Belly Up for a Good Cause: The Uninsured Bartender

Unfortunately, there is no bartendercare.

In this era of the celebrity mixologist, it's easy to forget that many a bartender is uninsured. And while most aren't playing with fire, they are shaking hard enough to cause a repetitive strain injury. Not to mention the everyday danger of walking around uninsured. Next Monday, February 21, the New York chapter of the United States Bartenders' Guild will host a benefit at Freemans Upstairs to raise money for a fellow barkeep who got stuck paying for his medical bills with tips.

The event will feature drinks slung by Jim Kearns of Peels, Jason Littrell of Death & Co., and Marshall Altier of 1534. A $40 ticket buys you unlimited drinks, snacks from chefs Preston and Ginger Madson, and a performance from folk-rock trio the Crooners. Proceeds will go toward Tim Monaghan, who has worked at Peels and Hotel Delmano, and was recently hospitalized.

Have a restaurant tip or other food news? Send it to fork@villagevoice.com.

And follow us on Twitter: @ForkintheRoadVV.