Happy Hour: A conversation with Cherrie Cecil

Title: Bartender at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 8985 U.S. 41 N., Naples, 591-1354

Hometown: Naples

How did you became a bartender? "I was a hostess when I was in high school and became a bartender when I went to college. I worked all through college and it helped put me through school. I have been at Fleming's since it opened four years ago."

What's the hot drink? "Any kind of martini."

What's the last drink you had out? "I had a ginger ale, but I really like Margaritas."

What's the first drink you ever had? "It was probably a piña colada or something fruity."

What's your favorite bar tool? "The individual martini shakers. It makes it easy, and people like getting their exact portion."

Do you have any superstitions before starting work? "No."

What was your biggest tip? "$500."

Did you ever serve a celebrated guest? "Dave Wannstedt and Judge Judy."

What was the last drink you had to look up? "A couple of weeks ago I had to look up a Singapore Sling. I used to make them, but I haven't in a while and had to look it up."

What's your favorite bar? "Besides Fleming's I like Carrabba's or South Street Grill. South Street has a silver Margarita night."

Do you have a back of the bar law? "Keep everything neat. Clean as you go, it's just like cooking."

What's your pet peeve? "When someone starts waving at me. We are a fine dining restaurant and you just don't do that to get my attention."

Do people order by brand? "A lot of people know what they want, but our house brand is top shelf so they are happy with it."

Is there a new ingredient you are using? "We used to have a vino tini, a martini made with wine. It was a corporate promotion."

Did you ever invent a drink? "I have come up with my own concoctions. Fleming's restaurants around the country had a contest, and we sent in our own pomegranate martini, but we didn't win."

What's your favorite bar food? "Our steak sandwich is so good and also our cheese and charcuterie plate goes really well with our wine."

What do you do when you leave work? "I go home and go to bed. I sometimes watch television and also try to catch up with my girlfriend."

What's your favorite time of day? "In the morning when I can sleep in."

What's your favorite garnish? "We have sun-dried blueberries and lemon zest. I like the way the blueberries puff up when they float in the martinis."

What alcohol would you give for a present? "A bottle of wine or port, but if I knew what they really liked, I would buy them that."

Cecil gave us this recipe.



1-1/2 ounces Belvedere vodka

1/2 ounce DeKuyper peachtree schnapps

1/2 to 3/4 ounce of cranberry juice

1 ounce pink champagne

Squeeze of fresh lime

Lime wedge for a garnish

Frosted martini glass



-- Fill an individual shaker with ice and add the vodka, schnapps and cranberry juice.

-- Shake vigorously.

-- Strain into the frosted glass.

-- Top off with the champagne (or serve separately as described below).

-- Squeeze a fresh lime wedge into the glass.

-- Garnish with a lime wedge.

Note: The drink is shaken at table side and served with an individual carafe of champagne to add as desired.

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