Now that the city has moved into Phase 2 with many bars having reopened, I am very excited to resume my column celebrating some of the hardest working people in the hospitality industry — bartenders. My bartender for the month of June was delayed slightly (I actually had him slated for March), but it seems fitting that he is the first one back after our hiatus in quarantine. He is a hardworking, professional individual who not only makes one hell of a drink, but can put a smile on your face quickly with his sharp wit. I am talking about none other than Grant Dane Kay at Crossing NOLA.
Born in Houma, Grant has worked at the Crossing for about six months (quarantine time excluded). He is also a licensed hairdresser, so you can get a cocktail & cut if you like. Grant is a whiz behind the bar making an assortment of craft cocktails. Throughout his career as a bartender, he has worked at many gay and straight establishments in the French Quarter honing his exceptional talent. His sense of humor mixed with his experienced approach make him a wonderful addition to the great staff at this wonderful establishment.
One of his specialties behind the bar is his homemade hurricane concocted from scratch. Another more potent one is his Liquid Marijuana which contains eight ingredients, seven of which are liquors. Talk about one and done! He also does a delectable Dairy Queen that is basically a strawberry tequila rose milkshake and his Heartbreaker made with Wild Turkey American Honey. His favorite drinks to imbibe when he is out are vodka-based cocktails, explaining he likes his drinks fun and fruity. Who doesn’t?
Grant loves his locals who visit him, knowing them all by name and cocktail, one of the key skills of a great bartender. He also loves tourists, saying, “it is amazing to meet people from all over the world on a daily basis.”
So go say “Hello” to Grant and have a libation or four at Crossing NOLA located at 439 Dauphine Street.
