Where are you from?
New Cumberland, PA
How did you get into bartending?
Playing in bands. It was the only job that would let me take off whenever I needed.
Ever serve anyone famous?
I’ve served every PA governor since Bob Casey, but I did say “what’s up” to Tony Danza one time.
Most bizarre thing overheard behind the bar?
I’ve literally heard it all (and none of it could you print). I did have a guy propose to his girlfriend once; she respectfully declined.
Your go-to cocktail?
To drink: Gibson or zombie. To make: Vieux Carré or Hemingway daiquiri.
Beer or wine?
What’s one of your faves? Beer: Epic Brewery Tart and Juice sour. Wine: Sledgehammer red zinfandel.
What’s one of your signatures?
Negroni with Hayman’s Royal Dock Navy Strength gin; Punt e Mes; Aparol and a grapefruit twist. The Coral Crush at Cork & Fork.
Trends or classics?
A blend of both
Favorite spirit to work with?
Ron Zacapa 23 rum, Siembra Metl mezcal
What do you do in your free time?
Keep my kids from beating each other up, play old guy hardcore music every few weekends, have an unhealthy obsession with collecting and playing NES games and pretend that I can golf.
What bar do you belly up to when you’re not working?
The Horse Inn, Lancaster or Sundays At Speakeasy with Jose
Must-visit places for someone visiting the Capitol City before or after a trip to Cork & Fork?
Jackson House, Note, Millworks, Neato Burrito, Miso, Bangkok 56
Dog or cat person?
Both; they need each other.
What are you currently listening to and loving?
Real Estate, Paint it Black, Day Wave, Turnover
What’s in your Netflix cue?
“Stranger Things” and “Narcos.” I’m ready for the new seasons.
Ingredients:
1 ½ ounce Laird's
apple brandy
½ ounce Hine cognac
¼ ounce yellow chartreuse
½ ounce of cinnamon and Fuji apple syrup
1 dash of Angostura bitters
1 dash of Peychaud's bitters
Instructions:
In a chilled coupe, rinse glass with absinthe, smoke glass with cinnamon bark, star anise and applewood. Pour and garnish with lemon zest.
Cork & Fork
200 State St., Harrisburg, PA
4434 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA
