Name: Amanda Allen
Role: Bartender
Venue:Miss Lily’s – celebrated Caribbean oasis with two locations in the heart of downtown New York City, and an international outpost in Dubai.
City: New York
I was born in New Hampshire and grew up between there and Maine. My first restaurant job was in my hometown of Litchfield, Maine when I was 14 in the summer between 8th grade and freshman year. I started as a dishwasher and by the time I finished high school I was a server there for 3 years.
I became interested in bartending when I moved to South Beach and I was lucky to be able to move from the floor to behind the bar when I was working at Big Pink on 2nd and Collins.
When craft cocktails came to Miami I was immediately interested in learning as much as I could, once I realised that the possibilities are endless.
I love to cook so any chance I have to play with flavours is something I jump on. I had the amazing opportunity to work at one of the best cocktail bars in America, Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co. in Miami Beach. There I learned basically everything I know about bartending and my technique improved drastically.
From there I moved on to Key West Where I became a bartender for Key West Cocktail Cruise, Key West’s only craft cocktail sunset cruise. That was an amazing and fun opportunity that ended abruptly after hurricane Irma hit the keys last year. That’s when I decided to move to NYC and i was lucky enough to get a job with Miss Lily’s.
As far as specialties I would say making connections with people is my best skill. My guests always remember me and I have regulars all up and down the east coast! And that would be the reason I love ‘The Biz’ so much. I love showing people a great time and making them feel comfortable and at home. I want people to remember their experience with me.
Meet me in person:
Miss Lily’s
Soho:132 W Houston St, at Sullivan St.
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