Krystal Hart from Canvas, Brisbane
ADDRESS:
17b Logan Road, Woolloongabba
PHONE:
(07) 3891 2111
Web:
canvasclub.com.au
Only being on the bartending scene for a short while, Krystal Hart recently impressed with a round win in the World Class cocktail competition. We thought it was high time we caught up with one of the new, leading ladies on the Australian bar scene to find out what where she worked before Canvas Bar, what cocktail she would probably order at a bar and what super power she’d choose if it was possible.
Career:
Before you were bartending what were you doing with yourself?
Acting
How long have you been bartending?
Almost 3 years
What is your proudest moment behind the bar?
When I won the gentleman’s round of World Class. I looked over at Pez and Marco who were in the Top 3 and they had this ‘were so proud of you’ look… greatest moment!
And most embarrassing?
My first shift at Sling Lounge. I was working with Marty, did a double shake and both tins opened and went all over me…. I still got the job somehow??
So how did you prepare yourself for success in the recent World Class competition?
By understanding the product I intended to showcase, and finding an innovative way of transforming it into an experience that highlighted its already unique characteristics.
Where have you worked previously?
Press Club (Melbourne), The Bowery, Sling lounge and Cru Bar (Brisbane).
What’s your advice for a young aspiring bartender?
Get familiar with classics and what products you have on offer in your bar. And get wicked chat!
Favourites:
What’s been your favourite bar to work in?
Press Club
What’s your favourite bar gadget?
Calamity Kal!
What’s your favourite city to visit?
Tokyo
What’s your favourite movie?
It’s a tie between Point Break and Mysterious Skin
What’s your favourite song?
At the moment, Ben Folds cover of “Bitches Ain’t Shit”.
What’s your favourite sport?
Football (Soccer)
Drink:
What’s your favourite cocktail?
- Hemingway Daiquiri
- 50mls White Rum
- 20mls Citrus mix- Fresh (2 parts Pink Grapefruit, 1 part Lemon, 1 Part Lime)
- 15mls Maraschino liquor
- Orange Zest discarded
- Lime Wheel garnish
Describe your fantasy bar.
What is your favourite product to work with at the moment and why?
Ilegal Mezcal Reposado, because it’s tasty and if you de-cork it for a few days it becomes smokier. Also I’m a sucker for a good story and their product history is bang-in!
This month’s feature is Brandy – any favourite tipples from this category?
Crustas, Blood and Sand (cherry brandy), Corpse Reviver #1
What do you drink to…
Unwind after a long shift?
Talisker 10 yr old – Neat.
Can you tell us some of your favourite bars to visit?
In Shinjuku there’s strip of bars that wind around like a snake skin called Golden Gai… must see!
Other Stuff:
What was the last book you bought?
Henrick Ibsen “An Enemy of the People”
If you could have a superhuman power what would it be – why?
Definitely if I could blink and be any where in the world instantly, so for once I wouldn’t be running late!
If you were to be something other than a bartender, what would it be and why? A Photo Journalist, you could see the world and capture it frozen and timeless.
Who’s your hero?
Jay Lambert – if I can’t reach anything on the back bar he gets it for me.
What products do you think will be hot over the coming year?
Ilegal Mezcal, TMD Apricot Brandy and the St Alushka cardomom based liqueur. All these products are boss.
If you could have a drink with one person (alive or dead) who would it be and why?
Marilyn Monroe, I think she’d have some great stories…
