Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
This week check out Ginger Balmat — cocktailing tapas 'n 'tinis at Red Room since '05, this perky pourer has been rolling out rotgut and ramping up regulars from behind the bar for the past two years. And when she's not behind the bar or playin' outside, this Wolfpack alum is back to the books — now mapping her future with a grad-school stint in Geographical Information Systems.
Hometown: Erwin, North Carolina.
One word coworkers use to describe you: Well, I'm not exactly sure, but I think they would say I'm sweet (most of the time), energetic and fun.
Your go-to beverage: It depends on what kind of mood I'm in. If I've had a long night, then I'll probably order a shot of tequila and a beer. If I'm just going out for a drink, I usually drink Hendrick's [gin] and soda. I'm also ALWAYS in the mood for champagne.
Drink you least like to make: Slow Comfortable Screw Against the Wall; this drink will have you running all over the bar.
If you had to, which of your coworkers would you trip and why? Definitely my manager, he is always in the way when he goes behind the bar.
If they made a movie about your life, who would play you? Umm ... maybe Michelle Rodriguez. I'm not saying that I'm as bad-ass as her ... I just wish I was.
In my car, my stereo is tuned to: Right now it's on 96rock, but it also switches between NPR and G105.
Fav song right now: Anything Ludacris. He has recently come out with so many great songs.
Fav sports team college or pro: Definitely the Wolfpack!
NC brew everyone should sip: Everyone should try the Mash House beers from Fayetteville, North Carolina. We actually have them at Red Room. My favorites are the IPA and the Irish Red.
Fictional character with whom you most identify: Well, everyone at work calls me Lady Deathstrike. I'm not sure why—maybe because I don't take crap from bar guests who are trying to cause trouble.
Can't miss network or cable program: I LOVE the "Kardashians,” "Tosh.0,” "Jersey Shore” and "Bad Girls Club.”
Who's more funny — Chelsea Handler or Joel McHale? Well, they're both funny, but I think I'm going to have to give this one to Chelsea.
Who would your roundtable be comprised of? I would have to have Daniel Tosh, Heather McDonald and Anna Faris.
You sometimes get mistaken for: I'm not proud of this, but people always tell me that I look like Tila Tequila.
If you could have a drink with anyone, it'd be: It's hard to narrow it down to one person, but I would love to have a drink with Dane Cook. He's hilarious and seems to understand a lot about the service industry; so, we would definitely have a lot to talk about.
People should know that you: Can have a bit of a short temper. People assume that I'm just a small girl who is sweet and fun, but if you cross me the wrong way, I will call you out on it.
One thing you refuse to do under any circumstances: Pick up a spider — I don't care how much money you offered me, I would never touch a spider (or even most bugs).
One thing you'd easily do for the right cost: Take a shot of Bacardi 151. I've never taken one before, but if someone offered me enough money, I would probably do it.
The one thing that will always irk you: People who don't tip. I will never understand why people think that it's ok to order a round of drinks and then pay with exact change or leave a blank on the tip line of their credit card slip.
A bartender's best friend is: Red Bull and espresso — we work some long nights. Also, that first drink after a hectic shift.
People drink too much: Bud Light, Miller Lite, Michelob Light, etc ... there are so many other great beers out there.
People don't drink enough: Rumplemintz—it's great ... everyone should try it sometime.
Drink for a hot summer night: I always crave margaritas on a summer night. It's a perfect patio drink.
Other bars in the Triangle you have worked: No other bars. Red Room is the only one.
If you're not at work, you're most likely: Studying, working out, being outdoors or getting drinks with friends.
Best thing about drinking in the Triangle: Going out in Raleigh is great because you always see a familiar face wherever you go. There are so many interesting people and places to go. You never get bored.
Worst thing about drinking in the Triangle: I really can't think of anything. As long as I'm drinking and with awesome people, I'm having a great time.
Fav bar in the Triangle other than your own: There are so many! I love going to Amra's, Mosaic, Busy Bee, Foundation, Bogart's and Lynnwood Grill. I've also recently discovered how much fun Mirage and Still Life are — I always have a blast when I go there.
