Ken Fulkroad of Ping Pong Dim Sum
When the Chinese New Year rolls around, you can count on Ping Pong Dim Sum to be celebrating in a big way. In keeping with Chinese tradition, they have 15 days of events planned, including Dragon-themed cocktails and interactive online games. There are 18 locations worldwide, and two here in DC. Hipsters flock to the bar for its cool vibe and tasty drinks.
Ken Fulkroad tends bar at the Chinatown location. Before moving to DC two months ago, he was creating cocktail menus and wine lists for bars in Boston and New York. We caught up with him to find out what he thinks about DC vs. the Big Apple.
On Tap: Where are you from?
Ken Fulkroad: I grew up in Boston proper. I moved to New York four years ago and then, just two months ago, moved to DC.
OT: How does DC compare to New York for you?
KF: I love it so much more than New York. Sure, I really miss some aspects of NY, but it was just too much. What I love about DC is that you can go to Dupont Circle or Adams Morgan and get that big city vibe and then go home and have a peaceful suburban environment.
OT: How did you get into bartending?
KF: I started when I was 18. It was a freak accident. I was serving at a fine dining restaurant, and one night, the bartender just didn’t show. They threw me behind the bar. Two weeks later I had learned a lot!
OT: What is the best part about working here?
KF: We are a global company, so there is a big opportunity for growth. Also, the staff is great. It’s rare in this industry to find a place where everyone looks forward to coming into work.
OT: Where can you be found when you are not working?
KF: H Street. I love Rock ‘n Roll Hotel, ‘Lil Miss Whiskey’s; any place that reminds me of the East Village.
OT: What are you most looking forward to about winter?
KF: I love the snow and being able to travel when I get sick of it.
Catch Ken most weekend nights.
Ping Pong Dim Sum: 900 7th St. NW, DC; 202-506-3760; www.pingpongdimsum.us
Shawn Case of Buddha Bar
With a romantic ambiance, killer DJ and flashy cocktails, Buddha Bar entices the senses. Served in the shadow of a giant Buddha, the sushi is fresh and the drinks are superb. In year’s past, they’ve been known to celebrate the Chinese New Year with dragon dancers and drink specials. In this year of the Dragon, expect them to cook up something special.
Shawn Case has tried his hand at a number of ventures: semi-pro racecar driver, social media expert, website developer and of course, bartender extraordinaire. He swears that even when one of his small business endeavors takes off, he’ll keep some shifts behind the bar. One thing’s for sure: he’s come a long way from Paducah.
OT: Where are you from?
SC: Paducah, Kentucky. The third largest city in Kentucky.
OT: What brought you to DC?
SC: I got my degree in Computer Science at Fullsail in Florida. My friends and I started a company and did well for a while, but we needed a change. My buddy and I got a map out, put our fingers down and found the in between point, which happened to be DC. We had never seen the place before we moved here.
OT: Sounds like good luck.
SC: Well, midway was technically Baltimore. But don’t tell anyone that.
OT: What is the best part about working here?
SC: The fantastic music. I love that it’s a chameleon-like restaurant: happy hour, dinner crowd, then the DJ comes in and so does the party crowd. It’s a little bit of everything, it’s constantly evolving.
OT: What is your favorite drink when you aren’t on duty?
SC: It would probably be bourbon, or anything without ice. I’m a Kentucky boy, what can I say?
OT: What is your favorite shift?
SC: Thursday is the new Friday! Thursday brings in a fun crowd who don’t normally go out on Fridays and want to beat the huge crowds.
Catch Shawn Monday through Saturday nights.
Buddha Bar DC: 455 Massachusetts Ave. NW, DC; 202-377-5555; www.buddhabardc.com
Wing Tsang of Hunan Number One
Hunan Number One is tucked just off Clarendon Boulevard. With more than 25 years of history in Arlington, locals know it’s one of the few spots where you can find both a great bar atmosphere and delicious pan fried seafood rolls. The specials on sushi, entrees and 32 oz mugs of beer make it one of the best kept secrets in town.
Wing Tsang is the woman behind the bar of this family owned business. With three double shifts each week—sometimes in a row—it’s obvious she’s a hard worker. But she’s quick to clarify that bartending is a good time when you work at Hunan Number One.
On Tap: Where are you from?
Wing Tsang: I’m originally from Hong Kong. I came over to the states when I was nine. I’ve lived in the Virginia area ever since.
OT: How long have you been bartending at Hunan Number One?
WT: Six years.
OT: What is your favorite drink, when you aren’t on duty?
WT: Right now, it’s orange whipped cream vodka with cranberry and orange juice. It’s delicious.
OT: How do you celebrate Chinese New Year at Hunan Number One?
WT: We do specials, but every year it’s a little different. Everyone has a good time and then at the end of the night, we shut down the restaurant and do a big family-style dinner for all the employees.
OT: What are your favorite spots after work?
WT: Usually somewhere in Clarendon. Most likely Spider Kellys or RiRa.
OT: What are you most looking forward to about Winter?
WT: Well, we are much busier in winter. When we have to compete with all the outdoor patios in nice weather, it’s not as busy.
OT: Any big travel plans in 2012?
WT: I’m going to the Virgin Islands the first week of January. As a bartender, I usually want a break right after New Years. And, I usually want to go somewhere warm!
Catch Wing Thursday and Fridays.
Hunan Number One: 3033 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; 703-528-1177; www.hunanone.com
