Molly Placek - Starlight Café

The woman dressed as a bottle of cranberry Triple Eight vodka for Halloween last weekend while her friends dressed as the island distillery's orange, blueberry and vanilla vodkas.

She also worked for a chemical company in Springfield, Mass. for three years before moving to the island. Molly Placek embraces the world of libation behind the bar of the Starlight Café and fears nothing save for her recent 30th birthday.

What are patrons ordering at the Starlight these days? What drinks are particularly hot at the Starlight right now and why?

With the weather getting colder, drinks with hot cider are particularly popular. Hot cider and Tuaca (an Italian vanilla-orange flavored liqueur), hot cider and Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum.

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

I think that Starlight is such a unique place on Nantucket. Not only are we a full-service bar and restaurant, we also have the theater. We also have the outside patio where we have live music in the summer. Jeff Ross and Sarah Farley play out there. And the owners of this place are great, they're like family to me as well as the customers and staff.

PHOTO BY PETER B. BRACE Molly Placek What do you like to drink and why?

Well, I don't really discriminate when it comes to drinks, but my all-time favorite is Captain Morgan and Diet Coke with a lime. I'm also a big fan of Miller Lite, Guinness Stout, and more recently, Tecate beer and I enjoy a glass of wine from time to time.

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

I go to Queequeg's to visit my friend, Megan, and I drink wine and Tuaca with her. I love Arno's and the entire staff there. I go to the Club Car, the Boarding House, Cisco Brewers and Shannon's Bamboo Supper Club.

What do you do when you're not bartending?

I love to go out to eat and have drinks. I love hanging out with my friends, watching movies, playing golf and pool.

Do you have a favorite beach on the island?

Definitely the less crowded beaches. My two favorites are Fat Ladies and Fisherman's, and I went out to 40th Pole a lot this summer.

A patron is looking for the quintessential Starlight 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'd recommend our beef short ribs. They're served on top of a polenta cake topped with a tomato vinaigrette and avocado aioli and I'd pair that with a glass of our Shooting Star Cabernet. I