Barrrrtender

Look out Hopland.  There's a new bartender in town. 

The Hopland Inn

About 6 weeks ago, the Hopland Inn reopened their bar.  It's a quaint little spot, and really, the only "hotspot" in Hopland.  Think 1800's style building, all wood bar complete with wooden ladder (you know, to reach the Hpnotiq) and an adjacent library that is reminiscent of Nancy Drew and the classic board game, Clue.  ("It was the Professor, in the Library, with the candlestick!")  Needless to say, we were all pretty stoked when Brandon got a job there.

Blackberry Mojito

He met the new manager, Amy a few weeks ago by the river.  A few of the inters were hanging out on a typical scalding summer day, and Amy was there with her golden retriever, Igmor.  Igmor kept grabbing our shoes and hat, running around with them inciting us to play with him.  It was pretty adorable.  Turns out, she needed some help at the bar and next thing you know, he's mixing margaritas like whoa.  Last night, on his 4th day of work, we all decided to stop by and challenge his novice 'tending skills.  Cassie and I arrived first, with fresh spearmint and blackberries.  We had an agenda: Blackberry Mojitos.  What could be better than a mojito on a hot, 100 degree day?  Two of them.

After downing those, we let him make us one of his staples: a dirty martini.  It was the single dirtiest martini I've ever had.  You couldn't even taste the alcohol - yes, I know that's what they all say - but it was true.  It was also Cassie's first martini, making it a great introduction to the heavy hitter.  The olive juice also had pepperccinis in it at one point, so there was a hint of pepper in there - excellent.

Not too long after that, the rest of the crew arrived.  Brittany had returned from biking to and from Ukiah, so she just popped in to say hi.  Next, Rhonda, the Manager of the Real Goods store ponied up to the bar, followed soon after by Vaughn and then David.  We pretty much owned the place (no hard to do). 

"I see you Cassie ...!"

One last drink ... a margarita.  Now, Cassie works at a margarita bar/mexican restaurant in Santa Rosa and is a trained bartender - so she knows her 'ritas.  I snuck this pick while B was grabbing something behind the bar - Cassie swoops in and makes a few adjustments.  Hey, if you want something done right .... !?  ;) 

All in all, it was great time, and will definitely be back again soon.