Focus on ms. franky marshall
This week Sharlafied interviews a living legend: ms franky marshall—she likes it in lower case—I met her in Lisbon when she made room for me on the barstool next to her. What a life she’s had. You can find her bio here, and here.
We agreed to meet again in New Orleans at Tales of the Cocktail and I scored an interview.
Credit: Andrew Kist
My interview with franky
Franky, you got your start at a bar when you had no bartending experience. How did you pull that off?
Well, quite frankly I embellished my resume. I had been working as a server and I thought, "How difficult can Bartending be?" So, I just continued to watch all the moves, plotting my ascension. Interestingly, at the time, I wasn't that concerned with what was actually being poured, only with the mechanics of the job. But that's how I did it, by just watching what other people were doing and learning from them.
The first cocktail bar where I was hired was Clover Club as part of the opening crew in 2008.
Wow! What a start!
It was indeed. Everything seemed to be really taking off in the cocktail scene around that time.
What was it like at Clover Club when you were there?
It was very interesting and exciting because so many industry luminaries came through the doors. I was meeting most of them for the first time, figuring out who they were, introducing myself... And I was also trying to read the books and learn the specs for all the classic recipes. People take that for granted now, but at the time, it wasn't as easy to find and exchange information. So it was really was a challenging time as well for me, learning all the things that I didn't realize I didn't know.
Do you like creating new cocktails yourself?
Yes, I do still like creating cocktails, although it's a little harder for me working from home than in a bar where you have many more ingredients available.
At the moment, I get hired to create consumer focused drinks, which is a different kind of challenge. I'm excited to get back to more creative cocktail experimentation and design.
And do you have a signature cocktail?
I have one that's been well received and featured i a couple of books. It's called the Guillotine: mezcal, scotch, banana, and honey. It's a tasty one that's easy to make in most bars.
Why did you call it the Guillotine?
I created it while I was running a Marie Antoinette themed bar, so the name fit.
Thank you drunkards almanac for the backstory and recipe: https://drunkardsalmanac.com/guillotine-cocktail-and-marie-antoinette/
You've done so many things and gone so many places. If you had to settle at one place to live for the rest of your life, where would it be?
I don't know. I mean, I live in New York, so no matter where I travel, I can come back and find some aspect of those places, right here. Whether it's the music, culture, the food... that's one of the things I love about living in NYC. That said, I have lived in other countries and would be open to trying someplace new again.
You've been a mentor to many people throughout your career. Did you ever have a mentor in your life and if so, who was it?
I've had a few-- I've never been shy about asking for advice or information. Gary Regan is definitely one who always comes to mind. He was just someone who was always more than happy to answer my questions and offer advice. He featured a recipe of mine early on in one of his books, then another in a San Francisco Chronicle article, then did a piece on me in the Daily Beast. He was always so supportive and I learned some valuable lessons from him.
Read more
Book: Annual Manual for Bartenders 2011, Drink: Dilletante's Punch, page 233
Articles:
Photo credit: Lydia Lee
Have you mentored a person that has become a superstar, and who was it?
As far as "superstars" go, it's always hard to know say who the next one will be. Probably the one with the most followers. ;-)
I have actively mentored people for sure. But it's a rare and a wonderful feeling when someone unexpectedly says: "You know what, you were a mentor to me." When you didn't even realize that you were making an impact on them. That means a lot.
Credit: Rose Callahan
What piece of advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Follow your instincts and save your money.
What's your secret talent that has nothing to do with cocktails?
I can say one word or phrase in over 20 languages! I'm also a good whistler, and I can whip up a pretty good meal with random ingredients and leftovers.
You like to travel alone?
You know, it just happens. When i did my year abroad in France, I went by myself. I just showed up with a couple of suitcases. And ever since, being a single person, it's just the way it goes. The only thing that's hard sometimes is being subject to the dreaded single supplement, ie: paying extra as a solo traveller. It's nice to be able to split the bill sometimes, isn't it?
So that's my next question. When you travel alone and you're visiting a city for the first time, what's your first stop?
Usually, it's the deli or grocery store to get some essentials. Things for the room like water, fruits, salty snacks... When I'm travelling, i don't normally take lunch breaks, so it's vamos! Before I leave home though, I usually make dinner reservations so at least I have a destination for the first couple of nights, which is helpful.
What's the city that feels just feels like home every time you go back?
I have a complicated relationship with Paris. Ha, not really. But I first went there when i was 10, and have always been drawn back to that place. I find it's like that lover you're always chasing after, but they remain elusive because they just don't feel as strongly about you. I think we've all had one of those, non? Le sigh...
When was the last time you thought you've bit off more than you could chew?
Every time someone contacts me and says they have an "amazing opportunity", but the deadline is EOD Friday. (It's 6PM Thursday and i'm at work.)
What advice do you have for the latest bartenders coming up?
Do your research about who and what has come before. There are a whole slew of bartenders who don't know who certain important players in the cocktail world are, why they matter, nor what they've contributed. Do some research, keeping in mind you might have to go beyond social media profiles because some of these folx aren't on social and even if they are, they don't always put everything out there. And if you can, try to work in various types of environments which cater to different type of guests, where you're making different types of drinks, etc. This will add so much to your experience, knowledge, and make you an even more valuable asset than you already are. And please stay humble.
You often a judge in competitions: what do you look for when someone is presenting in a cocktail competition?
Well, it honestly depends on the competition and what the judging guidelines are. That said, I do think technique is very important, and not given enough as much attention in North America as in Europe. I did a stage at a bar in London some years ago and was really impressed by the attention to technique, working flair, amongst other things. Above all though, when I judge I try to be as objective and fair as possible. As a competitor, I definitely experienced judges who had their own agenda, and I never want to be like that.
And what will you be up to the next five years?
Well, hopefully still making creative contributions to our cocktail community and continuing to educate and mentor as well. And maybe I'll finally open a bar. That way I'll have a place to perform, behind the bar and maybe on stage too.
Ok I get it, you are a Renaissance woman! You want to do it all. Can you propose a toast to Tales of the Cocktail for its 20th anniversary? I
Tales has been a big part of my career. Even with the shutdowns, I've been in New Orleans every year for Tales since i first started coming. I was a CAP for three years, then went on to work countless events, host Spirited Dinners, moderate numerous seminars, presented, performed at, and hosted the Spirited Awards, for which I'm currently a judge, as well as a Co-Chair for the Education Committee. Through all that, I've made some serious, lasting connections and friendships here in New Orleans.
So with that said, I would like to raise a glass to Tales of the Cocktail on behalf of all of us who have benefited so much from being involved. Thank you for all the opened doors, all the memories, and all the fun.
Okay, now I have five rapid fire questions.
Five questions for franky
Do you have any tattoos?
No, but i love them on other people.
Your golden rule to live by:
Be honest, maintain your integrity, keep it sexy.
Are you a one and done person? Or do you like to repeat experiences?
I'm usually one and done becauseIi always like to try new things and visit new places.
What's your biggest fear?
Spreadsheets.
And your fondest hope.
I hope that people can have more empathy for each other. We should all be able to respectfully express ourselves, speak truth, and agree to disagree without hate or fear.
Thank you franky for the wonderful insights, you are a true inspiration.
Photo credit: Lizzie Munro
Where you can find ms. franky marshall
ms. franky marshall ~ franky who?
Modern Bartender
Educator
Consultant
Unrepentant Hedonist
Follow her on instagram @drinking.violet
LinkedIn: ms. franky marshall