Author Archives: MikeQ

QUIET HEROES OF 9/11

It’s always gratifying to hear from readers, but in mid-July someone named S. Dickens left a curious comment on one post: “Came across the article after doing a search on 9/11.  How can I get a hold of the individuals … Continue reading

Posted in Life on a Cocktail Napkin | 13 Comments

“NEITHER SNOW, NOR RAIN . . . ” (The Hurricane Irene Pub Crawl)

By the time of its arrival in the Boston area, Hurricane Irene had diminished in strength.  For us, the worst was over by noon on Sunday.  Inside Johnny D’s, a trimmed-down crew of two waitstaff and two bartenders served just … Continue reading

Posted in Life on a Cocktail Napkin | 7 Comments

SPOTTING THE EX-STRIPPER

At Johnny D’s, a young woman leaned over the bar, almost grabbed my arm as I walked past. “Hey!” she said, “What’s the matter . . . you won’t say hi?” For a second I thought she must be someone I should … Continue reading

Posted in Life on a Cocktail Napkin | 13 Comments

JOHNNY LA LA and the HICCUP CURE (And two more short notes)

1.)  ONE THAT NEVER FAILS . . . A guy at the bar had the hiccups. It was at Johnny D’s this past Saturday night and the place was packed.  I’d come over to ask the man if he would … Continue reading

Posted in Life on a Cocktail Napkin | 13 Comments

A CHILD’S TRICYCLE (and drinking to forget)

I was behind the bar at The Sunflower Café in Harvard Square when I got the call from Bruce S. Bruce was a drinking buddy from my Albany, NY days.  He and his girlfriend Betty had been regulars at The … Continue reading

Posted in Life on a Cocktail Napkin | 8 Comments