Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
This week, check out Laura Fithian. She's the UNCG '08 communication grad with a snarky gift of gab and a fine fondness for family, who fetches that chummy charm from her roots in the City of Brotherly Love — which she still frequents to feed her Phillies-and-family fix. A newcomer to the Raleigh scene, Laura loves chatting up the city's peeps from behind the bar at Trali Irish Pub in Brier Creek, where she's been dealing drinks since June.
Hometown: Philadelphia.
One word coworkers use to describe you: Sassy, for sure!
If you have a drink in your hand, it's probably: A Blue Moon. I'm also a big Strongbow Cider fan. And when it comes to shots, Rumplemintz is the way to go!
Drink you could get over never making again: Mojoitos! Come on, people! You're in an Irish Pub! [Laughs].
If you had to, which of your coworkers would you drunk text and why? Every single one of them; my coworkers are pretty awesome.
If they made a movie about your life, who would play your best friend? Ellen DeGeneres. I think she's hilarious!
In your car, the stereo is tuned to: G105. Shout out to Lucky! She's the best!
Fav song right now: "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy.
Movie you've watched over and over: Hmm ... probably "The Departed." I love that accent — and Leo, of course!
Fav sports team college or pro: Philadelphia PHILLIES! We're gonna make it to the World Series again this year! OH, and GO EAGLES, TOO!
NC brew everyone should sip: Red Oak, a Greensboro brew (brewery is in Whitsett). It's definitely getting more popular.
Fictional character with whom you most identify: That's a hard one. Peter Pan. I never wanna grow up!
If you didn't know better, you'd think this song was written about you: "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk." [Laughs]. No, really ... "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart.
Can't miss network or cable program: "LOST." I'm sad the series is over! But it's definitely a great show! And I love the E! Network! All those celebrity reality shows ... priceless.
You sometimes get mistaken for: Jewel. People tell me a lot that I resemble her; don't really know how I feel about that one though! [Laughs]
If you could party with anyone, it'd be: Johnny Depp ... he's so mysterious.
People should know that you: Love my family! My mom, dad and older brother are my best friends! We'd all do anything for each other.
One thing you refuse to do under any circumstances: Eat anchovies! BLAH!
The one thing that will always irk you: People who don't tip. Don't go out to eat/drink if you're gonna be stingy!
What one thing do you wish you could tell people about patronizing any bar? Don't snap or point. Ugh! Soo rude. Also raising your hand? C'mon, I can see you.
A bartender's best friend is: The regulars! Trali has lots of regulars, and I don't know what we'd all do without them!
Something people should drink more of: Irish Whiskey. Jameson, Bushmills, Powers — try 'em all!
Drink for a cool fall night: Sam's Seasonal Octoberfest. But all Sam Adams' Seasonals are delicious!
Other bars in the Triangle you have worked: Nowhere. I've learned from the best at Trali!
If you're not at work, you're most likely: Hanging out with friends or my life-size pony, my Great Dane. Oh, and I have a tiny Southpoint addiction, too!
Best thing about drinking in the Triangle: The options. Whatever you're in the mood for, you can find it. Whether you wanna hang out in a Mexican place, martini bar, college bar, dance club, Irish pub ... you've got your pick!!
Worst thing about drinking in the Triangle: Cab fares. Brier Creek is a haul from downtown Raleigh, and cab fares get so expensive. I wish there was a better transportation system back and forth.
Fav bar in the Triangle other than your own: Hmm ... have to say some Durham bars: Whiskey and Bull McCabe's Irish Pub. Great places! Both bars are owned by the same guy — awesome owner, too. Whiskey is a pretty cool cigar bar. They have a dark atmosphere, and they're super classy! People definitely should check them out!
