Have you met our girl Ness?

If you plan on coming on down to 1two3 this weekend be sure to say hi to our NEW Restaurant Manager Vanessa, a.k.a – NESS!

When I caught up with our girl this week I asked her a few questions on what she thought about her new position and if there’s anything new we can expect to see during her new reign as Manager.

Q 1- How many years have you been in the hospitality industry?

A :9 long and eventful years!

Q 2 – How many years at 1two3?

A: Its a bit blurry, but I’m going to have to say 2 and a half years of some of the most memorable times.

Q: 3 – What’s the funniest moment you’ve had at 1two3 since you’ve been there for so long?

A: Oooooh the funniest moment….I have so many! Definitely during bar service is when the funniest moments go down..like this one big guy was dancing the night away and whenever someone noticed him he’d start clicking his fingers and swaying side to side. lol I actually have that footage on my camera! p.s dont fall asleep in the bar i have the camera ready for you…just so you all know we do have a sleeping hall of fame! Drunkin sleep shots do you no justice hahaha

Q: 4 – What makes 1two3 so unique to other bars at night/day as opposed to other resto’s/bars in Broady?

A: The dinner service can get a little bit crazier than everyone else understands. I think even our customers would agree we take it that most of our staff try to take it that one step further than everywhere else. We just like getting a little more invovled with our patrons and making it “an experience” is what I think we’re about, and we really do care about our customers… and hopefully they like us as much as we like them! We like to think that’s why they keep coming back.

Q: 5 – What changes would like to make or like see being made?

A: Changes – not so much I dont see things slippin, we just keep that positive energy flowing and keep everyone smiling its a great environment to work in and hopefully to be entertained as well!

Q: 6- Do you think it’s best to promote in house as opposed to hiring someone with “more” experience outside of the 1two3 family?

A: Absolutely not! If someone has the experience and brings the right element to the table then why not, its always nice to have some fresh blood in the family, variety is the spice of life.

Q: 7 – What makes you and Sascha such a great team working together?

A: Sach and I have known and worked along side each other for some time now. So we have that as an advantage. I’m teaching her all i know and we’re having fun with it at the same time. We’re a great team and flow together really nicely, we both have a strong relationship with the staff which definitely makes things run really nicely, I cant wait to see how things unfold in the future.

Q:8 – As manager what are some things you wish you could say to patrons but can’t?

A: Well all in all you can say most things, its just your approach that will make or break what you say. Whether it will affect your business, or how people view you BUT…there’s always one though! lol

Q: 9 – What has made you stay so long at 1two3?

A: The family that weve built with the staff and customers i love coming to work even if its a bad day they make it worth while.

Q: 10- What can everyone expect to see in the future?

A: Well we are training the girls to dance on the bar, no-one quite has the talent that Fallon used to bring to the stage but we are workin on it… We have lotsa fun events coming up in the future so make sure you get along and come party with us we’d love to see you all there getting as crazy if not crazier with us!

We have an amazing new menu that our brand new head chef Cheyenne has created from all the hidden corners of the Mediterranean. B eautiful new flavours with all the old favourites still available to get your tastebuds tingeling so come on down and see what its all about!

Can’t wait to see you! xxx

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So there you have it guys, if you’re looking for a great time, and a chance to make it into a “Hall of (Sh)Fame ” – 1 two3 is DEFINITELY the place you want to be this weekend!

Cheers!

P.S. – if you want a sneak peek at our new menu check click HERE

Do you start the dance floor?

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Dance Police

Just having fun with our camera, we caught a few patrons dancing up a storm to the sweet sounds of Hellen Gibbons entertaining the lot on a Sunday night. We apologize for the quality of the video, however it was just done in good fun, hope you enjoy it, and come down to 1two3 Restaurant & Bar for a surprise cameo of your own!

Dance PoliceDance Police

Reflections of 2010

It’s taken me a longer time then usual to write the “Reflections” blog, I’ve been trying to suss out a resolution, and there’s always heaps of things that people suggest, but to be honest, I don’t have any.

To have a resolution is sort of like having a regret, like “unfinished business” or getting over a fear of some sort, or lack of motivation. I don’t have that – anymore.

