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March 3, 2015 at 10:35am

Served Blog Banner Girl: Q&A with bartender Erin Perteet of Doyle's Public House and The Valley

I snapped a shot of Erin Perteet at The Valley while 52 rugby players surrounded me, chugging beer and belting out drinking songs. Of course my photo is blurry.

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Erin Perteet.

Server Banner Girl, March 2-8, 2015

Erin Perteet

Erin Perteet is the definition of a service industry professional. She's been serving Western Washington for 17 years. Bella Nina's on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue introduced her to the service industry at age 17. "This industry stole my heart and still has it," Perteet says. When she turned 21, she bartended at Luciano's Casino on the Ruston Way waterfront.

"Over the last 13 years I have worked in some of the most amazing bars and restaurants," she says. "Family in this industry is everything - from Seattle to Tacoma - Bluwater Bistro, Dukes Chowder House, Stanley & Seafort's, Masa, Peso's, Reds Wine Bar, The Ballard Annex, The Valley and Doyle's."

Perteet was the traveling bar manager for Duke's Chowder House - Alki, Green Lake, Kent and Tacoma - before helping X Group Restaurants open Masa on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue. She was the face of the club scene for many years at Masa. After a few years in Seattle, she "came back home" to Tacoma, where she now tends bar at Doyle's Public House and The Valley.

Perteet keeps it cool, professional and prompt. She takes her work seriously, unless you have a good story, then bring it.

Why do you serve?

"I love the people. I love the people I work with to all the guests that sit at the bar. Everybody's got a different story. It's a lot of fun to get to meet people you'd probably never meet in a lifetime over food and drinks."

Who is your favorite server in the South Puget Sound?

"I'd have to say Meg from Asado. I love going to see her in the bar usually at least once a week. She's always pouring me delicious wine and I love her for that!"

What are you most proud to serve?

"Tequila! I love tequila and I love educating people on it. Having worked in Mexican style restaurants for 7 years, I developed the love for the juice. Most people are very afraid of the name. It brings back a bad night along with a bad hangover from ... let's say a bottle of Cuervo or something. Tequila is much more complex than that. First, a bottle needs to say 100 percent agave. From there, I can give you a pretty killer tequila tasting that will have you looking at tequila in a different light. I Promise that."

What's your current drink of choice?

"I am a shot of Jameson and a Rainier tall can kinda girl, Classy, I know! But, if I feel like having a cocktail I would say my favorite is the Harkonen from Hilltop Kitchen. It's just simply delicious."

Favorite movie?

"Super Troopers is definitely an all time favorite. A knee-slapper comedy always wins in my book."

What don't you serve?

"Blended drinks. I feel as though most bars have weaned away from them. To be honest, this makes most bartenders very happy. The sound of an obnoxious blender can kinda ear piercing."

What's on your radar at Doyle's Public House and The Valley?

"At Doyles - St. Paddy's day! Doyle's always puts on an amazing day/weekend of entertainment for the holiday. Jameson and Guinness with good live entertainment = FUN. The Valley ... well for starters, we launched a new menu this month. So new menu items to tease your taste buds with. Also, we have a ton of shows being booked through the month of March. Come and check out the music scene this month. Should not disappoint."

DOYLE'S PUBLIC HOUSE, 208 St Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.7468

THE VALLEY, 1206 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, 253.248.4265

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Filed under: Served Banner Models, Tacoma,

February 23, 2015 at 10:26am

Served Blog Banner Boy: Q&A with Mike Besser of Top Rung Brewing Company

You'd be hard to find someone more knowledgeable about all aspects of the beer industry than Mike Besser of Top Rung Brewing Co. in Lacey. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Mike Besser.

Server Banner Boy, Feb. 23-March 1, 2015

Mike Besser

Mike Besser has his grandfather to thank for enticing him into the beer and liquor industry. As a young boy he would have conversations with his "grandpa" came home from work. He was a butler/bartender for the rich and famous in Beverly Hills from the late 1940s until the mid 1990s and knew everyone. "Grandpa Charles was awesome," says Besser. "He would come home with different items from the parties. He would wake me and my brother up to show us what the lady of the house let him bring home. Most of the time it was whole hams, big bags of fresh food but then other times he would bring home whole bottles of whiskey. Now we were much too young to try it, but the bottles looked so cool. And he would tell us about how Jimmy Stewart would order his drink or how President Reagan would order and then Nancy would make him water down his drink. I was hooked!"

