Watch an interview with author Karen Hofreiter on Fox’s Good Day Maine<\/a><\/p>\n Watch an interview with bartenders Tatum Thistle and\u00a0Shahin Khojastehzad on Fox’s Good Day Maine<\/a><\/p>\n By\u00a0Karen E. Hofreiter<\/p>\n They are our hosts, sympathetic ears, tour guides, and confidants. We go to them to celebrate our successes, drown our sorrows, relax from the stress of the workaday world, and warm up from the cold. They are Portland\u2019s bartenders, a savvy and diverse group of talented ladies and gents who have kept step with the city\u2019s rising culinary star. Here\u2019s a toast to those who represent our heart and soul\u2013and never let us go thirsty.<\/span><\/p>\n Sling spot: Vignola on Tues\/Wed\/Saturday<\/span><\/p>\n Signature drink: Old St. Rick<\/span><\/p>\n Roots: Born and raised in Kennebunk<\/span><\/p>\n Virgin beginnings: Cut his bartending teeth in Savannah, Georgia, and honed his chops in Seattle<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond the bar: Studied horticulture at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. \u201cIt definitely provides inspiration. I use a lot of fresh herbs and produce in my concoctions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Sticking point: Permissible pyrotechnics. \u201cI get to light things on fire\u2013mostly citrus peels. They add a distinct caramel flavor to a drink.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Drink nemesis: Anything with a maraschino cherry garnish. \u201cThey\u2019re not flammable.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n Worst act committed against a customer: Beer-stabbing. \u201cIt was back in Seattle. The guy was a friend and wouldn\u2019t shut up and finish his beer, so I took a knife and attacked the beer can so he\u2019d have to drink it fast and pay his tab.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Tender crush: John Myers [of the Corner Room]<\/span><\/p>\n Preferred poison: \u201cI\u2019m a wine and beer guy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n If Portland were a drink: Boilermaker. \u201cWe\u2019re a real whiskey and beer crowd, but Portland is slowly adding a little sophistication, and people are up for new things. Cocktails are becoming a bigger trend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Sling spot: 51 Wharf Ultra Lounge, Thurs\/Fri\/Saturday<\/span><\/p>\n Signature drink: Pineapple Upside Down Shot<\/span><\/p>\n Roots: Born and raised in Westbrook<\/span><\/p>\n Virgin beginnings: Pool shark. \u201cA girlfriend and I would play guys for free drinks and extra money at Fore Play Sports Pub. I got to know the owners and eventually worked my way behind the bar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Day job: Massage therapist<\/span><\/p>\n Sticking point: \u201cBartending is my social outlet, a break from my quieter family life. And let\u2019s be honest: the money is addictive.\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n Titanic tip: \u201cI was working a private party for Platinum Plus [now PT\u2019s Showclub]. At the end of the night, one of the dancers gave me a big hug and said she wanted to do something nice for me. Then she handed me a fistful of twenties. It came to $680.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Craziest drink request: Ray Charles. \u201cYou close your eyes, grab any three bottles of liquor, and mix.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Tender crush: Brad\u2013her boss <\/span><\/p>\n Preferred poison: Grey Goose on the rocks with two olives<\/span><\/p>\n If Portland were a drink: Long Island ice tea. \u201cBoth are made up of numerous ingredients\u2013a Long Island with all of its liquors and Portland with its diverse culture, people, shops, and restaurants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Sling spot: Styxx on Mon\/Saturday<\/span><\/p>\n Signature drink: Spree [think an adult version of the candy from your childhood]<\/span><\/p>\n Roots: Born and raised in Lewiston<\/span><\/p>\n Virgin beginnings: Margaritas in Lewiston. \u201cI was only 15 at the time and making like $300 a night. I learned all my tricks there.\u201d [He channels a flawless Tom Cruise from Cocktail.<\/em>]<\/span><\/p>\n Sticking point: People. \u201cI\u2019m much more of a talker than a performer. My patrons often say, \u2018I can tell you anything.\u2019\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n Titanic tip: A $700 car repair. \u201cI got to the shop, and it had been totally paid for, with an anonymous note: \u2018I go to your bar. I appreciate you. You deserve this.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Drink nemesis: Allen\u2019s Coffee Flavored Brandy [which is incidentally the No. 1 selling liquor in Maine]. \u201cI\u2019m not a fan of the smell.