Name/alias: Jay Thomas (aka. barkeep, chief, fella and, on occasion “oi”!)
Current bar: Piola
How long in the business: Close to 15 years now….…
First drink/drunk: First drink was probably a glass of wine at Christmas, round the table with the family when I was 10 or so, next drink would be bitter shandies down at the pub playing pool with the old man. First time I got drunk was when I bartended at the age of 16 at a boozer on New Year’s Eve, drinking Jack and Coke. I have had a beautiful relationship with Jack Daniels ever since.
What influences me: I like a lot of classic cocktails. They tend to stand the test of time, but perhaps are not viewed as the trendiest drink. The old fashioned was my staple, then I started messing with it and using scotch and maple syrup to create an awesome smoky flavour. In general, I like to make new twists on old favourites.
Best barfly: Because I’m British I know next to nothing about ice hockey. I started working in a bar in Montreal, and I was fairly new when I served some regulars whilst my manager was sitting close by. I was shooting the shit, making small talk – “What do you do? Oh, you play hockey… that’s cool. Just on the weekends?” – turns out these regulars were P.K. Suban and his buddies, all NHL players. I felt like a tool, but my manager thought it was hilarious.
Cinematic bartender : I don’t have a specific bartender in mind, but I do have an image. There’s always a scene in a movie where the guy/detective/gunslinger/etc has an awful day. He finds the darkest, dingiest bar and commits himself to serious drinking (shooting whiskey with a beer chaser). The guy behind the bar is always polishing a shot glass, never asks questions and just hands the hero the bottle. That’s the bartender I want to be.
Rules: I hate when Americans ask for screwdrivers, as if they are asking you to make some elaborate cocktail. Piná coladas are only acceptable when actually on the beach. And never be afraid to let a customer know they are being drunk and obnoxious
Celebrity experiences: I used to work in a members bar in London, England called The Electric. While there I served loads of British acting and television talent. Most recently, I served Martin Short and Eugene Levy at a restaurant in Toronto’s Little Italy.
Best late-night or morning-after places: Sotto Voce on College St. Lovely bartenders who are happy to chat and pour awesome drinks for you ’till the wee hours, dark cozy and tucked away. Perfect!
Easy Rider on Queen St W. Spicy Mexican breakfast with a healthy Caesar that will blow your socks off! Perfect way to start the day!
Best /worst tip: Best tip: Never take tips personally. Worst tip: Get a real job.
Favourite cocktail/beer/wine right now: Having only been in Toronto since September, I have been sampling the many local beers. My favourite at the moment is Steam Whistle – great pilsner! …Favourite cocktail is the ‘dolci campari’, a dessert cocktail served by yours truly at Piola!
Watch for: Piola celebrates Earth Day
In honour of Earth Day on April 22, Piola will be donating $2 from every pizza sold to the Parkdale Beautification Project.
Monday Night Mixer
Beginning April 16, Piola will introduce a “Monday Night Mixer”. Cocktail and beer specials, along with Piola’s Aperitivo Italiano (complimentary traditional finger foods) will be available all night long. Enjoy drinks and snacks while mingling with other guests at the bar.
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Piola: 1165 Queen Street West
Kerry and Ivy Knight write the XX Files column for Toronto Standard. Follow them on Twitter at @keppsterr and @IvyKnight.
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