mixology MUSIC, MARTINIS & MORE
SPENCER LUSTER
by kevin plautz photography by jay jones
As soon as he moved from Georgia, twenty-seven year old Spencer Luster landed his dream job as a server and in-house singer at Martinis Above
Fourth.The Rage Monthly sat down with him to chat about his passion for music and to learn more about a place known as, Martinis.
What brought you to San Diego? I knew that I wanted to leave Georgia, but I had never even thought about living in California before. I came to San Diego one time only, for about six hours and we had been told we should go to Sunset Cliffs. Sitting there watching the sun go down while there were surfers below and waves crashing, instantly made living here a necessity. Six months later, I got rid of everything I owned and moved with just a duffle bag, a suitcase and $80. Perhaps not the smartest way to go about it, but I made it work! Tell us how you got your start at Martinis? A woman I was chatting with on my flight moving here found out that I like music and suggested that I go check out Martinis Above Fourth. I came to see the place my very first day in town and found out they were doing an open mic night called, “Take the Stage.” I signed up for the event and was able to sing two songs. Doru, one of the owners, came up to me afterwards and complimented my singing. After a short conversation, he found out that I had just come from another restaurant. I brought him my resume the next day and that was that! Having worked at Martinis now for almost three years, what’s the best performance you have seen on the stage? We’ve had so many amazing artists on our stage! Anne Steele was the first show I saw here, and she has such a beautiful voice. Leslie Jordan is one of the funniest comedians and he’s just as funny behind the scenes as he is on stage. Coco Peru puts on such well-planned performances, in a way that only a true drag icon can. My absolute favorite performance I’ve seen, happened just recently. We had Frenchie Davis on our stage and
my mind has never been blown so many times in an hour and a half. The food is amazing, what is the most popular item on the menu right now? Our Linguine Carbonara, for sure! I like to add chicken and egg yolk to mine! (Lots of protein for all of you boys trying to get that summer body before Pride!) What is your favorite martini? My favorite is our Espresso Martini, because I like being cracked out on caffeine at all times! When you order it, ask to have it made as a Vanilla Espresso Martini. It’s my favorite! What’s the best part about working at Martinis? Being around live artists constantly is definitely my favorite part. The talent that I get to watch and learn from day in and day out is one of the most educating experiences I’ve ever had. Staff is the other upside of working here. Everyone keeps each other giggling every night, including the staff in the back, who our guests never get to see. Work is always a lot easier when you get to laugh through it all. Our owners here are even amazing. I’ve had other jobs where the people on top were the least liked. Coming here and seeing that bosses can actually be fun and cool was so refreshing. Not to mention, they spoil us like crazy! Our holiday parties at the end of the year are literally the best!
Martinis Above Forthis located at 3940 Fourth Avenue. To see a complete schedule of upcoming entertainers or to make reservations, go to
ma4sd.com.
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RAGE monthly | JUNE 2017
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