My name is Anthony Vano and I recently retired as a bartender. 'Tip the Bartender' is a collection of anecdotes, stories and conversations collected during my twenty years of slinging drinks from behind a bar. My favorite part of bartending is that it offers countless opportunities for amazing conversations with guests and fellow bartenders alike. Everybody has a story to tell or a confession to make. An exciting achievement. A haunting regret. A record to set straight. A powerful "aha" moment or lesson learned–wisdom that simply must be shared. Some of the most real, vulnerable and life-changing conversations I've participated in or witnessed have taken place while I was behind the bar. There's something special about the guest-bartender relationship–it's perhaps akin to "doctor-patient confidentially" or "attorney-client privilege". Night after night, guests from all walks of life inevitably bare their souls, confiding their deepest secrets and innermost feelings to the man or woman serving drinks behind the bar. I'm honored to have had so many confide in me over the years, and allow me to speak into their lives. My years as a bartender were truly unforgettable. Here's a tip: As you approach this book, think of yourself as the bartender, and me as your guest. I've just slipped onto the barstool and ordered my first drink. And now I'm about to open my heart and share with you some of my favorite memories. Relax and enjoy; the next few rounds are on me. Cheers!
