Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Jackie Casella.
Server Banner Girl, Sept. 1-7, 2014
Jackie Casella has served the South Sound for 12 years. Her first bar gig was at the Schooner Pub & Galley in Lakewood. From there, she has served food and drinks at the Ale House (where she met her husband), the West End Pub & Grill, Margarita Beach Café, Cheers West (when it was a nightclub), Wingers, the Brick Yard, Dirty Oscar's, Maxwell's Restaurant + Lounge and currently The Social Bar and Grill next to the Museum of Glass. She has retired from booze slinging several times. It always lures her back.
Why do you serve?
"Serving is endlessly entertaining. Once upon a time, when I was a single mother, it was strictly a solid source of income. But, I really enjoy connecting with people and it never gets boring."
Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?
"Oh man, that's a rough one. I love the staff at Eleven Eleven for their laid back, genuine service; Jesse at Doyle's too for that exact reason. I appreciate a server who does their job in an efficient, friendly and professional manner and doesn't feel the need to ham it up."
What are you most proud to serve?
"Anytime I get to serve a compelling bourbon cocktail I get a little excited - mostly because I can rave about it honestly. The Social menu as a whole is pretty much splendid."
What's your current drink of choice?
"SBG Manhattan. Truthfully I've been stuck on it for several years now and it's only available at The Social. When visiting other joints, my go-to is an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. I like to keep it classic."
Favorite movie?
"I'm a bit of a movie fanatic; so my favorites consists of a list for each genre. If I had to pick one I'd say, like any little girl who grew up in the '80s, The Labyrinth.
Two Words: David. Bowie. The hair. The pants. The weird perversion you missed as a child. All of it."
What don't you serve?
"Hurried service. It's a restaurant, not a track. There's a big difference between running and hustling. No one needs a side of ranch so bad you should run, especially if you know how to multitask. Folks dine out for an enjoyable experience."
What's on your radar at The Social Bar and Grill?
"The Social's The Abuela ahi is on my radar. Blackened ahi tuna with ginger soy and Granny Smith apple/cucumber slaw. Ridiculous! There's something new coming to the dessert and drink menu, too. Although not quite on the horizon, I'm hankering for our hot buttered rums. I'll wait for fall to officially settle I'm before really carrying on about the drink."