Oxford Bartender Tips — Part I

Welcome to a three-part series in which HottyToddy.com interviews some of Oxford’s busiest bartenders.
HottyToddy.com contributor Steve Vassallo had the tough job of visiting these great establishments to get the lowdown on how these masters of the cocktail and beer mug see the evolving bar scene in our rapidly growing town.
First up is Benjy Stamberger, bartender at Soulshine Pizza. He has been on the job nine months.
HottyToddy.com — Benjy, What are the most frequent questions asked?
Benjy — What is your draft beer selection?
HottyToddy.com — So what is your draft beer selection?
Benjy — Currently, new, Belgium Fat Tire, Belgium Snapshot, and Belgium Ranger. Also, Guiness, Blue Moon, Bud Light, Schlafly Pale Ale, Schlafly Kolsch, Yazoo Gerst, Yazoo Dos Perros.
HottyToddy.com — What beer do you recommend?
Benjy — Snapshot, Dos Perros, or Gerst.
HottyToddy.com — Who are some of the more well-known people you’ve served?
Benjy — John “JoJo” Hermann (Member of Wide Spread Panic band.), and  Charles “Charlie” Day (Actor in “Its Alway’s Sunny In Philadelphia”).
HottyToddy.com — What’s your most popular drink served?
Benjy — The most common drink served is a cold Blue Moon with a fresh orange slice. The most unusual drink ever asked of me is a drink known as the “cooter cork,” consisting of grenadine, raspberry liqueur, cinnamon schnapps and Absolut vodka.
HottyToddy.com — What is the mix of guys and ladies who frequent the bar?
Benjy — It’s about 50 percent guys and 50 percent girls. The Greek life at Ole Miss creates a well- balanced customer base.
HottyToddy.com — How is the Oxford bar scene changing?
Benjy — Since I was a freshman four years ago, I don’t feel much has changed in the Oxford bar scene. The most noticeable change though has been the number of students that go out on any given night. The numbers have definitely increased and will most likely continue to do so with the consistent growth of the University.
HottyToddy.com — When are you the busiest?
Benjy— The busiest time of the day is usually around noon- 2 p.m. because most people have a lunch break around then. The busiest time at night is usually anywhere from 6- 8 p.m. With the laid back atmosphere at Soulshine and the wonderful music, I believe many people enjoy coming here to grab a quick dinner and a few drinks before hitting the town for a long night.

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, business, culture and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. Steve can be contacted at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.