Delve Into Dining and Drinks with The Six Pack's Ann Marie Del Bello

Passionate hospitality professional Ann Marie Del Bello has had her hand in everything from catering for the Olympics to growing a fast-paced, fluid bar team for local, seasonal-fare sourced New York restaurant Loring Place. Get the skinny on The Six Pack's master mixologist.

Q: What inspired your decision to work in the beverage and hospitality industry?
A: I went to the University of South Carolina. I started out like so many which was undecided. South Carolina actually has one of the best hospitality schools in the country. I walked into the college and I knew immediately that is where I needed to be. I had an incredible college experience that opened many doors.

Q: Your parents are teachers; how has that influenced your career pursuits?
A: It's funny, numerous people I went to high school with became teachers. I was surrounded. I of course wanted to be different. As time passes, you start to really look at yourself and realize how much you are like your parents... You can't help it.

Q: Tells us about your favorite event you've worked.
A: I worked the Beijing Olympics, catering on the Olympic Grounds. One of the best experiences of my life.

A post shared by Ann Marie Del Bello (@amdb___) on Feb 22, 2017 at 3:43pm PST

Q: Whats your favorite cocktail right now?
A: Bamboo. It's a cocktail that has sherry, vermouth, and bitters. Sherry and Vermouth are two categories that are misunderstood and underrated. I always to try shed light on these.

Q: Whats the most popular item you currently make?
A: Our most popular item is the spicy cucumber margarita. All things people love: spicy, cucumber and tequila.

Q: If you were at home with a fully stocked bar, what drink would you make yourself this evening?
A: I tend not to drink at home, but if I was alone, a big glass of sweet tea. If I was with friends, sweet tea or sherry or champagne.

Q: What would you like to change most about the bartending world?
A: More collaborations with food, wine, hospitality.

Q: You're now working as a beverage manager at Loring Place. What was the impetus behind transitioning from ABC Cocina?
A: The chef.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What's next for Ann Marie?
A: Happy, surrounded by those I love. Experiencing all that is available to me... Being present.

A post shared by Ann Marie Del Bello (@amdb___) on Jun 25, 2017 at 1:23pm PDT

Q: What part do you play in the LGBTQ community?
A: This I am quite proud of--I am the pitcher on a lesbian softball league, six years strong. Beyond that, I am who I am, my friends are from all different backgrounds. I am a proud lesbian, but I am a proud female, proud daughter, proud sister, proud aunt, proud friend, proud employee. My sexual preference does not define me, but rather it is just a part like the lime in the margarita.

Find out more about Ann Marie in the third episode of The Six Pack, presented by Coors Light.