Name and Hometown: Taariq David. Washington, DC or Chrstiansted, USVI.
Bars where you have worked: Houston’s, RumRunners, Savant, Boure, Lamar Lounge, Lost Pizza Co.
In your experience, what is the most common reason to have a drink? Because it’s the end of the work day, whatever time that is.
What’s your favorite ingredient or flavor combination? My favorite ingredient by far is Green Chartreuse. I am also a huge rum lover. Lately, I have been really enjoying bourbon, honey, and lemon with different varieties of amaro and bitters.
What is your most essential bar tool? A jigger. Not for portion control, but for regulation of proper ratios so that cocktails are balanced.
Where’s your favorite spot to sip? The Blind Pig and Snackbar
What are your personal specialties? Last Word variations. I also like to play with shrubs a lot.
Craziest request by a customer? In the last few weeks, ghosts of drinks from the 80’s. Like a red headed slut and a bahama mama
What drink do you recommend to someone who doesn’t know what to order? First, the daily $5 special. Then I’lI give them a cocktail menu and a draft beer list, ask them what type of flavors they like and go from there.
Most famous customer you’ve ever served: Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Alonzo Mourning, Dr. Dre, Kobe Bryant
If you could have a drink with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and what would you drink? I would drink juicy, high abv IPAs and take shots of chartreuse with Jesus and pick his brain
If you’re in charge of the tunes in your bar, what music do you play? If I’m in charge of the music at my bar I’m playing old school and east coast hip hop, some funk, some reggae, some R&B, some world tunes, some alternative. Anything upbeat and lively.
What’s the best live band you’ve seen in Mississippi? St. Paul and the Broken Bones and Michael Franti
Favorite movie of all time: All time is hard, but I’ll pick Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels
Read any good books lately? I’m currently reading Amaro by Brad Thomas Parsons and Drops of My Story by Suheir Hammad
Best joke to tell to a grumpy customer: Gotta feel ‘em out, first
What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen in your bar lately? There are two glass doors that lead to the upstairs patio. Some kids were on the porch dancing and getting loose while looking at their reflection, unaware that anyone could see them on the other side. Hilarious.
Favorite after-shift drink? Guinness and a Jameson shot
Where would you be if you weren’t behind a bar? I would be some sort of public speaker or the leader of a youth organization.
