Spencer Taliaferro was inspired to be a bartender because he’s a self-described performer who loves being on stage. “There are moments where all eyes are on you and you can sink or swim,” he says. “I love surprising people and giving them more than just a drink.” Going the extra mile has paid off. Taliaferro is inspired by his strong following, most of them stopping by at least once a week. “They allow me to push the envelope by continually creating fresh, new cocktails,” he says. Before landing at LILT, Taliaferro worked at Revel in a popular Atlantic City casino. “I was in the high-roller room,” he says. “I was exposed to a very high-end clientele, as well as a lot of celebrities. There were many memorable moments working behind that stick!” In fact, Taliaferro says he’s happiest when the bar’s busy and everything is flowing with his team. “We know each other’s moves and easily get into the zone,” he says. “When that happens, nothing can bother me because I’m just doing what I love to do, making guests happy.” This bartender for the ages has one sage piece of advice for his patrons: “Booze does in fact has sugar in it, for all the people out there ‘watching their calories’,” he quips.
First Class
Interactive Board For Cocktail by LassandroDesign
1 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 oz. Aperol
1 oz. Amaro
1 oz. Lemon Juice
Lemon Peel
Bourbon Barrel Stave Wood Chips
Clarified Ice Block
Torch