I Never Thought I’d Use This Stuff After Graduation

A few days ago, it occurred to me that my PGA gig might require upgrading my she-she drink knowledge considerably. When I was learning the craft of bartending I figured that I’d get my regular bartending chops down in a typical New York bar first and build my knowledge of the finer points later; after all, my goal is to be a complete bartender at the end of this. Now with this coming up, I fear an endless line of wealthy golf fans, dismayed by my lack of knowledge of such things as Kirs, Champagne Cocktails, and Old Fashions – drinks that I never paid much mind to, because I thought they wouldn’t come up this soon.

I know that I’ve gone off on bartenders not knowing drinks already. I know this puts me in that category – at least I have an excuse. I can’t learn it all at once; I want to get as much as I can down as second nature and build off of that as I work.

I’ve started a notebook that I plan to cram with various bits and pieces of bartending knowledge as I go. I know that there’s a lot to learn, and I plan to pick up as much as I can. I always look for the intricacies in any job I take. I find it makes things easier if you get them down right away. I don’t want to struggle with basics when I could be earning.

Speaking of earning, I learned that my guest bartending gig will be a short one. Six to nine PM. I feel a bit embarrassed having invited several friends out to the gig. I figure that everybody will miss me by at least an hour or two. The website for the place says that happy hour is from four to seven; at least I’ll be able to get a piece of that action. I really don’t expect to make much off this one, but if I can catch a few bucks I guess I can’t complain.
Today I’ll be getting orientation for the PGA gig. I suppose I’ll get the info on the type of environment I’ll be working in. Hopefully it’ll be more informative and less bureaucratic. I’d rather pick up what I need to do a good job than spend a few hours filling out paperwork. My job’s behind the bar, not in the office.