The S.B. Questionnaire: Robert Mendez
Chatting with the Best Nightlife Promoter in Santa Barbara
He specializes in gay events, which are more like extravaganzas. He’s in charge of the Wildcat Lounge’s Red Room, the Sunday night affair that’s billed as “Santa Barbara’s Premier Gay Club Night” but is really the most energetic nightlife scene in the city, with great music, male go-go dancers, drag queens, and incredible amounts of fun. It’s also usually the Wildcat’s most profitable evening of the week, and about half of the attendees are straight people looking for a good party. Robert sure knows how to deliver that. He’s also the entertainment coordinator for the Pacific Pride Festival, and recently has started a gay lounge night at Globe.
Sitting at the newly opened Bobcat Room, adjacent to the Wildcat, over a cocktail, Robert is humble, passionate, and selfless. He feels that it’s extremely important for him to be doing all of what he can do for Santa Barbara’s gay community.
The man who owns the nightlife answers the Proust Questionnaire.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I would say one of them is Harvey Milk, as he was one of the first openly gay persons to be elected into public office.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Eight years of sitting on the Pacific Pride Festival committee and being a part of the success of our pride festival for our community. And hosting Red Room on Sunday nights for 13 years!
Who do you most admire?
Professionally it would be my boss, Bob Stout. He has taught me so much about the nightlife industry and I truly look up to him. Personally my mom and sister, two of the strongest women I know.
What is your most marked characteristic?
The passion I have for my job, life, love and friendships
What do you like most about your job?
The creative freedom I have to put into my events and all the passion we all have at Wildcat to give our customers the ultimate nightclub experience.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Curled up on my couch with a fire in my fireplace, a nice glass of wine, and complete silence.
What is your greatest fear?
Heights and with that comes the fear of flying so that keeps me from traveling, something I need to get over!
What is your greatest extravagance?
Traveling and I wish I did more of it but the fear of flying sometimes keeps me from doing this!
What is your current state of mind?
Excited! So many amazing upcoming events I am working on.
What is the quality you most like in people?
People who can stop and take a minute to enjoy life, live in the moment, and enjoy some good wine!
What is the quality you most dislike in people?
People who are late!
What do you most value in friends?
Loyalty and honesty. I am so blessed to have a great circle of friends
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
The word amazing. I get teased so much by my friends because I use it all the time
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be able to sing!
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My weight. It goes up and down but mostly up because I love food!
Where would you most like to live?
Exactly where I am at! I love Santa Barbara and would never live anywhere else
What is your most treasured possession?
Family memories.
Who makes you laugh the most?
Definitely my good friend Tie — every conversation I have with him has me laughing!
What is your motto?
Live life to the fullest!
On what occasion do you lie?
About how many times I work out in a week!
