To help kick off the New Orleans Film Fest, NOLA Defender enlisted the critical expertise of local cocktail expert Rhiannon Enlil to review the behind-the-bar documentary Hey Bartender. Enlil writes that, while the film offers a great inside look at the appeal of a bartender's lifestyle (some interviewees discuss giving up advanced degrees to pursue mixology), it also reinforces some negative perceptions about the industry: "If there's anywhere the film flags, it's in perpetuating the (sometimes unfortunately earned) reputation of self-importance within the community that turns customers off from drinking in today's craft cocktail lounges." [NO Def]
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