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Preferred poison: Strawberry-jalape\u00f1o-infused margarita<\/span><\/p>\n If Portland were a drink: Sex with an Alligator. \u201cIt\u2019s a layered, rainbow shot that you suck from the bottom up with a straw. Each layer has its own distinct taste, which combine to create a surprising flavor that grows on you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Sling spot: Bull Feeney\u2019s on Tues\/Thurs\/Friday<\/span><\/p>\n Signature drink: Feeney Martini<\/span><\/p>\n Roots: Born and raised in Dedham, Massa<\/span>chusetts<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond the bar: Psychology degree from UMaine Orono <\/span><\/p>\n Virgin beginnings: The Bear Brew Pub in Orono<\/span><\/p>\n Titanic tip: A $164 glass of Scotch<\/span><\/p>\n Most disgusting drink request: Smoker\u2019s Cough. \u201cIt was back in Orono; it\u2019s a shot of J\u00e4germeister with a blob of mayo.\u201d<\/p>\n Preferred poison: Guinness, Irish whiskey, or Absolut Mandrin with soda and cranberry<\/span><\/p>\n If Portland were a drink: LaPhroaig, a Scotch from the Islay region of Ireland. \u201cIt has almost a seaweed smell when you breath it in; it\u2019s like bottled sea air.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n Sling spot: DiMillo\u2019s Floating Restaurant on Thurs\/Friday<\/span><\/p>\n Signature drink: Cosmopolitan<\/span><\/p>\n Roots: Born and raised in Portland<\/span><\/p>\n Claim to fame: Granddaughter of Anthony DiMillo, Old Port pioneer, restaurateur, and entrepreneur<\/span><\/p>\n Virgin beginnings: \u2018Tending at the family business<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond the bar: Photography degree from USM<\/span><\/p>\n On tipsy tourists: Maintains her sense of humor. \u201cThey were sitting at the bar, facing the marina, and they ask, \u2018Are we really floating?\u2019 I nodded. \u2018Wow. So where\u2019s the water?\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Tender crush: Ryan at Sebago Brewing Co.<\/span><\/p>\n Preferred poison: Raspberry Patr\u00f3n margarita<\/span><\/p>\n If Portland were a drink: Mojito. \u201cIt\u2019s got to be something traditional yet eclectic, and inspiring for artists; making a mojito is using simple ingredients to create something really good and different.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Sling spot: Novare Res on Fri\/Saturday<\/span><\/p>\n signature pour: Cantillion. \u201cSpecifically, I love the St. Lamvinus, [a lambic] made with cabernet franc and merlot grapes aged in Bordeaux barrels.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n Roots: Born in Tehran, Iran; raised in Portland since the age of four<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n Beyond the bar: Sociology and marketing degree from USM <\/span><\/p>\n Virgin beginnings: \u201cI already had bartending experience when I walked into Novare Res two years ago. Between the Beastie Boys, their Spring Sandwich, and Old Rastputin on tap, I was hooked and bugged the owner until he hired me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Sticking point: A passion for craft beer. \u201cThe free beer-scouting trips to Belgium and Germany are a nice perk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Worst drink request: A tie between Bud Light and flavored vodka. \u201cWe serve neither, so I\u2019ll recommend something with a similar taste profile. A K\u00f6lsch instead of Bud, or blueberry mead instead of raspberry Stoli.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Tender crush: Miranda at Binga\u2019s Stadium. \u201cShe\u2019s my girlfriend, after all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Preferred poison: Bacon Bourbon Old Fashioned at Hugo\u2019s restaurant<\/span><\/p>\n If Portland were a beer: \u201cA fictional collaboration of Allagash Hugh Malone and Maine Beer Co. Peeper Ale. Allagash represents Portland\u2019s ability to provide world-class quality products, and MBC exemplifies Portland\u2019s environmentally minded citizens!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Sling spot: Local 188 on Wed\/Fri\/Saturday<\/span><\/p>\n Signature drink: White Lotus <\/span><\/p>\n Roots: Born and raised in Waterville<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond the bar: Studies photography<\/span><\/p>\n Virgin beginnings: An Irish pub in Denver<\/span><\/p>\n Sticking point: The great neighborhood crowd<\/span><\/p>\n Tubular tip: Special herbs. \u201cIt was weird, but when I was a bartender at Sugarloaf, I\u2019d sometimes get tipped with tiny nuggets of weed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Tender crush: J.C. at Sonny\u2019s. \u201cI work with his wife here.\u201d [Wink]<\/span><\/p>\n Drink nemesis: Mint julep. \u201cThey are so labor-intensive. When I worked with John Myers, he\u2019d muddle and crush ice for like ten minutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Preferred poison: Silver tequila on the rocks <\/span><\/p>\n If Portland were a drink: Manhattan. \u201cIt\u2019s classic but with a bit of metro sheen, laid-back but cultured, not flashy, and simple.