Welcome to Front & Center, a series highlighting front-of-house professionals in Boston-area bars and restaurants. What with it being Cocktail Week and all, here's Sam Treadway of Backbar in Union Square on some of his favorite bartenders in town.
Evan Harrison from Brick & Mortar.
Whenever I see Evan as a guest at my bar or when he's behind the stick at his, I laugh, a lot. He's got an infectious personality that just makes you feel good, no matter whats going on. He's always got a story to tell you. When he's behind the bar, he's fast and efficient. He'll just as quick pour you a beer and a shot, or whip up a cocktail for you. He's modest and easy going. But don't be a dick. He'll greet you with a smile just so long as you do the same.
Beau Sturm from Trina's Starlite Lounge.
He's got THE skill that's needed while bartending. Making every guest feel special. Yes he can bartend fast and furious with the best of them. Yes he can make a great drink. But what sets him apart is that each person gets to feel like a VIP. He takes that extra moment to make every guest feel like they're part of his inner circle. You're probably thinking, because I'm a bartender I'm only seeing him treat me special. But being a bartender I have an eye for these things, and as I've sat there drinking my Highlife and Fernet, I've watched him work the room like a pro, and I see people genuinely light up when they talk to him. All of this with two little twin baby girls at home.
[Photo: Sam Treadway/Official Site]
Sabrina Kershaw from Citizen Pub.
When I think of what makes a great bartender, one thing for sure is personality, which Sabrina has in spades! She'll show you just the right amount of sass so that you're begging for more. She can mixologize the crap out of a drink, or just pour you a shot of Fernet. The most important thing for her is that she, her staff and her guests are all having fun. Catch her for Sunday Brunch and you'll really see her in her element, singing show tunes with Jay and laughing non-stop all morning.
· All coverage of Front & Center on Eater [~EBOS~]
· All coverage of Cocktail Week 2012 on Eater [~EBOS~]
