Bartender of the Month
 NWI’s Bartender of the MONTH for July 2009 is Marty Costello from the JB Warehouse
When you’re good, you’re good. And when it comes to being a good bartender Marty Costello – A.K. A. Rev. Marty Pants – has just about mastered the art.
Marty makes a return trip to the NWI spotlight as the Bartender of the Month for August 2009. He was previously earned the honor of Bartender of the Month at The Circle and took the honor one step further as Bartender of the Year for 2007. This time around, Marty takes the honor at the newly opened JB Warehouse in South Haven.
Marty began bartending while in Iowa by the University of Iowa. “Back in the day, it was college girls doing crazy things, now it’s more about the music scene and the venue, “he says of the changes he’s seen.
What he enjoys most is that bartending is, “a fun, easy way to make money and there’s never a dull moment.”
He enjoys his time off with friends from the industry, out on Lake Michigan or just kickin’back. Many of his good friends are in the food and beverage/entertainment industry. His bartending also led to meeting his wife, Colleen, who works for a credit union. The couple will celebrate their one year anniversary in September.
“Yeah, I met her while bartending,” he says. “Some friends introduced us and we just hit it off.” The food and beverage industry runs in the family as his brother is a local bartender and his mom is a hostess for an area restaurant.
A former musician, Marty does an occasional guest stint with some of the area bands. “Its fun, they let me get up there and let loose and be crazy.”
As for the new JB Warehouse, Marty says it’s a great place to work, especially with his bartending teammate Monica. “It takes a lot of teamwork to work well together behind the bar when the place is busy and on Fridays and Saturdays, we really kick ass.” Stop by and check out Marty at The JB Warehouse.
Vote for your favorite bartender:
Call (219) 763-3000 to Vote! |
 Michiana’s Bartender of the Month for July 2009 is Ricky Hoover from Trevi’s in Osceola, IN
This month’s bartender of the Month winner is Ricky Hoover from Trevi’s in Osceola, IN. Ricky, known as “JR” to both staff and regulars, has just recently been introduced to the art of working behind the bar and has only been bartending since January of this year. After his grandparents, Nancy & Larry Wolf, purchased what was called the B&B Tavern earlier this year, Ricky began apprenticing as a bartender at the Blue Lantern Lounge (also owned family owned). This was in preparation for him to get behind the bar and push the drinks in bulk over at the newly purchased B&B. Eventually the name of B&B tavern was changed to Trevi’s, some beautiful remodeling to the location was done, and the menu given an Italian American twist.
When asked what the trick to being a great bartender was, Ricky told us, “It’s all about remembering names and what people drink.” It’s this customer familiarity that is quickly establishing Ricky amongst the ranks of Mixology’s best.
“Bartending is like being a barber, people open up to ya.” It’s these personal relationships that make this sometimes thankless job, all the worth-while for Ricky. You can catch Ricky behind the bar every Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday at Trevi’s in Osceola. So come on out, have a drink, and see for yourself what it takes to be the Michiana Entertainer’s Bartender of the Month.
Runners Up:
2nd Sean at Charlie’s – Michigan City, IN
3rd Anne at Ringers – LaPorte, IN
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BARTENDER!
Vote from the 1st till the 20th. All votes must be received on or by the 20th of each month.
Winner receives vacation package, special comp packages courtesy of The Blue Chip Casino, bragging rights,
a feature in next month's Michiana Entertainer & and a chance to compete for BARTENDER OF THE YEAR IN DEC!
Call 1-888-512-0881 or visit MichianaEntertainer.com to cast your vote.
*Bartender of the Year not applicable to Michigan Residents |
 NWI’s Bartender of the Month for June 2009 is Kelly from Mark O’s in Portage, IN.
This months Bartender of the Month winner for July 2009 is Kelly Ableidinger from Mark O’s in Portage, Indiana. Kelly was born in Kentucky and now lives in her newly purchased home in Hobart, Indiana. Kelly is no amateur when it comes to the art form of Mixology. She has been Bartending for over 7 years and has been at Mark O’s in Portage for about nine months now.
NWI: What do you love the most about bartending?
Kelly: The social atmosphere, the friendship one makes, and the sharing of stories. It’s priceless.
NWI: What do you do on your off time?
