Where are you from?
I was born in Hershey, PA, but grew up and spent most of my life in Berwick, PA. My family moved back to this area seven years ago and has lived in Camp Hill ever since. We absolutely love it here.
How did you get into bartending?
My mom was a bar manager at a country club when I was in college. She needed extra staff when I was on summer break, so she brought me on board and taught me everything I needed to know. I wasn’t even 21 at the time and thought it was the coolest thing ever.
Best wine (splurge and value)?
The Prisoner is my favorite red wine splurge, or a good French white burgundy. For value, the Federalist and Wente rosé or pinot noir.
Your go-to cocktail?
To drink: a simple Hendrick’s and tonic, rye Manhattan or old fashioned. To make: our cocktail menu is fantastic. It has something for everyone’s tastes. I try to get a feel for what the guests like, then direct them from there. My favorites to recommend are the bourbon basil smash, downtown Dane or the Eastsider.
Trends or classics?
Absolutely the classics. I love that the trend has shifted to recreating classic cocktails with fresh ingredients. Simple. Elegant. Delicious.
What do you do in your free time?
I’m a certified personal trainer and health coach. I also coach women through online fitness programs. Health and fitness are passions of mine, and I am always training for my next goal. Right now it’s a Spartan race in November with a group of friends. Outside of all that I have two boys who are my world. I spend as much time as possible with them. This fall, I ran cross country practices and meets with my oldest son, who has autism. He needed a runner for support. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
What bar do you belly up to when you’re not working?
Gilligans; they have great bartenders, good food and cocktails.
What are some other must-visit places for someone visiting the “The Sweetest Place on Earth”?
Hersheypark, Chocolate World and The Hershey Gardens would be my top choices. The Hotel Hershey has amazing restaurants, the Iberian lounge and top-notch spa services. Troeg’s brewery for delicious crafts. Local wineries. There are so many beautiful parks, biking and hiking trails in this area too.
What are you currently listening to and loving?
I love Audible. I don’t have much time to read anymore, so this app is amazing.
What are you watching?
I’m a total “Game of Thrones” addict at the moment!
What’s your favorite thing on the menu at Devon?
Char-crusted Hawaiian ahi tuna
What’s new for this winter?
Seasonally, we’re always changing up our menu options, cocktails, wines and draft beer selection. We’re excited to be offering our guests more chef-inspired creativity and more fresh seasonal options. Our happy hour is absolutely one of the best!
Ever serve anyone famous?
Yes, we get a lot of big acts in Hershey between the theatre and concerts. Every New Years’ Eve they block off the street for a concert held right outside our doors.
Luxardo Manhattan
Ingredients:
2 ounces Bulleit rye
½ ounce M&R sweet vermouth
½ ounce Luxardo
2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
2 dashes Reagan orange bitters
Splash Amarena cherry juice
Instructions:
Stir ingredients, strain over a large scotch rock and garnish with an Amarena cherry.
Devon
27 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey, PA | devonseafood.com
