Philadelphia - December 11, 2007

Tender Loving Care

Theo Webb, Bartender at James

Dealing with most bartenders is like dealing with the Soup Nazi: Sit, fold your hands, and wait for them to notice you. Ask no questions, drink whatever they offer.

Not James’s Theo Webb, our favorite barkeep in the city. Go ahead and dare: Ask how old the whiskey is. What the vodka’s infused with. Whether the wine’s a good vintage. You’ll get no bitchy attitude from him.

His specialities? Fennel and black pepper gin and tonic, the perfect twist on a G&T. (It’s not on the regular menu, but now you know to ask.) Then have coconut and white pepper rum with ginger ale and fresh-squeezed OJ — hits the sweet tooth without a sugar rush.

What makes him more awesome? He concocts his own infusions at home. Up next: cigar-infused Scotch. He’s not sure how it’ll turn out.

But we’ll sidle up for a sip.

James, 824 South Eighth Street (215-629-4980 or jameson8th.com).