Doing vs. Teaching: A Big Difference

It's one thing to work behind a bar for five years. It's another thing entirely to get back on the other side and teach people how to do it. I spent a solid week shadowing multiple instructors at the bartending school. I feverishly took notes on the topics they covered, how they presented their ideas and questions students asked. But nothing really can prepare you for the real thing.

The night before I taught my first class, I thought I was going to throw up. I was scared shitless. Even though I know the material, it's still a bit scary doing anything for the first time. Just like working your first shift at any new bar is always a bit scary and stressful.

Now I am coming up on my second week of teaching. I have to admit with each class I teach, it gets less scary. I still have the school's director leaning over my shoulder critiquing me. But I hear that he doesn't critique me as much as he has some instructors in the past. So maybe I am doing something right? I spent the last two nights researching material and putting together my lessons plans for class. I have one more class to teach tomorrow.

Whoever thought I would become a bartender school instructor? Not me, but I am glad that I have. It's sad, but I am making more money now as an instructor than I am bartending. Either I work in a really slow spot or the economy really sucks. At least people are still signing up for the bartending school.

Don't Ask

I hate it when people ask for or expect free drinks. The beauty of free drinks is they come without you needing to ask. Nobody is entitled to a free drink unless you own the place or (by lucky chance) are given one. So if you have to ask me for a free drink, the answer will always be no. I don't go into the place you work and ask for free shit so don't do it to me.

Nervous!

I just completed a whole week of training to be a bartender school instructor. When I say training, I mean shadowing the current instructors during their classes. I have been following both the morning and afternoon instructors because I wanted to observe the different teaching styles. I have been taking notes like crazy.

I am nervous!!

They want me to start teaching next Monday morning. Oh my goodness. I am excited and scared all at the same time. I am sure I will be fine. I know the material. I know the flow of the classes. It's just I am nervous doing anything for the first time. Why would getting in front of a crowd and teaching them something be any different?

I have always wanted to be a teacher of some sort. Well, here is my chance.

Ice Scoop vs. Tin

Hey all you bartenders out there. Which do you prefer: ice scoop or tin? I have been known to toss my scoop aside and use the tin directly to make drinks, but that move makes me a "ghetto bartender" in some peoples eyes. In all reality, I think it ultimately depends on the type of place you work in. Their house, their rules.

In my opinion, there aint nothing wrong with being a little ghetto....The tin bypasses a whole step and helps me make your drink that much faster.

What do you think?

Sunday is the New Friday

It is really nice to NOT have to get up early and work on a Monday morning. F that!

Bartender Instructor

I am in the process of training to be a bartender instructor at a local school with a really good reputation.

How cool is that? They want to pay me to share my bar stories and spread the bartender knowledge to you folks. I am beyond excited. It's really fun so far.

Stay tuned for stories. I am certain that I will have plenty of stories to share here in regards to the classes I teach.

Don't Touch Me!

Word to the wise: bartenders don't like to be touched by people they don't know.

I mean, I don't know too many people in general who like to be touched by complete strangers. In the bartending world, if a customer touches you without your permission, it's kind of creepy. For example, tonight I was taking a drink order from a guy and with each drink he ordered, he got closer and closer to me. I understand that the bar is loud. There is music and there are a lot of people, but I can hear you just fine. If I can't hear you, I can read your lips. Besides, after you tell me your drink order, I am going to repeat it back to you in it's entirety for verification. The last thing I need is for you to try and grab my hand or smell my hair.

Yes, this fool tried to smell my hair.

On top of that, he wanted to look me in the eyes and tell me how much he appreciated my great service, all while holding my hand. You know what guy? Show me your appreciation through the fat tip you leave me without trying to touch me. Cool?

Don't touch your bartender. We don't like it.