The next time you order a drink when you're at the new Bellini's Ristorante, chances are good that it will be prepared by a movie star. Or a light heavyweight boxer. Or a guy who has bowled several perfect games of 300. Chances are good because it will be the same guy! Keith Abernathy is Bellini's chief mixologist and he definitely knows his trade.
In fact, he also happens to have been the runner-up in the Oklahoma Restaurant Association's Cocktail Showdown, which pitted the very best mixologists in the state in head-to-head competition on August 27 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
In fact, he also happens to have been the runner-up in the Oklahoma Restaurant Association's Cocktail Showdown, which pitted the very best mixologists in the state in head-to-head competition on August 27 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
The truth is, Keith is far too humble to volunteer any of the aforementioned facts. In a recent interview for this blog, he reluctantly acknowledged his accomplishments. The exchange went something like this:
Blog: Okay, the questionnaire shows that you like to bowl, right?
Keith: Yes
Blog: Uh, are you any good?
Keith: Pretty good, I guess
Blog: What has been your best score?
Keith: 300
Blog: That's a perfect game! You don't see a lot of amateurs doing that. When did you do it?
Keith: Well, I've done it three or four times.
Further interrogation brought out the fact that Keith has also been in two movies; Tuskegee Airmen, a popular film about a group of African American pilots who fought together in World War II. It featured well-known actors like Lawrence Fishburne, Courtney Vance and Allen Payne. Oh yeah, and, uh, Keith Abernathy was an extra.
He also appeared in the highly regarded movie in Oklahoma called Twister.
Keith also spent time competing in the ring as a well regarded boxer throughout the Midwest, including St. Louis, Tulsa and other major markets before settling down to pursue his successful career.
The John Marshall High School graduate and native Oklahoman has been at Bellini's for about 15 years, the last eight as its chief bartender, or mixologist. He's very proud of the quality of the food and service and atmosphere. And yes, he admits that he takes great pride in knowing how to mix an unforgettable drink for Bellini's customers.
