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Bartender Ari Moffic-Silver will serve you with a smile.

A native Chicagoan, Ari Moffic-Silver turned his eye to the wonderful world of spirits when he wanted a job that was creative, intellectually challenging, social, and of course, fun. Upon graduating from college, he began intensive training at a top professional bartender's school, learning 250 different drink recipes (virgin drinks included) while developing lightning speed (average 2.33 drinks a minute) serving skills and studying the history and science behind all the things we drink at a bar. Eventually, he graduated and became a certified mixologist, thirsty for the opportunity to share his passion and knowledge to the masses. He found his way to the newly-installed Bice Bistro where he works as a bartender and shift manager, serving with a smile. He is also enrolled in Southern Wine's Academy of Spirits and Fine Service with the intent to become an internationally certified Master Bartender.

Here are Ari's answers to your questions about famous drinkers, favorite drinks and hangover cures:

Have you ever served famous people?

Yes, absolutely! I have served Sheryl Crow some Miller Lites, the late Heath Ledger homemade iced tea, Steve Nash and Leandro Barbosa a couple vodka sodas. Some of my regulars are Ramsay Lewis, the former head of umpires at Wrigley Field, and the parents of Marisol Nichols, who starred as Nadia Yassir on the TV show 24 and does the Bally commercials.

Who are the best tippers?

Great question! It's difficult to profile the good tippers. Just because someone or a group is buying bottles of wine and spending a lot does not always mean they will tip well. If you want a good tip you are expected to provide more than just the drinks, it's also about the service and company you provide. Remember, tipping is voluntary, but all bartenders and servers make their money from tips and not from hourly wages. In the end, tips are what they are: To Insure Proper Service. If the bartender has done that, then show him or her some love!

What is your most requested drink?

At my bar, for liquor and first overall is vodka, usually Absolut or Ketel One on the rocks, no fruit. Wine has been our Pinot Nero Cortaccia 2005 from Italy, and beer is our own local Goose Island's Honker's Ale on tap.

I have always been a vodka drinker, but lately it seems that I can't tolerate it anymore. What do you think the problem could be?

I get this question often. Vodka, being a neutral grain spirit with no aroma, color or taste, is THE most accessible spirit for people to choose, so you are not alone. At the same time, the lack of flavor or aroma can become tiresome to many drinkers like yourself. I don't see it as a problem, it's possible that you have outgrown vodka. NOW is the PERFECT time to get out there, as cocktails are in a Renaissance period. Newly infused vodkas and other spirits are coming out, and exciting new recipes are created everywhere all the time. Another helpful tip: go to your local spot and chat up your bartender for suggestions on how to transition out of vodka into something else. Trust me, you won't regret vodka, there is so much more out there to discover!

Is it true that lower quality liquors make for shittier hangovers?

Absolutely not! Alcohol is alcohol, simple as that. Hangovers are multi-causal, but the main cause is the ethanol in the alcohol that causes dehydration, which leads to headaches, dizziness and other hangover symptoms. Ethanol is also broken down in your liver into slightly toxic forms of alcohol, which not only is harmful to you body but also keeps your liver from producing glucose (your body's primary energy source) which contributes to fatigue, mood swings, and decreased attention and concentration. If you are willing to put the time and money into it, you can buy lower grade liquors and a small hand filter at a liquor distributor like Binny's and filter the vodka yourself to a slightly higher proof. The ONLY CURE FOR A HANGOVER IS..........TIME! Have one glass of water, or anything with electrolytes like Gatorade for every drink you consume, and continue to drink water after you're done bar hopping. Nothing with sugar, and none of that verkachta "Chaser" pills at the pharmacy. And no aspirin before bed, it can thin your blood and increase the concentration of alcohol in your bloodstream.

What types of alcohol are really okay to drink during Passover?

As you know, part of the seder ritual requires you to drink wine (those of us 21 and older). There is an extensive list of kosher alcohol to use at any Jewish holiday at http://www.kashrut.com/articles/liquor2/ provided by the Chicago Rabbinical Council. Some of them include unflavored beers, straight burbon (Jack and Jim), and grain or potato based vodka. Be careful, there are some exceptions to the rules. Anything made with or from grapes (wine, vermouth) needs certification, and only certain tequilas are safe. Bottom line: check the label for any kosher symbols like K or ones with OU or KSA and you can celebrate and be merry!

L'Chaim!

Have more questions for Ari or need a bartender for a house party? Email him at moffic@gmail.com.