Behind Bars: Bartender Chad Chupurdia spills his secrets

The newly revamped Bombay Martini Club caters heavily to a laid-back crowd that likes not only the art of a flavored martini, but also the work of local artists. Bartender Chad Chupurdia has three favorites behind the bar: the Eve Appletini, the Bombay Blast and the Blue Dolphin. Each martini is served in a slightly different glass, some with straight stems, some curvy and blue.

The Eve Appletini comes with Absolut vodka and Apple Pucker, served in a sugar-rimmed glass with a cherry. The Bombay Blast, the club’s signature martini, is made with Citron vodka, pomegranate liqueur and a splash of cranberry juice. The Blue Dolphin also contains Citron vodka, but gets its blue flavor and coloring from blue Curacao, before a splash of sour and pineapple juice is added. “I like all the different flavors,” Chupurdia said.

Fellow bartender Darlene Davies agreed. “Some people thing of martinis as being a real strong drink, with straight vodka or gin. They’re flavored vodka. They’re not all out strong drinks like an old-fashioned martini,” Davies said.

The club has recently made some changes, the biggest one switching from a smoking to a non-smoking establishment, and adding a martini bar with close to a dozen flavored martinis. The place also hosts musicians like the The Islanders, who play music from the 60s to today, and the Groove Kings.

“The place has completely transformed. It’s no longer a nightclub atmosphere. It’s Island trendy. It’s a very fun casual place to be, so that you can enjoy a martini or any other cocktail you could imagine,” Chupurdia said. Happy hour is from 4 p.m. to midnight and the special changes each month.

The interior was renovated and local artists’ paintings and photography fill most of the walls inside. One wall features a mural of mermaids, some drinking cocktails, painted by local artist Tracy Gudgel. It’s Davies’ favorite wall. “They’re all so pretty, and the mermaids are drinking martinis and cosmos,” she said.

The newly revamped club will hold a grand opening party in November, with music, food and drink specials. Musicians that play at the club will be on hand, as well as the artists whose work adorns the walls. Other artists include photographer Joel Gewirtz, marine artist Tara O’Neil and photographer Arleen Perrotti. The club is looking for a few more artists to finish their display.

Much like these artists, Chupurdia thinks of himself as a cocktail artist when it comes to making martinis. “It’s very creative. I can’t paint a picture, but I can make a beautiful martini. It feels different. There’s more pride in it. I’d rather make someone a beautiful martini than just any old shot. It’s an art form – making a beautiful martini – it definitely is,” Chupurdia said.

If you go...

Bombay Martini Club

695 Bald Eagle Drive

4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Wednesday through Saturday

389-9100