As I mentioned in my initial blog here, I'm attempting to come out of my shell. I keep thinking, if I do something outside my comfort zone, such as go to a bar alone and talk to strangers, I might find it rewarding in some way, and therefore I will become more extroverted. I visited St. Petersburg Vodka Bar in Robbinsdale. This place is not new and I've visited many times before. But, this would be the first time I visited a bar, by myself. I felt that maybe a bar that I was familiar with, would be a good start. Baby-steps, right?
I do love St. Petersburg. It's the best bar you're not going to. If you remember the series "Cheers", then this bar is the closest to "the place where everybody knows your name". In fact, it's where I got my nic-name, "Cupcake". The bartenders are gregarious and charismatic and make an attempt to get to know all their customers. They don't act like they are simply cocktail slingers and they'll never see you agai after you walk out the door. They act like they definitely want to see you again after you walk out. They truly understanfd the concept of customer satisfaction. It seems rare in this day and age that the bartenders really want you to keep coming back. Most bartenders treat you like you're a number and they only want to serve as many people as possible for the tips. You are nothing and no one to them. Here, long-time bartending masters John and Brian make you feel like you're part of the family. You sit around and listen to the banter and feel like you have a little insight into the lives of the other people at the bar. Momentarily, you can escape fom your own life.
The bar itself is not flashy or trendy, but they have an excellent menu ranging from the usual drunk-snacks like wings to very high-brow fare, like Blini and Caviar. But no matter what you feel like, it all tastes fantastic.
They usually have a few different types of infused vodka on tap and because of that, they mix many badass martini's I reccomend the vodka soaked cherry's. They don't really taste good, it's just one of those risks you need to take in life, similar to launching yourself from a perfectly good plane with a pack full of silk on your back.
The clientelle also makes this place special. There is always something crazy going on. That is, in the lives of the people that come here. Many are regulars, attending several times a week, and others, like myself, once every couple months or so, but no matter what, everyone's life get's shared openly and the other regulars, or not-so-regulars opine on whatever the subject may be.
Initially, I sat and focused on eating a plate of wings. Gently coated in a light batter before frying, but not Buffalo-hot or coated in any sauce. They reminded me of tiny KFC "Original" morsels. A young guy across the bar seemed to be trying desperately to hit on me, He kept asking me the strangest questions in an effort to connect. Flattered though I was, he couldn't know that it was really bad timing. I just wasn't the slightest bit interested in being receptive to some guy's advances. He wasn't unattractive, I just was sort of pissed off at men in general at the time. (Long story and I won't relate that at his time) After a couple of Jim Beam Sours (mixed very strong) I started talking to the people sitting next to me. I knew I had met them before, but didn't know them. I reconnected, figured I'd talk a little and then go, but I ended up really connecting with them and stayed four hours. I hate to admit it, but I was way too drunk to drive home; however, I didn't have too far to go and luckily made it home without endangering anyone else. I actually had way more fun than I thought I would. I just couldn't leave. But that seems to be the case for most of the times I go there.
Okay, so It was easy enough to talk to people I already had met. The next time the people or person I talk to at the bar will be strangers, so it will be a test, for sure. Onward...until next time...bottoms up!
No comments:
Post a Comment