Interview with Thomas Morrison, pt. 2

Bartender Thomas Morrison, in requisite gas station attendant shirt

Base New York was born in Geoff Cook’s Soho apartment. In those early days, when he and fellow partners needed a break, they would move things to “The Office,” a bar at 144 Sullivan St called The Room. It was here, against a backdrop of carefully curated beers and music, decisions large and small were taken. Perhaps the one factor however that differentiated The Room then and now from other establishments was a bartender named Thomas Morrison. He of the Virginian drawl, unkempt hair and gas station shirts marked with names of anything but “Thomas.” He, who while minding his own business, was spotted by Gawker at Sundance, who referred to him in a post thereafter as “The Coolest Bartender on Earth.” He who over the years has become a true friend of many at Base.

[Parts of this interview were conducted at The Room while Morrison was serving many of the beers shown below]

A look at The Room’s immaculate chalk boards

Base: What is the story behind the chalkboards?

Thomas Morrison: Kevin was the original. He does Marlowe & Sons, Smith & Mills, Moto, Freemans. He’s a very skilled artist. He can make any chalkboard look like it’s been there forever. It takes him 2-3 hours to do our three boards. One thing we realized is that if people can read your boards, you sell more stuff. Also placement is key.

A closer look at the beer board. A steady hand is of the utmost importance.

B: Have you ever tried to do the boards?

TM: Yea, it’s sort of like being in 2nd grade again. You really can’t hesitate. You just gotta go “bing, bing, bing” and do it.

B: You also serve wines. How do you choose which ones to carry?

TM: That’s easy. Always trust your taste buds. One man’s trash is another’s treasure, and vice versa. We try and find things that don’t require food because we don’t serve any (even though people often order food in).

A closer look at the beers on tap. All a far cry from Lambrusco.

B: I read today that “Lambrusco is back.”

TM: Lemme tell ya, it’s been back for two years.

Kelso of Brooklyn Chocolate Lager, “Another wacky creation from this new brewery from Brooklyn. Smooth, but not overly sweet,” says Morrison.

B: What is the strangest night you remember while working?

TM: I’d have to use the “naked night” story for this one too.  Memorable, Strange and Beautiful (if you weren’t looking directly at some of the participants). But I have to say that strange things happen when there’s a full moon. You know…Bellevue [hospital] increases their staffing two days before and two days after a full moon because there are more accidents during them.

Anchor Liberty, “For beer lovers who want their hops nice and neat. One of the grandfathers of US microbrews.”

B: What was September 11th like?

TM: That was a very awful day for everyone. On that day, we weren’t “a bar.” We were a place for all of our neighbors and friends to get together, hold hands and heal. No one will ever forget that day, ever. But I felt it was my obligation to help people deal with the awful situation that we all were experiencing. I will never forget one experience that afternoon…there was a guy in a suit with his girlfriend, both crying however with smiles on their faces….he was working on the 75th floor of the Trade Center and luckily had made it out. That will be etched in my mind forever.

Krusovice Lager, “One of the oldest pilsners/lagers made from the Czech Republic. Slides down your throat.”

B: How about the blackouts?

TM: Initially, like everyone else, we had thought something awful had happened, but soon it turned into the biggest block party I’ve ever seen…a total blast. I think that the Mayor should flip the switch off one day every summer. Everybody had a great time barbecuing out front, using all the foods that would spoil if they had been left in their refrigerators. At the same time, we were trying to serve all of the beer before it got too warm (and we almost did just that!) There were people of all generations meeting each other for the first time. It was probably the busiest time and hardest work experience that I have ever had.

Rogue Dead Guy Ale, “IPA style ale from Portland, OR. Two of these and you will be singing like Jerry Garcia.”

B: Over the years, I’ve gotten some of my best musical tips from you. Where did your interest in music come from?

TM: Well, that has to be from growing up. For me, life flows much better with a soundtrack. Thank God for iPod’s on the subway! There is a perfect song for every minute of life. It’s also fun to try and shape a mood using music.

Abita Light, “From ouside of New Orleans. The only decent ‘light beer’ made in the U.S. Good on Fat Tuesday or just about any other day of the week.”

B: What bands can you advise me on right now?

TM: The new Animal Collective will blow your mind. Deerhunter’s been out for a while but everybody should be listening to it. It’s by far the best band that’s touring now. I also just got into this band called Paper from Sweden…quite amazing stuff.

To read part I of this interview, click here.