I used to resolve to get healthier, which always meant working out heaps more, but then I’d get bored, and that resolution would be out the window by February. I’ve come to the conclusion that getting healthy doesn’t necessarily apply to only working out and eating properly. Being a “healthy” individual, means your mindful of what you put into your body and what you want to get out of it.

Instead of working hard and rewarding yourself with junk, think of your body as something you cherish i.e. – like a car you’ve always wanted, or that diamond ring on your finger, or your fav piece of electronic equipment…. now think of smothering that in junkfood. Sort of a ridiculous visual hey? Instead reward yourself with a new fun outfit, or something that you’ve worked hard for. i.e. – a vacation, a day trip, or a massage or something that will allow your body to feel pampered and proud.

Another resolution I often hear is people want to stop working so hard and take more time to enjoy life. That’s paramount. There are a LOT of unhappy folks out there. I know everyone thinks it’s because they don’t have time to enjoy their lives or do the things they want to do, because ultimately they’re afraid of breaking their routine. Let’s face it, if you REALLY want something, you’ll find time. I work on a 60-70hr work week on most occasions and I still schedule in the things I ABSOLUTELY want to do. If you have “the will” you’ll find the way.

Loose the fear, and you’ll loose the depression. Your mind is telling you that it needs to grow, it’s bored. When you’re a young adult you’re in a constant state of growth and learning. So very rarely does your mind go stagnant. I solemnly promise, if you take 1 day a week to try something new out, and break out of your “usual” routine you’ll feel like you’re enjoying yourself more. Take one day to yourself, and for a couple hours just do something you’ve always wanted to do or try, but either never had time, or no one would go with you, or you felt stupid asking someone to go with you. Don’t be shy to try something alone either. If it’s something you enjoy, you’ll meet other like-minded people and before you know it you won’t be alone! Just get out there.

If you still need a resolution – resolve to stay positive!
There’s an amazing story about a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer, and she’s been the inspiration
for an entire town to “Pay if Forward”. Even though she’s not sure how much time she has left, she’s making the most of everyday, and inspiring others to live their best lives while they can. To read more click on: Dying Woman Inspires Others

I know it’s tough to stay positive ALL the time, but if you find yourself in that downward spiral, ask yourself why you think these things are happening? I can almost guarantee that every time a copious amount of unplanned events transpired I had to figure out what the route of the problem was and why I was being pushed in another direction. Sometimes when you put a request “out there” for a change or something different in life, it won’t necessarily deliver what “exactly” you’re asking for, however it will certainly give you opportunities to meet the right people that can assist you in your request. Try it out. Seriously just for fun… I promise it’ll be creepily spot on, and you’ll start to question more and more. Finding the answers is the fun part. :)

Case in Point: if that dying woman wishes to live, but her body can’t physically handle it, she’ll live on in the minds of others by inspiring a town to “Pay it Forward”.

One of my favorite quotes goes like this:
” Do what makes you happy.
Be with who makes you smile.
Laugh as much as you breathe.
Love as long as you live. ”

I know there are many different situations that seem impossible to get out of, but you can. You just have to have the love, courage and conviction that if it’s what you really want, you can’t let anything stand in your way.

Happy 2011, hope to see you at 1two3 in Broady, or if not drop us a line on Twitter @1wo3dining or FACEBOOK Justine OneTwoThree Bar

Interview with Pubbaz

Since the departure of our dearest Fallon leaving us, we had to obviously promote a new bar manager, and whom else could we choose but her protege Jono Minihan. While it would be an understatement to say that he was a smidge shyer then Falf we thought we’d get catch up with him for a Q & A sesh and see what he’s got in store for 1two3!

1. Q: Jono are you scared or excited to take Fallons’ place as new bar manager of 1two3?

A: Both. Filling Fallons shoes is a enormous task, but I was honored to be chosen, and I’m looking forward to the responsibility. It’s a different sort of job, since we’re privately owned and operated you really care about the bottom line and learn the business side of operating a bar.

(Inside voice: I just hope they don’t make me dance on the bar and hit all those lovely notes that Fallon used to hit when she sang Summer of 69′)

2. Q: What’s the part about being a bartender you love the most?

A: The social aspect is great, your regulars become your friends, and soon it just turns into a great night out with people you know and like to hang around. 1two3 is unique in Broady its small enough to realize that after a year everyone is just like family.

