meet cha cha.
Massachusetts
Cha Cha | Massachusetts
Once again, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with an incredible woman who brings passion, creativity, and heart to everything she does. Sitting down with Mitchara aka Cha Cha for this episode of The Tasting Room was truly an honor. Her journey is one of unexpected beginnings, cultural pride, and intentional craft— I hope you enjoy her story as much as I did.
Unexpected Beginnings
Let’s be real—life has a way of tossing us into rooms we never expected to walk into. For Cha Cha, that unexpected room turned out to be a small, black-owned BBQ spot on the South Shore—Morrell’s BBQ. In 2017 after some time away traveling and living out of state, she returned home to Massachusetts not quite ready to clock back into corporate life... but bills were bills, and steady income called so she took a chance on herself…
“I accepted a position as a waitress,” she recalls. “But before I knew it, one hectic short-staffed night later, I was now a bartender!” That night sparked something new; what started as a makeshift solution that evening became a passion project, and eventually, a way of life.
Since then, her bartending journey has been largely self-taught, shaped by creativity, connection, and a deep love for the craft. And through it all, one name remains etched in her heart—Ms. Jeannette Buntin. “She trusted me, believed in me, and nudged me into a path that has now become a part of who I am today.”
The Moment That Changed Everything
When asked about a moment that left a lasting impression, her mind jumps straight to the 2019 Thirst Boston Expo — it was the beverage industry’s version of a music festival: high energy, eclectic, and full of discovery.
“It was more than just an event. It was an immersive celebration of the beverage community,” she says. “From bartenders and brand reps to educators and enthusiasts—it was electric. The energy, the collaboration, the inspiration... it showed me the full scope of what this industry could be.”
Honoring Heritage, One Sip at a Time
For Cha Cha, bartending isn’t just a job—it’s a cultural expression. A few years ago, she learned how to make Kremas, the rich, coconut-rum Haitian liqueur steeped in tradition. It’s since become her holiday ritual—a small batch here, a few bottles there, gifted or sold with love.
“It’s always reassuring to see the reactions from elders in the community,” she smiles. “They’re often surprised and impressed that someone born here in the U.S. could get it just right.”
And in those moments, she’s reminded that cultural preservation doesn’t have to be loud or performative, “sometimes it’s in the small, intentional acts—like preserving a family recipe and sharing it with love.”
The Art of the Garnish
When it comes to cocktail presentation, her favorite touch is subtle but impactful: dehydrated fruits and flowers.
“It might seem simple, but the dehydration process is truly a labor of love,” she explains. “It requires time and patience, but the end result is always visually worth it.”
Whether it’s a citrus wheel, pineapple slice, or rose petals, she sees each garnish as a way to elevate the drinking experience. “That’s what great bartending is about—intentionality in every detail, big or small.”
After Hours: Her Perfect Wind-Down
What’s her ideal end-of-day combo? Sweet and salty wings paired with a Tequila Cosmo. Simple and satisfying while being the cure to any kind of day.
Pulling Back the Curtain: The Realities Behind the Bar
“Behind every cocktail, event, or dish is someone pouring their creativity, energy, and emotion into an experience—with no guarantee of how it’ll be received,” she says. “It takes real passion to keep showing up, being vulnerable, and sharing your craft.”
But it’s not always fair. The industry still struggles with equity, especially on the corporate level. So when someone you know takes the leap to start something of their own, she encourages consumers to “support them! A referral, a repost, a kind word, a booking—it all matters more than you think.”
A Dream Dinner in the Desert
The TFLUXÈ table is set and Cha Cha has her mind made up. Picture this: A beautifully decorated, earth-toned communal table, set right in the middle of Joshua Tree. The occasion? An immersive tequila tasting through the ages—Blanco, Joven, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo, and Cristalino.
Guests of honor? Barack Obama, Rihanna, Frank Ocean, and Oprah
On the menu: Afro-Caribbean and Latin-inspired dishes, perfectly paired to highlight the complexity and richness of each tequila expression.
The vibe? Unforgettable.
It’s A Wrap!
Ya’ll know how much I love wine but when it comes to cocktails, Cha Cha is not to be messed with in the beverage world. You can find her on Instagram or if you’re seeking direct access to her inbox, send her an email at oncallcocktailsma@gmail.com and tell her Ty-Juana sent you!
xoxo,
Ty-Juana