2024 Q1 Spirited VA - 72

BEHIND THE BAR
Mederio Venable, Lead Bartender/Floor Manager, The Bebedero, Charlottesville
BILLY FELLIN
T
he Bebedero is a high-end Mexican
restaurant on Charlottesville's Downtown
Mall. Food and drinks blend traditional flavors
with contemporary fusions. The rustic, vibrant
atmosphere whispers of a favorite Mexican bar.
Before The Bebedero, owner River Hawkins
managed a bar in a boutique resort in Mexico.
He has toured mezcalerias, tequila distilleries
and agave fields. He shares that knowledge
with staff and with customers of the restaurant.
The bar menu features a host of tequila
and mezcal cocktails. More than 200
agave-based liquors offer an opportunity
to " research " the traditional spirit. As
TheBebedero.com says, customers can learn
to appreciate the " rich history, fascinating
processes, and unique beauty in a liquor
most associated with questionable decisions
made at some poorly lit dance club. "
Why did you become a bartender?
I began bartending because I saw a way to be
very creative, and I've always wanted to do it.
What do you enjoy about working behind
the bar?
I enjoy putting smiles on people's faces,
because everyone deserves to smile.
What is one of the biggest challenges of
being a bartender?
One of my challenges is long and late hours.
What makes a top-notch bartender?
What makes a top-notch bartender is someone
that takes the craft seriously and teaches
others to do the same.
What makes a great craft cocktail program?
A great cocktail program is one that not only
appeals to the eye but also tastes good. Also,
the program touches on traditional cocktails
but also has cocktails unique to that particular
restaurant.
What is distinctive about the bar program
at The Bebedero?
One distinction is the creative beauty and
the beautiful efforts that go into making each
cocktail.
Have you learned anything new since
working at The Bebedero, something that's
specific to the cocktail program?
Honestly, I've learned how to be even more
creative than ever before, and I have learned
more about new mezcals, tequilas, raicillas [a
Mexican agave spirit made from other types of
agave] and other spirits that come from Mexico.
72 VIRGINIA ABC | ABC.VIRGINIA.GOV
Are there customer-favorite cocktails there?
We have the best Margaritas in town! Also a fan
favorite is the " ¿Donde Están Mis Pantalones? "
It's made with mezcal, 151 Rum, passion fruit,
grapefruit, lime, agave, Rosè and smoked
thyme.
Describe one or two spectacular food and
cocktail pairings there.
Since The Bebedero is an authentic Mexican
restaurant, everything pairs well with the food.
What's one of your personal favorite spirits?
Favorite cocktail?
I don't have a particular cocktail I like. I love
the whole program and the creative freedom
to make my own cocktails to enhance the
guest experience.
How do you keep learning and growing as
a bartender?
Through research and going to other places
and watching other bartenders. Also through
team bonding-putting our heads together
to come up with new techniques.
What do you enjoy in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my children in
my free time.
-Annie Tobey
http://www.TheBebedero.com http://ABC.VIRGINIA.GOV
2024 Q1 Spirited VA

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