The Commercial Appeal - Go Memphis
Meet the Bartender:
Bjarni Rozen
37 Bartender at Mollie Fontaine Lounge
Lansing,
Age: Title:
Hometown:
Mich.
How did you get into bartending?
I started out in the back of the house cooking, and then I saw that the front of the house probably made a little better money. So, I started off being a server and I just worked my way up. I was fascinated by making drinks and how people interacted with the people at the bar as opposed to how people interact with people at tables. Somebody sitting at the bar is more willing to talk to you, probably more laid back. And then I like to make specialty cocktails. And make something out of nothing.
What makes a good bartender?
Somebody who pays attention to the guests. Somebody who knows what they’re doing by experience. And somebody who is outgoing and able to talk to a stranger.
What’s popular at your bar right now?
Specialty cocktails. We have a list of probably about 15 cocktails and they’re all pretty popular. Pretty in Pink is Ketel One vodka, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur. And then it’s gonna have fresh cherries and fresh lime juice.
What’s out of style now at bars?
Maybe just like your traditional martini. Everybody wants that mixed cocktail with the flavored vodka or something.
Have you ever created a drink?
One I’m doing now is Patron XO coffee (liqueur) and Early Times Fire Eater. You mix those together with a little bit of cream and it tastes like an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie.
Who’s the biggest celebrity you’ve ever served?
Samuel L. Jackson. Very outgoing, pleasant, but serious at the same time.
What are some of your other interests?
I work out. I play golf. I ride motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Heritage Softtail Classic.