INDULGENCES mixology by bill biss A Long Beach native, Crystal’s parents actually met at a sushi bar
CRYSTAL VAITKUS
OF HAMBURGER MARY’S
right across the street from where she now works at Hamburger Mary’s. Known for her curious mind, Crystal continues to go to school and recently took a business finance class. Her goal is to one day possibly buy into the Mary’s franchise and own a restaurant/bar of her own. She is happily married and along with her awesome husband, has two cats and two dogs…here she shares her perspective on working at Ham- burger Mary’s in Long Beach.
The Rage Monthly: How did you discover a career in bartending?
Crystal Vaitkus: Well, I hated working for minimum wage and working
long hours. I thought there’s got to be a way to make quick cash in less time. And so the story goes…
Rage: What is one of the things that most appeals to you about your job as bar- tender and manager of Hamburger Mary’s?
CV: I’ve worked with Mary on and off for seven years. It’s a great place to
work. Being a straight girl in the gay bar business, I feel most comfortable in this environment. I really feel like I can be my crazy, perverted self!
Rage: Tell me what some of your favorite nights at Hamburger Mary’s are.
CV: Every night’s a freaking party! That’s what I love most. I love to
entertain and have a good time. Life is short. My favorite nights to work are Tuesday. It’s T-girls and it’s hosted by an amazing promoter named Jaime Jameson. For those of you late on your gay card, T-Girl means transgender. We have ALL walks of life that come in here. The music and vibe is super cool. And those girls know how to party!
Rage: What would you say is your motto for work?
CV: I treat this place as my “home.” Every time I work I act as if I have
people coming over and I’m hosting a party. I like my house to be perfect and I want my company to have a great time. People don’t have to come to my house; there are plenty of places they can go. But I want my house to be the coolest and BEST experience!
Rage: Every bartender whom we have spoken with so far has a signature drink or concoction that they have created, what is yours or one that is extremely popular there?
CV: Crystal Light. It’s a low calorie, vodka base, summer drink. It tastes
like refreshing lemonade. But don’t let the lack of gag reflex fool you into not thinking this drink is made strong. It only takes about two to get you going.
Rage: When you are not working, what are some of your hobbies or things you enjoy the most?
CV: Ha! Good one! When I’m not working, you can usually find me
here, playing with all my regulars. I’m telling you, this place is a PAAAR- TAAAYYYYY!
Rage: How long have you been there at Hamburger Mary’s?
CV: I’ve been at this location for almost a year. I started at the West
Hollywood location. There’s lots of Mary’s to discover. Mary’s, I’m proud to say, are popping up all over.
HamburgermarysLB.com for more information.
66
RAGE monthly | APRIL 2010
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