Note to readers: The News-Press and Naples Daily News are providing special coverage of food and dining this week. We will have interesting and unique Southwest Florida food and dining stories published on our websites from Sunday, April 28 to Sunday, May 5. Bon Appetit and Bottoms Up!
With new bars and restaurants popping up all over Naples, we were curious about what it takes to work behind a bar.
It turns out, bartending takes much more than just knowing how to pour drinks ― Michael Slabach and Monika Czechowska know this better than anyone.
These two bartenders from two popular 5th Ave. bars spoke to us about what it’s like to work behind and manage a bar. We even found out what drinks they hate making and an unexpected use for a walk-in freezer.
Here’s some secrets from behind the bar:
Q: How long have you been bartending?
Monika Czechowska: I work at Fuse Gastrobar which I co-own. I’ve been in the business for 25 years.
Q: What’s your favorite drink to make?
Monika: Anything with whiskey. I’m a fan of classic cocktails like Old Fashioned or Boulevardier.