Featured Bartender: Tara from Tommy’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar
How long have you been a bartender + How long at Tommy’s: I have been bartending since I was 17 (20+ yrs). I have been with Tommy’s for 4 1/2 yrs.
What do you love about working at Tommy’s? Absolutely everything! The customers, the staff, the amazing food and atmosphere.
YOUR favorite day of the week to work at Tommy’s & why? Fridays – because it’s high energy! Everyone is excited and getting ready for their weekend.
Top 3 drinks you recommend to customers at Tommy’s: Martinis, of course, but especially the Espresso martini. Also our signature Old Fashioned and the French 75
Top 3 dishes you recommend to customers at Tommy’s? The Oyster Trio (Tommy’s grilled oysters, oysters Rockefeller, and crawfish au gratin), Black and Blue Tuna, and the stuffed trout
Do you have a signature drink? I love to make hand-crafted drinks. Tommy’s Blueberry Martini is my favorite to make and serve. It is hand-crafted with fresh blueberries, Stoli blueberry vodka, lemon juice and homemade simple syrup. It’s served in a sugar rimmed martini glass with a twist. It looks beautiful and tastes great.
Are there any new drinks or promotions you’re excited about? We are in the process of adding new wines to our wine list. And although it is not new, I am always excited about our Oyster Special $8 for a dozen on the half shell. This special runs all day on Tuesdays and Fridays and everyday Monday through Saturday at happy hour 4-6:30 p.m. It’s a great deal for our customers.
What do you do when not at work? I love the beach, yoga, and spending time with my kids.
The most rewarding part of your job? Making someone smile....turning someone’s bad day into a great day with great service, good food and amazing drinks!
5 words that describe you: Positive, confident, friendly, optimistic, reliable
Favorite thing about the Bay Area? I’m originally from Lincoln, Nebraska. I’m going to go with the mild winters!!! I’ll take the hot over the cold any day!
Best tip you ever got: Monetarily speaking, $700 was my biggest tip from some Notre Dame fans, while bartending a game day in Lincoln, NE. However, my best tip was left on a table I served shortly after I had lost someone very close to me. This customer had no idea what was going on in my life. When I went to pick up the check, there was a small, green, glass stone that read, “Stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.”
What do you love about Bartending? Not sitting at a desk! Always moving, creating, meeting new people from all walks of life. Gaining knowledge, taking and giving advice, learning life lessons from listening and talking to people. The saying, “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” For me, that’s bartending.
Who inspires you? My kids, everyday!!
