by John Hobbs
Photography by John Skalicky
www.skalickyphoto.com

Age: 28
Job: Abbey bartender
Single or taken: Very taken!
Drink specialty: Cosmopolitan
Turn-ons: Easy-going, motivated Canadians
You in three words: Golf, motivated, happy
Last song downloaded to iPod: “God Damn Right It’s a Beautiful Day” by The Eels
Best physical feature: Eyes
Something surprising about you: I have two boa constrictors—one is 6 feet, one is 8 feet!

You might recognize cover boy Chris May from his gig at the Abbey where he does the Lord’s work, slinging cocktails to the thirsty masses. A tall drink of water himself—and boy, are we thirsty—we thought May would be the perfect face for our inaugural Drinks issue. Not only did he prove to be one of the sweetest models we’ve worked with, the boy can whip up a mean cosmo. Ask for him the next time you drop by the Abbey.

When did you first start working at the Abbey and what drew you to the job?

I started at the Abbey in early 2004, and the obvious thing that drew me to the Abbey was the massive amount of business the place does on a daily basis. I also had a lot of friends that told me it was the best bar in L.A.

What’s the best part of the gig?
The best part is that, when I go to work, I feel like I am just spending the day with friends. The Abbey has more regulars than any place I have ever been, and they are really good people for the most part.

And the toughest part?

You never know how busy you are going to be. Generally you are very busy, but sometimes the place is so packed, that it gets a little overwhelming.

When you’re not tending bar at the Abbey, where can one find you?

I am an avid golfer and would spend every day of the week on the course if I could. A few guys from the Abbey and I get together every Wednesday for a day of golf. Missing Wednesday golf is sacrilegious! Also, I am into real estate investing—even though I am taking a beating right now.

You must get hit on a lot at work? How do you handle all the attention?

A lot of the time it is so busy that you don't really have time to listen to it anyway. I really never take offense to anybody who is just trying to be flattering. It’s just a compliment after all.

Are you a lightweight or can you drink with the best of them?

Now that I am no [longer] single, I am a lightweight. I used to be able to drink most of my friends under the table, but these days I like to have a cocktail or two if I am out for a nice dinner.

We’re always on the lookout for Starring guys. If you’d like to grace the pages of IN Los Angeles, please submit photos and a brief e-mail introducing yourself to editor@inlamag.com.