Meet Buster Robbins John Marsh | Highballers Co-Hosts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Buster Robbins John Marsh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Buster Robbins, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Simply put, good drinks, good food, good friends. All of these things combine to make for good experiences, and that is what life should be about.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Buster (she/her): “I come from the world of theatre, concerts, and performing arts. Working in that industry made content creation come pretty natural, despite usually being behind the curtain rather than in front of it. I think if that world really taught me anything it was how to think on my feet. Learning new skills is absolutely necessary in a world of constant change, especially in online spaces. John is always giving me a master class on cocktails, and we thought that it might be a good concept for an online show. The Cocktail Channel was something Marla Watson and I envisioned many years ago. Today we are finally in a position to work on the shows we want to produce.”

John (he/him): “This year is my 40th year in the food and wine business. I started as a busser and have done everything from waiting tables to bartending to owning my own restaurant. I have known Joe Groves since kindergarten. Just before the pandemic, I went to work for him as a restaurant manager. I am now Beverage Director for Amicus Corporation, which encompasses Ellen’s and The Cocktail Channel, among other enterprises. Being a part of the The Cocktail Channel as co-host of Highballers allows Buster and me to show classic cocktails and new creations. We hope people will enjoy learning about them and making them at home.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Buster: “Whatever John says. He always picks where and what we eat and drink when we are out. I’m am all for it. I have enough decisions to make any given day.”

John: “First of all, we’d have to have brunch at Ellen’s. I think the Dallas World Aquarium in the West End is a great place to visit within walking distance of Ellen’s. It would be a toss up between Armory D.E. and Ruin in Deep Ellum for drinks and snacks. Actually, why not both? White Rock Lake has great walking and biking trails to work off those drinks. Lounge Here on Garland Road is another great dining option with great drinks. Cry Wolf is a bit of a hole in the wall kind of joint, but is an absolute must. If you’re looking for fresh seafood, you have to go to Lover’s Seafood. For live music, there’s always something to catch at the Kessler or Granada theatres.”

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Joe Groves, Marla Watson, and Ellen’s Restaurant. We would not have come together as collaborators were it not for those two people and that restaurant.

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Image Credits
First Image: Alycia Savage of Savage Studio (https://www.instagram.com/asavagestudio) Second Image : None