BARTENDER FOR HAVANA 59
By Steve Cook. Photos by Tim Hill.

Olivia Smith stands behind the bar, busily preparing the ingredients for the mojitos, martinis, and other popular adult beverages that will be served up to a thirsty, after-work, downtown crowd when the doors swing open in about an hour. As she prepares the bar, she’s also making decisions on a new wine being offered by a vendor. She pauses, in our interview, to give instructions to a recently-hired employee.

As bar manager for one of the city’s most popular restaurants/bars, Olivia is the epitome of sophistication. The soft-spoken young woman seems to fit perfectly behind the bar in Havana 59, located on 17th Street in Shockoe Slip, across from the Farmers Market.

But, there’s more to Olivia Smith than managing a very busy bar, as I soon learned from speaking with her.

RC: You came to Richmond from the Outer Banks. What brought you here?
OS: My husband and I were ready to settle down, to put down roots. The beach is not a good place to do that.
RC: So, do you live here in the Slip, or nearby?
OS: Actually we are restoring a 100-year-old farm house in Eastern Henrico.
RC: How do you spend your time off?
OS: We spend a lot of time doing outdoor stuff and playing with the baby (Olivia and her husband, Lincoln, have a 15-month-old son, Milo).
RC: So, the downtown bar scene is not a big part of your after-hours entertainment?
OS: No. I’m a pretty simple person. I’m not too metropolitan. Since the baby came, I don’t go out much. In fact, when a guest at the bar asks me where the hot spots are, I usually direct them to one of my co-workers.
RC: Who is the most famous person you’ve ever served here?
OS: Morgan Freeman has been in. We also get a lot of local politicians. They’re always interesting.
RC: What is the most important quality for a bartender?
OS: Good customer service. Anyone can make a drink or wipe the bar. You have to be able to handle people, and to read people. Everyone is different. Some come in here for quiet time. Others want someone to talk to.
RC: What do you like best about working at Havana’s?
OS: I like the flexibility and I like the people I meet.
RC: And, it would appear, you’re very happy with your life.
OS: (Smiling) it’s pretty doggone perfect.

SIGNATURE DRINK: PASSION FRUIT COSMO

3-oz Smirnoff Passion Fruit Vodka
1-oz Fresh passion fruit puree
1-oz Freshly-squeezed cranberry juice
1 Lime wedge
Combine Smirnoff Passion Fruit Flavored Vodka, puree, and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake, strain and serve in a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

www.havana59.net