Going great shakes!

THE ambience was pleasant, with dim lights lending the place a soothing and relaxing feel. Sounds of happy laughter and loud chatter were drowned by the heavy jazz music playing in the background. The bar was crowded with people seated on high stools sipping their drinks. One could hear orders for drinks being placed and the bartenders responding likewise `One Singapore sling coming up, one schnapps, two tequilas, 5 beers... !'

There were a group of twenty somethings talking animatedly over pitchers of beer... and then suddenly it was quiet everywhere. All eyes were trained towards the bartender at the counter. In a minute or two the bartender executed a rather dangerous manoeuvre to mix a drink. He even put Tom Cruise to shame! Sighs of relief and appreciative laughter burst from the rapt audience as the manoeuvre was successfully executed. Instantly, the entire pub resounded with applause for the young Barista...

The beaming barista looked like he couldn't have been anywhere else. If this is your idea of a perfect evening, it would be an even better career for a true-blue alcoholic beverage consultants. With a here-to-stay trend like pub-hopping and hob- nobbing, bartending is increasingly becoming a `passion-career' for most people, young and old.

A fledgling career...

While being a Barista is a matter of honour abroad, it is not smooth sailing for bartenders in India. Bartending is still to be established as a fetching career here. Asked what the most annoying aspect of a pub was, most regulars decried the presence of bartenders who, due to lack of knowledge, insult the intelligence of the pub regular by asking him how to mix his drink! Adding insult to injury is when they attempt to mix the drinks with all the wrong ingredients! Nothing could ruin the evening more for those who've come to let their hair down. For this and other reasons such as the art, skill and etiquette of being the perfect Barista being alien to the Indian palate, bartending is still to be given its due place in the sun. Although most hotel management colleges and institutes have within their curriculum a section devoted to bartending, a focussed approach is missing. But there is a one school in Mumbai that is a solace-provider for bartending enthusiasts.

Mixing spirits

Stir, which is solely devoted to grooming bartending professionals, has no restriction on who can opt for the course. Enthusiasm and interest is all the individual requires to enrol at the institute. The course is for a period of six months, is part-time and held in Mumbai. The course promises to be thorough in equipping the learner with the right knowledge, skills and at the end, a certificate. There are also various one-day workshops (across the country) are held. IHCTM also has a course in bartending.

Those already trained or well versed with the art, can participate in Bartending meets which happen regularly in metros like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, and contests are common now.

Tending to high spirits

Most bartenders vouch for the fact that it's not just how they mix drinks, but how they serve it as well. Great attitude, good communication and interpersonal skills give bartending the classic touch. For a populace that's there for some entertainment, the bartender usually doubles as an entertainer as well, with a few acrobatic stretches to shake the drink well (without spilling a drop!).

Bartending is also about human psychology and chemistry! A pub is a watering hole for many, from a shy first timer to a seasoned regular. The Barista therefore must be just as good as a people person as a bartender. For an occasional or first time drinker, the bartender should have the capacity and knowledge to gauge, guide and suggest appropriate drink combinations. On the offside, he must also be able to deal with the occasional ill-tempered drunk or obnoxious visitor, with grace and impeccable manners, never losing his cool. Since quite a few visitors frequent pubs and bars to drown their sorrows, the bartender will have bring forth all his reserves of patience to listen to their outpourings. Oddly enough, a large majority of bartenders are teetotallers!

There is no dearth of creativity in bartending. A creative bartender can experiment and create new flavours and drinks. Since work hours tend to be odd, long and demanding, he must learn to be on his toes, exercise patience, and have a desire to learn. Body language, people skills and a love for music are other musts to become a good bartender. As there are new drinks and drink combinations created constantly, the Barista must at least be aware of it if not know how to mix it.

Although bartending doesn't really involve earning millions, a well qualified, experienced and skilled bartender can command his price. In any case, bartenders often manage to scoop hefty tips, adding to the fringe benefits. Generally however, bartending is a stopgap arrangement for most. They either do it for the sheer love of it, to earn some good pocket money, or as a means to gain experience (for qualified hotel management graduates and postgraduates).

Most baristas move on from pubs to hotels, and inch their way up to management posts whenever there's a vacancy. Some are enterprising and set up their own watering holes (pubs).

From permit rooms and bars to pubs, the hip-hop generation is set to jive to a longish sonata. Baristas as they are popularly known today, are what makes the pub. The best of them are knowledgeable, skilful and serve their clients with panache. What more can you ask for?

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@cnkonline.com