Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
A native Floridian, this sommelier's got skills, from his gift of the grape to perhaps his most significant talent — his gift of the gab. He was born to socialize or stir smiles in anyone and everyone. Having worked every job imaginable, the sipster migrated north when a friend suggested he should try his hand at bartending. "I studied the craft, and moved to N.C. in hopes of landing a gig," he said. "My first job was at Talullas, where I made the owner an offer that I would work for free and if he didn't like how I worked, he could just tell me not to come back." How'd he fare? He boosted that bar savvy from bar back to now bar manager at vino hot spot West End Wine Bar in five short years. "My friend saw something in me that I’ve learned is truly a gift," he mused. "I love what I do, and I love who I work for." And it shows. So, cop a squat at his bar and "dram" up some convo. He's sure to steal a smile.
Q&A
Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.
How you landed at West End, Durham: West End Wine Bar is one of those gigs where if a position opens up, you'd be a fool not to take it. So when a position at the Durham location became available I was smart enough to go after it, and they were a genius enough to hire me.
West End Wine Bar in three words: Be the change. I think that is something we really strive and work hard at. By no means are we a duplicate of anything you will see out there.
What West End brings to the Bull City: A change of what people expect a bar can offer, whether in private events, social outings with friends or just a place to relax and enjoy a great beverage.
What distinguishes West End from other downtown spots: We are original. We offer an environment like no other.
If you have a drink in your hand, it's probs a: Vodka on the rocks with a lemon.
Your signature drink: Tequila shots. I love to get the party rolling.
You're anywhere you want to be right now. Where can we find you? In the middle of nowhere. I love peace and serenity.
Which of your coworkers are you most likely to drunk text? I learned a long time ago to cut my phone off after I bump into the first wall of the night.
If they made a movie about your life, who would play the voice in your head? Gary Busey. That guy cracks me up.
If you could live in any fictional place, where would it be and what would you be? Springfield as Mo the bartender. I bet Homer was a great customer.
What you probs were in your past life: Hopefully a grizzly bear. Catching fish, eating berries and sleeping for long periods of time.
The decade you should have been a teen in: I think I would stick with the '90s. I had a great time. Well my mom might read this ... so I had fun.
Something you believed as a kid you realized was a hoax: This Santa guy. I had a lot of respect for a man who could get that much work done in one night.
Trip you'd break bank to take: Outer space. It would be so great to be in a conversation with people who say they've been to Italy or France and be able to say I've been outer space.
Last book you read: "Born To Run."
Last movie you thought worth the ticket price: "Inception."
The last thing that made you want to run red lights to get to: Work.
If you didn't know better, you'd think this song was written about you: "Sky's the limit" by Notorious BIG.
A pop culture phenomenon you could live without: MTV. What happened to music videos?
Biggest celeb has-been: Muhammad Ali.
A book that made you want to be a better person: The Bible.
A piece of advice you got that's good enough to pass on: The choice you make today will usually affect tomorrow.
Hidden talent: Singing. I have an amazing voice in the shower.
Weakness: Cookies.
If we paid you enough, you'd: Definitely give you your money's worth.
Most ridiculous thing you've been asked to do while bartending? Get married.
Something that makes you want to poke people in the eye: When someone tells me to "hook it up."
What one thing do you wish you could tell people about patronizing any bar? Relax.
If you're not at work, you're most likely: In bed. I love to relax.
Other sip spots in the Triangle you've worked: Talullas, Durham.
