A weekly blog feature in which our writers walk into a bar and ask the bartender to make us his or her favorite drink. Locale: Waid’s, 1212 E. Jefferson St., 328-6493. CENTRAL DISTRICTBartender: Waid SainvilWorking at Waid’s since: Since he opened it in 2006. “I used to bartend in a lot of different places,” he says. “But I got tired of getting fired. So I opened my own place.” I explain the rules of the game to the amiable owner/bartender and he playfully scoffs. “That’s all we’re doing today? That’s easy. You’ll love this.” So what’s your pick of poison? A Mango-rita. I made it up myself. It’s very tasty but potent. I use mango juice, tequila, tequila rose, and a spoonful of cherry juice. I can see this being a dangerous drink. How many of these do you typically consume? Oh, I don’t. Normally I just drink whiskey or take a shot of Patron.What!? You were supposed to make me your favorite drink!I know. This is my favorite drink. But if you’re working all night and it’s getting late… you don’t want to have to mix together a drink. You just wanna go straight for the kill. [laughs].Fair enough. So tell me Waid, when did you move to Seattle?I’ve been here for awhile. I’ve lived in many places… I moved from Haiti when I was 17. That must have been an interesting change of scenery. Are there any differences in the way Haitians drink versus Americans?Definitely. In Haiti, as long as you can hold a bottle, it’s okay to drink. Here, you’ve got to be 21. But you can join the army at 18 and die for your country. So you’re too stupid to drink, but you can murder your fellow human beings? It makes no sense. I hear you. You must still enjoy bartending though, since you’re here. It’s like watching 50 movies a night. You meet so many people and hear so many stories. They tell you everything and it’s therapy for them… and therapy for you, because then you realize, shit, my life is good! Maybe I should bring my problems to you, too. You should. Every bartender should also be a counselor. A patron sitting nearby interjects. “Waid does give good advice,” he says with a rueful smile. “He told me about this one woman… and I didn’t listen…” He trails off and shakes his head. I’m intrigued.

I could use a good judge of character. I have a guy I want to bring you.How long have you two been dating? Eh. Not long. He’s only 21. And he’s still in college. It’s not something that’s going to go anywhere.My advice is enjoy it! He’s young and has a lot of energy. He can do it over and over again! That is good advice, Waid. Give me another month or so. College boy and I will be over, and I’ll be back for a Mango-rita and consolation. I’ll be here.