Are You A FOODIE?

Bartender of the Month

Bartender of the Month is Richard Salles

By dd macedo

Richard Salles bartends at Little Italy in Downtown Visalia! We want to send out Congratulations to Richard who has been bartending at Little Italy for the past 8 1/2 years. He is also the restaurant manager and no stranger to the business. He knows it takes long hours and hard work because he has been around it all his life. As a young boy he remembers playing at the family business. It was the famous Salles Café in Tulare. His family had this restaurant until his Grandmother passed way and then they sold it. Richard loves the hard work and big payoff he gets while working with great people and his special customers.

We sat up at the bar and felt relaxed under the large art piece of the famous Rat Pack. We had lots to choose from but you must ask Richard to create one of his designer drinks. The specials he created for us were amazing. The Raspberry Lemon Drop was especially delicious as it was a very hot day. The misters were going out front at the restaurant and it made the drink even more refreshing. We were lucky enough to taste another designer drink Richard calls his Vanilla Ice Cream Martini – it is sinfully yummy! With so many liqueur flavors layered on top, fresh strawberries and a secret topping it is amazing. Who would think that ice cream and liquor could become the ultimate summer treat! There was more, he mentioned that he has customers that come in just for his Espresso Martini. This must be Martini Heaven!