mixology
by lance perkins
cialty drinks.
Rage: What drink do you like the best?
Tommy: I think our mojitos are the best. All the fresh
fruit mojito’s; the mango, the raspberry, the pineapple…
to name a few. We also do a Red Bull mojito and can use
sugar-free upon request. They’re all really good and the
customers love them. We do them differently than other bars
but I am not allowed to give away our secrets! (Laughs)
Rage: What’s the most popular martini right now?
Tommy: The Wild Berry. It’s really good. It has fresh blueberries and raspberries
mixed with our specialty liqueurs. One of the things that set The Abbey apart from
other bars is the extensive specialty drink menu and all the fresh fruit we have. It
makes the drinks really delicious.
Rage: Beyond the drinks, the Abbey also has a top-notch restaurant and full bakery that you
have to check out.
Tommy: Yes, it’s something that you don’t find at other bars. On top of all the great
food in our restaurant, our full bakery serves pastries, cupcakes, cookies, specialty
cakes...and all the desserts we do are wonderful.
Rage: Wow, working there must be so tempting to go overboard with all those delicious des-
serts. I noticed your extremely fit physique. What do you do to keep in such great shape?
Tommy: In college I was a division-one lacrosse player, I also played football in
Tommy
school, have always been athletic in sports and I work out regularly.
Rage: Being in West Hollywood, you must get a lot of celebrities coming in.
Tommy: Yes, as a matter of fact, yesterday Kim from the Real Housewives of Atlanta
@ The Abbey
came in. She looks beautiful in person; she’s got a great body. Rumor has it that
she actually left her number with one of The Abbey bartenders. It was pretty
funny. She’s one of the most interesting ones on the show and has her new “Tardy
for the Party”song out. I had to call all my friends back in Atlanta to tell them about
it. Of course they were all jealous, so it was fun!
Rage: Have you worked any large events at The Abbey yet?
Tommy: Yes, I was here for our ‘Christmas in September” toy drive. The Abbey
collects and donates thousands of toys to Children’s Hospital. We had a sexy Santa
competition. KTLA came out to film and broadcasted it live as their newscasters
The experience of West Hollywood for Halloween—or any other occasion— judged the competition. It was really fun. The Abbey’s owner, David Cooley is such
would not be complete without visiting The Abbey Food and Bar. We noticed a a warm, generous guy that after the vote was in, he made all the sexy Santa’s win-
new and extremely hot bartender and decided to strike up a conversation. ners and gave them all prizes. We also just had a kick off party for AIDS Walk L.A. in
the morning. We had all sorts of pastries and coffee and stuff for free for the public
Rage: How long have you been working at The Abbey? to come in. But of course one of our busiest events of the year is Halloween. We go
Tommy: I’m actually the newest bartender. I’ve been here just a little over a all out with the decorations, the entire staff is working on Halloween and we all
month. dress in costume. The Abbey will be decked out for the entire holiday season and
Rage: Where did you work at before? will have many special festive drinks and food.
Tommy: I moved here from New York about two months ago. Before moving to
New York, I had put myself through college, working nights at a bar in Connecticut The Abbey Food and Bar is located at: 692 N Robertson Blvd.
while I earned my business degree. I then worked in finance in New York for four in West Hollywood. For information or reservations,
years, bartending private parties a little on the side to make some extra cash. call: 310.289.8410 or visit The Abbey online at:
Rage: What’s it like coming to West Hollywood and working at the bar that LOGO-TV has
sbe.com/abbey .
nominated as “The Best Gay Bar in the World?”
Tommy: It’s been a great experience. It’s an amazing bar. I enjoy meeting interest-
ing people and talking with the customers. I love it here. All the staff is really cool
and the management is really nice and helpful. We all have fun working together.
It’s a great working atmosphere, which also carries into a great atmosphere for
the customers.
Rage: Have you learned all the different martinis yet?
Tommy: Yes, I have. That’s the great part about The Abbey is you have to learn the
entire drink menu to start working here. We do tons of martinis and it’s actually
fun making them all because it’s great experience. You learn over 50 to 60 spe-
68 RAGE monthly | november 2009
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