To qualify for a nomination in the Cool Bars, Hot Bartender series on What’s Cooking Maui, one must be 1) utterly fabulous 2) best in the business 3) extremely good looking and 4) mix drinks at a very cool bar. If you’ve been to Hula Grill’s outdoor bar lately, the one with the best views and vibes and Maui, we are sure you’ll understand why Peter Stanmeyer is being featured as this week’s Hot Bartender.

Just back on island from a month in Bali where he successfully realigned his mind, body and soul during a at a yoga mastery retreat, I easily coaxed his fluid, compliant, in-tune-with-the universe self into sitting a spell after his shift and sharing a little insight into what makes him so darn … good.

WCM: How did you get here
Peter: Wow! Big question. You mean the universal here or me here on Maui?

WCM: Let’s start with the later, since I’ve already had one Kendall-Jackson.
Peter: Ah! I arrived in 2003, at first lived upcountry, worked on boat, then through a connection with Duke’s in Malibu, I moved to the west side and started working at Hula Grill.

WCM: That was six years ago. You must love it. What’s the best thing about working at Hula Grill?
A svelte blond tourist saunters by wearing a tan, a smile and a mini…
Peter: (grinning) The views, of course.

WCM: Both day and night?
Peter: Yep. But I like the weekend day shifts best. The views are incredible and everything is more relaxed. It never feels like work.

It Doesn't Look Like Work, Either

WCM: When you aren’t here, feeling as if you aren’t working, what do you do outside of work to not work?
Peter: Surf. I do all the water stuff …that’s why I’m on Maui.

WCM: Favorite surf spots?
Peter: Honolua Bay in the winter, Lahaina any other time.

WCM: Ever thought about trying stand-up paddle? Everyone’s doing it.
Peter: Yeah, I might, and kite boarding seems to be calling out to me lately.

WCM: Back to your job … how do you handle prickly situations?
Peter: As they come. Stay in the moment, be kind, keep a generous heart and things are usually easy to resolve.

WCM: Where is this yoga retreat again?  Wow. Have you always been so centered?
Peter: I try to stay in the moment and read the situation.

WCM: There’s a lot to do behind that bar. How do you handle the serving, bussing, cleaning, mixing, shaking and counseling all at the same time?
Peter: Did you say “counseling?” Yeah, there’s plenty of that, too. The rest I do with ease; it’s just one thing after the other. Take it as it comes.

WCM: You are privy to lots of socializing as a bartender. How can you tell if a relationship is going great or about to crash?
Peter: You mean my own or the patrons?

WCM: Any difference?
Peter: Good point. There are universal cues – lots of eye contact, touching, smiling – when things are going well. We can all tell when a couple is having a bad day.

WCM: Yes, it happens and it’s not usually a secret to others.
Peter: People always think bartenders can’t hear what they are saying. To the contrary, sound is amplified back there.

WCM: You mean you hear everything??
Peter: Everything.

WCM: So in your job discretion is the better part of valor?
Peter: Yup.

WCM: Fill in the blank. If I never saw another _____________, it would be too soon.
Peter: I’m pretty accepting of everything. I guess I’d say “TV.” I wouldn’t miss that much.

WCM: Finish this sentence, “If I didn’t work at Hula Grill, I’d….”
Peter: Not work at all. There’s nowhere else I’d rather work and nothing I’d rather do.

Peter Most Enjoys the Views from Hula Grill Bar

WCM: What’s your favorite pour?
Peter: For myself or patrons?

WCM: If someone were to buy you a drink…
Peter: It would have to be Whiskey.

WCM: Brand?
Peter: Woodford Reserve, or a nice Kentucky bourbon.

WCM: I’ll bet you make a mean Manhattan?
Peter: A touch of vermouth is the only thing I’d ever add to whiskey. And yes, I do.

WCM: Anything else you’d like us to know about you?
Peter: Oh! Yes, I also love margaritas – Patron and a little Cointreau.

WCM: It’s easy to see you really love your work, Peter. Thanks so much for all you do to brighten the world here in Maui. Say, can I buy you a drink?
Peter: Aloha! Mahalo!

"Do what you love; love what you do" seems to be Peter's mantra.