This season’s inaugural bartender of the week is somewhat of a local celebrity. Serving up cocktails at The Wharf for twenty years now and simultaneously organizing one of the largest local fundraisers for cancer patients, Judy Conway is a force to be reckoned with. Judy counts herself among the original staff members of local favorite The Wharf. This is her second year back at the waterfront hot spot since its grand re-opening last summer season. “They called all of us back last season…It’s really fun because we have a lot of memories to talk about,” explains Judy. Conway first moved to the area twenty four years ago when she purchased a home in North Wildwood. Then a bartender in Philadelphia, Judy settled into her new position at the Wharf smoothly and has since become a legend for her fresher than fresh mojitos, garnished with mint picked from her own personal garden. Judy recommends the raspberry mojito for this summer season, as she proudly displays her jar of mint picked just this afternoon.
It’s also all about the “Strawberry Blonde” this year. Three Olives Strawberry Vodka, Half & Half, and a splash of cranberry are shaken by Judy’s very professional hand in order to make this innovative new cocktail. Wharf patron Marlon, a former employee himself, also gives his personal recommendation for Judy’s Chocolate Martini, a sweet summer treat. What’s the best thing about being a part of the Wharf experience? “We have a lot of fun. And it’s only gotten better over the years,” says Judy with a smile. In her down time, Judy, a cancer survivor, organizes fundraising events hosted by an organization she founded herself having beat the disease thirteen years ago. Committee members of “SOC’s” are also all cancer survivors and host a massive fundraiser at Lighthouse Pointe each August, attracting crowds of nearly 800. All proceeds are distributed to local cancer patients in order to help them meet treatment expenses. Truly an inspiring local figure, Judy Conway is a star behind the bar.
By Megan Kummer