Wow, it's been a long time...

I don't think I ever thought I'd let the blog go this long without posting. The last year or so has been a bit rough. I'm on my third job since I posted last (including the one I'd just gotten that day).

I'm now working as a bartender at Winslow's BBQ, located at the City Market in Kansas City, Missouri. First opened in 1971 (the year after I was born), the Today Show once called it, "one of the top rib joints in America." Not bad. :)

One of the things I like about this place is the bar top. It's copper. One of the few that I've seen that hasn't been wood. And it's big. One of the projects I've been helping with since I started was polishing it. I'm trying to restock my supply of elbow grease. And I wouldn't mind the polish so much if it didn't STINK so bad. But it looks tons better now than it did when I first saw it. When I interviewed, the owner told me that we would be doing a lot of work in the bar this year, making it a priority. This makes me happy, since making the bar a priority means money in my pocket.

Another thing I like is that they listen to ideas I may have about making things better. Just as an example, one of the managers asked me what my "signature shot" was. A bartender's signature shot is something that they're either known for or like to make a lot. If you've gone through the post archive, you've probably figured out that the shot I like making the most (even if it can be a pain in the butt to make sometimes) is an American Flag (layered shot of grenadine (bottom), white cream de cocoa, and blue curacao (top)). I made him one and even though it (a) had been a long time since I'd made one and (b) was harder than usual to make with the sticky pour spouts, it turned out well enough that he took a picture of it to send to his wife and also said we could put it on the menu for holidays like Memorial Day and Forth of July.

Now, I'd also like to thank my friend Jessie for the shout out she gave me today. I've got her blog (Rose Valley Ranch: Life on the Funny Farm) listed under "Stuff I Read," but if you're lazy like I am sometimes, you can just click here. She's smart, funny and loves animals just as much as, if not more than, I do. I've taken to keeping a browser window with her blog open all the time just so I don't miss anything. It's good stuff.

I think this time around I'm going to not only share recipes, but also share stories about stuff that happens at work. If I come up with a recipe at work and we put it on the menu, I will not be sharing it in as much detail as I normally would. The simple reason for that is by not sharing the ounce amounts and other details it gives you more of an incentive to come in and have me make it for you, thus putting more money in the boss's pocket and mine too.

I'd also like to take suggestions for either recipes or post ideas. Basically, if there's something you'd like to learn more about, post a comment or send me an email and I'll get right on that. :)

It's good to be back and, as always, please drink responsibly.