The Speakeasy: Interview with Cassie Womack, Bar Manager at Bidwell and Wicked Bloom, Operations Manager
I’ve been graced by Cassie’s skills for so many years, it’s hard to nail down when I first sat at her bar. Every time I take my seat she is on it with my fave, whiskey. Cassie Womack is a Bar Manager at Bidwell and Operations Manager at Wicked Bloom.
Cassie actually started out as a basketball player, playing overseas. She started bartending over fifteen years ago in college and then got back into bartending after realizing she loves the interaction with people. I’ve seen first hand how Cassie is intentional about building relationships with her customers.
Cassie recalls the onset of the pandemic, one day she went to work, on March 15th, and everything was suddenly shut down. Like many people, she was concerned about the effects of the pandemic on the population. Though her work at her full-time jobs ceased temporarily, fortunately, through her relationships she was able to stay employed at a local wine shop. Cassie is such a people person, and she missed her customers so much she decided to kick off virtual happy hours. Through the happy hours she was able to teach us all how to enjoy cocktails at home and have happy hour using whatever you have on hand. Cassie hopes to continue offering special cocktails for purchase and virtual happy hours to her customers.
Though Cassie is in a leadership position, her experience during this time has not been any different than her team, who she considers family. Cassie believes a family atmosphere makes everyone excited to come to work and makes customers feel comfortable. Everyone works, learns, and grows together. In this respect, she would never put her staff in situations that she would not put herself in, prioritizing safety during the pandemic.
Now more than ever it is most important for everyone to take care of themselves. Cassie encourages practicing self care and seeking out therapy if necessary to deal with the current changes in the world. She has continued to keep in touch with her fellow bartenders to encourage each other and keep their spirits up.
With the recent protests and outrage for equality and inclusion in the hospitality industry, Cassie has noticed that many people outside of the Black community are reaching in to to offer support, where none was offered previously. Though there is more awareness and support of the Black community, it is difficult to articulate the impact of that new “support” since the hospitality industry is not fully up and running. She adds that, “It will be interesting to see the state of the industry and how things progress as businesses continue to open their doors.”
“That is what bartending is all about, experiences, memories, and relationships.”
Anyone who misses their favorite bartender should check with them to see if they are offering drinks for delivery or pick up. Also join any virtual happy hours they may host to continue to maintain those relationships and bonds with your local bartender. Cassie believes that is what bartending is all about, “experiences, memories, and relationships.” Even a simple text or DM (direct message) to check on their well being at this time would be much appreciated.
I could not interview Cassie without talking about drinks. Though I always request a good whiskey recommendation, Cassie’s favorite spirit is tequila. Specifically, Casamigos at the moment. “Tequila is low in calories and clean.” Tequila is also very versatile. For more variety she recommends trying a Mezcal, which is similar to Tequila, but presents a more bold smokey flavor.
Cassie’s favorite thing to make is a grilled pineapple concoction. Slice fresh pineapple, glaze it with brown sugar, and grill it. Then infuse your favorite vodka or tequila for a kick of pineapple flavor. You can add soda and lemon if you like for a full cocktail. You can even make a (vodka) gimlet (traditionally made with 2 oz Gin, 1oz Lime Juice, ½ oz Simple Syrup).
I love grilled pineapple so I had to give this infusion a try. I went for the recipe Cassie told me that she enjoys most, with adjustments to my taste.
2 oz Grilled Pineapple Infused Civic Vodka (DC Woman-Owned )
½ oz Pineapple Juice
½ oz Tumeric Simple Syrup
½ – 1 oz Soda (I used Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water)
You catch Cassie at Bidwell in Union Market and Wicked Bloom. Cassie is kicking off her 90’s themed happy hours at Bidwell on Saturdays. These happy hours will be socially distanced with seating outside on the patio. Stop for some Social Distancing Shenanigans or to grab a drink to go.
You can follow Cassie on Instagram at @Cassien0va and @underground.bartender to be the first to hear about her upcoming podcasts.
Discover more from Flights and Foods
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
4,275 Comments
Urlaub
I visited various web pages however the audio quality for
audio songs current at this web page is actually excellent.
poolzubehör
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have created some nice practices and we are looking to swap strategies with others, please shoot me an e-mail if interested.
dwg288
I am no longer positive where you are getting your information, but great topic. I must spend a while learning more or working out more. Thanks for excellent information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
dewi288
I respect your piece of work, appreciate it for all the great posts.
Ich bin im Urlaub
Howdy excellent website! Does running a blog like this require
a massive amount work? I’ve very little understanding of computer programming but I
was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, if you have any ideas or tips for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off topic however I just wanted to ask.
Kudos!
togel jawa
Just want to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your
put up is simply cool and that i could think you’re an expert on this subject.
Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed to stay updated with coming near near post.
Thank you a million and please continue the enjoyable work.
dewi5000
This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.
dewi188
Hi, i believe that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to “go back the want”.I’m trying to find things to improve my website!I guess its good enough to make use of a few of your ideas!!
dewi11
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
pool bestellen
I gotta bookmark this site it seems very useful very useful
dewi11
whoah this blog is fantastic i love reading your articles. Keep up the great work! You know, many people are hunting around for this info, you can aid them greatly.
Situs Phising
Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was
extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say,
I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog
blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any recommendations for inexperienced blog writers?
I’d certainly appreciate it.
Scamming
This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Many thanks!
Where are your contact details though?
dewi11
Together with every thing that seems to be building within this area, many of your opinions are actually very exciting. Even so, I appologize, but I do not give credence to your whole theory, all be it exciting none the less. It appears to us that your commentary are not entirely justified and in actuality you are yourself not thoroughly confident of the argument. In any event I did enjoy looking at it.
countertopideas
Cabinet IQ Fort Myers
7830 Drew Cir Ste 4, Fort Myers,
FL 33967, United Stɑtes
12394214912
countertopideas
olxtoto link
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
slot gacor macau
Woh I like your posts, bookmarked! .
nagaspin99 login
I visited a lot of website but I think this one contains something extra in it in it
toto macau
I am constantly browsing online for articles that can benefit me. Thanks!
link gacor maxwin pragmatic play 2026
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Appreciate it!