And then there were five...

You read, you drank, you voted. With your help, we’ve narrowed our Best Bartender search to five deserving finalists. Read on to get to know them better, then clear your calendar to watch them in action at our Best Bartender Bash next week. In the meanwhile, show your support for your favorite and cast your vote (See "Who's your pick for Best Bartender 2008?" at right).

DANI HOYLER, 24
Sheffield’s
Oddest bartending experience: One customer betting a friend $50 to eat a jar of hot peppers. “It was opening day for the Cubs; everyone was tanked. He turned bright red and ran out the door right into the street.”
Favorite off-duty bar: Hopleaf or Harrigan’s. “I always order PBR. I’m a classy, classy girl. It’s always cheap and it’s always there.”
If she were a drink, she’d be: A dirty martini. “Because it’s super strong but a little bit salty. I think that’s kind of how my personality comes off.”
Next best talent: Singing opera in the shower. “It’s really embarrassing for my neighbors.”
Vote for her because: “I’ll always remember what you drink and you can never walk into my bar without getting sassed.”

JIM GAUT, 28
Reagle Beagle
Favorite off-duty bar: P.J. Clarke’s with his co-workers. “It’s like our Cheers.”
First drink ever: Gin straight from the bottle. “I hated it. And I didn’t feel anything because I couldn’t put enough down to get drunk. I thought, this is what you do when you’re being a badass.”
If he were a drink, he’d be: A Surfer on Acid shot. (He’s a former surfer.)
Next best talent: “When I lived in San Diego [several years ago] I had a little bit of an acting stint. I hear I do a pretty good Christopher Walken impression.”
Vote for him because: “When people come in, they know I’m there for them. I pour [a drink] like I’m gonna drink it. I’m not going to pour you a weak gin and tonic.”

JES RICKLEFF, 24
Spybar
Oddest bartending experience: Mixing mocktails for an elaborate sweet 16 party at Spybar. “It was turned into this little girls’ haven, decked out all in pink with leopard-printed pillows.”
If she were a drink, she’d be: Tequila. “There’s a lot of fun things you can do you with tequila. You can be thrown in blenders, in shots, on people’s bodies.”
Favorite off-duty bar: Stone Lotus. “Usually my boyfriend’s working there. It’s an added bonus.”
Next greatest talent: Hairstyling. “My hair has been pink, purple, blue, black, yellow, brown—everything.”
Vote for her because: “Everyone who comes to see me, they walk away happy. I take my job seriously.”


EMIRANO “MANU” EPERIAM, 28
NV Penthouse Lounge
Oddest bartending experience: Bargoers ordering drinks in Spanish because they think he’s Latino; he’s actually from Pohnpei, a Micronesian island. “I couldn’t even count the number of times that’s happened.”
Favorite off-duty bar: The Fifty/50 or Citizen to watch the Bears game (with a Miller Light in hand).
First drink ever: Sakau (also known as kava), a drink made from the roots of a pepper plant, popular in the South Pacific islands.
Next greatest skill: “I have an uncanny ability to make conversation with anybody.”
Vote for him because: “I take pride I what I do, and I work hard. I believe when you take pride in what you do, the rewards and benefits will always come.”


OLIVIA SHANKS, 31
Debonair Social Club and Sonotheque
Oddest bartending experience: A customer mistaking votive candles for shot glasses and drinking the hot wax. “He was delirious.”
Favorite bar for off-duty drinking: A dive bar where no one knows her, like Marie’s Rip Tide or Gold Star.
Next greatest talent: Designing clothing. “It’s my passion and my focus, and I think I’ve got a knack for it. Being a bartender has really afforded me the time and the ability to work on this.”
If she were a drink, she’d be: A shot of Jameson. “Straight and to the point [and] a little harsh at first, but I get the job done.”
Vote for her because: “I know how it feels to be thirsty.”

Ready to see our five finalists in action? Party at our Best Bartender Bash on Sept. 24. Voting starts now -- just scroll up to our poll on the top right of this page.

Lisa Arnett is the Metromix nightlife and shopping producer. lmarnett@tribune.com.