Bartender Buddha

Pearls of wisdom from Nicole LaFrance
By Melissa Byron
Source: Hartfordadvocate.com

How many beers do you have on tap?
We have 20 draft beers, the Southern Tier Choklat Stout is very up and coming. Southern Tier also has a mocha and a crème-brûlée-flavored beer. We carry 90 bottles. Our most unique being the Unibroue beers. They have fun bottles. They're approximately 750ML, which is the equivalent to a wine bottle. These beers are light and the flavors are delicious. This beer surpasses any other beer.

What's the biggest misconception about bartenders?
Honestly, I think people assume that if you are bartending you are either stupid or have no future. There are a lot of people that have an educated background and sort of fell into it and love it. Plus, you make a lot of money.

The move that works every time?
You gotta pull the baller status. Buy something impressive like a bottle of wine and offer some to those around you. I've seen that work.

Sexiest drink?
The Niagara Kiss, it's one of our signature drinks. Presentation-wise, it looks like there are diamonds floating in it. It sparkles. It has Grey Goose, Inniskillin Vidal Icewine, which is sweet in taste, served with a frozen grape.

Who's the best bartender you've ever seen?
"Mojo" Maureen McDonald. She is our mixologist here. I've worked with her in my previous establishment. She's taking classes in wine making and she works at Cassidy Hill Vineyard in Coventry. She's the most amazing bartender I've ever seen.