Ask The Bartender

1. Have you ever been to the Parade in Southie? If yes what’s your favorite part? If no, why not?

Sarah - Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of going to the parade in Southie. My mother was Irish so I should represent. I was unaware that there was a parade until about two years ago and as you know I am a bartender so I usually have to work on St. Patrick's Day.

Brittani - I have not made it to the parade yet...maybe next year...actually I don’t think I have ever been to Southie---oh wait... yes I have....Parades were never very exciting for me, its always too cold and I am on the short side so I can never see anything....maybe I'm just a scrooge...wait-wrong holiday.

Janet – I’ve gone to the parade a few times and the best part is the atmosphere. Everybody is super friendly. Maybe it’s the fact that everybody is drinking but it feels like one big family.

2. What’s your favorite St. Paddy’s Day Memory?

Sarah - This is a memory I will never forget. My sophomore year at Suffolk I went to Daytona Beach for spring break with my best friend. My St. Patrick's Day was spent on the beach at a bar called Ocean Deck drinking green beer and watching a reggae band. It was so fun.

Brittani - I am usually working on St. Patty's day, but it’s always a good time...everyone is happy and green, until late night and then it just turns ugly.and green. The best night was a few years ago when we decided to put green food coloring in the beers so our hands were green for days...that’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to being a leprechaun...oh well.

Janet – I went to Spring Training last year and watched the Red Sox play complete with Green Uniforms. I also got Jason Varitek’s autograph which made it memorable.

3. If somebody is wearing a “kiss me, I’m Irish” pin is it rude not to kiss them?

Sarah - I do not mean to sound like a prude here, but I do not think that it is rude not to kiss someone. Kisses are something special and personal that should be reserved to special people. Although I have worn a "kiss me I'm Irish” pin in the past and they can make for a good time.

Brittani - Heck no!! Anyone looking for a free kiss is not to be trusted!!! People wearing those pins should only kiss other people who are also wearing them...it could be like a club! A day of drinking and a kiss me pin is definitely a bad combination!

Janet – I wouldn’t say it’s rude not to kiss them, but if I’m in a good mood maybe you’ll get a peck on the cheek. It can’t hurt the tip right?

4. Do you give drunken customers more leeway on St. Paddy’s Day?

Sarah - As a bartender you have responsibilities to not only yourself, but the bar as an establishment. Giving leeway to drunken people causes liabilities and eventually can cost me and the bar a lot of money or even the liquor license.

Brittani - No way Jose!!! Just because it is St. Patty's that doesn't mean that all the trees are gonna be wrapped with pillows. Wasted is wasted.

Janet – As long as you’re not making an ass out of yourself or disturbing other people I want you to have fun. Although that’s sort of the same as every other night so I guess I won’t treat you any differently.

5. What’s the best and worst thing about Irish guys?

Sarah - Irish guys are always so sweet and seem really genuine. (That may be the accent working in their favor.) They also can hold their liquor better than most others so I never have to cut them off. The worst thing? I don't want to make one up.

Brittani - Hmmmmm. I would have to say that the best thing about REAL Irish guys is their accents--I could listen to them talk all day and also their names---their so unique!! And the worst would probably be their tendency to hit the bottle a little too much...I know they all don’t...but for those that do----its quite unattractive---and not good for the figure! (Don’t hate me Irish guys! I’m Irish too..about 1/56)

Janet – The best thing is that they go out drinking Monday through Sunday. It keeps business good. Hmm, there is a rumor about Irish guys…