An age old problem, literally, for bartenders is whether it is necessary to card everyone or just those they “think” are underage.  Unfortunately for most people, gauging how old someone is, based on their looks, can be deceptively difficult to do.  Many studies have proven that females are particularly tough to asses because of factors including early development, make-up, etc.  Because of the importance of not serving alcohol to minors, liability laws have become increasingly stringent, giving bar owners more reasons to hire only professionally trained bartenders in order to alleviate any possibility of lawsuits.   Read more…..

            Hello, as most of the students past and present at Raleigh’s Bartending School know, I am the resident wine connoisseur.  This is the first issue of our schools newsletter and every two weeks or so I will introduce you, the reader, to what I am drinking.  In this inaugural issue of our newsletter I would like to introduce a wine that everyone should enjoy Moscato D’Asti.  This wine is the Italian variation of the French Muscat grape, and more specifically it is planted in and around the Village of Asti in the Piedmont region in northern Italy.   Paolo Saracco produces my favorite Moscato Bianco, as it is sometimes called, and his wine is wonderful.  Notes of honey and peaches and the taste of pound cake characterize Moscato.  Yes, this is a sweet wine usually categorized as a dessert wine.  However, this is not how it is served in Asti. Moscato is served as the drink of welcoming as a cool refreshing wine after a long journey.  One final thing about Moscato D’ Asti it is slightly Frizzante, as the Italians would call it, or sparkling so it makes a great substitute for champagne.  Moscato D’ Asti can please even the most discerning of palettes, but is also perfect for people just starting the voyage into wine as well.  As the Italians would say Alla Salute, or Cheers! If you want to know more check out this link: http://www.paolosaracco.it/index.html  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In recent years, the bar scene in the Raleigh/Durham area has undergone massive changes. The options available to travelers and locals alike have boomed tremendously in the past ten years. The Glenwood South club and pub scene has experienced a wave of new sports bars due to the popularity of the Carolina Hurricanes. Sometimes, though, it is nice to step into a place where “everybody knows your name”. There are still a couple of spots around that give you that home town feeling while providing bar-hoppers with a little of the “club” atmosphere as well. Crowley’s of Stonehenge and Edward’s Mill Bar and Grill are two perfect examples.

      Crowley’s has been a mainstay of the working man and service industry folk for many years. It provides one with personalized service, food until 2:00am, and nightly local bands. The bartenders are some of the best in town and, with the recent change of ownership, the establishment has gone back to the kind of place that you can have great food, tasty drinks, and entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere. Crowley’s has also been the favorite hangout of the “traveling Scotsmen”, so you can get a little international flair while you are there. If you happen to stop in, watch the bartenders do their thing! They are fast, efficient, always in control of their bar, and some of the friendliest people around.

          Edward’s Mill Bar and Grill is the local option for the sports minded person that needs a good bar to watch the game, have a beer, and not worry about the glass going empty. A favorite spot for some of the Hurricanes players, past and present, they offer the local bar feel with an ability to make any drink known to man. The bartenders make everyone feel welcome whether you are a regular or a “newbie”. The owner is also there on a regular basis to ensure all the guests are satisfied and well taken care of. Edward’s Mill makes for a great stop off for a drink after the hockey game, or any event at the RBC Center, as it is just around the corner. An absolute must for those who really want to get to know the locals of Raleigh and feel welcome at the same time.  See their websites……   Edward’s Mill Bar and Grill  …….    Crowley’s At Stonehenge

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By Athima Chansanchai MSNBC contributor 

Updated: 6:13 p.m. ET Dec 29, 2006 Before you beckon the bartender, chow down and mind your mixer 

With New Year’s Eve around the corner, exuberant imbibing is in full effect. But there’s a price to pay for all that merriment. “Dry mouth, pounding headaches, sometimes nausea, just overall feeling like crap,” lists Annie Kuo, a 26-year-old graduate student at Boston University who knows the symptoms of a hangover all too well. 

“You know a hangover is coming when your friends have just ordered yet another round of tequila shots. (The next morning) you wake up and it hits you and you swear that you will never drink again,” Kuo says. “But we all know that’s a lie! The next Friday night you will have already forgotten about your terrible hangover from the weekend before.”  (Story continues click here)