Besser knew he had to become a bartender when he turned of age.  At 21, he became a bartender at oceans restaurant in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since then, he has worked in many restaurants, bars and beer bars. When he and his wife decided to have a child, Besser became a stay-at-home dad. Although he had been home brewing and blogging for years, he decided to broaden his two loves and BrewDad.com was born around 10 years ago, which coincided with his daughter's birth, who is known today as "SodaKid." Besser posted stories daily with periodic piece in Northwest Brewing News and trips to the Beer Blogger Conference.

When Top Rung Brewing Co. in Lacey approached him to help with sales, he answered yes before owners Casey Sobol and Jason Stoltz could finish their question.

Today, when he's not posting as BrewDad or on the streets selling beers, you can find him at the Lacey brewing giving tours and pouring beers.

Why do you serve?

"I love chatting with people and when you include beer it is always a win-win for me." 

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"My favorite server these days is Jarred at Skep & Skein. He has super knowledge of the product and always a huge smile followed by a big ‘Hi Mike.'"

What are you most proud to serve?

"I am most proud when I am serving a great beer that I can get behind. Take our CDA at Top Rung; this is a beer that can sell itself. The flavor profile along with the excellent brewing makes this one of my favorites to sell. I was sad to see it go so fast but. Not to worry - in a short time it will be back on our taps and available for me to sell." 

What's your current drink of choice? 

"I love a big citrus hoppy IPA. I love ours, of course; I can drink the Prying Irons IPA all day. Our Heavy Irons with the extra umph from the hops is always a tasty treat I quaff upon." 

Favorite movie?

"Give me any western and I am in. Lonesome Dove - although it's actually a TV mini-series - is my all-time favorite western movie. 'A man who wouldn't cheat for a poke don't want one bad enough.' - Augustus ‘Gus' McCrae" 

What don't you serve?

"Call me old fashioned but I will never serve anything with energy drink added. I think that is the worst invention and addition for drinking ever. When I see kids these days adding energy drinks to their drinks it is just a recipe for epically bad results." 

What's on your radar at Top Rung Brewing?

"Top Rung is headed for a terrific year. As we approach our first anniversary, I know for myself we have exceeded many of our goals we set last year. I am just so excited to see what unfolds as we venture into new areas and new accounts. just hope we get a new Top Rung rig for the sales department. Hint hint."

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

February 9, 2015 at 10:00am

Served Blog Banner Girl: Q&A with bartender Emily Myers of ParkWay Tavern

This month, Emily Myers will shift from weekend days to Friday and Saturday nights at the Parkway Tavern. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Being a great bartender is about far more than mixing magic - although that element is certainly important. But a bartender's role behind the stick is also about spending time with those bellied up to the bar, whether they're high rollers or gravediggers. And Emily Myers, who has been pouring beer at the ParkWay Tavern since May 2013, deserves heroine worship for the way she straddles the line between professional and perky. She's engaging, exuberant, genuine and knowledgeable but never snooty. And she adores the ParkWay and its staff. A patron before an employee, it was the staff that drew her into the beer business. When she's not pouring, she's peddling. Myers other passion is bicycling, and she's thrilled 2015 is "Year of the Bike" in Tacoma.

Why do you serve?

"I truly like getting to know my fellow Tacomans. Without bartending, I would miss out on hearing all the rad stories and experiences of my regulars."

Who is your favorite server?

"Kendra Varadi is part of why I fell in love with the ParkWay. She's knowledgeable, genuine and always knows my current beer craving."

What are you most proud to serve?

"Any local beers I can get my hands on. When in doubt, go local. I'm so proud of our city's growth in the brewery and craft beer scene."

What is your current drink of choice?

"One of my current drink obsessions is cider, specifically gin-infused ciders like Seattle Cider's Gin Botanical. Really anything with an interesting flavor profile."

What is your favorite movie?

"Die Hard. It also doubles nicely as a favorite Christmas movie."

What don't you serve?

"Booze or assholes."

What's on your radar at the ParkWay?