Kelly: I’m currently going to school to become a Nurse, and I just recently purchased a home. It’s got me working a lot on it.
NWI: Do you have any hobbies?
Kelly: Yes, I like playing Billiards and I have to say I’m pretty good at it. I also like going to the beach, do some tanning, or maybe catching a game of volleyball from time to time.
NWI: Any final words?
Kelly: Yes, I would like to first thank Mark for the opportunity of this job, my coworkers here at Mark O’s, and everyone that voted for me. Thank you for bringing me into the Mark O’s family.
The next time you’re in Portage, come by and check out Kelly at Mark O’s. You can find her on Tuesday from 4:30pm to close. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sundays from 6pm to Midnight.
Vote for your favorite bartender:
Call (219) 763-3000 to Vote! |
 Michiana’s Bartender of the Month for June 2009 is Jen of It’s Vegas baby.
It’s the lack of redundancy, not to mention consistently meeting new people, that makes the art of mixology so interesting to our most recent Bartender of the Month winner, Jen from It’s Vegas Baby at the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Indiana. A unique individual both outside & in, Jen is a self proclaimed renaissance woman. Her interests range from Kickboxing, Bruce Lee and classic low budget horror movies, to video game design, ancient Egyptian culture, and Cryogenics; it’s no wonder that Jen is able to pique the interest of even the most indifferent clientele.
“I like to shatter stereotypes… People can usually tell when someone is being fake. I just try to be myself.”
In addition to being one of a kind behind the bar, Jen has also recently begun to explore the entrepreneurial side of her multi-faceted personality. This year, Jen & her fiancé Justin, purchased an old antique shop in Chesterton, Indiana and converted it to an exotic saltwater fish store, called Hidden Reef. It seems one could compare the colorful and eclectic selections of exotic fish & coral available at their new location, to Jen’s vibrant, bubbly persona. As of date, we were told that even though the store is currently open to the public, an official grand opening is still in the works for the coming months.
A very special thanks goes out to all the folks you voted for Jen and in her own words: “This makes me feel special… hahaha!!!”
So till next month folks, be sure to keep the Budweiser flowing & the votes coming. Also, be sure to make a trip out to It’s Vegas Baby at the Blue Chip casino in Michigan City so you can witness first hand why Jen is the Michiana Entertainer’s Bartender of the Month!
Runners Up:
2nd – Rick @ B&B – Osceola, IN
3rd- Scott @ Corner Bar – Kalamazoo
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BARTENDER!
Vote from the 1st till the 20th. All votes must be received on or by the 20th of each month.
Winner receives vacation package, special comp packages courtesy of The Blue Chip Casino, bragging rights,
a feature in next month's Michiana Entertainer & and a chance to compete for BARTENDER OF THE YEAR IN DEC!
Call 1-888-512-0881 or visit MichianaEntertainer.com to cast your vote.
*Bartender of the Year not applicable to Michigan Residents |
 Michiana’s Bartender of the Month for May 2009 is Sheila of RJ’s Sports Bar.
Growing up in a military family can be hard for some folk. The constant bounce from one base to another can be trying on especially the children. But Sheila, the winner of our May Bartender of the Month contest, has told us that if anything, she has benefited greatly from the exposure to different cultures that her military up-bringing brought her. One location she’s lived in, in specific, Puerto Rico, has taken a role in defining who Sheila is today. “The culture out there is beautiful,” she told us in a brief interview we had with her last month. The Latin culture infused in her from a young age, finds its way out on the dance floor, as she has been a Zumba Instructor for the past few year now. For those of who may not know, Zumba is a Latin dance based off the Raggaeton music style. In addition to teaching Zumba, Sheila is also an Aerobic instructor. It’s very obvious that physical fitness plays a definitive role in Sheila’s lifestyle.
For the past 6 years, Sheila has been working at RJ’s Sports Bar in Portage Michigan. Part of the reason she’s been there for so long is the family atmosphere of the clientele. “Most of the regulars that come here live in a 2 mile radius of the bar,” She told us. This does nothing but add to the comfortable “at-home” atmosphere of RJ’s. In her free time, Sheila likes to go skin boarding, skiing, and is a Real Estate professional. Her charismatic and social personality is reflected in the fact that she used to be a Budweiser promo girl, but now is using her elite social skills strictly behind the bar. So, head on out to RJ’s and experience for yourself why Sheila is the Michiana Entertainer’s Bartender of the Month winner. While you’re there, don’t forget to try Sheila’s signature cocktail: Starburst.
