The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Out & About

Media Credit: ILANA MCQUINN [Click to enlarge]

Chapel

Personality - 3 shots

Service - 4 shots

Drink Presentation - 3.5 shots

Overall Bartending Skills - 3.5 shots

Step into Chapel and you'll notice the high ceilings with the painting in the middle and the other gothic touches, such as winding stair railings and light fixtures covered in large, rusty railroad-sized nails.

From behind the dimly lit bar, Shawn showed off his quirky, dry humor with songs such as the Beastie Boy's annoyingly catchy song, "Girls, Girls Girls," which is unfortunately still hopping along in my mind the next day. The echoing, haunting beats of monk-like music reverberated around the large space.

When we sat down at the extra-long, flat stools, Shawn slid over to us as we looked at the rather sparsely stocked bar. He noticed our uncertainty and immediately shot out two recommendations, vodka and tonic and cranberry and vodka. Of course, neither of these drinks is unusual - although both were made perfectly - but at least he took the initiative and tried to help us out. He didn't know how to make a Colorado Bulldog (vodka, kahlua, milk or cream and Coke), but he mixed something similar up, and it was delicious. He stood always ready to serve, except when he had to stop a small fight, and he offered bits of conversation that fit within the bar's theme.

If you can't make it to church this week, at least stop by Chapel, and maybe you'll have something to confess.

On The Rocks

Personality - 3.5 shots

Service - 2.5 shots

Drink Presentation - 4 shots

Overall Bartending Skills - 3 shots

The former G-Spot hot spot On the Rocks was filled with the laughter and fullness expected from a dollar well night. The crowd was just big enough to keep the bartenders on their toes and grew by the minute.

The bar itself presented a bland, yet decorative feel, such as a living room, while the marble bathrooms deserved a trip.

Trey was our tour guide to getting some R and R and did the job with ease. He sprung up a conversation the minute we sat down while already in the process of making our drinks. The drinks themselves were not that strong, but for $1, they hit the spot.

Trey had been working at On the Rocks for a year and half, this football season making two. Trey constantly monitored the bar and its accompanists, searching for his next challenge. His satisfaction came from making sure everyone was happy, including his fellow bartender. Trey seemed to be the glue that held the rocks together.

FROM THE EDITOR: The semester's wrapping up, and I hope you've enjoyed reading these reviews on a weekly basis. Obviously, we haven't been and won't be able to review every bar, but we're open to suggestions as we conclude. Send ideas to awooden@randb.com, and stay tuned for the April 24 edition when we reveal our critics! - Alec Wooden

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