XX Files–our weekly item on Toronto’s better bartenders. Name/alias Leah Wildman/Sid Vicious Current bar The Common How long bartending I’ve been in the food and drink business since I can remember. I started setting tables at Le Select Bistro when I was 6, my mother was the manager there at the time. I started bartending seriously about a year ago with the intent to throw food and oyster parties for my business SNACKS. Your first drink/drunk The fist time I ever got drunk was with a bunch of friends in Bickford park, my park of first-times for pretty much everything. I think we went shoulder-tapping and managed to score a bottle of vodka. It happened fast. When I got older I started going to out to bars. I was a regular at Sweaty Betties. Back then, Chris Harper, one of my favorite bartenders in the city, would serve me up a lot of cider and negronis. These days I prefer gin martinis and tequila cocktails. Influences Because of my culinary background, food and time of year influences me greatly. I like my drinks how I like my food, rustic, simple and prepared well. Best barfly As a bartender you are witness to lots of silliness. I’ve seen some unlikely hook-ups, and the occasional pair of breasts. Favourite cinematic bartender Moe Szyslak from The Simpsons, he’s a crotchety, grouchy old man serving crotchety, grouchy drinks. He makes me laugh. Rules I’m not against making anything really, my main prerogative is to be a good host and facilitate a good time for everyone. I do have my personal opinions surrounding certain beverages but just so long as you’re not totally offending my sensibilities I will whip it up for you. Celebrity experiences Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, babes! Best late night places My patio! Best tip ever I’m still waiting for someone to buy me that trip back to Paris, where I used to live. Until then I won’t be satisfied. Watch out for Midnight SNACKS parties serving up oysters and mini-bites at a bar near you. To find out where, check in at our website and follow us on Twitter. The Common, 1071 College Street