3. Q: What are some of the duties of a bar manager?

A: Main duties include: cash-ups, training new staff, managers meetings, ordering stock, meeting with liquor reps, but the fun stuff is: going to bartending conferences, organizing competitions, sampling new products, and finding those hidden gems to promote at 1two3 that differentiates us from the other bigger bars in Broadbeach. Expect Cidars to be a huge hit this summer!

4. Q: How long have you been bartending for, and where have you bartended?

A: I’m only 21, so I’ve been bartending for a total of 3 yrs in 2 different places. I’m originally from England, so I worked/lived in a Belgium Beer House, we had over 200 beers and I had to take a 400 question test just to work there! But the hardest part about that job was tapping the old ale kegs! Just put it this way… you tap it too hard and it’ll explode all over your face, don’t tap it enough and the rubber just gets stuck lol.  The second was here at 1two3 in Australia.

5. Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?

A: When I lived back in England my nickname was Mr. Pubbington whenever my mates couldn’t find me I’d always be at the pub, later Mr. Pubbington got shorted to Pubbaz, and sometimes I question if some of my mates even remember my name is Jonno? lol.

6. Q: If someone buys the bartender a shot, what shot should they get?

A: The unspoken rule of Broady is Tequila. You can’t refuse, and you can’t have training wheels!
(no lime or salt) but of course only after our shift, as it’s illegal in QLD to drink behind the bar.

7. Q: As a new bar manager, many establishments discourage their staff from drinking off shift at their place of employment, what are your thoughts on that?

A: I understand why, and I actually think it’s more beneficial to the establishment if the staff does come off shift. It just promotes a sense of community, and sets the example that if our staff is still coming here when they aren’t working then it must be a great place to be. Like I mentioned before, it’s like a family here.

(Inside voice: it’s far more entertaining when staff come to get on the piss, then it gives us fodder to take the piss outta them later. Never dull and that’s how we love it!)

8. Q: What day would be the best day to come down for a visit?

A: THURSDAYS! Benson kicks up the entertainment with his Jackson 5 beats, our bar menu is 1/2 price so you save yourself a bit of coin, and its a laid back cruisey night so service is faster and we have time to do the “extra” stuff like flaring and such.

9. Q: What “new things” can we expect to see in the near future?

A: Heaps more new liqueurs – we have some delish new chocolate, white chocolate and nugget liqueur now. We’ll also be having a new cocktail list in the new year designed by our new staff (Remi, Bonny, Big Greg, and Stacey P & Stacey-Lee as a sub) and a cocktail specialist from Brissy.

10: Q: What have you learnt/what advice would you give to any other young bartenders just starting out?

A: Try and be as light-hearted as possible, bartending can be a hard job, but try not to take ANYTHING personally. If you don’t bartending can be one of the greatest jobs you’ll have, and you can do it wherever you are in the world! Just make sure you move around and don’t get stuck at one place too long, or else you’ll never be able to grow in the industry.

Be Smart – stoopid.

Where ever you work, there’s always going to be politics, whether its in the office, in the gym, or at the bar.

When you work in an environment with heaps of young people, you begin to feel old when you start saying “well when I first started…”, or “back in my day…” and recently I’ve had many of those such conversations.

Just the other day a topic came up that made me smile…
One of the managers was saying… “well back in my day…” and it occurred to me that her day WAS my day, and that yes, now I guess I do go way back. Ugh!

So “back in My day…” when I was a budding adolescent/wanna be adult we would work our butts off, then with equal amounts of effort party our faces off! I remember 5 things from my first serving job, my manager pulled me aside and said, ok listen:

1. – In the bar industry 1/2 the time the customers are right, the other half are just drunk a$$holes, talk to them like they’re in primary school and you’ll be just fine.
2. – Skin to win baby, flirt with everyone appear available but never be available, you’ll increase your tips.
3. – No matter how much you drink the night before, DO NOT call in sick. You don’t have to be 100% functional, just be 100% there. AND NEVER EVER ask to get off work with a whinge about ya, then sit in the bar or in the bar next door and drink your face off.
4. – Sweep an isle means to multi-task, drop off dishes, grab empties, take orders…
5. – Be the life of the party but never be the last to leave, if you can’t hold your head up, prop it up with a stubby…

So that’s what we were discussing how “Back in the day…” you were expected to never have empty hands in a restaurant/bar, if you had time to “lean” you have time to “clean” – attitude. Servers were expected to take their orders, run their drinks, run their food, clean their tables, then at the end of the day you sat around with a ciggie and a knock off and polished silverware and reset the restaurant.