"The Stone Brewery's tap takeover is Feb. 21, the Barleywine Festival will be March 28 and this July will be our 80th anniversary."

PARKWAY TAVERN, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, 313 N. I St., Tacoma, 253.383.8748

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

February 2, 2015 at 12:00pm

Served Blog Banner Girl: Q&A with bartender Brie Schafer of 7 Seas Brewing

A veteran of the restaurant industry, Brie Schafer is the newest bartender at 7 Seas Brewing in Gig Harbor. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Brie Schafer.

Server Banner Girl, Feb. 2-8, 2015

Brie Schafer

After many years at The Ram Restaurant & Brewery on South Hill Puyallup, several years at Marrow on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue and a short stint at Brix 25 in Gig Harbor, Brie Schafer has fully come into her own behind the taps at 7 Seas Brewing in Gig Harbor. She knows how to warm a room - even if the room is a huge taproom.

Why do you serve?

"I started in the industry when I was 15 - as a busser. It seemed like a fun first job. Quickly I fell in love with the family and friendships that come from working so close. I have stayed in the industry for 20 years now because I love people. I am a natural caretaker. I love to host and make people feel full, satisfied and buzzed. It just fits; I get to do what I love. I get to take care of people."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Jacob O'neill at Marrow. When I first met Jacob he was still new in the industry. It has been a pleasure to watch him quickly became a true professional and craftsman."

What are you most proud to serve?

"Currently our Belgium style Blonde. It is delicious! All the beer in the taproom is made with much care and love. Mike, Travis and all the brewers have such a passion to make craft beer. It is easy to sell good product made by good people."

What's you current drink of choice?

"I know I should say beer, but ... Tits & Bouch! A shot of Titos and a glass of Kombucha is all this girl needs. I like fancy food and simple drinks."

What's your favorite movie?

"Goonies. It still makes me unreasonably happy. Goonies never die!!!"

What don't you serve?

"Bullshit. You get what you see with me! I am in a place in my life where I am able to be genuine and in a place in my career where I don't have to serve mass produced crap made by people who don't care."

What's on your radar at 7 Seas Brewing?

"7 Seas is constantly going out to the community doing fun things - bringing our tasty beer to all your pretty faces. We are constantly keeping it fresh with rotating seasonals too. Personally, I am looking forward to finding my place in this family of rad people."

7 SEAS BREWING, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday-Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 3006 Judson St., Gig Harbor, 253.514.8129

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

January 26, 2015 at 10:20am

Served Blog Banner Girl: Q&A with server Gillian Nordlund of STINK Cheese and Meat

Stop by STINK Cheese and Meat and discuss "True Stories" with Gillian Nordlund. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Gillian Nordlund.

Server Banner Girl, Jan. 26-Feb.1, 2015

Gillian Nordlund

Ask Gillian Nordlund about her days serving at the Bourgeois Pig Cafe in the north side of Chicago and a smile will dominate her face. She fondly remembers those days. The smile remained at her first Tacoma restaurant industry job - The Antique Sandwich Co. - as well as the last three years serving gourmet mac and cheese, sandwiches and salads at STINK Cheese and Meat in Tacoma's Triangle District.

Why do you serve?

"I kind of fell into serving. I needed a job and I got one. I continue to serve because of my beloved regulars, my continuing connection to the community, and the time I have for art making. Serving isn't complex, but there is a new challenge everyday. Life is complicated; your job shouldn't be."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Oh no! I couldn't choose one. I get such comfort from all the service I receive from everybody at 1111 and Broken Spoke to Corina Bakery and Puget Sound Pizza, not to mention Half Pint Pizza Pub. I guess I'm wishy-washy, but I truly care about these people. Thank you everybody."

What are you most proud to serve?

"Our food at STINK is so pretty and delicious. I continue to be proud to serve the Stinker and the Turkey, especially when I can convince a bleu cheese non-believer to try these sandwiches."

What's your current drink of choice?

"Dark coffee with cream and sugar in the morning, beer and whiskey at night."

Favorite movie?

"True Stories by David Byrne and the Talking Heads - excellent music, endearing characters and Spaulding Grey. Never ceases to be uplifting and poignant."

What don't you serve?

