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Today & Tonight Magazine October 2022
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Parker James 9th Place Polk's Beloved Bartenders 2022
Photo by Chris Douglas
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PARKER JAMES
LEO'S LIVE (A.K.A. YBOR CIGARS & SPIRITS)
5263 S Florida Ave • Lakeland
How many years you have worked as a bartender? 3.5 years.
How long have you worked for this company? 1 year.
What is the secret to your success as a bartender? A positive attitude! Pours, recipes, and speed are all important, but I want everyone who enters my bar to leave happier than when they entered. There’s always room to grow as a person and bartender at work, but only if you have the positive mindset to make it happen.
Do you feel that we are back on track with the hospitality industry after coming out of the ‘dome and gloom’ of COVID-19? Yes, it took a while to adjust and there are still some minor differences. The year after shutdown was rough but I’m glad to see things returning to normal!
Have you been able to take any trips over the last year? Where and what did it mean to be able to travel again? This year I was able to travel to Gatlinburg, Tennessee to see my brother. It was my first time meeting my first nephew, so it meant a lot to me. With everything crazy happening in the world, it’s nice to be able to take some time off and spend it with those you love.
Where is the one place in the world you want to visit? Germany, the birthplace of Rumple Minze!
On a desert island, what 5 things can you NOT live without? My family, my cast iron skillet, NFL Sunday ticket, all of my vital organs, and since we are on an island a stocked tiki bar would be nice!
If you weren’t a bartender, what would your profession be? If I wasn’t bartending, I would be on the airwaves doing either radio or TV work.
What is your favorite food? And why? My favorite food in the whole world is my dad’s chili. Something about a spicy, Midwestern, bean filled chili beats every food on the globe.
Do you have a passion project or non-profit that you admire or are involved with? And why? I support the movement to stop decorating for Christmas before thanksgiving.
What’s your zodiac sign? Is your personality type defined by this character? Taurus, I truly don’t believe in zodiac signs, so I have no idea what a Taurus personality type is. However, with that being said, no matter what I tell someone my zodiac sign is, they always say “oh, that’s so you”.
Do you believe in psychics? Have you ever had a reading? If so, what was the takeaway? No, no, and one more no just for old times’ sake.
As a child, what was your favorite Halloween Costume? What was your fondest memory of Trick or Treating? My favorite costume has to be the year me and my whole staff dressed up as teams from the movie “Dodgeball”! “No-one makes me bleed my own blood”. But my fondest memory of trick or treating must be the year my best friend had a broken leg. Our moms let us ride in the bed of the pickup all night and we hit so many houses!
What was your favorite Halloween Candy to receive as a child? How about now as an adult? Reese’s, Reese’s and the only appropriate answer is Reese’s
Do you still like to dress up for Halloween? What’s your favorite costume? Yes, every year, the past few years I’ve been a priest but this year I will be the owner of my establishment “Leo”.
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 want to be remembered as a good father, brother, and son. I genuinely believe the best thing you can be on this planet is a good family member.
What’s your “spirit animal”? And why. A bat, because I too have a taste for good, fermented fruit.
Brain Hemorrhage Martini
Photo by Chris Douglas
What’s your favorite Fall-flavored or Halloween inspired cocktail? And, what’s your signature cocktail? Favorite Halloween cocktail is a “Brain Hemorrhage Martini” 2 parts Peach Schnapps, 1-part Baileys. Layer them and drop in a little Grenadine. My signature drink is a neat shot of Rumple and the guest who remember it, always love it!
Is there anything you would like to add? We’d love to know more about you! I’m from Nebraska, I love the Detroit Lions, I was an all-American in speech and debate, and I have my first child on the way, it’s a boy!
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