When Patrick Karlovec decided he needed to take a break from college, he was drawn to the food and beverage industry for the flexibility and income-earning potential. “I enjoyed it so much, I turned bartending into a career and never went back to school,” he laughed. “And here we are 26 years later.”
In 2005, Karlovec started looking to make a move away from the cold weather in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. When he discovered Charleston’s beach and foodie scene, he decided it was a match. He moved here and started bartending at Coconut Joes. When Shelter Kitchen + Bar on Shem Creek opened, he transferred there and stayed for 10 years. However, working the late-night shifts until 3 or 4 a.m. became tiresome, he said, and the time had come to make a change.
That’s when the opportunity arose to bartend at the Laughing Gull pool bar at Wild Dunes. Karlovec said he loves working there for its vibrant environment. “It’s the perfect backdrop for guests to relax poolside while enjoying delicious bites and an extensive selection of cocktails and mocktails.” The most rewarding part of his job at Laughing Gull, Karlovec said, is “Giving great service and facilitating a good time for our regulars as well as guests who are here to make fun memories.”
Karlovec added that his favorite drinks to mix behind the bar are what works well at the poolside establishment. That includes the island-style Frozen Painkiller, which he makes with aged rum, pineapple coconut cream and OJ. Alternatively, he recommends the Fire Island Fantasy margarita with Reposado tequila, charred pineapple, jalapeno and lime; the Magnolia Mai Tai with Caribbean rum, dry Curacao, benne seed orgeat and citrus; and the Seaside Southside with either vodka or gin with mint, cucumber and lime.
Draft beer options include Irish Red Ale, Pernicious IPA, Golden Isle Lager, Kona Big Wave, Mango Cart, Modelo, Island Wide IPA and Allagash White. Their craft brew list features selections from Commonhouse Aleworks, Original Sin Cider, New Belgium, Estuary, Wicked Weed and Stone Brewing. The wine list includes Blanc de Blancs, chardonnay, pinot grigio, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir. Karlovec said that zero-proof specialty beverages include Italian soda, iced chai with coconut and pineapple, a mojo with mint, cucumber, lime and tonic or a frozen strawberry drink with pineapple and coconut.
The bar menu offers a selection of small plates such as the jumbo pretzel, loaded nachos, a Caesar salad and fried chicken wings with buttermilk blue cheese or ranch with many dry rub options. Main plate options include the Laughing Gull burger, blackened mahi fish tacos, fried jerk chicken, chicken tenders or a black bean burger.
When Karlovec isn’t at work, he’s either playing golf or relaxing at the beach or pool. He said he enjoys a good outdoor happy hour overlooking the sunset as much as a fancy dinner out.
Although Karlovec is more of a beer drinker, he said, “At home, I enjoy making martinis, old fashioneds and margaritas for friends.”
By Sarah Rose
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