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Squeeze in some time for a martini with Reay Rountree
By Denise K. James, Special to The Post and Courier
Thursday, August 26, 2010
I am always down for a good martini. Visit Squeeze on East Bay for an after-dinner cocktail, and meet part-owner and bartender Reay Rountree.
He's easy to strike up a conversation with, and the cozy environment of the bar provides an air of exclusivity without the snobbery. Squeeze is the place to impress your friends from out of town, or to have that postwork nightcap.
Q: How long have you been with Squeeze?
A: Since its inception four years ago.
Q: What do you love about it?
A: I love the character and I love the clientele. It's an even mixture of locals and tourists. It's an intimate environment and you feel like you can talk to anyone.
Q: What is Squeeze's trademark?
A: Quality drinks -- not just the same old vodka tonic, but well-crafted martinis. We also have an awesome staff.
Q: Your favorite cocktail to prepare?
A: Probably our Thin Mint martini. It's Godiva chocolate, creme de cocoa, a splash of Rumple Minze and a cocoa rim. It tastes just like a Girl Scout cookie. We also have a shot ... (that's) chili-infused tequila (made in-house), along with Cholula hot sauce and a pickle!
Q: What special beers do you offer?
A: We always have a seasonal tap. But I guess our claim to fame is the mini High Life. It's honestly our most popular beer. We call them "grenades."
Q: What about wines?
A: Everything here is by the glass. I really like our Cabernet; it's Paso Creek Cabernet. It's a great value.
Q: What's your bartending background?
A: I started off working at Acme, a night club that used to be downtown. I also worked at J. Bistro in Mount Pleasant and the Purple Tree Lounge.
Q: What's your own favorite cocktail?
A: Guinness and shots of Jameson. I'm Scotch-Irish.
Q: What's another good bar in Charleston?
A: That's a hard question. Other than my bar, I'd say Gene's Haufbrau or Surf Bar on Folly Beach.
Q: What drink would you concoct for someone who didn't want booze?
A: I'd make a good virgin mojito. Pregnant women always want that. You gotta put it in a fancy glass, make them feel like part of the festivities.
Q: Your best hangover tip?
A: A burger from Five Guys and a Vitamin Water.
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