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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 26 > Entry
Bartender serves up positive vibe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Buzz understands you can be the best, most convivial gastropub this side of the Thames River, but without a staff that exudes personality, charm and character, pub could easily turn into flub.
Bartender Joshua Buggs at Tap in Midtown epitomizes outstanding customer service to the point where we’d go back just to let him whip up another one of his savvy cocktail creations.
When Buzz and our companion Shawn Joyner dropped by Tap on Saturday for booze and a bite, we’d already heard of the place’s reputation as a cool spot to congregate for cold beer and conversation. Yet it’s always nice to have someone serve you who really enjoys what they do.
“The most important thing is service with a smile,” Buggs says. “Any negative aura is going to bring somebody down. You have to be happy to be here.”
Buggs, who’s been with Tap since it opened in the spring at 1180 Peachtree St., says he enjoys serving customers drinks they’re not used to. In his arsenal are such diddies as the Polluted Tapwater (fresh mashed berries, ginger beer and choice of gin, tequila, rum or vodka), the Astro Pop (four Stoli vodkas, sour mix, Sprite, blue curacao and grenadine) and, our favorite, the Grateful Dead (Long Island Iced Tea, but mixes in blue curacao and Chambord). All definitely worth a try.
And what grand, masterful recipe does this Purveyor of the Pour like to whip up for himself?
“I enjoy Sapphire gin and tonic.”
Fire closes Tower II
When Buzz turned to the Sunday morning news and saw a brief report that the popular gay Atlanta nightspot Tower II had caught fire Saturday, we sprung into action for more information.
It may take four or five weeks for fire officials to determine the cause, said a distraught Angela Ballew, owner of the predominantly African-American venue that has seen such celebs as Kelly Price, local hip-hop artist Ms. B, Jeffrey Osborne, Divinity (Beyonce’s bass player) and Frenchie of “American Idol” fame make appearances.
“But we’re glad it happened in the morning and that no one got hurt.”
Ballew says the fire started about 8:30 or 9 a.m. and was confined to the roof area.
Mario Harris, who hosts parties at the venue each Friday night through his WassupNAtl group, says, “Everything was fine, and we were good to go” at the end of the night.
Harris says he’s exploring his options, including a move to Django, to carry on his Friday hip-hop, house and R&B events until Tower II gets back on its feet.
“We’re going to rebuild,” notes Ballew. “It’s going to take us a little while, but God works in mysterious ways. And when we do rebuild, we’re going to be bigger and better.”
She hopes for a grand reopening in spring.
Divorce report surprises Hulk
Looks like Hulk Hogan was dealt a major blow — and he never saw it coming.
The St. Petersburg, Fla., Times reported Friday that Hogan’s wife, Linda, filed for divorce from the wrestler, according to The Associated Press.
Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, told the Times he didn’t know his wife had filed for divorce. He was informed by a reporter that Pinellas County court records showed the paperwork was submitted Tuesday. “Holy smokes,” Bollea later told the newspaper. “Wow, you just knocked the bottom out of me.”
The couple star in the VH1 reality TV series “Hogan Knows Best,” with their two children.
Hogan’s 17-year-old son, Nick Bollea, was arrested on reckless-driving charges Nov. 7 after a car accident. Clearwater police said Bollea crashed his 1998 Toyota Supra while street racing against a friend. A report said Bollea was driving faster than 60 mph in a 40 mph zone.
Bollea was not seriously injured, but his passenger, John Graziano, was critically hurt.
T.I. Fallout
“[T.I.’s] legal issues could jeopardize branding and movie commitments, including a movie role in the film ‘Once Was Lost,’ a partnership with Chevrolet and the launch of his own clothing company, AKOO.
At press time, Chevrolet said T.I.’s endorsement deal is ‘under review’” — Hillary Crosley, in the Nov. 24 issue of Billboard magazine
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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