"Always Be My Baby"

We met 32-year-old A.D. on a vibrant afternoon in Portland at Eem, a Thai restaurant buzzing with music, chatter, and the warm hum of energy. He was behind the bar, completely in his element, moving around to create unique drinks with the kind of grace that only comes from someone who loves what they do. After our meal (which did not disappoint), we struck up a conversation that quickly turned into a story.

A.D., short for Adrian, was born and right there in Portland. He's built a life rooted in the city by friends and family, but his eyes are starting to wander. When asked what song reminded him of growing up, he paused only briefly before landing on "Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey. His aunt Elizabeth used to play it on repeat, and A.D. around 6 at the time, soaked it in. Mariah's spirit and vocals lured him in and it has been a grounding force for him ever since. "I kinda grew up with her," he told us, explaining how The Emancipation of Mimi later deepened his love for her music.

A.D. has been working in hospitality since he was a teenager. He fell in love with hospitality at age 14, and since then, he's worked all through the city: college events, fine dining, even bartending at a retirement center. But Eem, where he started as a server and now bartends full-time, has been his favorite. It's fast-paced, full of energy, and the staff is truly a team. During those rushes, EEM transforms into what he calls a "high-energy machine," and he thrives as a key part of it. Comfort in chaos. Of course, not every moment is perfectly polished. He laughed as he recalled one night behind the bar, feeling a little too confident with the cocktail shaker, only to smack himself square in the forehead. The result? A bright blue Band-Aid and an early end to his shift. It's those moments—both chaotic and comical—that make the job feel real, and memorable.

Still, change is calling. After his first real vacation to Chicago, he knew it was time. Portland will always be home, but A.D. wishes to see more, meet new people, and experience more of the world. Chicago's vibe, especially downtown, felt like it was calling to him. Now he's planning to move, hoping to bring his bartending skills and upbeat attitude to a new city. When we asked what drew him to hospitality in the first place, his answer was simple: "I love talking to people." He's found confidence behind the bar, learned how to hold space for others, and grown into himself in the process.

He also left us with a reminder that felt like the heart of everything he'd shared. "Tell the people you love that you love them. For real. Life's short."

Back at the bar, the ice is rattling, the music is playing, and A.D. is already mixing whatever comes next.