My first bartender taught me how to pour a beer when I was twelve. It was at a Christmas party and he tilted the glass so there was no foam. It was like a magic trick. I was amazed.
My first bartender taught me that beauty was in the eye of the BEERholder.
My first bartender taught me that somewhere in the world right now, it is happy hour.
My first bartender taught me that the richest man sometimes has no money.
My first bartender taught me the joy of an early morning coffee. Black and preferable with the grinds still in it.
My first bartender knew that even drunk people liked movies.
My first bartender never drank except when he was on vacation. Then it was couple of whiskey and cokes while playing cards with his wife.
My first bartender knew that drunks would buy a drink for anyone. Even that mannequin at the end of the bar that was making eyes at them.
My first bartender made me want to serve the drunken masses.
My first bartender taught me that if you love your work, you will never work a day in your life.
My first bartender knew that you weren’t serving drinks; you were making the world a better place. One Maker’s Mark and water at a time.
My first bartender knew that when someone can’t afford a drink, they just might need it the most.
My first bartender taught me that short sleeves are the only way to man a bar.
My first bartender taught me that taking a night off the watch the fights with your son is a necessary part of the job.
My first bartender taught me that women are crazy. And arguing with them was crazier.
My first bartender knew that John Wayne was always right. Always.
My first bartender taught me to cook. But never taught me a recipe.
My first bartender taught me that the crazy people in life are more interesting. Just don’t be one of them.
My first bartender taught me that a little conversation can go a long way.
My first bartender taught me the value of family.
My first bartender taught me that family was more then people with the same last name as you.
My first bartender taught me that there was such as doing thing as the right thing, and you should always do it. End of statement.
My first bartender taught me what Smelt was.
My first bartender taught me what chicken shit bingo was.
My first bartender knew a smile was a powerful weapon, but the twelve gauge under the bar will do if the smile doesn’t do it.
My first bartender was my grandfather, John “Shine” Marincic. He worked behind the lacquered oak for over 50 years. He died last Saturday at the age of 89 from Ahlztimers and he was one of my heroes. He did not have tights or a cap or leap tall buildings in a single bound, but in my mind he could do anything. He taught me the importance of people, laughter, life and he made me want to be a storyteller. To be like him.
Rest well Shine, you earned it.
This is Lazlo saying, Shine on you crazy Diamond