Patron Dawn Duncan "high fives" bartender Erika Isaacson as she arrives at work at the Wil-Lew Lounge. Erika of the Wil-Lew: What Makes a Good Bartender? Remember What they Drink
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"Hey Erika: Congratulations!"
The call went up and down the bar as Erika Isaacson came to work Friday at the Wil-Lew Lounge, 3005 E. Midland Road.
The popular watering hole buzzed with excitement about the nomination of 26-year-old Erika to the category of "best bartender" in the 24th annual Review Magazine Tri-City Music Awards.
Other nominees include Cassandra Johnson of Bemo's; Katy of White's Bar; Adam Martin of Retro Rocks; and Jessie Gilbert of Grande Central.
The Review Music Awards event will be held Monday, April 26 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Prime Event Center on Washington Avenue at Second Street, Bay City.
"It's actually the "miscellaneous" category, explained the pert brunette, bustling about behind the bar preparing for her shift.
The ambitious mother of three supports Alexis, 10, Noelle, 3, and Cody, 2, while working at the Wil-Lew for owner Scott MacKenzie.
At the same time she is pursuing a degree in Corrections and hopes for a career in youth services.
What does it take to be nominated as one of the tri-city area's best bartenders?
"You have to be friendly, to get along with people and stay on your toes," said Erika, flashing a sparkling smile.
"I don't know most people by name, but I know what they drink, and they appreciate that."
Employers will agree that "people skills" are among the most valuable traits of any employee, whether in hospitality, law enforcement or any other field.
Erika Montejano grew up in Southern California with her father, a contractor, and mother, a legal secretary. The family traded the hot desert near Palm Springs for the frozen north of Michigan and moved to Cadillac where Erika was graduated from Cadillac High School.
She attended Central Michigan University for two years and is about to start more classes at Delta College in Corrections.
"They're not doing much hiring in Corrections because of budget cuts, but I think I can find a job and make a contribution in youth services.
Her patrons at the busy bar who supported her nomination as "best bartender" would surely support her in that goal. ###
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