Archive
Bartender Glass 91 – Class Reunion (Part 1)
Forgot to mention. I’m going on vacation for two weeks, and since it usually takes me about 1-2 weeks to do one chapter, the next release won’t be out until late May.
Links:
Drink of the Day:
Maker’s Mark
Bartender Glass 90 – Tennessee Waltz (Part 2)
Links:
Drink of the Day:
Tennessee Waltz
- 40 ml Creme de Cacao
- 10 ml Pomegranate Syrup
- Soda
- (Optional) Lemon Juice
Thoughts (Spoiler Alert):
Didn’t really like the second part of this story. I always disliked it when the author made it so the conversation is one-sided. So Itami made some comments about Sanae’s health, and when Mari questioned him “overexert herself?”, he goes off on another topic about her parents. I really don’t like the disconnect it creates. Some may argue that Itami’s sort of just talking to himself, but I still don’t like it. Especially since Itami and Mari are already having a conversation. It seems like the author had no choice but to just let Itami change the subject so the backstory will be brought out.
I also don’t quite understand the story… I’m not sure if it’s the Chinese translation that I got is kind of weird, but I read this chapter 5-6 times, and I still can’t figure out exactly what happened. So did the chain of events happen like this?
- Mari’s mom and Sanae are friends
- Sanae had a relationship with Mari’s father
- Sanae introduces Mari’s mother to Mari’s father
- They get married and conceive Mari
- Mari’s mother leaves them for some reason, and Mari’s father goes back to Sanae
Is that what happened?
Bartender Glass 89 – Tennessee Waltz (Part 1)
Links:
Drink of the Day:
Take Five
- 30 ml Vodka
- 15 ml Chartreuse Verte
- 15 ml Lime Juice
Bartender Glass 88 – Mr. Nice Guy
I still couldn’t find a set of raws that are at the same standards as the ones I’ve been using. The best ones I can find are the Chinese raws, and they’re quality is good enough, but the resolution is lower than what I had before. Please let me know if you find any raws that are of higher quality. Thanks!
Links:
Drink of the Day:
Hair of the Dog
- 30 ml Scotch Whisky
- 15 ml Cream
- 15 ml Honey
Thoughts (Spoiler Alert):
In short, the theme of this chapter is being elf-centered. Yamaguchi is a hard-working person, and he tries very hard to make his wife happy. However, he never stepped back and think about what exactly is it that his wife wants. He believes that he’s giving all he’s got, but he’s going in the wrong direction. I think this is a common problem that can exist in any kind of relationship. It can be between spouses, friends, or even co-workers. People can never get all the information before they make a decision and act on it, but it’s important to keep attaining more information as you work. Yamaguchi’s the worst example, since he just give what he believe his wife wants without confirming with her. Even if he did find out what she wants, and they set out on their journey to happiness, he needs to constantly communicate with his wife to make things work.
I really liked the part where Yamaguchi said he doesn’t understand what Sasakura is talking about, since that’s how I feel most of the time when I read Bartender. Sasakura is too cryptic for my taste, but I guess it would be bland if he come straight out with what he’s thinking.
Bartender Chapter 87 – Each Person’s Turning Point
Links:
Drink of the Day:
Yang GuiFei (Yokihi)
- 30 ml GuiHua ChenJiu (Sweet Osmanthus Liqueur)
- 10 ml Lychee Liquor (Dita)
- 20 ml Grapefruit Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Bols Blue Curacao
Thoughts (Spoiler Alert):
The main story portion of this chapter is relatively short. Some time was taken to develop the character Kimura Teppei, but his arrival at Bar Eden Hall and resolution of his doubts came rather quickly. It seems the focus of this story is more about Sasakura and Kurushima, and how helpless Sasakura feels about the situation. I’m actually still a bit puzzled why Sasakura have such loyalty for Kurushima. I know he’s a regular customer even when he worked elsewhere, but I don’t quite understand how they started to transcend into a father-son type of relation.
Back to Kimura Teppei, I think his concerns are true. I would agree that he is being exiled. If something like this happen to me, I would definitely think that the company is trying to get rid of me. I guess it really depends on the circumstance, but either way, going to a place where you will be the only employee of a company just doesn’t sound fun. I’m sure there are adventurous people out there who would welcome such an opportunity, but I would have a hard time being optimistic.
The liquor of choice is quite unique. I actually couldn’t find much about this cocktail. I’ve only found one reference of it in a Taiwanese blog, but not much details were given. If anyone have more information regarding that cocktail, please feel free to share in the comments. I’m really curious to learn more about this cocktail, including where/how it originated.
Bartender Chapter 86 – Junichi’s Tribulation
Links:
Drink of the Day:
Laurel Forest
- 45 ml Green Tea Liquor
- ~110 ml Oolong Tea
Thoughts (Spoiler Alert):
A rare chapter where Sasakura didn’t do much, which is kind of refreshing. Even though it’s cool to see Sasakura come up with all these drinks to enlighten different people, it’s good to see someone else shine once in a while. Although, it seems even Mr.Perfect is starting to act like Sasakura. It shows how much of an influence bartenders have on each other (at least in this manga). Each of them wants to better their skills, and it’s important to take tips from others.
I don’t quite agree with the message that this chapter is giving though. It’s just not practical to pay attention to what’s happening around you and focus on the work you have. Especially if you’re working in a corporation where socializing is a major part of your job, you have to do everything you can to sustain those relationships, which also means keeping up your reputation. Of course there’s no point in worrying too much if nothing can be done, but you can’t just completely ignore it either. I think there’s reason for Junichi to be worried, there’s reason for him to contemplate what he should really do. It’s noble of him to try to do what’s best for Hotel Cardinal, even if that means he’ll be marked as a traitor. He still should try to think of ways to explain this to Miwa and the others though. He shouldn’t think that sincerity is all you need.
Bartender Chapter 85 – Father’s Cognac
Links:
Drink of the Day:
Stinger
- 40 ml Camus Cognac
- 20 ml White Crème de Menthe
Thoughts (Spoiler Alert):
Yet another story based on father-son relation. However, the focus this time is on siblings. ”Blood is thicker than water”. Friends will come and go, but family is something you can’t change. I think having a good relationship with siblings is important, since it’ll help you throughout your life. At a young age, they help nurture your social skills, and as you get older, you can depend on each other with problems that you may not want your parents to find out. It’s sad to see two brothers arguing over liquor or I guess the potential of making some money off it. I don’t think there’s any situation where money should be placed above siblings.
The story left off at a real cliffhanger. Chairman Kurushima is sent to the hospital, and it seems the story is taking a new turn. I won’t spoil the next few chapters, but I like the direction the new chapters went. So stay tuned!
Bartender Chapter 84 – Revival
Links:
Drink of the Day:
Sir Walt’s
Thoughts (Spoiler Alert):
Souma isn’t a character I like much, but I’m always into old characters making another appearance. I don’t have to learn about a new character, and the story can be more involved, so it’s generally a good thing. I don’t quite like this particular continuation though. I think the message is too similar to the previous stories. In the previous story, Souma knows that he’s headed to jail, and Sasakura made him a drink to encourage him through it. After two years, Souma is released, and once again, he needed to be encouraged. The circumstance just feels too similar. I didn’t really get much more out of this chapter.
The last scene – where Souma comments on Kurushima and Sasakura looking like father and son – is also kind of random. I guess he’s at the age where he wishes he has a son, but if you read the entire volume, there’s a lot of stories and morals regarding family, especially between father and son. I feel that this last scene was just a toss-in to continue that theme, which I find unnecessary.
