Recently I have been introduced to a new local restaurant/bar here in Somerville that I had walked by many many times over the last 4 years but never entered. It is called Gargoyles On The Square and it is quickly becoming one of my places to have the occasional weeknight drink with some good people.

With that, I decided to sit down today and write up some praises for the establishment, but soon realize the Boston Globe beat me to the punch with this review from today’s Art and Entertainment section. So instead, I decided to turn my words away from the great food, the welcoming atmosphere, the up and coming chef, the hot waitresses, and the occassional gay mexican (another story for another time) and focus on what I see as a key element to my experience there. Just like a splash of good vermouth makes the dryness of a martini sing, bartender Paul Christie is a key part of the experience when you drop your self in a high-seat at the bar.

Paul, a 9 year veteran behind the bar at Gargolyes, is a man of his trade. He is the type of bartended you don’t just want to shoot the shit with, but want to dig his brain on the history of vodka or what the new hot liquior it. He is like a well studied chemist who enjoys experimenting with new flavors and fusions. After pouring me a nice stiff Tanqueray and Tonic last night, he proceeded to slide me a smaller glass and asked me to tell him which tasted better. After tasting and noticing a difference, he told me that he had been experimenting with using celery salt in some drinks because of salt’s tendencies to draw out the flavor of things. Not only did I have 2 great drinks, but I had the feeling that I was an important piece of his cocktail chemistry and experimentation. For the first time in a while, my drink felt like an experience instead of a vehicle to a good buzz. That is how he makes all of his patrons feel.

So if you happen to be around town seeing a show at the Somerville Theatre or just in the area, swing by Gargoyles On The Square and grab a nice meal or at least say hey to Paul and try one of his seasonal drink specials. I hear the Bloody Mary Martini (made with clear tomato water) is killer.

Enjoy and treat him well. He will do the same to you. cheers. Now I need a drink.