A portrait of a bartender commissioned by Nola Media Group, producers of NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune as part of its tricentennial project, 300 for 300: People who make New Orleans, New Orleans.
Here's to you, New Orleans barkeep. You keep our glasses filled, but you're so seldom properly thanked. You keep the party going, but you must remain at arm's length from the fun. Whether simply pouring a beer, building a Sazerac or crafting some other, more complex or trendy cocktail, you're a mixological maestro of many hats: an artist and entertainer, a counselor and confidante, a lion tamer and peacemaker, and, too often, an adult babysitter. So, this one's for you, New Orleans bartender. May your simple syrup remain sweet, and may your bitters never follow you home. May your tip jar overflow, and your beer tap never run dry. May last call come with all haste, and may you open on time tomorrow -- so we can toast you all over again.
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