Bar Thoughts

Much more than mastering drinks

I've recently taken up a formal position bartending. I bartend at an inn in the Fremont area and I mainly work Sunday evenings. The bar of the hotel receives light traffic, especially on Sundays, so I'm the only one manning the entire restaurant. My main responsibilities include making and serving food and drink to the hotel's overnighters. Sometimes locals will pop up looking for a place to relax.

My parents bartended practically my whole life. I can recall when I was young sitting at my parents bar while adults enjoyed their potent potables and I enjoyed my own not-so-potent-for-an-adult-but-for-a-child variation. Working this job has given me a newfound appreciation for the trade, but more importantly, being born to my parents.

My parents have always been sociable. They've always had friends and even in times where they have not talked to a friend in a long time (which I recognize happens as an adult) they've continued to demonstrate keen social skills.

Excellent socializing requires a high level of intelligence. And by socializing, I don't mean simply interacting with other humans. I mean, as social animals, being able to quickly understand another person should be a sought-after skill. This is a cornerstone of socializing. Another important aspect of socializing would be being able to steer the other person in a way that you'd like. This of course can be used for good and for bad. I think a good bartender is good at both of those things.