Today & Tonight Magazine October 2022

ASHLEY TARR

FRESCO'S SOUTHERN KITCHEN & BAR

132 S Kentucky Ave • Lakeland

Ashley Tarr 3rd Place for "Polk's Beloved Bartenders 2022"

Photo by Chris Douglas

How many years you have worked as a bartender? 9 years.

How long have you worked for this company? I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of the Fresco’s fam since 2019.

What is the secret to your success as a bartender? Lately, I believe you can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Doing what you love is freedom and loving what you do is happiness…that is the secret.

Do you feel that we are back on track with the hospitality industry after coming out of the ‘dome and gloom’ of COVID-19? As far as Covid-19 goes I think our industry is back on the right track. There has been no shortage of family and friends out enjoying brunch with one another on the weekends, and I love it! Also, it has been great to see so many people continue to book their events with us and keep the milestones moving whether it’s birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings, or any special occasion. Our community is living life for sure.

Have you been able to take any trips over the last year? Where and what did it mean to be able to travel again? No, I haven’t yet. I do have a trip to Mystic Falls planned for the end of November! We are very excited about that, so maybe we can add a few more to the calendar in the upcoming months as well.

Where is the one place in the world you want to visit? Scotland is still on my list.

On a desert island, what 5 things can you NOT live without? Husband, my baby, my dog, mascara, & phone charger… that all seems reasonable.

If you weren’t a bartender, what would your profession be? Hmm, whatever pays the most!

What is your favorite food? And why? Chicken Parmigiana (it’s not me, it’s the baby.) Do you have a passion project or non-profit that you admire or are involved with? And why? I have always admired the work that the SPCA does. Remi, my dog, was one of their rescue puppies. It’s safe to say that I love animals,and it’s important to help or donate when youcan. I also love all the work the Polk CountyBully Project has been doing. I saw they werehaving A Puppies on the Patio Event at theGreenwise in Lakeland Oct.1 as well as 5krun on Oct. 22 at the Yard on Mass I hope toattend.

What’s your zodiac sign? Is your personalitytype defined by this character?Aries, it is 100% a personality trait at this point.

Do you believe in psychics? Have you ever had a reading? If so, what was the takeaway? I could be open to it, but I haven’t had a reading yet.

As a child, what was your favorite Halloween Costume? What was your fondest memory of Trick or Treating? The Pink Power Ranger. I was Kimberly for 3 years straight, I think.

What was your favorite Halloween Candy to receive as a child? How about now as an adult? I used to love Nestle Crunch bars and Skittles. Now, I am an equal opportunist. Do you still like to dress up for Halloween? What’s your favorite costume? Yes, it’s so fun. (Khaleesi) I even did a Game of Thrones Theme “Save The Date” for my Wedding last year. It was great!

Queen Elizabeth II just passed away. And a beautiful ceremony was held in her honor. When you pass, how and what do you want to be remembered for? I hope it would be a long time away from now. I would want to be remembered as the best Mother for sure, for everyone to always think of the happy moments, and leave behind the sad ones.

What’s your “spirit animal”? And why. I recently came to believe a donkey might be my spirit animal! Have you heard their laugh? My laugh is outrageous.

The Fall Sour

Photo by Chris Douglas

What’s your favorite Fall-flavored or Halloween inspired cocktail? And, what’s your signature cocktail? I love a good Halloween Cocktail. The Sanderson Sangria is an interactive cocktail for the ladies. It’s made with dragon berry rum, triple sec, lime & pineapple juice, with a Cabernet float...stir it as you drink and mix the colors and flavors. The Fall Sour is a great bourbon cocktail, that’s made with Gentlemen Jack, apple pear “barmalade,” lemon, & brown sugar syrup! And is perfect for the season.

Is there anything you would like to add? We’d love to know more about you! Check in with me to get a peek at Baby Blake (whenever he makes his grand entrance) this month!

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