How long have you been a bartender + How long at Palapas? I have been bartending for 6 years, and I have been at Palapas for 3.

What do you love about working at Palapas? I’m from a small coastal town in south Texas (Palacios). I love being close to the water. I love going to the upstairs balcony and looking at the water. Plus the people in Kemah are great. My regulars are awesome and treat you like family.

YOUR favorite day of the week to work? I love working Fridays and Saturdays. We are always busy with new people every week. Plus, there are always events of some kind, either pub crawls or some kind of festival. It keeps things interesting.

Top 3 drinks you recommend to customers at Palapas? People like drinking the oatmeal cookie, and white gummy bears shots, or the Caribbean Fantasy drink.

Do you have a signature drink? The one people ask for the most is either the Snow Cone drink or the War Head shot. Are there any new drinks you're excited about? Yes, actually I’m very interested in the new beer cocktails that are coming out now. I’m not talking about the ginger beer stuff but like the electric lemonade with Leinenkugel Summer Shady or the Angry Sailor which is Sailor Jerry, Sour Apple and Angry Orchard Cider.

What do you do when not at work? I have been doing Gracie Jiu Jitsu for a long time now. Longer than I have been bartending. Plus I love to fish, hunt or go camping. Really anything outside – no wonder I ended up at Palapas.

The most amusing or weird question you have ever been asked by a customer? Oh, wow! I don’t know, to tell you the truth. One time, I asked a girl what her favorite flavor was so I could make her something she would like, her response was blue.

5 words that describe you: Motivated, determined, aggressive, honest, and sincere.

Favorite thing about the Bay Area? Being so close to the water is a huge plus; also the nightlife here is great. Even during the day there is always something to do with the Boardwalk down the street, and all the thrift surrounding us. And the people around this area are really my favorite; I have met some of the most genuine people in this area.

What do you love about bartending? I love meeting new people and this is the perfect job and place for that. Our regulars really make this place feel like home and welcome everybody with open arms. Plus, on the weekends I like to test myself to see how fast and precise I can be.

Who inspires you? My dad and my two sisters. We are a super competitive family, so it’s a constant competition with one another, which I love. I’m really a self-motivated person. I strive to be the best at whatever I do.