photo: Lander/FJD
Meet Jacob!
The Class Act
interview: Derrick Reaves
There are those who blend in and merge into a crowd, and there are those who never could no matter how hard they tried. With his shock of red hair and bright smile, Jacob fits into the latter category. Not to say that these are the only assets that set Jacob apart from the pack. He’s a Minnesota boy who started out a young republican and, after a stop at the prestigious Yale School of Drama, ended up in New York City, reformed and redirected and immersed in Buddhism.
Ever the cultural adventurer, Jacob treats the world as his biggest journey, which affords him plenty of stories of which he loves to regale to patrons over one of his cool cocktails. It’s this disarming, energetic demeanor, coupled with a guileless personality, which also sets Jacob in a class of his own. He’s the one his fellow crew members refer to most as “funny,” and “charismatic.” From his opinion of the Mall of America, to dreams of a spiritual sojourn through India, to his pick for best movie based in his home state, get to know Jacob.
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Your hometown is popularized as the home of The Mall of America, the nation’s largest mall. Is it really all that?
No. It’s everything I dislike about American culture: consumerism, excessiveness and waste.
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Thich Nhat Hanh is a favorite author of yours. Are you a practicing Buddhist?
It is said if you meet the Buddha, destroy him. The challenge for me is not to be a follower of someone or something but to embody it.
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What teachings do you try to adhere to the most?
Buddha warned us not to claim him as the sole route to ending our suffering, thereby robbing ourselves of the responsibility for our own choices and behaviors.
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Are there any Hanh books that you would recommend?
He has written over sixty books. I recently read “Calming the Fearful Mind: A Zen Response to Terrorism.” It’s a great book [considering the current global soci-political climate] from both a personal and global perspective.
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What are some of your current hobbies?
Meditation, politics and Moi Thai, which is Thai boxing. I started training for the commitment, focus and inner strength.
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Best Minnesota-based movie: “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” “Fargo” or “Juno?”
“Fargo!” I Love the Cohen Brothers and Frances McDormand. She went to Yale drama. But, who doesn’t love “Drop Dead Gorgeous?”
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How long did it take you to lose that much-maligned Minnesota accent?
I don’t really have one because I grew up in the city. I have pretty flat vowels, which is very Midwestern.
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What is your dream vacation?
A spiritual sojourn in India, a motorcycle trip through South America, snow boarding through the French Alps and diving the Great Barrier Reef.
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Legendary actress Meryl Streep is another Yale School of Drama graduate. What is your top Meryl movie?
“Sophie’s Choice,” of course. But “Out of Africa,” “Kramer vs. Kramer” and “The Hours” are right up there!
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How do you keep in such great shape?
Good genes, fast metabolism and staying active, I guess.
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What advice would you give to a customer who’s just moved to New York in order to embrace their sexuality?
Do your thing, girl! Be you.
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Which ‘80s song best describes you: “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Bad,” or “Like A Virgin?”
“Like A Virgin.” I used to dance around my room to it. It was my first LP!
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What do you think makes a good bartender?
Smart, engaging, efficient and nice. Good looking is always helpful, too!
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What is the best part about working at G Lounge?
The G Lounge crew! We’re like a lil’ family.
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What is your favorite party at G Lounge?
Kute! The energy sets it apart from all other parties. It’s young and fun and people feel free to let go.
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What is your favorite theme night at G Lounge?
The Pride Luau!
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How has G Lounge changed since you started?
It keeps getting better!
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If you were a cocktail, which would you be?
Isn’t it obvious? A red headed…
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What cocktail would you recommend to at G Lounge newbie?
Our Frozen Cosmo or Frozen Peach Nip—especially the latter!
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You’ve become one of G Lounge’s most recognizable faces, how’s that for pressure?
Well, thank you! But I’m just happy to be here!