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Cocktail WhispererBy Moocher: Anna Kaye ForsythImages: Heather Hutchinson, Nik Fey 'I'm kind of like a cocktail whisperer.' Tim Martin, bartender and owner of Mea Culpa in Ponsonby says, looking at me with a sparkle in his eye. He holds his Boston glass up to his ear as he's shaking it. What is he listening for? 'You can tell when the ice is just the right size,' he assures me, demonstrating his slight of hand. So, what does he think of Tom Cruise's trend of putting on a good show for the punters? 'Flair bar tending is off limits here,' he tells me, and I leave it at that. So if it's not about fancy flicks of the wrist, what is it that won him the coveted title of bartender of the year in the Lewisham Awards 2009? Tim puts it down to a passion for his craft and encouragement from his superiors. Having supportive bosses over his seven years of bartending allowed him to experiment and hone his understanding of ingredients. He is largely self-taught. |