The drinking masses have spoken, and selected John Bush of Thistle Hill Tavern as New York's Best Bartender for 2011! It was a close race this year—with thousands of votes coming in over the last two weeks, the top 5 finalists were all within 200 votes of each other (see our sidebar to meet our worthy runner-ups).
Besides earning some nice prizes from Metromix, John got the honor of a quick follow-up interview (via e-mail). Enjoy, and please head down to Thistle Hill for a drink or three. Just don't let one of the bar's co-owners, Mike "Fat Mike" Burkett, pour you a drink.
What's the next big cocktail trend?
Folks are going back to basics, everyone is broke, beers and shots are coming back; canned beer, rye whiskey are getting big right now. I think people are getting more and more into local products, people in Brooklyn LOVE beer from Brooklyn, vodka from Brooklyn, whiskey from Brooklyn, anything made in Brooklyn!
Is there a cocktail trend you're sick of?
Oh, God, the $20 cocktail and door guys at dive bars. I know the city is making most places do this, but man it sucks.
What do you think of the word "mixologist"?
Mixologist???? I hate it! When I was learning how to tend bar I learned there's more to it than making drinks. It was knowing what's going on in the world and in sports, and being in tune with how to read people, knowing when someone wants to talk or not, being able to read how drunk they are, and being comfortable talking to anyone and everyone! And the art of making a strong drink!
Where do you go to drink in NYC?
If I'm in Manhattan I go to Black and White on East 10th St. or Jimmy's Corner up in Times Square, and I'll always love Max Fish. As for Brooklyn...I like Brooklyn Ale House and Dog Bar on Bedford Avenue—might not be real name but that's what I call it. (Editor's note: I believe he means Lucky Dog). And my new favorite place is Pearl's out in Bushwick, it really reminds me of a old New York bar.
Now that you're NYC's Best Bartender, how will you use/abuse your new-found power?
FREE DRINKS! FREE DRINKS! FREE DRINKS! From all bars mentioned above!
