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SideShow Pete

Title: 101 Bar Tricks
Author: SideShow Pete
Publisher: Bar-Fly

Rating: Hurricane

SideShow Pete's 101 Bar Tricks is a no-holds-barred, bare-knuckled directory of bar-side amusements. And I must warn you it isn't all politically correct, either.

It is clear that Pete Moldenhauer (AKA SideShow Pete) knows how to have a good time. The contributor to Bartender Magazine(US) offers clever "abusements" that challenge the mind while engaging all your senses. I have to wonder why he isn't a magician.

The booklet begins with a brief description of how Pete came into bartending and more importantly bar amusements. In rapid succession he covers tips on learning cocktail recipes, handling intoxicated customers, being a good listener, playing devil's advocate and coping with a heckler.

"Let's recap here... a bartender is a mixer, a bouncer, a listener, somewhat of a smart-ass and a restocker. Above all of this, a bartender is an entertainer," he writes.

Thanks Pete, but what if a barfly enters, orders a drink - and stays? His answer is in 101 Bar Tricks to amuse and abuse the unexpected customer.

The best attribute of the book is its design. Pages are slightly larger than standard 3x5 cards bound on a 1/2 inch spiral and tuck nicely into just about any back-bar crevice. The front of each page has the set up with the solution on the back. This is very handy in case you have a full bar and want to distract a few customers while working.

Pete has also created cocktail napkins with his tricks. Sorry, no solutions on them but they are numbered to correspond with his book.

Very few of the tricks require early preparation and all supplies can be found behind any decent bar. To order: write to Barfly P.O. Box 1092, Dubuque, Iowa 52004-1092 or click on sideshowpete.com.