Chillin’ with Allison King

Actress Allison King can currently be seen in the film Baby Driver for which The New Yorker recently praised her performance, writing, “Amid the starry cast, the most natural performance comes from Allison King, who has a couple of short scenes as a teller in the post office. It isn’t just that she seems kindly, and genuinely vexed when danger looms; it’s also that, alone in a landscape of posturing, she makes no effort to be cool.”

King can also be seen in the film Thank You for Your Service, a movie based on the book of the same name, which follows the story of men who have come back after tours in Afghanistan with PTSD. King plays Linda Sanders, an overworked Veterans Affair Counselor who is battling the effects of the epidemic at work and in her home life.

Check out what Allison has to say about her home bar. Don’t worry, Allison, we don’t think it’s “lame!”

Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on.

12 Strong is a film set just after September 11 is about special forces going into Taliban controlled territory. It will be hitting theaters on January 19th, 2018. I also appear in an episode of Code Black in their new season. Thank You For Your Service is a film centering around PTSD of post combat veterans, with Miles Teller.

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

Stare at a wall? Hahaha no… but sometimes. I try to stay creative in other ways so I don’t only get my creative jones in my work. I like to bake, craft things, hike, hang out with my hubby, explore and see friends. I love going to movies and binging shows too.

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

I’m of two minds. I love a nice restaurant with tasting menus and wine pairings but I also really love a good pub with pub grub. When I travel, I like to get a little bit of the local fare but you can always find a good pub with a great menu and lively people watching.

What types of dishes do you usually order?

I’m a big fan of asking the servers what the most popular item is or what their favorite thing is. I was a server and cocktail waitress for a long time and they know the menu best and won’t steer you wrong. I try to eat light so go right to fish, but when I travel all bets are off and I’ll get the most insane thing I can find. I like to call it “Food Crimes.” I once had a sandwich, served open-faced with ground beef smothered in a thick cheese sauce and jalapenos and barbeque sauce. It was so good I went back the next night!

Do you cook?

Absolutely. During the week, I keep things simple and healthy. But holidays are balls out. My favorite is Thanksgiving: The Super Bowl of Holidays. I love the challenge of all that preparation and cooking. Plus, its basic theme is people gathering together over a feast made by many hands. It hasn’t been politicized or corrupted by consumerism. It’s still in its purest state.

What types of drinks do you order when out?

Martini, dirty, olives. Or a Manhattan.

Do you prepare drinks at home?

Not really, I’m a wine and beer girl at home. I feel like mixed drinks are best when someone else does the work. Like a massage.

Do you own a home bar?

I have a beautiful Art Deco bar in my living room but it’s currently holding cook books and take out menus.

What would you like your home bar to be like?

I’d love to be someone who really gets into mixology. I think it’s such a creative venture… I’m just too lazy. If I had a bar, it would have a few liquors: whiskey, vodka, and I’m currently obsessed with Chartreuse. I’d probably just drink them straight. So lame.

What is your favorite drink/cocktail?

I love a great cocktail served up at the beginning of a meal, perhaps with something salty like nuts. Then a paired wine with dinner. Then a great aperitif like Chartreuse or Port. But I also love beer with a burger or sushi. Or Margaritas with Mexican food. There’s a time and place for all of them!

Have you ever been a bartender?

Yes! For like three shifts. When I was in college I had a friend who offered to teach me by just putting me behind the bar of this great little club usually with just him bartending. I loved the energy and clientele and I hoped that after a month or two I could get a job somewhere else for real. Well, the boss showed up one night and he quickly 86’d me. So back to cocktailing I went.

Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram.