Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
This week meet Kamden Huckabee — The Papa Mojo's Roadhouse perky pourer can wax philosophic on anything from politics to psychology to pugs. With a double degree from ECU in political science and psych ('08) and her own business PrintsbyPaws.com — peddling paints by her adored pug Mox — this self-described small-town girl has big personality. With hopes of someday launching her own concierge business, she was stoked to make her first trip to New Orleans in November. In the meantime, whether kicking it with her Papa Mojo's family, her beloved pug or her boyfriend Ben, she's loving life on both sides of the bar.
Hometown: Badin, North Carolina
One word coworkers use to describe you: Efficient.
Your go-to bev: Stephen has convinced my mind body and soul Grey Goose will never do me wrong ... and it hasn't yet.
Your fav drink to make: Patron shots. You know it's going to be a good night if you've got somebody ordering a round of those.
If you had to, which of your coworkers would you tipsy-text and why? Haley (also known as Halien), because she gets my obsession with Chef Ramsey and his Kitchen Nightmares. I can be sober and talking about his baby elephant walking waitstaff, but it's more funny when I'm "tipsy ...” They call me Chef Kamsey.
If they made a movie about your life, who would play your boyfriend? Probably my actual boyfriend, Ben. He's a decent actor and would appreciate that "big break."
A song you never skip on your iPod is: Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire.” That song is the reason I became a political science major ... nerdy-licious!
Best-in-show moment at the bar: After politely informing a lady during a stellar show at the Roadhouse that her fanny could not physically touch the bar, that we had bar stools for that, and that I needed her to get down before the owner ripped me a new one, she refused to listen, and with the help of a few drinks and probably some karma, she ended up doing a 180 off of the bar and hitting her forehead on our beautiful walnut finish. Needless to say the paramedics were called, BUT the show still went on.
Least favorite drink to make: Water.
Choice local brew: Carolina Brewery's Santa's Secret — it's Christmas in a glass, folks!
A fictional character or story that seems like it could have been written about you: "Cheers.” My life is my job, and my friends are my customers and coworkers. The bar is our home away from home, where we can talk about anything and laugh at our flaws. I pride myself on everybody knowing where to find me — behind that bar! ("Where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came”).
On your DVR: "The Apprentice.”
Biggest pop culture train wreck: Amy Winehouse.
You sometimes get mistaken for: Mariel Hemingway.
Your celeb crush: Jim Sturgess.
People should know you: Love large portions of AMAZING food. I'm considering a career in competitive eating.
One thing you refuse to do under any circumstances: Settle.
Pet peeve: Inefficiency.
Craziest thing you've been asked to do while bartending? To photograph an act of infidelity so someone who needed cancer treatment could get a settlement that would take care of her treatment.
What one thing do you wish you could tell people about patronizing any bar? When you pay for one drink with a hundred-dollar bill, you're not a baller, you're taking all of my change and not tipping me with it! Thanks!
A bartender's best friend is: A wait! And my amazing regulars that make an effort to come share a part of their day with me and keep me entertained! I sincerely love you ALL!
Drink for a crisp fall night: Abita Amber, of course! We have it on draft for $4.50 forever and always!
Other bars in the Triangle you have worked: The salad bar at Ruby Tuesdays, and I paid them to work it. I love to eat!
If you're not at work, you're most likely: Stuffing my face with Ben and Jerry's Phish Food ice cream while watching my pug act a fool and my boyfriend Benjikins yelling at me for not disciplining him.
Best thing about drinking in Durham: Getting tipsy enough to talk to strangers at another bar about your bar and telling them that they should come see you at your bar right down the street! (smiles).
Fav bar(s) in the Triangle other than your own: City Beverage and Sunset Grille in Durham.
