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Recently at the Park Avenue Screening Room, we had the pleasure to be amongst a select few journalists to see an early screening of the insightful documentary “HEY BARTENDER”
Before the film guests were treated to a reception with cocktails mixed by the featured bartenders from the documentary Steve Schneider of NYC hotspot Employees Only and Charlotte Voisey a William Grant & Sons Portfolio Ambassador. Charlotte mixed the classic Gin Martini with Hendrick’s Gin and Steve mixed a Daiquiri with Sailor Jerry Rum and fresh-squeezed juices. This was the perfect introduction to the film which focuses on the resurgence of cocktail culture and the skills a modern-day bartender must-have.
This compelling and smart film follows Steve Schneider a former Marine while he works to hone his skills and move up the ladder at the best cocktail bar in New York City, Employees Only. A parallel story follows Steve “Carpi” Carpenter a former white-collar executive who left his job to buy the corner bar in his hometown. Years later, he struggles to keep it afloat in a community that no longer values a place where everyone knows your name. Will the addition of a contemporary cocktail menu save his bar? You will have to see the film to find out. As you watch the film you can’t help but root for Steve and Steve to succeed. Award-winning director Douglas Tirola had unprecedented access to the most exclusive bars in New York City and around the country.Β The film includes commentary from Graydon Carter, Danny Meyer, Frank Pellegrino (Rao’s) and Amy Sacco (Bungalow 8) and in-depth interviews with bartending legends Dale DeGroff (βKing Cocktailβ), Jim Meehan (PDT), Julie Reiner (Flatiron Lounge), Dushan Zaric (Employees Only), Sasha Petraske (Milk & Honey).
The movie will be released in theaters on June 7 and even if you are not a drinker you can enjoy this doc. This film gives education on the evolution of the bartending trade and the struggles of the people keeping the cocktail culture alive.