Audio By Carbonatix
For your Monday-morning enjoyment, meet Merly Bermudez, a dead
ringer for Penelope Cruz and the sexy bartender at Prime Italian. The 28-year-old
Colombian beauty is known for pouring potent cocktails and serving steak to bar
patrons at the upscale South of Fifth eatery. Guys, don’t order the tuna
tartare if you want to impress Merly.
New Times: What is the
sexiest item on Prime Italian’s menu?
Merly Bermudez: The short rib risotto. It’s hearty and rich.
It sums up Italian-American cooking in one dish. I like a man who has an
adventurous palate. If a man comes to the bar and just orders tuna tartare, I
will definitely bust his chops for that and try to get him to order a steak.
NT: How often are you
hit on? How do you handle lecherous customers?
MB: I am hit on all the time, by men and women! I’m a flirt,
but there’s a limit to what they can say and do. I like being behind the bar,
though, because they can’t touch you. Ultimately, if people are spending money,
I’m making money.
NT: Describe the scene
at Prime Italian.
MB: It’s crazy fun. There’s a mixed crowd of the hip, SoBe
clubbing scene with older couples and athletes. We have a lot of regulars.
NT: How do you unwind
after work?
MB: There’s a lot of adrenaline flowing after an eight-hour
shift. I always tell myself I’m not going out after work, but I definitely need
a drink. I get together with my co-workers and head to a local bar. I like to
drink Krome vodka.
NT: Have people told
you that you look like Penelope Cruz?
MB: I’ve been hearing that ever since she became a star. I
also get Salma Hayek. I take it as a compliment. They are both beautiful women.
I hope to meet them one day.
