The Bar at Limelight Mammoth

There’s something warm and inviting about a good hotel bar. After checking into my room at the Limelight Mammoth, I decided that it was prime time for me to head to the bar.

I brought my computer down to handle some business and ended up making friendly conversation with another patron, who was also working on his computer. His dog was exceptionally friendly and a delight to pet.

I ordered my drink from Yvonne – who was absolutely fantastic. She made my Limelight Old Fashioned (Bourbon, Chai spiced maple syrup, black walnut bitters, lemon zest) with delicious care.

I actually got into a truly interesting conversation about the livable wage in Mammoth Lakes, the increase in brand name hotels that were being built and affordable housing. As most workers have multiple jobs, we made small talk about affordability of workers being able to live within the city of where they work. That’s when I learned that Mammoth has worker housing. It reminded me of my conversation at Mad Fritz Tap House, when I conversed with a chef from The French Laundry and learned about the Thomas Keller restaurant group’s work housing for their workers in Napa.

My conversation with Yvonne was exceptionally meaningful to me. And Morgan, the other staff member, was also awesome.

After debating on if I wanted to get a formal dinner in Mammoth Village, I decided to stay put and handle even more matters that needed my attention via emails. Instead of mentally going back and forth, I decided to order the Fennel Sausage (garlic cream, mozzarella, fontina, Tuscan kale, fennel pollen).

When it arrived, I must say that it was better than I thought it would be. Similar to Ajax Downtown at the Limelight Hotel - Denver, the food at the Limelight is impressive.

Apres Snowboarding

After snowboarding with Deja in the morning (Snowboarding Mammoth Mountain: Canyon Lodge), I returned to Limelight Mammoth, excited to write about the day. Immediately, the energy of the bar was thankfully MUCH different than the experience I outline below.

Taking a seat in the lounge, I enjoyed reflecting on my morning while I browsed the special Apes Menu, served between 3 – 5pm.

I decided on ordering the Chicken tenders and fries from the kids menu – and a straight pour of High West Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

This was actually the definition of after snowboarding perfection. As I sat next to the smokeless fireplace, I couldn’t help but reflect on the difference in energy between then and the previous night.

Well – what happened the previous night?

My first introduction to the bar area at Limelight Mammoth was - underwhelming. While I was taking photos of the outside area, I walked in on A Bartender talking shit about a previously occurred situation - which seemed related to Limelight as a company. When he saw me minding my business with my phone, he said "Oh shit!"

Which then weirded me out, as I hadn’t even been paying attention to him. But, I could tell by his energy and what I’d passively caught in his conversation that he was having an audible conversation with a fellow coworker that he had no business stating in front of a guest. And one thing I learned about myself during my experience at Kimpton Alton Fisherman’s Wharf - service etiquette matters.

After I assured him that I’d just been taking photos – and wasn’t taking a video of him – he said “Okay good” and pulled the co-worker out to the patio to continue their conversation.

In the words of Lily Allen during her song “West End Girl” –  “I thought that that was quite strange.”

An hour later, I found myself at the bar with my computer, wanting a cocktail while I worked on answering emails and communication. A couple I sat next to complained that they’d been waiting 20 minutes for their order of a glass of wine. Additionally, they were annoyed that The Bartender also hadn’t bothered to check on them during the course of their time at the bar. She called The Bartender self obsessed and narcissistic. Which was – true – from how I’d seen him work and attempt to smooze with other bar patrons. The Bartender clearly had – a type.  But what really got me was that woman was so angry at The Bartender, she told me and her husband that she would feel better if he didn’t have a job there, so he couldn’t serve anyone else at a Limelight property.

Whew.

Later, as Jim – another bar patron and I made small talk – The Bartender walked up to us and called us weird for having our computers out at the bar. I looked down at my computer and acted nonplussed as The Bartender explained that he used to be a famous snowboarder and how he was repped by an agent in Los Angeles.

But yet, you’re working at a hotel bar in Mammoth Lakes, California. Make it make sense, babe. Honestly, I felt like I was watching a one man show comedy performance at The Groundlings or Upright Citizen Brigade in Hollywood.

Later – after Jim left –  The Bartender in question came over to me and attempted to make small talk. I sighed as he asked if I skied or snowboarded. When I said snowboard, he then asked about my gear. When I answered Burton – he then proceeded to make fun of me in a rather sarcastic tone for having a Burton board, Burton bindings and Burton snow gear.

In Mammoth – where at the Limelight Hotel gear shop there are $2k+ Montclair snow jackets for sale?

Dude – really? Okay.

He then bragged about being a world class snowboarder who was repped by an agent in Los Angeles, told me his preferred brand of gear and told me that he started his own clothing brand with his “buddy”.

In the words of Lily Allen during her song “Fuck you” – “fuck you very, very much“.

It was exhausting – even as I tuned him out. As a result, I focused on only speaking to the other bartender, Yvonne and the bar person, Morgan.

Needless to say – I brought the lapse in service to Kamar, the front desk manager and it was handled appropriately. I also received apologies from the Nikki – the food and beverage supervisor – and the staff made sure to take care of me the next day.

Overall, I enjoyed my time at The Bar at Limelight Mammoth. The drinks were great and the conversations I had with other Mammoth locals were great. However, it would have been infinitely better if certain people practiced the basic decency of shutting up and being mindful of their conversations and personal presentation while at work.

May this serve as a warning. Don’t let your audacity to assume that your ego is bigger than the task at hand get you fucked up.

You never know who you’re talking to.

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