Runners Up: 2nd: Linda @ Yakety Yak Café
3rd: Chelsea @ Rookies Bar & Grill
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BARTENDER!!!
Vote from the 1st till the 20th. All votes must be received on or by the 20th of each month.Winner receives vacation package, bragging rights, a feature in next month's Michiana Entertainer & and a chance to compete for BARTENDER OF THE YEAR IN DEC!
Call 1-888-512-0881 or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to cast your vote. |
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NWI’s Bartender of the MONTH for May 2009 is Evie Miller from Martinis in Valparaiso, Indiana
If the name Martinis sounds familiar to you…it should. Evie Miller is the second bartender to be voted from the same place! Impressive!
Evie has been bartending for almost two years now, and loves it. “I’ve found a home here at Martinis. The best people come here and work here; we are truly a family. Before I became a bartender I worked for the Attorney General in Texas. I lived there for 10 years before deciding to move back, where I’m originally from.”
“Every bartender brings something to the place they work. What do you bring Evie?” I asked. “I’m friendly, people love my personality, and most of all I’m hardworking and reliable. I have to be really sick to miss a day of work.” I asked Evie what the best night at Martinis was, and she replied, “Friday nights when DJ Lori is rocking the house and I go there even when I’m not working. People from all walks of life come here to enjoy the company, the music and the Mediterranean Cuisine. Recently, The Post Tribune people were guests here at Martinis and enjoyed the food so much they gave us a wonderful write up in the paper.”
What’s something people at Martinis don’t know about you? I asked. “I like to compile music for other people and the taste of music they enjoy. I think they would be surprised if they knew that I loved Progressive Rock and my favorite…Dream Theater.”
Steveo from Martinis is our March winner. “Will two winners from Martinis create a rivalry?” I asked, cautiously. “Are you kidding? In no way, I owe Steveo a lot. He’s the most mature 23 yr old I know. He knows exactly what he wants and goes after it. And before we close, can you please add something to the article…if you can?” Evie asked. “Of course,” I replied.
“Please give a huge thank you to my coworkers and to all the customers who voted for me at Martinis. I am so grateful. Thank you everyone!” Way to go Martinis!
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 NWI’s Bartender of the Month for April 2009 is
Eric Sanchez of Pepe’s in South Haven, Indiana
This May we proudly present April’s B.O.T.M. winner: Eric Sanchez of Pepe’s in South Haven, Indiana. Eric is originally from New York, New York and currently lives in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Our bartender gained his livelihood in the restaurant business. “Yes, I moved here with thirteen years of experience. Before long a bouncer friend of mine named Rocky told me about Pepe’s. I followed up the lead and began working for Pepe’s as a bouncer myself. Soon I moved up to head bouncer, then doubled as a bartender in Cedar Lake. When my employers at Pepe’ discovered I was bartending they asked me to come work for them. I’ve been here four years now and everyone feels like family. ” He explained.
When I told Eric that this month’s decision for Bartender of the Month was a landslide, he laughed appreciatively. “I work with…for…and around the best people ever! This started when a friend at the bar asked why I wasn’t a Bartender of the Month. Next thing I know people are coming in yelling, “Hey Eric, I voted for you today!” I tip my hat to all those great people who voted for me. Thank you! ”
I asked Eric what characteristic he felt was the most appealing to his customers. He replied, “We are not a commercial bar, we’ve been established for over 20 years, in fact, we celebrated our 25th anniversary last year and I can see another 25 years in business, easily. The Warehouse is the next big thing happening this June so stayed tuned.”
“What’s your most memorable moment Eric?” I asked. “Hands down, the day I met Lou, my fiancée. People here are excited we’re getting married and a good number of them are in our wedding party too.
Final words: “I’m excited about the wedding this year but no more so than finally meeting the girl of my dreams. Congratulations Eric!
