TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | JAN 2019 19
By Alaina Loughridge
This job isn’t easy and we have a system that works usually, but after years
of fans clamoring for his attention, it is time: Douglas E. White aka Diablo
aka Dude. What did you do to me last night? Aka I thought we were friends
aka I never want to see you again is January’s Bartender of the Month! A
new year and the same friendly face to greet you behind that Wind Rose
creaking door! I know! Love me some Diablo and here is his story…
Born and raised with his two sisters and a brother in Macon, Georgia, Doug
did the routine of growing up and schooling it at South West High (No. It’s
not an alternative. I asked.). For many years after graduation, Doug did the
construction gig and literally can build you a new home from the footings
up. But we are working with cocktails now, so let’s stick with that. In 1999,
Doug took a random job on Talahi Island (the little one to the west of us)
and became enamored with island living and just like that, a new Tybee
resident was created (I think a girl was involved). Anyhoo, Doug was doing
his construction thing and dining every day at the Wind Rose.
One day the Rose was a cook short and Keith, the cook at the time, told
Nell (owner) to talk to Spicoli. Spicoli wanted a job at the Rose. Nell asked if
Spicoli could cook. The answer has led to a 16 year relationship of cooking,
bartending, plumbing, concrete, roofing, electric and everything in between.
Nell called Doug “Spicoli” for two weeks before someone kindly explained
that Spicoli is Sean Penn from Fast Times at Ridgemont High (now, if I have
to explain THAT, y’all are dead to me). So here we are front and center. I’ve
worked with Doug for a few years now and I am going to flat out admit, he
is my fave and I know a number of you are big fans, so here is the secret,
secret scoop:
Tybee Life: 19 years
Passion: MUSIC!!! Playing, listening, shucking, jiving and just thinking
music, everything from folk, bluegrass, pop, polka, classical, head
banging, metal, more metal and some extra metal. His favorite band
of all time is Amorphis if that helps you get centered into Doug’s head.
Grows Up: He wants to be “Alive.” Fair enough.
Spirit Animal: A River Otter – they are cheerful and playful creatures
that manage the waterways. Yes, that one made me step back as well,
but I can see Doug doing that...
Doug’s go-to drink is anything his hand
touches, but his specialty is called the
Honey Badger. It is chilled Wild Turkey
Honey with a Jager floater. Naturally, I had
to take one for the team. I honestly don’t
remember what happened after that, but
I’m pretty sure I had a good time because
they told me so.
Doug truly is a one-of-a-kind bartender and
if you can get past the spider web tattoo on
his Adams Apple and his downright hatred for stupid people, you should be
ok. Don’t make plans for the following day as you will be unable to get out of
bed … assuming you get there to begin with.
See you in the gutter my friends … Oh, and Doug is single, ladies ….
/www.riversendcampground.com