The best thing for a case of the nerves is a case of vodka.
And this is why bartenders are so important in our culture and especially in the New Orleans culture.
My Bartender of the Month for September can be found at the Bourbon Pub & Parade. Ky Harper (they/them) is originally from Plano, Texas, but has now lived in New Orleans for almost 12 years. They fell in love with the city as a young teenager, and made it a goal to move here someday.
When Ky first moved to New Orleans, they played professional women’s football and professional women’s arena football. Following that stint, they made the move to the hospitality industry working as a cook for several years at the Italian Barrel (great restaurant). Before COVID, Ky worked at Oz for about four years as security and bar back. Currently, they have been with the Pub for about four years.
Ky has fun behind the bar and has even created their own spicy margarita with a homemade jalapeño simple syrup, tequila, lime juice, and sour mix. It’s rimmed with Chamoy and Tajin. The homemade simple syrup is really what I think makes it. White tea shots are their go-to shot order and favorite shot to make, but when out and about, Ky’s favorite cocktail is a gin and lemonade with a lavender simple syrup.
Professionalism combined with humor, wit and personality are the keys to being a good bartender and Ky has all those attributes. One of their best attributes behind the bar is their ability to memorize regulars’ drink orders and know what they want as they walk up. Who knew that playing memory card games as a kid would come in handy as an adult? Having a great memory is indeed one of the best skills a bartender can possess.
When asked about what they like about being a bartender, Ky explains “I just really enjoy my job and the people that come to the bar. I especially like the Pub because it feels like family. Even with the customers. I’ve gotten to meet and get to know some really fun and interesting people. And I’ve made quite a few new friends along the way.”
Even bartenders, however, have their little peeves that customers do that tend to irritate them. “Not tipping is a big one, LOL,” Ky says. “But probably when customers see that there’s people ahead of them in line and slap the bar, whistle at me, or yell at me. I promise I see you and I’m coming. The other thing that is annoying is when people reach into my fruit tray and help themselves.” It is always a good rule of thumb to have consent before you touch anything in the bar, human or otherwise.
I love finding out what crazy or weird thing bartenders have seen when working behind the bar. Ky’s answer reflects the feeling of many people who work downtown. “After being in the industry for several years, there’s not much that shocks me anymore. New Orleans is a beautifully chaotic city and we see a lot on a daily basis. So there’s not one thing in particular that sticks out to me.”
Some fun, interesting information about Ky is that their hobbies include taking long walks through the city, cooking, and recently bowling with Stonewall Sports. They live in the French Quarter with their beautiful partner Samantha and two cats Fred and George. You can find Ky behind the bar working doubles (3 pm -2 am) on Fridays upstairs, 8 pm-close downstairs in the front on Saturday, and Sundays 4 pm -12 am and Mondays 5 pm – close in the back downstairs.
