Keys Bartender Anti-maga Podcast

Tropical Storm Nicole heads towards Florida. Though the title may sound like an option at a massage parlor, it is an iconic cocktail. Like many a cocktail bartenders can't agree on a preparation. We'll try to simplify it. Jim gives his take on the cocktail.

Jim sees his first Library Book vending machine on his way to vote. We spend time talking about arguably the most important of garnish/ingredient, the lime. Sometimes it is an after thought of a garnish and other times it is critical to the cocktail. Finally while watching a sitcom on Apple TV in English and Spanish, Jim wonders why so many people are reluctant to be exposed to other languages let...

Bloody Mary's come in all colors or should we say shades of red. There are several critical components of a good Bloody Mary but there are an unlimited variations. Triggers are anything that spark an emotional response. Jim explains why it is important to avoid as much as possible those actions or topics that could make the atmosphere uncomfortable at a Bar. Our sponsor Key Largo Chocolates, www.k...

We finally get to episode 666 and realize it is just a number. We go over how Jim prepares himself to work when ill. What is the difference between fear and anxiety? Both emotions are huge components in our daily lives and both don't need to be viewed as negative. Thanks to our sponsor Key Largo Chocolates

Jim works the Bar's biggest event of the year while under the weather.  A Florida Man dies and there is no irony for a change. Finally if we exist in an infinite universe what is the significance if any in our achievements.  Thanks to our Sponsor Key Largo Chocolates; www.keylargochocolates.com

Which is the appropriate costume for a Witch? It's a matter of taste. Jim's place of work is getting ready to host an annual fund-raiser the Key Largo Witches' Ride. We talk about best practices when tending bar at busy events. We wrap with the idea that late starts in life are possible. Our sponsor Key Largo Chocolates; www.keylargochocolates.com

A horrible thing happened near Tulsa, OK. Due to the nature of the crime this is not for everyone but it is right in Jim's wheelhouse. Which is to say this stuff is precisely the news story that he loves to speculate on. Jim outlines what we know now and then we wait for the Series, Movies, Documentaries, and Podcasts to drop. Jessica Chastain is involved but not that one. Thank you to our sponsor...

Tips on how to make a Classic Margarita and some variations. Jim claims he does not care about an arbitrary contest but his behavior belies his feelings about being the Best Bartender.  A critique of a past episode reveals a change in how Jim processes criticism. Thanks to our sponsor Key Largo Chocolates; www.keylargochocolates.com  

Jim opens with tips to keep your bar mixers, garnishes, and wines fresh. Besides Bullwinkle there were alot of dim-witted cartoon heroes in the 60s and the villains were smart. Why are the villains dim-witted and the heroes are smart in the real world, on top of that the villains seem to win alot ? Our Sponsor Key Largo Chocolates; www.keylargochocolates.com

Jim receives a delivery from a distillery. The best way for the non-drinking Jim to evaluate the product is the best way even if he was drinking that is by a group of tasters. Since its a matter of taste he needs to find people who drink that type of liquor. Finally when you feel the need to curse endeavor to be creative. Our sponsor Key Largo Chocolates; www.keylargochocolates.com 

Jim takes Abby to an Orchid Festival a decidedly unlike Jim thing to do. What array of booze selections should you get for big event like an Orchid Festival? People have sometimes congruent sometimes incongruent reasons seeking a relationship it is important to sort that out. A package arrives at Jim's door at the end of the show and he asks audience to give him advice.  Our Sponsor Key Largo...

There seems to be a distinct difference in types of drinks ordered by locals and tourists. Jim goes into detail on one of his favorite pastimes reverse catfishing. Using his skills as a bullsh*tter he tries to lure in predators on social media who seek to bilk lonely people on the internet. During one such exchange he finds someone who seems to be a real person with an axe to grind. Thanks again t...

Jim begins with explaining his thoughts on arbitrary contest that declare things, people, or places; the Best. What skills are we grading on for a Bartender? Is b.s. a category. Sometimes bars are awkward places to bring your kids. Prediction 5 years from now a robot bartender will have Jim's job. Thank you Key Largo Chocolate and Ice Cream for your sponsorship; www.keylargochocolate.com

What about the cliques in the Bar do the Happy Hour Locals mix well with the Happy Hour Snowbirds? They do. After finding the year of an old penny, Jim contemplates what is old. Thank you to our show sponsor; Key Largo Chocolates, www.keylargochocolates.com .

A gorgeous day in Paradise has Jim recall the misidentification of a person with a hippie/mullet hybrid hairdo over the weekend. Mistaken comments such as "What would your granddaughter like to drink?" gets a bartender in trouble when she's a girlfriend or a dude. We review solutions to changing the flow of an inappropriate bar discussion with a phrase as easy as "Well my Amish Bookie says....."....

Jim's restaurant gets a post-Ian customer increase. A bartender triumphantly posts a bottle of the very little in demand Galliano. Why do people give more weight to some people's opinion outside of their area of expertise if they have a couple extra letters added to their name? This episode is brought to you by Key Largo Chocolates, www.keylargochocolates.com  tell them the Keys Bartender sent you...

Jim wants to get a fanny pack. A group of guest get Jim's name wrong, he doesn't mind. A co-worker likes someone else's preparation of a cosmopolitan leads into a conversation about consistency. We wrap with how Jim handles the vibe of his guest. Thanks to our sponsor Key Largo Chocolates, www.keylargochocolates.com

Hurricane Ian is past leaving death and destruction in its path but not so much in the Keys. Jim uses a simple answering script for phone calls when working at the Bar "Hello the Catch ,we are open". When people see a huge Hurricane approaching Florida  there are a mix of reactions, worry being one of them. Being prepared can alleviate worry of that as well as being grounded in that you are ready....

With Hurricane Ian over 200 miles away the Florida Keys and South Florida begin to feel the effects.  The Florida Keys' priorities- preparation, mitigation, and inebriation. Not necessarily in that order. We welcome our new show sponsor Key Largo Chocolates.

Forgetting or misremembering a person's name happens so often Jim wonders why people take issue with it. The Future Hurricane Ian threightens Florida, though the Keys seem to be safe in the current models. We see how different people react to approaching tropical systems. Some go into panic buying mode, some take a more wait and see approach.

Tropical Storm season gets even more active and the Florida Keys starts preparing. Similar to a dance the the storm takes the lead and residents try to stay in step. Further updates to follow.

Some times a little work around can handle certain problems whether a leaky CO2 Tank or a cantankerous patron. People are by and large ready to be civil if given the opportunity and the right guidance. 

Jim gives a tip on how he handles customer service issues at the restaurant. Several technology issues occur on the same day, Jim's default reaction is to blame I.T., programmers, hardware, etc and lose his sh*t. Realizing blame does not resolve the issues, we can look for the source of the issue and move on to a solution. Today one solution solved 2 issues with the last issue pending and no one l...

Though business is slower in the Keys there are enough people to keep this bartender busy. The Queen passed away almost 2 weeks ago and the funeral just took place. Though Jim takes a dim view of the idea of Monarchies and Aristocracy he sees the value it has for many around the world. After 246 years of separation the U.S. still has a crush on the Windsors. A sincere farewell to a very classy lad...

Jim goes over what you need on a wine list for a small family restaurant. A bunch athletes retiring leaves Jim contemplating his future of aging with grace. Finally the the Brain used to have 100 billion neurons now it is around 86 billion, what a gyp.