Vote for your favorite bartender:
Call (219) 763-3000 to Vote! |
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 Michiana’s Bartender of the Month for April 2009 is Jamie Craig of McGinnis Pub in Michigan City, IN
This month’s winner of Bartender of the Month honors is Jamie Craig, 28. Originally born in Munster, she lived in Highland until the age of 5. Residing in Michigan City Jamie makes her home with her 3 mutts and fiancé Tomasz. After 5 years together they plan to tie the knot July 11th.
A recent trip found her in Vegas for gambling and booze along with fellow McGinnis staffer “Sugarbear.” Jamie wants “a herd of children” to match the “buttload of dogs.” She clearly loves what she does as a bartender. Having managed another bar for 9 years her skills brought her to McGinnis Pub before they opened to set up shop. She also won the first annual Queen of St. Patrick’s day in 2007.
Ms. Craig is also the creator of the Slay Me Jamie, which was featured last month in the CotM section of this fine publication. She would like to say, “Thank you for voting and don’t forget about me in December.”
Runners Up: Joe @ Clay Pub, Sheila @ R.J.’s Bar, Sara @ McGinnis pub, Amy @ Rookies
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BARTENDER!!!
Vote from the 1st till the 20th. All votes must be received on or by the 20th of each month.Winner receives vacation package, bragging rights, a feature in next month's Michiana Entertainer & and a chance to compete for BARTENDER OF THE YEAR IN DEC!
Call 1-888-512-0881 or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
to cast your vote. |
 NWI’s Bartender of the Month for March 2009 is “Steveo” from Martinis in Valparaiso, Indiana
We introduce to you April’s Bartender of the Month, Steven “Steveo” Ippolito. Steveo hails from Valparaiso and admits he makes the best Bloody Mary at Martinis located in his own hometown. Btw, he’ll be 23 years old this month too.
Besides the obvious passion Steveo has for what he does, he attends college, majoring in Tourism and Hospitality. Becoming a professional in the industry is the direction Steveo intends on going. “I tried other areas of study, but I keep coming back to what I love doing best and that’s what I do here at Martinis.”
Working the high-end resort market and owning his own place one day is his goal and this requires more than just a plan. “I’m lucky in that I’ve seen this place literally transform. Martinis was formerly Goodfellas, and when a change like that takes place you get to experience the personality of the preceding bar transform and develop its own personality now known as Martinis, Valparaiso’s best kept secret.”
When asked what quality he possessed and regarded most valuable to his employers and Martinis. Steveo replied, “Ask anyone, I have a passion for anything I do. Hard work, dedication and above all the love and support felt among my coworkers and employers. Listen, we have a really eclectic group of people at Martinis, from the President of the Chamber of Commerce to bikers. And you know…it’s something when even bikers can’t hate me!”
Steveo’s final words: “I’m blessed to do what I do best and I don’t take that for granted.”
Happy Birthday Steveo! |
 NWI’s Bartender of the Month for February 2009 is Morgan from the Blue Monkey / IQ lounge in Crown Point, Indiana
This months winner comes from Crown Point, a town with a lot of history and known as the hub of lake county. Morgan who was born in Munster, now resides in Dyer, and has been Bar tending for 6 years. She has been at the Blue Monkey since it opened last year in November.
NWI: So Morgan, What got you into bar tending?
Morgan: I started out attending tables and one day I was asked to bartend, I was 21 years old at the time and I still love it.
NWI: What do you love most about bar tending?
Morgan: The people! I love to interact with those that come in to have a great time. It’s very rewarding. I meet a lot of nice people.
NWI: Morgan, what do you do besides bar tending?
Morgan: I work as a Financial Annalist during the day and attend Purdue University in order to obtain a double major in Marketing & Finance.
NWI: What are your hobbies, Morgan?
Morgan: Between work and school, there isn’t a lot of time for anything else. On some down time, I like going out to eat, trying new restaurants, and I also like to paint.
NWI: What’s your Favorite Drink?
Morgan: Vodka & Bull
NWI: Is there anyone that you would like to thank for this award?
Morgan: I’d like to thank my friends and everyone who voted for me.
So the next time you’re in Crown Point, stop by The Blue Monkey/IQ Lounge located at 220 S. Main St., and you can catch Morgan pouring it down Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to close Congratulations Morgan!
Vote for your favorite bartender:
Call (219) 763-3000 to Vote! |
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