Donovan White of Che's Lounge

Sitting in a black booth at Che's Lounge (346 N. Fourth Ave., 623-2088), wearing a black tank top that exposes his tattooed upper arms, shuffling through papers and a cell phone, White looks more than a little intimidating. After just a few seconds though, he makes you feel as though you've known each other for years.

The papers, it turns out, are homeowners' insurance forms for White's recently purchased home, his first. As for the tattoos, well, one is of the Cat in the Hat (which he got when he was just 15).

White, 34, has been tending bar for nine years, and has been at Che's since the place opened nearly six years ago. He says it's the perfect place to work and the perfect job; allowing him to meet exciting new people, be himself with his customers and display his artwork - all while making drinks and helping pay off a new mortgage.

"It's the same job everyday, but there's something different everyday," White said of bartending. And even though he's still just pouring drinks, "it’s random," he added.

But, as with any dream job, there are downsides. "Some people can't handle their alcohol as well as others." These people suffer from a condition White calls the "Jekyll and Hyde" complex. While the problems can be solved 99 percent of the time through talking, every so often things have to get physical.

White ended up in Tucson about thirteen years ago after deciding not to pay nearly $20,000 in tuition at a New York art school. He had lived in Tucson for about two years when he was a child, and has loved it ever since.

"There's not too much hustle-bustle," White said, noting that there are fewer day-to-day hassles in Tucson than in a big city.

A man of many hats, White is not only a bartender by night, but also a cartoonist and musician by day. He has a music studio at Solar Culture (31 E. Toole Ave.) and also creates artwork that can be seen hanging on the walls at Che's.

So, if money-waving, nickname-calling customers aren’t appreciated, what does White like to see in a bar patron? "Someone who respects the place and doesn't act like they're at home," he said. "They know the difference between a liquor store and a bar."

Signature drink: "Donovan's Watermelon Kisses: A fresh, watermelon-infused cocktail." While the ingredients won't be shared, White promises it will be a great summer drink that will be available as soon as watermelons are in season, sometime around Memorial Day.

Strangest drink order: "A Pink Lady: Gin, milk and grenadine."

Second favorite place to get a drink: "Plush and other Fourth Ave. bars." But when he wants a little anonymity he prefers Eddie's Cocktails on the eastside.

Music: "Live music that's entertaining and fresh, anything from country to a guy on a soapbox, so long as it's not repetitive."

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