Bartending during a major holiday in New Orleans is like doing a triathlon in my opinion. You need strength, determination and stamina, especially if that holiday is Mardi Gras. This wonderful bartender was an easy choice because he possesses all those characteristics and many more. I am talking about none other than Jerek Ace Edora who works at the Allways Lounge & … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight: March 2023
Bartender of the Month
Bartender Spotlight
I love when a new gay bar opens in the community, or technically an old new gay bar. I went to an opening event at the Silver Fox (740 Burgundy St., formerly Rawhide) as they premiered their new craft cocktail menu and discovered my bartender spotlight there. Fernando Rodriguez is a wonderful addition to the bartending scene in NOLA. Originally from Houston, … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight
Being a bartender is hard work y’all. The general public is not easy to deal with and great bartenders manage to keep a pleasant demeanor, a smile on their face, and a positive attitude even through the busy times. I discovered this month’s Bartender Spotlight during one of those busy times – Southern Decadence. I met Spencer Smith at Couvant during a Southern Decadence event. … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight
Lots of people like going to their favorite bars and while I believe that people do visit bars they like, I also think that an equal amount of people go to see their favorite bartenders. A really good bartender can increase a bar’s business substantially. My newest Bartender Spotlight is on one of those star bartenders at The Phoenix. Jeff Seaver is hospitality … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight
The summertime may be slow for other businesses, but it seems that the bar industry is always busy. There is no better place to escape the brutal heat of a New Orleans summer than relaxing in a bar drinking a cool beverage and chatting with fascinating people. My bartender spotlight is the fabulous Andy Savage who can be found slinging drinks at Betty’s Bar & … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight
Bartenders have always been classified in my book as good people. They are great listeners, fun, witty and, most of all, serve you cocktails. They are everything I ever wanted in a person and they give me vodka. My bartender for the month of May is just an all-around great guy. He is festive, polite, professional, and a master mixologist. I am speaking of none other than … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight
I have always felt bartenders are very underrated for many reasons, but one of the main ones is they have many jobs rolled into one. They not only have to serve beverages to their customers, but they also have to be, at times, management, food server, referee, bouncer, therapist, tour guide, liquor/brand representative, storyteller, and probably many more. One … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight
Whenever I travel, I love visiting gay bars in other cities. And one of my favorite bars is very close to New Orleans in Gulfport, Mississippi. Sipps is a fabulous LGBTQ+ venue with a relaxing atmosphere, great events and some of the best bartenders. My bartender for the month of April is Jacob Simmons. Originally from Cleveland, Mississippi, Jacob has lived in … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight
I have been interviewing bartenders for a long time and they all seem to have this one trait in common -- a gregarious personality. Bartenders tend to be outgoing people and have a strong desire to be around people. I also believe that they are all true entertainers even if that may not be their actual vocation. They keep us laughing, they take our mind off our problems, … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Bartender Spotlight
I have always considered being a bartender as a fulfilling job. It is hard work, but you have the opportunity to meet so many people. Though in the past few years since COVID, the job has become much more challenging. But on the flip side, I think most people, I know myself included have become much more appreciative to bartenders and the well needed role they play … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
