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The Daily Wildcat

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The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

 

    Hey, Barkeep!

    Amy+Johnson+%2F+The+Daily+Wildcat%0A%0ANick+Asta%2C+senior+bartender+at+Gentle+Bens+on+University+Blvd.%2C+enjoys+the+calm+atmosphere+of+the+bar+before+the+nights+festivities+begin.+Asta+has+been+working+at+Gentle+Bens+for+almost+10+years.++
    Amy Johnson
    Amy Johnson / The Daily Wildcat Nick Asta, senior bartender at Gentle Ben’s on University Blvd., enjoys the calm atmosphere of the bar before the night’s festivities begin. Asta has been working at Gentle Ben’s for almost 10 years.

    Do you have a favorite drink to make?

    Probably something simple, like a Jack and Coke. Doesn’t take that much time, pretty common, most people like it. Every bartender has their ace in the hole, you know? But I’ve got to keep that one a secret.

    How about a least favorite drink?

    Bloody Mary. Takes way too much time, and you always get an order for a bunch of them when it’s really busy. Plus, usually people order them in the afternoon, so that means you’re at work way too early.

    Who was your most memorable customer?

    Not any time recently, but years and years ago there was always this one girl that liked to get up on the bar and have guys take shots off of her. I’ll never forget her. I don’t remember what her name was, but I’ll never forget her.

    Does that coincide with the strangest thing you’ve ever seen happen in a bar?

    That might be number one on the list.

    If I want to upset you as a bartender, how would I do that?

    Tap your credit card on the bar, scream for service, wave at me, say, “Hey, hey, hey,” over again. Just be patient. We’ll get to you. That’s our job.

    How can I make you happy?

    Just be a normal customer. Know what you want when I come to you. Not asking for an outrageous tip, just a normal tip. And be polite. Just remember: We’re humans, too.

    What’s a drinking trend you’d like to see disappear?

    I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. I’m sure tonight and tomorrow night I’ll have a dozen answers to that question, but right now, can’t really think of it.

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