What'll It Be?

"A good writer is not, per se, a good book critic. No more so than a good drunk is automatically a good bartender." --Jim Bishop (1907-1987)

Tonight I challenge Mr. Bishop. Though I have been on the receiving end of my fair share of margaritas and martinis, I have never been the maker of said drinks for the masses.

A couple of weeks ago, I was chatting with NovaCat via IM at work.

N: do you want to bartend with me on may 15?

M: WHAT? WHERE?!

N: rathbones. yeah, b- just asked if me and a friend were interested.

M: hells yes!

N: cool.

M: wait. does it matter i've never done it before? i've only waitressed.

N: nope! he wants new blood. if we do a good job we might be able to do it again.

M: suh-WEET!

The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Hawkeye recently sent me my new favorite book, "Imbibe! From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash, a Salute in Stories and Drinks to 'Professor' Jerry Thomas, Pioneer of the American Bar." I am certain nobody will be ordering a Chatham Artillery Punch tonight at Rathbones (see me for the recipe), but it has been a delightful read. Who knew what we call a Tom Collins used to be a John Collins until somebody hijinxed the name?

Whether your poison is beer or Booker's, tequila or toddies, I hope to serve you a cocktail tonight, and if all goes as planned, what you sip will make the father of one of our favorite pastimes, Jerry Thomas, proud.

Rathbones
2nd Avenue, between 88th and 89th Street
bartending debut goes from 7-11p.m.