"Substitutions. When you come to STINK you should trust us. Though I'm willing to make some compromises people should stop being afraid of food. I kind of take it personally when people order off menu. Take your "no thank-you bites," sillies. Come on!"

What's on your radar at STINK?

"Looking to the future! Our new cook, Ben, and our fearless leader, Kris Blondin, are creating a new Spanish-inspired dinner menu. It is so exciting to see our restaurant grow and Ben is simply a cool dude."

STINK Cheese and Meat, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 628 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.426.1347

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

Filed under: Served Banner Models, Tacoma,

January 19, 2015 at 12:15pm

Served Blog Banner Girl: Q&A with bartender/brewer Bethany Carlsen

Bethany Carlsen brews and serves Pacific Brewing & Malting Co. beers. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Bethany Carlsen.

Server Banner Girl, Jan. 19-25, 2015

Bethany Carlsen

Bethany Carlsen developed a love for craft beer and started making her own beer about six years ago while living in Seattle. He dream was, and still is, to eventually open up her own brewery. She quit her job as a personal trainer to start serving at The Ram in Northgate - with an eye on a brewer job. After a few months an assistant brewer quit and The Ram offered her the part-time position. She took it, and was quickly moved up to being the full-time assistant brewer at the Seattle Ram. She was there for two years before the head brewer position opened up at the Puyallup Ram. Bethany was the head brewer in Puyallup for a little over a year. She left the Ram and joined the Pacific Brewing & Malting team three months ago, where she brews beer and serves in the taproom.

Why do you serve?

"Serving is a great way to be a part of the beer community in Tacoma. I enjoy talking to the beer-lovers who come in, and helping those who aren't as in to beer to find one he or she likes that surprises them. There's a gateway beer for every non-beer drinker." 

Who is your favorite server?

"Sean and Kendra at the Parkway. They're awesomesauce and say hello to everyone by name when they walk through the door."

What are you most proud to serve?

"Local craft beer that I've helped make. We just tapped an oatmeal stout recently that is darn tasty. I'm proud of all our beers at PB+M." 

What's your current drink of choice?

"That's like picking your favorite child. When I'm not drinking delicious dark beers or IPAs, I tend to drink wine or good ol' Vitamin "R," aka Rainier. 

Favorite movie?

"The Big Lebowski"

What don't you serve?

"Food! You can bring your own food (and children) in to the taproom but we don't have a kitchen." 

What's on your radar at Pacific Brewing & Malting Co.?

"We just brewed a Belgian Golden Ale that will be out in a couple weeks, and the next seasonal after that is going to be a Saison." 

PACIFIC BREWING & MALTING CO., 4-10 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, 610 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.2337

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

January 12, 2015 at 10:16am

Served Blog Banner Girl: Q&A with bartender Renee Wagner of Stuck Junction Saloon

Renee Wagner will pour you a locally-made moonshine at Stuck Junction Saloon in downtown Sumner. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Renee Wagner.

Server Banner Girl, Jan. 12-18, 2015

Renee Wagner

Cynthia Soos, owner of the Pacific Coffee House in downtown Tacoma, opened Stuck Junction Saloon in March 2014 in downtown Sumner. The former Main Street Bar & Grill/Bottomz Up Bar & Grill/Sharkey's Pub spot has turned the kitchen around - thanks to Hawaiian native Rida Reed - serving mind-blowing burgers made from ground chuck and brisket from Puyallup's Blue Max Meats, as well as shined a spotlight on craft beers and opening the doors for a crowded house every Thursday for James Coates' open mic. Soos recruited her favorite bartender, Renee Wagner, from the former Nifty's Fifty's across from Tacoma Community College, to lead her bar staff. Wagner has a serious talent for multitasking - engaging and interacting with guests, making drinks, directing staff and keeping a clean bar.She also throws out an immediate eye contact and smile, putting waiting customers at ease.

Why do you serve?

"It's all about the people. I love seeing new faces, as well as familiar faces, too. The full array of people keeps me smiling and on my toes."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Rachel Wagner - ho happens to be my sister. She runs Legends, the bar at Denny's in Lakewood. Rachel has turned that bar upside down. It went from making no money to being a super successful, Bengals-hosting karaoke spot. I look up to her. She got me started in this bartending adventure."

