Page 2 / News, Trends, Gossip and Stuff To Do : Here and Now : Here’s Looking at You : Bartending service is in sync with Hollywood’s beauty obsession.
Beauty may not be everything, but it sure can make a party fun. That is, according to the brochure for Beautiful Bartenders, an agency of professional bartenders and hostesses who provide more than just a simple mixed drink or chilled chardonnay.
It’s not what you think, however.
“It’s all on the up-and-up,” said President Ana Gallegos at a recent company mixer she hosted poolside at the Argyle Hotel in L.A. “This is a legitimate staffing company.”
Those who have ever held a clothing-optional job need not apply.
“I screen all my girls and guys. If I find out they have worked in any kind of gentleman’s club, I can’t hire them.”
If you have less than model features, forget it (Gallegos requires that all applicants submit a head shot). And even if you do, looks alone won’t ensure you’ll make the cut. “Personality is also a must,” she said. “Almost everyone on my staff is an aspiring actor or actress. We want to provide an evening where people will be entertained.”
At a recent mixer, everyone seemed to know everyone else. “I met you at Barfly!” someone cried out. “I remember you from the House of Blues,” another woman shrieked. They all seemed to be part of a certain Hollywood crowd.
“It’s a great way to make extra money in a tough town,” said a Christie Brinkley look-alike, Wendi Winburn, who was working the event. “That’s Wendi with an ‘i.’ ”
A former car saleswoman, Gallegos started the Beverly Hills company in May 1997. Beautiful Bartenders caters to wrap parties, promotions, fund-raisers, corporate functions and theme parties, but its biggest bash by far was last year’s Fire & Ice Ball, where staffers wore beautiful Versace gowns.
Although the company’s hourly pay rate is more than $30--and it’s not unheard of to make more than $200 a night in tips--work at Beautiful Bartenders is on an as-needed basis. Many staffers also work part time at places like Garden of Eden and Sky Bar.
“I tell them not to quit their day jobs,” Gallegos said.
Or their night jobs, for that matter.
Beautiful Bartenders: (310) 600-1077.
