Expect The Unexpected

Memphis Garrett, 40, is a people person and a keen strategist, attributes that helped snag him the 2008 runner-up title of the CBS hit reality show “Big Brother.” He realized soon thereafter that his passion was in hospitality, beginning as a busser in LA and working his way up until the formation of his own company, Garrett Hospitality Group, where he has developed, opened and managed over 18 venues in LA, Las Vegas and South Florida. No Man’s Land, the sultry cocktail bar hidden in plain sight in a Fort Lauderdale strip mall, showcases Garrett’s talent in blending ambiance with upscale food and drinks. We caught up with him for a little one-on-one.

Q&A

With so many bars to choose from, why come here? What makes this spot unique?

No Man’s Land is more than a craft cocktail bar, we are a hideaway, an escape from the ordinary, an intimate place where you can catch up with friends, co-workers or meet someone new. We’re unique in our location and our menu and you can find us tucked away in an unassuming location. No Man’s Land is a place where you can expect the unexpected.

You can design your own cocktail napkin – what would it be or what would it say?

Make it a double.

Drink everyone needs to know, and why?

The Old Fashioned; it’s a classic cocktail. Our NML Old Fashioned features our own unique twist with toasted marshmallow torched table-side.

Bar trend you’d wish would fizzle out?

Seltzers.

Best piece of advice you ever got?

This isn’t a dress rehearsal, this is your life.

Favorite quote?

“Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.”

— Anthony Bourdain

Rule you wish people would break?

Only one person allowed in the bathroom.

Best bar snack?

Oysters.

You can only choose one tattoo…what would it be and why?

“Paducah,” for Paducah, KY where I was born. It means, never forget where you came from.

Who, living or not, would you want to make a drink for? Why?

A whiskey for Albert B. Blanton, a Kentucky gentleman and bourbon aristocrat in the mold of E.H. Taylor, Jr., Col. (Blanton devoted more than 55 years to producing, protecting and promoting fine Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey).

NML Old Fashioned

Serves 1

Ingredients:

2 oz. Bourbon

¼ oz. Toasted coconut Demerara syrup

¼ oz. Giffard Banana Liqueur

2 dashes Angostura Bitter

2 dashes Angostura Orange Bitter

Large ice cube

1 marshmallow, brûléed for garnish

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir until diluted. Strain over a large ice cube in Double Rocks glass. Brûlée/torch the marshmallow and garnish.