#tip your bartender

[papas-majadas]

Someone tipped me inna heart shaped twenty last nite

[pghgraffiti]

Friendly reminder for tonight

[th3-0bjectivist]

     Underground music can be unexpectedly incredible, especially when it gets so popular that it becomes mainstream. Glassjaw is a band that was never supposed to achieve success but did it anyway despite being held down by at least one major label and making lots of music that is, let’s say, abrasive. They have a chaotic history of constantly changing personnel, one major hiatus, and a reputation for intense live shows. Using New York’s own signature hardcore sound to build a catalog, this group never followed the Taylor Swift model for music releases; i.e. shitting out a few generic but catchy hooks in a studio every single year and calling it a new album. They followed a slow and steady model to actually put some thought into their tunes which helped them generate a loyal following over a few decades. I’ve been hearing this group more and more in random places on the internet and definitely wanted to post Tip Your Bartender from their 2002 album Worship and Tribute because it kicks ass and really defines what they have to offer overall. This is a group that, early in their career and caused by an unpleasant split, actively rebelled against their own record label (Roadrunner Records) by insisting their fans pirate (steal) some of their initial music. I think that’s pretty cool. Although not punk per-se, there is a definitively noisy and anti-establishment vibe to their tunes which provides a complimentary tone to cancel out the demons in one’s head. Glassjaw tries to be different than all the ho-hum radio rock that pollutes and permeates every major radio station in the country. After about three decades of work, they’ve demonstrated an aptitude for studio experimentation and managed to develop a significant cult following. I couldn't recommend their work highly enough, so smash play and be introduced to metal that goes intentionally against the grain and succeeds at being non-conformist. 

[readwithjoy]

Hi! What to you recommend as far as tipping the bartenders at the Halloween party? Should I just bring a bunch of small bills and tip on each drink, or can I just leave a big tip all at once? Do they pool tips between the different bars? I've never been to a party with an open bar that wasn't a wedding! Also, do you have suggestions on how much? I want to make sure I bring enough cash!

They do pool the tips, just like at the Manderley Bar during the regular show.  I’m not sure what is a better choice, but I usually tip a large amount at the beginning of the party instead of tipping a little each time I get a drink.  Mainly that’s just for my own convenience. But tipping a little for each drink does remind the people around you that they are supposed to be tipping---leading by example isn’t a bad thing! 

As for how much, that’s a personal decision.  (I suggest as much as you can!  The bartenders are awesome, and they really take care of us.)  But for a more practical suggestion---I tend to tip $2 for a regular drink when I’m out, so you could estimate how many drinks you think you are going to drink, multiply that by 2, round up, and then put that much into the tip jar at the beginning of the party.  Or you could just put in a $20 or $50, etc. Whatever works for you will work!

Thank you for asking this question--tipping the bartenders is so important.

[whateverimgoingtohellanyway]

HOLIDAY PSA!!

Hey guys, look I know money gets tight around the holidays what with all the buying of presents and traveling and such.

BUT THAT ALSO APPLIES TO YOUR SERVER AT THE RESTUARANT TOO!!

So the next time you’re out holiday shopping please remember that your server does not make minimum wage and relies solely on the tips you provide. If you’re tight on money don’t go to a sit down place and not tip.

THIS HAS BEEN A PSA. THANK YOU

[readwithjoy]

How much should you tip at coat check and for drinks?

This is probably a personal issue--but, in my opinion, tip coat check a minimum of $1 (so just hand over a $5 bill) and tip $2 per drink at the bar. 

But again, this is my personal stance. (I’ve known guests who throw down a $20 from time to time just to say thanks for keeping the place going. If I could do this more often, I would.) Remember--the price of drinks and coat check doesn’t go to the staff. So if you think those things are over-priced...it’s not the fault of the staff and they still depend on tips for a living wage! 

[readwithjoy]

In appreciation of the Manderley staff

I realized that although we often post appreciation threads for the cast, I've not seen much written about the bar staff.  They are certainly a part of creating a wonderful experience at Sleep No More, and their creativity and ability to think quickly is worthy of note. Not to mention, some of them have the patience of a saint!

I thought I'd mention a few that I'm grateful for, but this is definitely not an exhaustive list! And since I was a very poor graduate student for the first few years of the show, I didn't drink much back then and thus I don't know the original staff very well.  I know I'm leaving out so many, but hopefully some of you can chime in and fill in the gaps.

In absolutely no order:

Benedict, who is much missed. He introduced me to my favorite drink, the classic gimlet.

Birdie. My show is always better if Birdie is tending bar. I know that someday she will leave, but I can't imagine the Manderley without her. She is completely delightful.

The Professor. His Dissertation and his smile were excellent, and if you missed them, I'm sorry.

Valentine. No one makes cocktails for me like Valentine. Forever my favorite.

Elliot actually convinced me to try a change in my gimlet! He is fantastic always. (And I understand if you like smoky and spicy drinks, Elliot is your man.)

London has been a lovely addition to the Manderley. He always makes me feel welcome and seen.

Minnie. Minnie is another one who is genuine, caring, and makes a terrific gimlet.

Cordelia. Why, oh why is Cordelia not a Woman-in-Bar? She is grace and charm personified.

Charlie. And Charlie as well! The Manderley just doesn't make sense to me if Cordelia and Charlie are not serving Absinthe...but I'd love to see them both chatting with the crowd and singing as well.

So...tip your bartenders generously!!!!  They take care of us, and we should be taking care of them.

[coco-guillotine]

Mauerpark Flohmarkt, Berlin