Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
This week meet Terence Justin Earley III. Known simply as "J" — or Dr. Boozenstein when he's whipping up winning concoctions at SPARKcon's sipSPARK — this smart sipster harvested his hankering for restaurants in the dish pit of a quaint Italian joint at 15 in Philly. Since that spry start, his passion has matured, migrating from sudsy pits in the City of Brotherly Love to swanky drink rails in the City of Oaks, where he fashions delicious sustainable sips at Zely & Ritz.
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
How did your alter-ego Dr. Boozenstein come to fruition? It was a lark, really. I wanted to wear some kind of costume to the [sipSPARK] event and had planned on going as "old-timey bartender guy." I was having trouble coming up with an outfit when I spotted my fiancee's lab coat.
If you have a drink in your hand, it's probably a: Lager. Or, as you call it down here, Yuengling. And likely, I won't be far from an empty glass that recently contained a few ounces of Jose Cuervo.
Drink you could make with your eyes closed: Extra-dirty martini. And I do make it with my eyes closed. Every time.
You emphasize local ingredients in your cocktails. How does this distinguish them? In a word, variety. Using as many local ingredients as possible makes me think outside the box. When our farmer, Richard, shows up with something new, I immediately think, "how do I get that into a glass?"
NC brew everyone should sip: I love Big Boss brews, especially the High Roller IPA, but I had a cream ale [El Toro] from Fullsteam the other day that was out of sight! We are really lucky down here; there are a lot of talented brewers doing some great things.
One word coworkers use to describe you: Talkative. They could tell you my life story better than I could.
If you had to, which of your coworkers would you drunk dial and why? H. Bomb. Because I know at 4 a.m., she's still up with wine-stained teeth.
If they made a movie about your life, who would play you? A young Martin Sheen. No, wait. Short. Martin Short.
If you turn on my TV, it's likely on channel: Hulu.com. Haven't used the TV for anything but movies in years.
Movie you can recite the lines of: "Tombstone." I have an affinity for Doc Holliday that borders on romantic.
Fictional character with whom you most identify: Kilgore Trout. Need I say more?
If you didn't know better, you'd think this song was written about you: "Mr. Bojangles."
A song you will never skip on your iPod: "10 Simple Murders" by The Future Kings of Nowhere. Get well soon Shayne!
Biggest celeb has-been? Jordan from the Foundation.
You sometimes get mistaken for: Captain Awesome. I mean Martin Short. Same Guy.
If you could dine with anyone, it'd be: Tom Waits.
People should know that you: Like to wrestle when I'm drunk.
One thing you refuse to do under any circumstances: Crunk.
One thing you'd easily do for the right cost: What'cha got in mind?
Pet peeve: The sound of people chewing. Oh, the irony.
Most random thing you've been asked to do while bartending? Pose for a portrait.
What one thing do you wish you could tell people about patronizing any bar? If it's busy, know what you want when we get to you.
A bartender's best friend is: Patience.
Something people should drink more of: Not vodka.
Drink for a cool fall night: Gregor's Grog: hot cider, Jamaican rum, amaretto, lime & clove.
Other bars in the Triangle you have worked: None, been at Z&R since I moved here from Philly.
If you're not at work, you're most likely at: Poe Hall on NCSU's campus. I'm studying middle grades education.
Favorite bar in the Triangle other than your own: Rockford. I like a place where I can hear myself think.
