Pyrotechnic bartender goes to court

"The presentation of a cocktail is just as dramatic as the cocktail itself. The bar is no longer a bar -- it's a stage, a chemistry lab, a theater."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/201 ... z0xk8Yr6y0

I personally see both sides of this case. It will be interesting to see who prevails in court!

I get it, but this does seem a bit extreme and more about the showmanship than good bar tending. I like a good cocktail flambe as the next guy (love a good Mexican Flag), but the focus should be the drink, not the antics.

It's entertainment too; not just about making a good drink. I don't want some stiff lip behind a bar; even if they are the world's best bartender...I want someone who knows their mixes and interacts with the crowd.

I have to say, though, a Great White concert might be good entertainment as well. That is, of course, until the ceiling catches fire and 96 people are killed.

We can't have that happen. I guess we'll not serve drinks at the bar and have everyone wear fire suits.

-Unless the bartender intends to use pyrotechnics while making a Margarita; he's not going to set the room on fire in 5 seconds.

I find this hysterical. Every bar almost in Chania Harbour sets their entire bar on fire at least 4 times a night during the tourist season. It is showmanship.

I find this hysterical. Every bar almost in Chania Harbour sets their entire bar on fire at least 4 times a night during the tourist season. It is showmanship.

I love you.

I have to say, though, a Great White concert might be good entertainment as well. That is, of course, until the ceiling catches fire and 96 people are killed.

What if you order a drink, Great White comes out and while performing, mixes your drink?
Now that's entertainment.

Truth be told, exhibition applications are super fun and really wow the guests.

The drawback is that not everyone can do it- well. You have to be taught how to play with fire, dry ice or liquid nitro. Nobody is born with the ability to elbow-stall a bottle of GrandMa. You just can't emulate what you think you saw in the movie 'Cocktail.'

You will get someone hurt. Promise. And I am a huge fan of the style- to the point where I flare with edged-steel...

Yet, only in the right place, time and company. A rookie bartender that wants to 'slip by' me at the bar while I am trying to negotiate a sloppy toss is a recipe for disaster. They will get board-checked everytime. Move behind me (and quickly!) while the bottle/tin/steel/flamingthing is still in my hand...

EDIT: Flaretenders have a predicatable 'set of tricks' that the thier compatriots learn to know. There's a pattern. Those flips and whatnot take months of practice before they are ready for show. So those around them have painfully watched as they dropped practice bottle after practice bottle, working on that new trick. This is how flare-bartenders don't simply kill each other with a 'boot to the head.'

What if you order a drink, Great White comes out and while performing, mixes your drink?
Now that's entertainment.

If it was Elvis, then I'd tip a little bit extra to the house.

What if you order a drink, Great White comes out and while performing, mixes your drink?
Now that's entertainment.

If it was Elvis, then I'd tip a little bit extra to the house.

If it was Elvis, he wouldn't care...

Do we have Benihana to thank for this trend? And , after all, don't we usually enjoy a flashy grill man when he's really good?