Now it seems when you go to a restaurant you see staff ushering people out by 11p so they in turn can go get on the piss themselves. If you come for breakie some places are shorted staff cos a few too many servers were spewin up Berocca and couldn’t harden the “F” up as Chopper’d say. C’mon mate use your head.

I started in the hospitality industry as a dishy in a banquet hall when I was 14, one side was for weddings and one side was for bogans, is was our local watering hole so for a town of 1200 you really got to know the in’s and out’s of the town.

I remember being forced to gut out some of the most disgusting jobs, and was told – you’ll appreciate it when your older. Or fell victim to various pranks like getting the cooks the “pickle peeler” or the “ice mix”. or to close the windows upstairs during a downpour when there was no upstairs… etc.

Do I wanna rant about the “youngsters these days” bloody right I do! I sometimes feel that they get a sense of entitlement from the way they were raised and protected from all sorts of things. But then I just feel bad for them, cos at the end of the day it’s that sorta grunt work that taught me strength, respect and feeling good about a hard days work. Plus, I have HEAPS more wicked stories to tell when we do slap the goon!

Ode to the “Spilly” Drinker

Dearest “Spilly Drinker” this one’s for you!

Where oh where to begin…

Mr. Spilly Drinker if spilling alcohol was a crime you’d be locked up for life, with reckless abandonment of your bevy! Which now by the way…. I literally am wearing!

Mr. Spilly Drinker, before you came out tonight with your shakey hands, slippery grip, and “tosser attitude” I was dressed beautifully in my newest frock from Gear Box. Not that Gear Box means anything to you, or anything in general but I rather well liked my new dress and paid generously for it. IT was Satin. You and your stupid Ed Hardy shirt and Dexter wearing jeans probably wouldn’t understand.

Mr. Spilly Drinker not ONLY did you spill your drink down my entire right leg, saturating my new dress, and parts of my hair, your careless motion also forced me to drop My drink. Causing a chain reaction of drink spilling, and reckless alcohol abandonment. I do not take kindly to you wrecking my dress, but after a LONG exhausting week I take even LESS kindly to you ripping that sweet, precious nectar from my unsuspecting grasp!!!

Mr. Spilly drinker at this point it would have been nice for you to say you were sorry. Which you did not. It would have been “nice” for you to offer to purchase me another beverage, since you so rudely knocked over mine. Which you did not. Furthermore Mr. Spilly Drinker it would have been RRReal “nice” if you didn’t point and laugh and motion to your friends to look at your creative, alcohol wasting, splatter mess (which is me by the way), then walk away like a big drink spillin’ jerkface. Which you completely did.

As you walked away Mr. Spilly Drinker another lovely young lady wearing fabulous heels slipped on your mess, she was caught in time before she hit the floor, but only to head butt the waitress who was coming over to clean up the spill on Aisle “All your fault”. (They don’t get paid extra for that by the way).

So Mr. Spilly Drinker in conclusion, I may have not retaliated on site, but it will happen. You won’t know when, you won’t know where, but if I see your mocking Spilly lil’ face again, it’s on like donkey kong! If you happen to feel something cold and icy that smells suspiciously like stale alcohol drippin’ down your back that would be me, then like a night riding splatter ninja I’ll disappear into the crowd. OR depending on how “fun” I’m feeling you might just wear a drink in your crotch mate, then I too will motion to my friends and laugh and point at your spilly sensationalism.

Word to the wise folks: You spill a drink, you buy a drink. Eye for an eye, drink for a drink. It’s in the bible.

1-2-3 Full ON!

Another Saturday night and the house was packed! Everyone was dancing on the floor or chilled out lounging in their seat! Either way we had a fabulous time, we hope you did too!

Gold Coast Clubs

So maybe you stayed home instead of rockin up to one of the hottest Gold Coast clubs and wanna know what you missed? Or maybe you were one of the hardcore party people that danced the night away with us this past weekend at 1two3 Bar – one of the best Gold Coast clubs! Either way, click play!!