Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/288963
S it down at Cooper Tardivel's bar and you'll quickly realize he possesses that certain je ne sais quoi that all of the best bartenders exude: he makes you want to be his friend. Now based in Vancouver, the affable two- time Halifax Bartender of the Year aims to give every customer a unique and memo- rable experience. "Every guest requires and deserves a customized host – and that challenge is truly rewarding," says Tardivel, who thrives off providing beers and spirits that are "tai- lored to the moment." Tardivel, who has slung drinks across the globe, doesn't just get by on charm alone. e head barman at Hawksworth has a deep appreciation for the finer subtleties of cocktail creation. "I love the genius behind classic cocktails and the craftsmanship behind quality spirits." And when it comes to having a drink – no matter the when, where or what – Tardivel is always game. "I never feel guilty about drinking – I'm a Maritimer." F a v o u r i t e D r i n k "If I'm feeling brave, a margarita. In my opinion, it's the hardest drink to make well, and the easiest to screw up. However, I usually just drink straight spirits." F a v o u r i t e B o o z e t r e n D "I loathe any and all trends. By their very definition they are fleeting and deserve none of my attention." signature Drink the Prototype 1.0 "It's a rum cocktail, incorporating Brugal 1888 Rum, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, Taylor Fladgate White Port, lemon juice, yuzu juice, honey syrup, chilled espresso and an egg white." least Favourite Booze trenD "Bartending as fashion; snobby bartend- ers; molecular mixology; bartenders wear- ing chef coats (it is highly insulting to actual chefs); bitters geeks and vodka haters." Cooper Tardivel Hawksworth Restaurant 801 West Georgia Street years bartending 18 54 | SPRING 2014 bcliving.ca where to Drink "Granville Room is usually my after-work spot." HAVE A drink p52-59_Bartenders_Cart.indd 54 2014-03-13 11:16 AM