Where can you find a feisty redhead who can mix a mean drink? Tom’s Urban at New York-New York. “I’m a total smart-ass, like beyond,” said Stephanie Gomez, bartender and natural redhead. “I think it helps because it just lightens the mood no matter what. I like to have fun with people. I like to tease people.”
Not only can you find Gomez mixing drinks, but you'll also find her training other bartenders at Tom’s Urban. When she applied at the Stripside restaurant and bar three years ago, she was hired on the spot and was part of the opening team.
Before joining Tom’s Urban, the Southern California native worked at a range of bars from fine dining to hotels to nightclubs. She also modeled—you could find her face on different advertising campaigns around town. But it was bartending that she stuck with, and eight years later she still loves it. “I think I’m a really social person,” Gomez said. “I love nothing more than being behind the bar and playing therapist to people.” She also has a wealth of spirits knowledge—she’s personally a big fan of wine and sake—and can decipher flavors easily and help suggest a good beer or nightcap.
Gomez isn’t all sass behind the bar, though. She actually follows a pretty awesome work ethic: “I find that a smile goes a long way. Also, no matter how busy you get, you need to say hello and ‘I’ll be right with you.’ It makes all the difference.”
Gin & Juice
Tom’s Urban offers delicious specialty cocktails—each cleverly named and with a fun tagline attached. A favorite of Gomez’s is the Gin & Juice, mixed with muddled strawberries and cucumbers, Hendrick’s gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, sweet and sour mix and a splash of soda. Its tagline? “When you have your mind on your money and your money on your mind.”
