Georgina Gast studied mass communication in college, so it's not surprising that she enjoys communicating with customers at Mikey's, 811 N. Jefferson St. But, that's just one part of the job.
Enjoy this Bartender Profile with Georgina from Mikey's.
OnMilwaukee.com: How long have you been a bartender?
Georgina Gast: Six Years. Yikes!
OMC: What's your signature drink?
GG: Bottles of beer. I love makin' those. OK, for serious ... when I make a traditional martini, I shake the heck out if it, until its gets a nice sheet of ice on the top. Do you think a bunch of people are going to come in and ask for this now? If they do, then I'm changing my answer back to bottles of beer.
OMC: What's your least favorite drink to make?
GG: Anything that requires muddling -- mojitos, old-fashioneds, caiprihinas and Bloody Marys after dark. I am sure these drinks are more delicious when someone else does the work, but I've never tried. I'm always afraid the bartender will come find me and return the favor.
OMC: What's the most ridiculous moment you've had behind the bar?
GG: Ha! You said "behind" the bar -- not on it! Now I can give you a reputation-safe answer. I've got one nobody knows: This one really busy night I was trying to open a bottle of 1800, with the glass cork. It was really stuck so I gave it all my strength, when I finally got it -- I punched myself in the face with the glass top. Afterwards, kind of like when you trip and look back to see if anyone saw, no one saw -- I could have gone for some sympathy.
OMC: Have you broken up any bar fights?
GG: Yes, several. Girls are the best at breaking up fights. Big, bouncer dudes add fuel to the fire.
OMC: What's the most creative pick-up line you've heard?
GG: I'm not sure if this was at work or at Summerfest, but some guy asked me what time it was. When I looked down at my watch, he grabbed me and said, "It's Hug Time!"
OMC: Bigger tippers -- men or women?
GG: Men! And women in the service industry. Phew! I'm on the right end of that stick.
OMC: What's the biggest tip you've ever received?
GG: I had a guy who would come in, order one drink and leave a $100 bill. Wonder what ever happened to him?
OMC: Have you served any celebrities?
GG: You mean outside of John Malan and Tom Pipines? Only professional athletes comes to mind. Unfortunately, the bartender's oath prohibits me from giving you any of the dirt (and there is dirt).
OMC: Do you drink while you bartend?
GG: Uh ... no, uh, maybe a little? Who put you up to this?
OMC: What bars do you go to when you're not working?
GG: I like to go to places where I can be outside; we've got to enjoy the weather while we can. I bet I'll probably go out more once the smoking ban goes into effect. I do, however, always seem to end up back at Mikey's -- it's kind of like home base.
OMC: What's your favorite cocktail (when someone else is pouring)?
GG: Vodka, usually. At the moment, I'm on a Hendricks Champagne Martini kick. Mmm, with oysters on the half shell.
OMC: What's the best part of the job?
GG: Bartending fills that need to be out in public, at a bar, without spending any money. Oh, and the cash is pretty nice, too.
OMC: What's your least favorite part of the job?
GG: When people throw up. It doesn't matter how nice of a place you work at -- people from all walks of life do it.
OMC: Anything else you'd like to say about the profession?
GG: I promised all of my bartender friends that I would say this: I would also like to take this opportunity to stick up for bartenders everywhere. This is a major pet peeve industry-wide. Please do not wave your hand in the air like you're on "Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader" to get my attention unless you already know what you want to drink. If you flail around like that and I ask you what you want, this is not the time to turn around and finally consider if you, and all the people behind you, like beer or vodka. It's easy to do, I know, I've done it myself, but please try not to be "that guy."
Host of “The Drew Olson Show,” which airs 1-3 p.m. weekdays on The Big 902. Sidekick on “The Mike Heller Show,” airing weekdays on The Big 920 and a statewide network including stations in Madison, Appleton and Wausau. Co-author of Bill Schroeder’s “If These Walls Could Talk: Milwaukee Brewers” on Triumph Books. Co-host of “Big 12 Sports Saturday,” which airs Saturdays during football season on WISN-12. Former senior editor at OnMilwaukee.com. Former reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
