Chatting with newly crowned Bartender of the Year, Valentina Stabilo, at Barnaby’s
How long have you been working at Barnaby’s? I started my freshman year at West Chester University. It’s been about seven years working here now. I have a full-time day job, too.
What’s your normal shift? I bartend Wednesday nights with Tony DeRemer and I pick up whenever I can. Usually in the summer, I work Friday nights on the patio.
And you recently won “Bartender of the Year” at the Bartenders Ball? I certainly wasn’t expecting it, but I’m incredibly honored. There are a lot of people who have won in the past who have way more experience than I do. So, to be recognized was cool. It was amazing seeing Barnaby’s win an award too.
What’s your favorite part of the job? The people I work with. Tony and I are great friends, so it helps the shift go by. I also love meeting new people and seeing familiar faces.
How would you describe the atmosphere? When Quizzo is over on Wednesday nights, DJ Romeo will play “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” by Meatloaf, which is about 10 minutes long. Tony and I will get really into it and it’s cool to see the customers sing along when they know the words. Sometimes I’ll leave the bar and come dance with them.
What else do you enjoy about bartending? I like having conversations with each customer. When you take the time to get to know someone and they thank you for listening to them and making their bar experience better, that always makes me feel good.
Got any specials? On Wednesdays, we have $3 Yeungling lager drafts. $5 wings. And at 10pm, we do half-off bottom shelf mixed drinks. Like vodka cranberry, whisky coke, gin and tonic.
To read the full interview, check out our March “Family Owned & Operated” issue online and around the borough!
