Meet Samira Morshedi
This month for our staff spotlight, we sat down with the lovely Samira who is our head bartender here at Cypress Social. She’s been with us since Day 1 and we’re so thankful to have her talent, knowledge, and positive energy on our team.
How long have you been a part of the JTJ Restaurants team?
Since the opening day of Cypress Social (7 months)
What’s your favorite part about being the lead bartender?
Helping to ensure the freshest, most delicious product that’s been crafted with passion and expertise by the dream bar team that I have the pleasure of working beside.
How/when/where did your career start?
I started waitressing in 2005 as a part-time job while going to college. After graduating, I decided I wanted to travel rather than follow my degree, and fortunately, my line of work easily adapts to a gypsy lifestyle. I got my first bartending job in Colorado in 2010 and ever since then, my passion for the craft has only bloomed bigger and brighter.
How has your career grown since you’ve started?
My career has definitely led me to some of the most interesting life experiences I’ve had and those experiences have resulted in my deep appreciation of the art of creating and imbibing alike.
Live and Let Live
meaning: don’t judge someone when they order a Blanton’s and Coke
What does day-to-day as a bartender look like?
After getting in and putting on the good ol’ apron which houses my push-sharpie, my church-key, my wine key, and my special favorite pen, I check the books to see what can be expected of the shift. Next, I pull juices and fruit along with cocktail batches and make sure everything is fresh and up to par. Next up is setting up the mise en place (my favorite), where I make sure everything is in its right place and set the bar up for success. Throughout the shift, my duties may range from interacting with guests to working the main well (which can get hairy sometimes), to watching parts of a game on the bar TV ;)
What’s your favorite part of the job? What gets you excited to come to work every day?
Getting to work with two bartender vets and a couple of fresh newbies makes the dynamic fun, energetic and intelligent, and quite frankly, what more could a girl ever want in a work environment?
What’s your favorite drink to make?
Tito’s and vodka….haha jk. Mojito….haha jk about that too.
What advice would you give to aspiring bartenders or people just starting in your field?
1.Try to make stretching a part of your daily routine because bartending is a very physically demanding position.
2.Don’t hold your pee for too long.
And 3.Live and let live (meaning: don’t judge someone when they order a Blanton’s and Coke)