mixology
Valentine
Paradise Piano Bar and Restaurant
Anyone who has visited Paradise in Long Beach knows about the hot bartend- LGBT charities. There are two baseball teams that also do huge fundraisers here
ing staff; one in particular is named Valentine. How irresistible does that sound? and we host local artists and let them hang their art up for everyone to see. We are
We definitely had to check this guy out! definitely big supporters when it comes to lending a helping hand.
Rage: When did you first start bartending at Paradise? RAGE: With a name like Valentine, do you consider yourself a romantic?
Valentine: It will be three years ago this fall that I started working at Paradise. V: Very romantic! I put lots of love into my drinks. (Laughs) I like creating a great
atmosphere and making every drink extra special. Or if someone says, “Hey,
Rage: What night is your favorite? I want to get smashed,” I can do that too! Paradise offers so many different kids
V: My favorite is definitely Saturday night. We have live entertainment and of cocktails. We have a huge martini menu and always have promotional drinks
theme nights. It’s an event house so the management, Eric Davis and his crew are with vendors coming in like Tommy Bahama and Captain Morgan. We really like
always spicing it up and making it interesting. On Fourth of July weekend we are to keep up the variety in offering great tasting drinks.
having a huge event called “Leather Night.” It’s going draw a huge crowd!
RAGE: What is one of your signature drinks?
Rage: I noticed that you have flat screen TVs in the bar. V: It’s called “Bitch-Slap in the Face” and I usually serve it to someone who finds
V: Eric Davis likes to keep it interesting and fresh. From time to time we will run himself getting out of line. Cuz when someone gets out of line, he needs a good
various specially prepared videos for different events like Halloween, Mother’s Bitch-Slap and this is best the way to do it! It’s made with EFFEN Raspberry, Midori,
Day or just a kick back day with the local gay baseball players on a Sunday after- sweet and sour, triple sec, splash of 7-Up and a splash of cranberry.
noon. Of course, one of the biggest things that make up Paradise is the piano. We
have some great performances that draw in a really big crowd. And of course, the RAGE: What is your favorite drink?
food is fantastic. Our chef Veronica is the best. V: I’m a huge Jägermeister fan! Hands down… I’m guilty of it. I just get to the
point. Jäger Bombs definitely are the most popular drinks at the bar. Groups will
Rage: Do you have bar specials? order them ten at one time. They’re made with Red Bull and Jäger.
V: We have taco Tuesday with great music. We’re open every day of the week
with various food and drink specials. RAGE: How do you keep such a gorgeous physique?
V: Well, aside from bartending, I’m also a local personal trainer and group
Rage: Do you have karaoke? exercise instructor. Everyone always asks me for inspiration on how to stay fit and
V: Thursday night is one the best nights that I would like to recommend. It keep motivated. I get them to feel the fitness burn during the day and then turn
brings a great crowd, people get crazy and we bartenders pour some great drinks. it up a notch and get them toasted at night. I like to keep people on their toes!
I don’t go out there and sing because I’d probably scare everyone away! I just stick (Laughs).
to making the drinks and I pour them like I drink them.
RAGE: Day or night with you would be Paradise for sure!
RAGE: Do you have private events and fundraisers?
V: The owner Michael Barber and manager Eric are really great guys. They really Paradise Piano Bar and Restaurant
support the community and do a lot during the holidays and for local AIDS and is located at 1800 E. Broadway, Long Beach. Call 562.590.8773 or visit
paradisepianobar.com.
78 RAGE monthly | July 2009
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