Veo Tyson, SO Restaurant-Bar’s well-known barman, has been mixing drinking and chatting with Arkansans from across the bartop since the ’70s. Tyson shared with us some of his personal wisdom and the lessons that he’s learned throughout his career.
When did you start bartending?
I started at Cajun’s Wharf in 1975. I’ve been at SO since 2006, and I was at Macaroni Grill before that.
What makes bartending at SO enjoyable?
The atmosphere. We did a remodeling in 2006 before opening. You come in feeling like you’re in New York. We’ve got beautiful stone walls. I believe that the building was constructed by someone who had a rock quarry, and those walls are beautiful.
What’s your favorite dish on the menu?
I’d say the best dish on the menu is the Duck de Violate. It’s a crisped duck breast with purple potato, and wine-steamed sweet corn and shallot. It’s made with a crème de violate and cognac reduction, which is a wonderful combo.
What’s your favorite drink to make?
I do a lot of Old Fashions the traditional way, but I can also make variations. I also like making chocolate martinis. I use vanilla vodka and dark and white chocolate Godiva. I think I’ve perfected it. I have regulars that come in and request it.
Working in the food and drink industry, you’re bound to run into kind folks. Do any customers stick out in your mind?
I’ve gotten to the point where I have many regulars, and I consider them all my friends because you get used to seeing these people when they’re celebrating life’s milestones. I have one couple that comes in whenever they have a special event in their lives. They came in the evening before the woman gave birth. It was wonderful to see them and visit with them as they prepared for that event.
On the other hand, you’re bound to have a difficult customer. How do you handle those situations?
I have a lot of patience with people. There’s good in everybody. You just have to be patient with people. Some folks have a bad experience and a bad day, and they take that home with them from the office sometimes. I weather the storm, and it usually turns out for the better. People warm up to you and realize that they were being difficult.
Is there a shoe that you prefer to wear on the clock?
I have my tennis shoes and I buy inserts for them. The insert is what makes the shoe for me.
What’s the strangest order you’ve ever received?
I haven’t received a strange order, but I have received a strange request. A regular customer, a couple, decided they’d get married after drinking for a while. Who would they get to marry them? They said they’d get me to marry them. I laughed it off because they were drinking. Two days later, they came in and they were still serious. One of them was an attorney and had her assistant go online and get me a certification as an ordained minister. I followed through with it and married them.
If someone comes in and is unsure of what to order, what are you recommending?
We have a great drink menu. Our sommelier has created a wonderful cocktail menu. For food, I recommend our special daily menu. Our chef has a passion for cooking and does a wonderful job in the kitchen.
What life lessons have you learned from decades of work in this field?
I get pleasure from taking care of my guests. If they leave happy, I’m happy. There’s times when people come in seeking conversation. There are times when people just want to come in and drink their cocktail. And I tend to read that. I’ve built some very good relationships. I don’t think everybody can do it because you have to have patience and the ability to tolerate people. When you work with people and listen to them, you can become a close friend. I was at a company meeting with a friend and I was telling them stories about him being a regular customer, and he announced to his friends that I would always be a part of his family. I was totally moved. It’s a pleasure.
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