Fast Five with the Greenbriar's Ryan Roberge

Tell us about yourself

Generation:

For many years, I did not think I was a millennial. Well, it turns out I was wrong, and so were the many people in denial telling me we were safe. Happy to be one, and help to change the stigma.

Career and community involvement:

Started at Shore Lounge as barback in 2003, then in 2004 jumped right up to bartender. I worked at various bars around until 2010 when I got a call. Michael Irby, who had been the general manager at Shore Lounge, just started at the 315 Martinis and Tapas at the Greenbriar Inn. He wanted me to join him there. I accepted and it was the perfect place to experiment and really progress my career forward.

1. What is the craziest, most elaborate drink you've ever made, and what was the occasion?

It would have to be the Pythagorean Serum. The drink used spherification (a process that turns liquid into spheres) and reverse spherification. We served it on a miso spoon and you ate the drink. After eating the drink it would pop in mouth, releasing the drink. We entered it in competition and it won.

2. What do you love most about your job?

So many things I love about my job. The best part, though, would have to be talking to people and hopefully having a positive influence on their day. That’s what bartending is really about. Making great drinks is nice, but at the end of day, it’s all about creating an experience. I have always been an empathetic person and in this industry, it's an important trait. When you genuinely care, people notice, and they deserve it.

3. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Definitely not Australia. Sharks and spiders are not my thing. I would probably go to the Armagnac region of France. It's where my great-grandmother was from. She and my great-grandfather were the beginning of four generations in Coeur d’Alene.

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I am really a pretty introverted person and was shy when I was younger. Most of my social time is at work. Oh, and I have two cats. Some people would be surprised by that. I am one of the surprised people.

5. What would you do for a Klondike Bar?

Well, I don’t know if it’s appropriate for print. Come get my answer at 315 anytime.

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Devin Weeks can be reached by email at dweeks@cdapress.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DevinCDAPress