“The Godfather” to American bartenders, Jerry Thomas was the Chaucer of drinks. Working the country coast to coast, he was the first to gather drink recipes into a single reference,The original Bartender’s Guide published in 1862. He also was the first bartender to be known and attain a certain level of celebrity for his craft. Beginning at 4:00pm this evening, Vessel (1312 5th Avenue) will pay homage to Father Jerry featuring some of his more infamous cocktails, including the hot mess pictured at right which is the blue blazer. They’ll be inviting local bartenders behind the bar to take a crack at it. (Hopefully none with copious amounts of arm hair…) Bartender Jim Romdall is making his list, “I know I’ll be serving the Morning Glory and the Crushed Strawberry Fizz, but the rest I’m sorta figuring out at the last minute here.”…After the break, a few thoughts about last week’s post on Vessel and drink prejudice….Sigh, that sucks. All I can say is that sometimes nerds can’t help themselves. Go ahead and tell a Trekkie that your favorite captain was Kate Mulgrew and watch the meltdown (it’s fun!). They won’t be able to veil their disgust at your ignorant outburst. So it may go with anyone who accumulates a bunch of knowledge on a topic about which most people know or care very little.What these nerds forget, ESPECIALLY when it comes to food, booze and music, is that the only good shit is the shit that you like.So next time someone makes you feel small about your choices, by all means call that person out. Seriously, because most nerds don’t even know they’re doing it. Just ask yourself, “What would Mr. T. Do?” and lob a firm, “Are you judging me?” Bartenders are only human, and being of the industry I usually give someone one chance to correct their d-baggery.