Where are you from?
Born and raised in Lancaster, PA
You’ve been at “DipCo,” a local staple and favorite, for a long time. How did you get into the bartending/restaurateur life?
I started working at DipCo on June 6, 1984, as a bartender and server. I bought out a previous partner in 1996. I had worked at several restaurants in high school and college, got married, ended up getting my job here and found a home.
Ever serve anyone famous?
Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga, Taylor Kinney
Your go-to cocktail?
I usually drink wine, sometimes a martini, or Stoli Ohranj and tonic.
Favorite spirit to work with?
Vodka, so very versatile. We have also been adding champagne to quite a few cocktails!
Regulars know your wine list is top notch. What’s one of your faves?
Our wine list changes constantly, so what I like does also. I really like the Spanish white Riojas, always like a good Cab or Rhone.
What’s one of your signatures?
I come up with most of the specialty drinks on our specials board, so any of them. A past favorite is the Lemon Lift (gin or vodka with muddled celery and lemon; shake, shake, strain, add ice!).
What bar do you belly up to when you’re not working?
Railroad House in Marietta. I live in Marietta, it is close to home and they have really good food.
Trends or classics?
We do trends and classics, try to add a twist to the classics. Lately I have been making a lot of syrups for the cocktails (rhubarb, peach, elderberry, blackberry, beet).
What do you do in your free time?
What free time? I love to read, sleep, still play soccer in a women’s league two to three times a week.
DipCo is a local and tourist fave after Market. What are some other must-visit places for someone visiting the Red Rose City?
Fulton Opera House, the Ware Center, the rooftops at Altana and Tellus (great views of our beautiful city).
What are you currently listening to and loving?
Still love Ray LaMontagne; just got turned onto Rose’s Pawn Shop; love jazz, blues and classical.
What’s in your Netflix queue?
I only have one day off, and spend that with my two granddaughters, so “Moana,” “Secret Life of Pets,” “Trolls”…you get the picture!
Tell us about the history of the building you’re in.
Dipco is located on the site of the Grape Tavern (a former social club). It was The Commercial Printing Co. for many years, closing in 1964. The building was vacant until bought by the original owners and opened in June of 1978; can you believe next year will be 40 years?!
Any new specials coming this winter?
One of the reasons we have been so successful is because we are consistent. Our weekly specials do not change [Monday: tacos; Tuesday: burgers; Wednesday: wings; Thursday: fish and chips]. We do offer dinner specials most Friday and Saturday nights!
Purple Rose
Ingredients:
2 ounces Copper & Kings Apple Brandy
2 fresh lemon slices, squeezed
½ ounce beet syrup
1 ounce sour mix
Instructions:
Combine ingredients in shaker with ice; shake vigorously; strain into martini glass; garnish with lemon twist.
Lancaster Dispensing Company
35 N. Market St., Lancaster, PA
*Due to a fire, Lancaster Dispensing Company hopes to reopen by spring 2018.