THE HAYE LOFT AT EUPHEMIA HAYE

Euphemia Haye is in a league of its own. This award-winning restaurant is celebrated for its intimate, romantic ambiance (in a charming historic cottage), a top-shelf wine and spirits selection and chef-driven cuisine. That’s what you’ll find on the first floor — but there’s more to come upstairs. For a more relaxed vibe, the second floor Haye Loft offers tempting light bites (the smoked salmon on buckwheat crêpes, garnished with caviar and sour cream is a delicious late-night snack), dazzling desserts, a dynamic bar scene and the soft sounds of jazz in the background. If you go for a return visit, the bartender will not only remember your name — but what your favorite sip is. This sweet spot is perfect for a first date or to celebrate that special someone.

If You Go

5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 383-3633; EuphemiaHaye.com.

Hours: 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday; 5-9 p.m. Sunday.

BARTENDER JHON ZAMORA

Jhon Zamora, 33, started working at Euphemia Haye eight years ago; today he’s delighted to serve as one of the Haye Loft’s newest bartenders.

Who taught him his magic? Zamora says he was trained by the best in the business — Eric Bell and Sammy Lastinger, Euphemia’s superstar bar managers. “Watching the easy way they’d entertain and connect with customers was an eye-opener. They inspired me to become a bartender.”

The secret of being a great bartender? “Keeping calm,” he laughs. “Most of all, it’s about keeping people happy and giving them the opportunity to create memories.”

Best seat in the house? “Right in front of me at the bar!”

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