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Musso & Frank Bartender For 47 Years Says 007 Doesn't Drink Martinis
As you can probably imagine, a guy who's been bartending at a Hollywood institution since the 1960s probably has a lot of great stories. Ruben Rueda has been behind the bar at Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood since 1967. In an interview with VICE Munchies, he talked about the highlights of pouring drinks at the same bar for nearly a half-century.
Rueda recalls serving his share of celebrities, including a now-sober Keith Richards, a Steve McQueen he had to cut off and kick out, and a Charles Bukowski that he used to sometimes give rides home to at the end of the night. He also once kicked out a belligerent 'that Irish actor' a few years back, but didn't mention a name.
He also revealed that a particular James Bond doesn't drink martinis, but rather Crown Royal on the rocks.
After 47 years, Rueda says he plans on sticking around Musso & Frank for the foreseeable future, working his two days a week. So chances are, you might be able to have him mix up something for you. He say he can make most people happy with just two drinks: "One, and the second one. That's it. Three or four and you might get sick. But I try to make everybody happy."