What are you most proud to serve?

"Our food! It's fresh and never frozen. Our chef Rida Reed puts a spin on plain dishes; the execution is amazing. From burgers to seafood to pulled pork nachos - you can't go wrong."

What's your current drink of choice?

"The mojito. Stuck Junction serves it with fresh mint, fresh fruit and, with my spin of a housemade simple syrup ... I have become a muddling fool. The outcome is ridiculous good." 

Favorite movie?

"Hummmmmmmmm. I'm a sucker for a corky comedy - so Waiting and Grandma's Boy are up there pretty high on my list."

What don't you serve?

"Trash cans! And I don't miss it." 

What's on your radar at Stuck Junction Saloon? 

"Moonshine. We have a superb product from the RackHouse line by Parliament Distillery right here in Sumner. With flavors from Burn Box to Sour Cherry, Parliament puts a spin on it. And the finished product is amazing!"

STUCK JUNCTION SALOON, 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Wednesday, 11-2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1005 W. Main St., Sumner, 253.826.4408

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

LINK: South Sound Happy Hour App

Filed under: Served Banner Models, Sumner,

January 5, 2015 at 10:03am

Served Blog Banner Girl: Q&A with bartender Tessa Rhodes of Masa

You'll find Tessa Rhodes behind the bar at Masa in Tacoma's Sixth Avenue neighborhood ... unless "Halloween" is on the tube somewhere. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Tessa Rhodes.

Server Banner Girl, Jan. 5-11, 2015

Tessa Rhodes

"Dark, deep red and full of zing, the Bloody Mary at the Harvester Restaurant's lounge is a patriotic salute to drinking - patriotic meaning one sip of bartender Tessa's concoction and I'm immediately at attention." I wrote that under the barfly pseudonym "Brad Allen" in the Oct. 23, 2006 issue of the Weekly Volcano. Tessa Rhodes, the bartender in the back lounge of the Tacoma Stadium District restaurant, was known for her Bloody Marys, serving them strong with a lime slice instead of celery. Rhodes has been pouring her enthusiasm into drinks for more than 16 years in Tacoma, including Hank's, Chopstix and her current gig - eight years at Masa. Besides delicious, well-crafted drinks, she's always good for an honest, interesting conversation.

Why do you like to serve?

"I have been a bartender for almost 17 years. I love the interaction with people - creating relationships and learning more about them. Also, the job is very active. I love going to work and knowing it'll be the same, but different, all at the same time. I'm not just sitting around."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"I have many friends in the service industry. I don't really have a favorite. I love all my peeps."

What are you most proud to serve?

"Honestly, after being in the industry for as long as I have, I most proud to serve a good product. I believe in great food and a drink that is made to perfection - which I believe we have at Masa."

What's your drink of choice?

"Well, I've enjoyed all types of alcohol, but I prefer Raspberry Stoli with 7 Up and a splash of cran." 

Favorite movie?

"That's a hard one. I do have to say I'm an '80s kid.  But, secretly I am an old horror movie junkie. I own them all and most of the new good ones. It's definitely a toss up between the Exorcist and Halloween. If I could get away with watching one of those on a weekly basis, I would." 

What don't you serve?  

"151. If you are taking shots of that you just want to throw up on yourself and there is so much more to enjoying yourself and your night in the bar." 

What's on your radar at Masa?

"We've been serving great and tasty new food and drink specials. And, I am always excited when we make new changes to the menu - which usually happens once a year. Also, being a part of our nightlife that is exciting, fun and providing a place for the guests to come and have a great night dancing with friends and family."

MASA, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11-2 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 9:30-2 a.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, 2811 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.254.0560

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

LINK: South Sound Happy Hour App

Filed under: Served Banner Models, Tacoma,

December 22, 2014 at 10:12am

Served Blog Banner Girl: Q&A with bartender Tanya Chapman-Hedstrom of Engine House No. 9

Tanya Chapman-Hedstrom, aka Bandito Betty, will served you an IPA with a side of whiskey while she recaps the movie, "Over the Top." Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Tanya Chapman-Hedstrom.

