Landon J. Miller, 24, Cedar Rapids

Bartender @ Cibo

Where did you grow up?

Born in Waterloo. Lived there ’til I was 5 or 6 them moved to Waverly, ’til the end of my sophomore year. After that moved to Cedar Rapids’ southwest side and graduated from Jefferson High School.

How long have you been at Cibo?

I’ve worked with Tony and his family at the start of American Skillet in Marion around three years ago. I’m proud to say I’ve been working with them longer than any of the other service staff at Cibo.

What is your official title at the bar?

Lead bartender. Although Elisha (the general manager) and I were joking I could be the “bartender extraordinaire.”

How long have you been bartending?

I started bartending at Lone Star here in Cedar Rapids when I was around 19.

What was your first bartending experience like?

I’ll always remember my $125 tip on a $20 bill. I’ve been fortunate in that I haven’t had to deal with too many problems like some other bartenders have. That’s one of the reasons I like Cibo so much. People come in to have a good time, not to create problems.

 Tell me about Cibo’s Ultra Lounge? 

The Ultra Lounge just started last month. We turn what is already a classy restaurant into a hip upscale club that tailors to customers looking for something different. Ultra Lounge is a destination in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area that would normally be found in places like Chicago.

Why do you think a place like Ultra Lounge works in Cedar Rapids?

Cedar Rapids is a great place to live. But lt was really missing an upscale place like Cibo for people to go to on the weekends.

Fill in the blank: A bar just isn’t a bar without its _________.

Bartenders. Of course!

What’s your key ingredient when mixing drinks?

I love to make new and interesting (drinks). So it’s tough to limit myself to one item. I try to find out what the customer likes and build off that.

Details: 685 Marion Blvd., Marion; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Ultra Lounge 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; (319) 447-1414; www.cibofusion.com

Atomic Bomb
1/2 ounce Peach schnapps
Irish Cream
Coffee Liquor

Chill the peach schnapps and pour it into a shot glass. Then slowly pour Irish cream on the top about 1/4-inch thick so it floats on top. Drip the coffee liquor in the center of the Irish cream to create a mushroom cloud shape in the shot glass.

Landon says: Besides looking really cool, it tastes great!