Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
This week check out Echo Dowling, who was born on the North Carolna coastline. But don’t let the simpler shore-side raisin’ fool ya. While she’s brined in small-town charm—she’ll out-fish you any day, and her bro’s her best friend—this globetrotting gal’s also been around the big city block and back again. A seven-year bar vet, she’s watered aplenty holes to foot the hefty book-learnin’ bill. Now, finishing up her architecture degree at N.C. State’s distinguished design school, Echo’s mapping her professional blueprint—going on her fifth year as intern at downtown architecture firm LS3P Associates and moonlighting at recently opened Vintage Bar and Lounge.
Hometown: Southport, North Carolina.
Your go-to bev: Captain and ginger ale is my drink of choice. El Capitan!
Drink you least like to make: Anything frozen—unless I’m making it for myself to enjoy while sitting on the beach!
One word coworkers use to describe you: I seriously doubt my personality could ever be summed up in a single word; yet, I hope: funny, fun, awesome, kind and exuberant are among a few they would choose.
If you had to, which of your coworkers would you trip and why? (Laughs)...I wouldn’t. That might be taking all the fun out of the question; however, everyone at Vintage is really awesome. We actually hang out together when we’re not working, and after work sometimes—and, surprisingly, enjoy each other’s company. It’s rare to find coworkers of their character ... honestly.
If a movie was made about your life, who would play you? Perhaps, Kate Hudson or Jennifer Aniston. The first is more likely. Hudson has a way, in my opinion, to make someone laugh or cry in the same sentence—smile or be disgusted in the same scene. Her characters seem to typically run parallel with my personality.
In your car, your stereo is tuned to: Ha! I’m so old school! I’ve had my car for 12 years, and, yes, I still have a tape deck; so, G105 is my best friend! 96rock is a really close second.
Movie(s) you’ve watched over and over: “The Boondock Saints.” Love it!
Fav sports team, college or pro: Wow, are we talking all sports or one in particular? I’m a huge sports fan and enjoy the lot, but I have to support the turf ... Panthers, Canes and the Wolfpack, baby! Go Pack!!!
Beer – domestics or imports: Red Stripe, man! (So, import). My secret ... a lime—delish!
Fictional character with whom you most identify: Captain Planet.
Fav ’80s sitcom: “Charles in Charge” (laughing). And I have to throw in ’90s … “Saved by the Bell!”
If you turn on my TV, it’s on: No TV for me. I Hulu though, and “Family Guy” is a fav.
Bigger douche: John Mayer or Mel Gibson? Oooh, toughie! Mayer. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but just because Gibson pissed a few—ok, a lot of—people off doesn’t make him a douche bag in my opinion. Mayer messed with my girl Aniston. Now, that’s no good!
Bigger train wreck: Heidi Montag or Lindsay Lohan? Lohan, hands down!
You sometimes get mistaken for: A Rebecca ... weird but when I say my name as an introduction or over the phone, some hear Rebecca instead of Echo. I don’t get it.
Your celeb crush: Do we have all day?! Brad & Clooney are the traditional; but Orlando made me hot in “Pirates of the Caribbean!"
People should know you: I’m a tree hugger and have a passion for green building and sustainable design. My favorite animal is the panda, which I have a tattoo of, because of its survival tactics and constant struggle.
One thing you refuse to do under any circumstances: Be purposely hurtful or lie selfishly.
Pet peeve: Dishonesty.
Craziest thing you’ve been asked to do while bartending? Is this article G-rated? Patrons are always trying to get their bartenders to do something crazy. For me, it was while I was bartending in Tampa—which is a completely different world in itself. I had a woman ask if I would go home with her and her man because she had never been with a blonde ... YIKES! Although completely blushing and slightly intrigued, I politely declined.
What one thing do you wish you could tell people about patronizing any bar? You’re there to have fun, and we’re there to help you accomplish that—why “f” it up?
What do you love about being behind the bar? I started bartending because I needed to pay for college, and I had no idea I’d actually be good at it. So, I’ve been behind the bar in total about seven years. Vintage opened in February and is going strong ... come see us! I love that I get to meet all types of people and that they come to have fun and enjoy themselves. Helping someone to socialize and have a good time is what attracts me to the job.
A bartender’s best friend is: Their barback! They never get enough credit! And, of course, BIG TIPPERS!
People drink too much: Vodka, I understand the health consciousness of anyone interested in living an active life. This typical drinker loves the vodka-soda or vodka-tonic, but there are other yummy cocktails that won’t spoil the diet and will give you a little variety. A Mojito is a refreshing cocktail made with rum, fresh-squeezed lime juice and soda, with a hint of mint. Also most doctors recommend having a class of red wine. These alternatives give social drinkers a way to mix it up a little and not feel guilty about blowing the diet.
People don’t drink enough: Bourbon! We have some amazing drinks that we make with Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek. The Manhattan is a classic cocktail made with Maker’s that’ll tease the taste buds and turn you on to a complete new taste experience, aside from the usual vodka or rum drinks.
Drink for a hot summer night: Mojitos are a favorite, and I guess it depends on what you like, but an old throwback—which the Vintage specializes in—is a Lynchburg Lemonade ... yummy! [Jack Daniels, Triple Sec, sour and fresh-squeezed lime juice, with a splash of Sprite].
Other bars in the Triangle you have worked: None in the Triangle. I started bartending at Oak Island Beach, where I’m from, and then a few other random spots along the East Coast. But, right now, you won’t find me anywhere but Vintage!
If you’re not at work, you’re most likely: Doing something outdoors—anything outside and active if it’s summer. Winter, I’m always in my studio at N.C. State, where I study architecture. This fall, I’ll start my senior year off in the beautiful, old-world city of Prague, where I’ll be studying abroad for three months. Don’t worry folks; I’ll be back at Vintage before you know it.
Best thing about drinking in the Triangle: The good times, company and familiar faces. This town is so much fun; there’s no shortage of nightlife or interesting people to have a drink with. I can go out for one drink and come home with five new friends. The camaraderie and the social scene this town provides are really awesome.
Worst thing about drinking in the Triangle: Last call at 2 a.m. Who ever thought of such a thing? I veto this motion ... can I get a second?
Fav bar in the Triangle other than your own: Sooooo many! In no particular order: Busy Bee, Saucer, Raleigh Times (definitely) and, occasionally, 606 Lounge.