Server Banner Girl, Dec. 22, 2014-Jan. 4, 2015

Tanya Chapman-Hedstrom

By now, you're probably familiar with Tanya Chapman-Hedstrom. You most likely didn't know 16-year-old Tanya when she served food at the Ponderosa Steakhouse in the greater Chicago area. She has horror stories from those days. You might have met her while she served food and drinks at the ParkWay Tavern, Puget Sound Pizza, Doyle's Public House and a few other Tacoma joints. Maybe you know her as Bandito Betty, a name she received while riding shotgun with former Weekly Volcano writer Steph DeRosa as they caused trouble around the South Sound from 2007-2012. Today, Tanya is happily employed by Tacoma's X Group Restaurants - specifically tending bar at the Engine House No. 9.

Why do you serve?

"It's like having a social life ... that I get paid for. I don't get out much these days with the little one so it feels good to still be part of the scene - even if I'm on the clock."

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

"Ricky at O'Malley's. He knows what I want without having to ask me and he always has fantastic stories about the night before."

What are you most proud to serve?

"We always have a great selection of hard-to-get beers and some customers are like a kid on Christmas when they see the handles. I always get a thrill when a regular walks in and I know we just tapped one of his or her favorites."

What's your current drink of choice?

"IPA with a side of whisky. I'm a simple lady. Or something like that. ..."

Favorite movie?

"Over the Top. My dad and I watched it all the time, but my mom hated it. Arm wrestling and truck driving? What's not to love?"

What don't you serve?

"Bacardi 151. Luckily, we eliminated it from our stock. I've said it before and I'll say it again: anyone trying to order it is a douchebag."

What's on your radar at Engine House No. 9?

"The bar remodel and additional tap handles. Someday ... it will happen."

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

LINK: South Sound Happy Hour App

Filed under: Served Banner Models, Tacoma,

December 15, 2014 at 10:21am

Served Blog Banner Girl: Q&A with bartender Brittany Crowder of The Valley in Tacoma

Brittany Crowder has a beer for you at The Valley in Tacoma. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner

Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Brittany Crowder.

Server Banner Girl, Dec. 15-21, 2014

Brittany Crowder

Brittany Crowder has been behind the bar at The Valley since its re-opening Aug. 6 down the street from the Tacoma Dome. Remodeled by Justin and Robby Peterson (Eleven Eleven) in partnership with X Group Restaurants (Asado, Masa, E-9), Crowder calls it the most fun she's had on the job, giving high praise to her bosses and customers. Before The Valley, she tended bar at the Milton Tavern for four years, and before that she put in five years at Autolube & Espresso in Tacoma.

Why do you serve?

I serve because I love it. You get the opportunity to meet all kinds of different people and there's never a dull moment. I basically get paid to people watch.

Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?

It's impossible for me to choose just one server I would call my favorite. There are too many fantastic people in this industry, especially in Tacoma. I'll say this though, Monica at the Top makes a wicked oatmeal cookies shot (insert winky face).

What are you most proud to serve?

I'm most proud to serve the amazing local micros we receive on tap. I'm definitely a beer girl, so I always get excited when something new and different makes it's way to our tap lineup.

What's your current drink of choice?

It varies. I like to switch it up and keep my taste buds guessing. I love seasonal beers. Currently I'm hooked on Firestone's Velvet Merlin. I was stoked to have a Jolly Roger on nitro at Hank's the other day. Citrus Mistress on nitro was delightful as well at the ParkWay.

Favorite movie?

Favorite movie would have to be anything Quinton Tarantino.

What don't you serve?

Hennessy. Absolutely no Hennessy will be served by me, ever.

What's on your radar at The Valley?

I'm looking forward to this next year at The Valley. We have had some great bands play here this year - Shotgun Kitchen, Hilltop Rats, Blanco Bronco, just to name a few. We have some brilliant ideas for events next year that should excite everyone. If anyone hasn't checked out The Valley, definitely put it at the top of your to do list.

LINK: Meet other South Sound servers

LINK: South Sound Happy Hour App

Filed under: Served Banner Models, Tacoma,

About this blog

Served, a blog by the Weekly Volcano, is the region’s feedbag of fresh chow daily, local restaurant news, New Beer Column, bar and restaurant openings and closings, breaking culinary news and breaking culinary ground - all brought to the table with a dollop of Internet frivolity on top.

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