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Sling spot: The Salt Exchange on Wed\/Saturday<\/span><\/p>\n Signature drink: Raspberry lemonade martini <\/span><\/p>\n Roots: Born and raised in Windham. \u201cI\u2019m <\/span> Virgin beginnings: Waitress and occasional bartender at Foreside Tavern<\/span><\/p>\n Day job: Part-time hair stylist<\/span><\/p>\n Sticking point: Freedom to be herself. \u201cI like interacting with people, putting on a show, being animated and witty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Titanic tip: \u201cDoes a marriage proposal count? I\u2019ve had a few.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Tender crush: Michelle at The Snug<\/span><\/p>\n If Portland were a drink: Champagne. \u201cIt\u2019s classy, bubbly, and characteristic of our fun city.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Sling spot: R\u00ed R\u00e1 on Tues\/Thurs\/Fri\/Saturday<\/span><\/p>\n Signature drink: Everything. \u201cIt\u2019s about having lots to offer people and catering to them instead of showing off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Roots: Born and raised in Portland<\/span><\/p>\n Virgin beginnings: The Bear Brew Pub in Orono. \u201cOne of my best customers was Jeff Grundy. Not long after, we were bartending together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond the bar: Degree in wildlife ecology from UMaine Orono<\/span><\/p>\n Sticking point: The lifestyle. \u201cI have time to do the things I love, like skiing, mountain biking, and training for triathlons.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n (Almost) titanic tip: \u201cA woman ordered two vodka tonics and then asked me what I wanted for a tip. Jokingly, I said, \u2018two hundred dollars.\u2019 She didn\u2019t even pause, she just wrote \u2018$200\u2019 on the credit card bill. I was stunned. I asked her, \u2018What if I had said five hundred dollars?\u2019 \u2018Well, you should have, dummy.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Tender crush: John Myers at the Corner Room and Amy at Commercial Street Pub<\/span><\/p>\n Preferred poison: Beer and whiskey<\/span><\/p>\n If Portland were a drink: Rum in the summer\u2013\u201cit represents the city\u2019s nautical past and present.\u201d Beer in the winter\u2013\u201clike Geary\u2019s Hampshire Ale that used to be \u2018only available when the weather sucks.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nFor Portland\u2019s new-generation bartenders, it\u2019s not<\/em> just another Tequila Sunrise.<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"vignolas-scott-doherty-1649_cfwa1\"](\"http:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/vignolas-scott-doherty-1649_cfwa1.jpg\" "\\"vignolas-scott-doherty-1649_cfwa1\\"")
Scott Doherty<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"51-wharfs-stephanie-cole_igp16921\"](\"http:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/51-wharfs-stephanie-cole_igp16921.jpg\" "\\"51-wharfs-stephanie-cole_igp16921\\"")
Stephanie Cole<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"styxxs-marcus-verrill-_igp1688\"](\"http:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/styxxs-marcus-verrill-_igp1688.jpg\" "\\"styxxs-marcus-verrill-_igp1688\\"")
Marcus Verrill<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"bull-feeneys-jeff-grundy-1559_cfw\"](\"http:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/bull-feeneys-jeff-grundy-1559_cfw.jpg\" "\\"bull-feeneys-jeff-grundy-1559_cfw\\"")
Jeff Grundy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"chelsea-dimillo-dimillos-bartender_igp1472\"](\"http:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/chelsea-dimillo-dimillos-bartender_igp1472.jpg\" "\\"chelsea-dimillo-dimillos-bartender_igp1472\\"")
Chelsea DiMillo<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"shaheen-khojastehzad-novari-res_igp1408\"](\"http:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/shaheen-khojastehzad-novari-res_igp1408.jpg\" "\\"shaheen-khojastehzad-novari-res_igp1408\\"")
Shahin Khojastehzad<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"jessica-joseph-local-188_igp1445\"](\"http:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/jessica-joseph-local-188_igp1445.jpg\" "\\"jessica-joseph-local-188_igp1445\\"")
Jessica Joseph<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"tatum-thistle-1343\"](\"http:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/tatum-thistle-1343.jpg\" "\\"tatum-thistle-1343\\"")
Tatum Thistle<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>a townie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n![\"riras-joe-tomazin_igp1586\"](\"http:\/\/www.portlandmonthly.com\/portmag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/07\/riras-joe-tomazin_igp1586.jpg\" "\\"riras-joe-tomazin_igp1586\\"")
Joe Tomazin<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
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