Welcome to Black Tastemakers, an occasional series that highlights African-American excellence and influence on the Fayetteville area food scene. Nominate Black culinary professionals and entrepreneurs by emailing tshook@gannett.com.
A Fayetteville woman who got her start by selling artisanal spiked Jello shots is shaking up the bar scene with luxury cocktails at some of the city’s hottest events.
The light-up rose gold bar of Bella Melange Mobile Bartending Service, owned and operated by Danielle Sheikh since 2018, is just as striking as the glittery, colorful drinks served with over-the-top garnishes.
“It’s upscale, luxury bartending,” Sheikh said.
The 41-year-old mother of four, who runs the business on top of a traditional nine-to-five job, said she doesn’t have any traditional bartending experience. But what she does have is a mind for cocktail artistry.
“I love when clients say, just fix me a good drink,” she said. “It allows me to tap into that creative side without compromise.”
While her Jello push-pop shots first took off for their imaginative flavors and ability to withstand the Carolina heat at summer events, Sheikh said that her focus is now on signature cocktails.
For instance, the Blue Lagoon: a layered apple and blueberry cocktail topped with a coconut rum or cognac float. The drink was served at the R&B at Festival Park event in early October.
“It reminds you of being in the islands somewhere,” she said.
Many of Sheikh’s elixirs are rooted in a sense of place. A fruity sweet tea, the Porch Swing, is reminiscent of summer days hanging out on the porch, while the colors of the Under the Tuscan Sun Martini mimic the skies of central Italy.
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The California native said her mobile bar services take her all over the country, but she would someday soon like to establish a brick-and-mortar spot in the Fayetteville area.
For now, she has her hands full — she’s fully booked through the end of February — and is developing a seasonal menu.
Fall offerings, like a candy apple margarita, are sweet with a little spice, she said.
“It’ll be something warm, something cozy, something inviting,” Sheikh said.
With service offerings that can be scaled to fit a range of budgets, Bella Melange services all kinds of events, from wedding receptions and baby showers to homecoming celebrations and birthday parties.
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Most often, she works solo, but some events require a team of up to four bartenders, Sheikh said. Regardless, she said clients love the experience.
“They love the drinks, they love the whole set-up,” she said. “It’s something you have to see up close.”
Food, dining and culture reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at tshook@gannett.com, on Twitter, or Facebook. Want weekly food news delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the Fayetteville Foodies newsletter.
