Briana Emerson/Bartender/dancer/yoga enthusiast/dog lover

So I realize now as I am typing these questions that we don’t really know each other that well but yet and still you (and some of your Bar Corvo co-workers) might be one of my favorite people. From the moment I met you its alway felt like we were friends - just right. Thanks for being you lil lady! Ok so I know that you dance and you work at Bar Corvo as a bartender. Any other jobs? And how and when did each of these jobs come about?

I work at Bar corvo and also at another Italian restaurant called Rucola. I have been working in Italian restaurants for over 10 years now. My first restaurant job was at a place called Mama’s in my home town in Massachusetts when I was 17. Italians just do it right when it comes to food! Over the summer I worked at the farmer’s market selling local wine, I hope to do that again this year. I also have dance gigs from time to time, but I make my income from bartending. I have also been thinking alot about getting certified to become a yoga instructor, I just love yoga. It’s such a sexy work out.

One of my big things is always trying to find some sense of balance - like you I have multiple jobs - I love what I do but have yet to find the right balance. Have you? If so how did you find it? If not are you working on it and what things are doing to try and achieve it?

I think everyone is always trying to find that perfect balance for quality of life. The balance between making enough money to survive comfortably, having time to do what you love, and additional time to spend with the ones you love. In a way that is why I have gravitated to Bartending. I can have my mornings to relax and walk my dog, and I have time to catch a dance or yoga class before work if I want to. I also have the ability to pick up or take off shifts as I please.

I wouldn’t say I have found the perfect balance, but I feel that each year that passes I have become closer and closer to that sweet spot. I listen to my body more now. If I’m feeling anxious or down for no reason it is usually because I haven’t been working out enough. If I am feeling uninspired or bored Its time to learn some new choreography or create a new cocktail. If I feel disconnected from my dog or boyfriend I make sure to make extra time for them that week. Basically I try to live in the present moment as much as possible, it makes me less stressed and allows me to focus on the now.

How does dancing make you feel?

Dancing makes me feel Euphoria. When I am dancing I feel strong, vulnerable, sexy, excited, disciplined and liberated all at the same time. There is nothing better. Whether your in a hip hop class or dancing slightly drunk around a camp fire. Dancing is universal happiness.

What song just gets you going? Like you can’t even sit still going. I know naming just one song is kinda hard so...give me your top five?

Oh boy, I like so many different kinds of genres of music, but here are my top 5 at the moment. Baby makin’ music is my favorite ;)

Maxwell-Ascension: Whenever I here this I have to get in the groove and sing a long. It’s such a feel good song.

Big Sean - I don’t give a F****: It’s just the best beat. I mean, I think everyone can say this song makes them feel better about an ex or haters in general. lol

Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing : Do I need to explain why that song is so amazing?

Childish Gambino - Sober : My new obsession. I’m into most of his songs and videos.

Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk ft. Bruno Mars: Its just so hot! I love the video. Such a classic old school vibe.

When I come in to Bar Corvo as you know I usually sit at the bar. Main reason is because I like you guys company (whether we talk or not I still feel like I’m in good company) but I also enjoy watching you guys operate. Maybe I am saying this because I am a creative person but I find what you guys do to be very creative. The mixing and blending of ingredients which compliment each other in just the right way - I mean I get that there is a recipe but...do you feel as if what you do at Bar Corvo is creative in a way?

I do. I think bartending is very creative. Not only with creating new cocktails, but being part of the show as a whole. Restaurants are essentially a show. People come because they want good food and drink ,but they also want to be entertained. Whether its by their bartender, the music playing, people watching, or tasting something new and exciting. Your creating an experience and a positive vibe for the customer. No matter what kind of day I’m having the show must go on. Sometimes I don’t always want to be smiling, but it’s part of my job. On occasion I will come into work and feel sad about something and then I’ll have an amazing conversation with some awesome people ( people like you) and get inspired.

Warm weather is hopefully finally approaching what is a good warm weather go to drink?

Oh that’s an easy one for me! The Hot Daisy at Bar Corvo. It’s is spicy, cooling, and refreshing. People get so mad at me when I take it off the menu during the colder months, but it’s making a comback as soon as it’s warm enough to wear shorts!

Hot Daisy Recipe:

• 2 oz Jalapeño infused tequila. (Recipe below)

• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice

• 3/4 oz simple syrup

• 2 slices of cucumber

Muddle the cucumber, lime juice, and simple syrup in a pint glass, add tequila. Shake and strain over a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of soda and garnish with a cucumber slice.

(Jalapeño infused tequila: Take one bottle of silver agave tequila and poor into a wide mouthed container. Slice 2 jalapeños and drop them in container. Let sit stirring occasionally for about 30 min to an hour. Depending how spicy you want it to be. Then strain the peppers and seeds out with a fine mesh strainer and funnel back into the bottle.It will last forever!)

Boom! Easy, semi healthy, and delicious.

I resolve to move by...

I resolve to move by taking my dog on a long walk every morning, biking around Brooklyn, yoga, bartending, and dancing!