s or 90’s. But these are times where we need to be our own Tony Robbins while building off the positive energy of those in your sphere of influence and completely cutting off those who would bring you down with their negativity. I know, because this past year I have had to terminate several long term associations which at the time seemed sad but in retrospect was probably the best thing I did. Life is short. Travel Light and only take those passengers along for your ride who will not only enjoy the ride but provide an energy boost to help you sustain your ride through good times and bad.
I now understand how and why some people fall in love with their spot behind the bar. Man, its hard serving so many people when you otherwise have a desire to please rather than disappoint and want to satisfy their urges and keep the vibe flowing but there is an adrenalin rush having all these people around you, their continued intoxication dependent upon your skills in meeting their needs in a timely fashion. Having traveled in nearly every social circle in this town from uptown to downtown from charity benefits to exclusive private parties, I have learned one thing, despite the hard work, attending any of these social functions, there is no finer pleasure than socializing with folks while serving them, except perhaps knowing that you might go home with the woman of your choice. Hey….I am still afterall a man. The vantage point I prefer more often is that of the service side than that of guest.
The Anheuser Busch Select Babe and the gorgeous bartender Jesikah who replaced me and served me made it a great night. Thanks also to my friend Willie Chu, Susan Terwilliger of the First Thursday Killington Ski Society and my friends from The MTG Foundation who can’t seem to get enough Absolut Mandarin and Soda. I feel bad as so much fun was had at this event, I did not make it to Intimate Nights at I Lounge in Tribeca which was another event I was involved in helping promote for my friend Shari Frank at SF Management who produces musical events in New York and the Hamptons.
