Tom Crawford - Boarding House

A rather large, lofty and expansive Afro that once adorned his head, not his drink-making prowess, was the credential that got former doorman Tom Crawford behind the Boarding House bar. At 28, he's the man you want to meet on the other side of the shiny mahogany slab of renowned island restaurateurs Seth and Angela Raynor's original dining and drinking establishment at 12 Federal St. With six years working libations for the Raynors, Crawford possesses the swagger, skill and personality that prompted his bosses to offer him the pick of their three bars and to have him train the bar staff at the Raynors' new restaurant, Corazon del Mar at 21 South Water St.

PHOTO BY PETER B. BRACE What are patrons ordering at the Boarding House these days? What drinks are particularly hot at the Boarding House right now and why?

Passion Frðuit Cosmo. It's been around for years. Everyone normally goes for that one. The espresso martini is always very good. A newer drink is Cranberry Lemonade that we just put on the menu, a lot of people have been ordering that.

Why do you bartend here - what is the appeal of the Boarding House and its atmosphere for practicing your craft?

I love the people. Seth and Angela [Raynor] are great to work for, our GM, Jane Stoddard, is probably one of the nicest managers I've ever worked for, but the people who come in, just the vibe, you know, atmosphere and the energy. I worked at the Pearl for maybe four years prior to this.

What do you personally like to drink and why?

I'm a big whiskey guy. Crown Royal is my favorite drink. Why? Just my friends and family back at home; we just really got into it.

Where do you go for that drink when you're not on duty?

I go to the three here. I really enjoy 21 [Federal]; they're like my second family. I love them so much. So I'll go over there, I'll see Johnny B. upstairs, go to the back bar see Carl, see Jodi there, see Lauren. I like Straight Wharf, I just know so many people. I go to the Box at the end of the night.

What do you do when you're not bartending?

Sleep. Go to the beach. I really enjoy just the beach, hanging out with my buddies. I came here because a bunch of fraternity guys came in the '80s and we've been just recycled throughout the years. There's probably 14 or 15 of us out there right now, so I hang out with those guys. I just relax 'cause the hours are pretty rough.

Do you have a favorite beach on the island?

I guess two dynamics: Nobadeer, that's the corny cliché one because that's where everyone goes, but I really enjoy Cisco, Great Point; somewhere you just take a few people, no one around, real secluded, real peace and quiet, rock a few beers, play some horseshoes…I like that.

A patron is looking for the quintessential Boarding House experience, but only has time to sit at the bar and order off the bar menu. Which dish would you recommend, and what drink would you pair with it?

I would recommend the appetizer: Crispy Fried Oysters and for the entrée, I would go with Chicken Under a Brick. Without a doubt, those are just signature apps and entrée.

To pair with it, I would pair a wine or the Passion Fruit Cosmo,because that's our signature drink here. The wine I would recommend is a Singing Grüner Veltiner. It's an Austriangrown grape. It has a little effervescence. I