Matthew Josephs at Nest Cafe
Matthew Josephs of Nest Cafe
Matthew Josephs grew up just down the road from Nest Café where he is now manning the bar. The Chevy Chase native and Economics major has experienced the growth of Bethesda first hand, and is well-schooled on the consumption of goods and services, particularly delicious beers and wines.
On Tap: Does this area look different since you were a kid?
Michael Josephs: Bethesda has just grown exponentially. None of this area was here even seven or eight years ago. It all was a parking lot and Giant grocery store. It’s amazing the number of restaurants there are and how successful they all are.
OT: What is the best part about working here?
MJ: The people who I work with are really fun. Every night is a different experience. Also, working next to a Bentley and Rolls Royce dealership has its perks.
OT: Such as?
MJ: A lot of big wigs bringing in their cars stop by, sometimes they have extra tickets for us to Skins or Caps games. Ovechkin himself was in a few weeks ago.
OT: What kind of car does he drive?
MJ: Mercedes Black Series. It’s awesome.
OT: Can you describe the “regular crowd”?
MJ: We see a lot of the same faces since we are located a little off the beaten path in Bethesda. It’s mainly 30 or 40 somethings who like going out and carrying on their youth. Or people stopping in for the good happy hour deals. We have half priced bottles of wine on Mondays and Tuesdays.
OT: What is your favorite drink to make?
MJ: The watermelon martini. Everything is freshly made: the watermelon juice is fresh squeezed, we combine it with vodka, lime and a little Prosecco on top. It’s always a hit.
Catch Matthew behind the bar Friday and Saturday nights at Nest Cafe.
Nest Cafe: 4921 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, MD; 301-718-6378; www.nestwinebarcafe.com
Mitchell Hughes at Landini Brothers
Mitchell Hughes of Landini Brothers
Born and raised in Alexandria, Mitchell Hughes has a lot of pride in his hometown, and the nicely dressed men and women sitting at his bar love exchanging stories with him. On Tap sat down with the part-time substitute teacher and lacrosse coach to talk about family, friends and life behind the bar at Landini Brothers.
On Tap: How long have you worked at Landini Brothers?
Mitchell Hughes: Ten years. I started here as a busboy and worked my way up the ropes. The customers have watched me grow up.
OT: What is the best part about working here?
MH: The customers, the staff; we are like a family here. A few years ago, I tore my ACL and had to miss work for a few weeks. I came back and they handed me a chunk of cash, the staff had been pooling tips for me since I had to miss work.
OT: Can you describe the regular crowd?
MH: It’s a more mature, professional crowd than some of the other places around here. I’m pouring champagne and wine more than Red Bull vodkas. We don’t do a lot of marketing, but the good news gets around. We’ve had a few celebrities walk through here: I’ve met Jennifer Aniston and Tom Selleck and a few of the Caps.
OT: What are you most looking forward to about winter?
MH: I love the holidays. I like to get away to Deep Creek and do some snowboarding. I hope we get dumped with snow this year! The way things have been going, it’s not a long shot.
OT: Do you have a most memorable New Years Eve you can tell us about?
MH: Probably the last time my high school friends were all together. We’re all spread out now – moved to Seattle, joined the Navy Seals – but that year, everyone was together.
Catch Mitchell behind the bar Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights at Landini Brothers.
Landini Brothers: 115 King St., Alexandria, VA; 703-836-8404; www.landinibrothers.com
Shawna Cunningham at Stetson's
Shawna Cunningham of Stetson’s
Shawna Cunningham grew up in Texas, so it’s only fitting that she’s now manning the bar at Stetson’s, U Street’s neighborhood bar with a Tex-Mex feel. The Annandale resident is a big fan of the food she serves (“Who doesn’t want breakfast all day on Sundays?”) and doesn’t mind fetching water for dogs.
On Tap: When did you start working at Stetsons?
Shawna Cunningham: About five years ago. I had been cocktailing/bartending since college and was looking for a new bartending gig. I found an ad for Stetson’s on Craigslist.
OT: What is the best part about working here?
SC: Our neighbors. It’s a real local bar. Every night we see the same neighborhood people stop in. I don’t even live here, but I feel like I know everybody.
OT: What is your least favorite drink to make?
SC: So Co lime. Let’s man up, just take the whiskey.
OT: What is the best item on the menu?
SC: I’ve never served the chili to someone without them commenting on how delicious it is; so I’d say the chili and our sweet potato tater tots.
OT: Do you have a New Years Eve memory that stands out?
SC: Seeing Billy Joel in concert, not only going back stage but also getting into the private party afterward to meet him. It was even better because I was with my best friend who is so in love with him.
OT: What is your favorite shift?
SC: Wednesday because we have a doggie patio. I’m not in a position to own a dog myself right now, but I love dogs. So it’s great that the customers bring their dogs and I just get to play with them.
Catch Shawna behind the bar Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights at Stetson’s.
Stetson’s Famous Bar and Grill: 1610 U St. DC; 202-667-6295; www.stetsons-dc.com
