Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
This week, check out Casey Dark. From a spry Shoney's stint as greeter and seater, to a sips slinger at Sammy's and Deep South, this flirty thirty-year-old master mixer has poured many drinks. Now, with an esthetics license under her belt, when she's not at work, she's ... at work ... trimming, tinting and taming tresses. But, for love of people, prattle and play — and people watching — this perky pro's passion is behind the bar at Noir Bar & Lounge, where she's been tossing off tipples to thirsty patrons a few nights a week for the past few months.
Hometown: Sanford, North Carolina. I'm a Lee County girl.
Your go-to bev: Used to be straight Goldschläger, but it’s probably better now that it's grape vodka with Sprite or Red Bull—depending on the time of night.
Drink you least like to make: A weak one [smiles].
One word coworkers use to describe you: It would depend on the coworker — but it ranges from goofy to hardworking to fun-loving.
If you had to, which of your coworkers would you trip and why? Definitely Beaver! [Cracks up] Because I would imagine it wouldn't be very graceful, and I could get a good laugh without him getting mad at me.
If a movie was made about your life, who would play you? Although not as leggy or as blonde, maybe Cameron Diaz — she seems to love life and adventure, and she smiles a lot.
In your car, your stereo is tuned to: If my Eagles or Bob Seger CD isn’t playing, it’s probably 100.7 The River — love my classic rock.
Fav song right now: Don't laugh, but it is and always will be "At This Moment" by Billy Vera and The Beaters.
Movie(s) you've watched over and over: "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." "It's just a flesh wound. 'Tis but a scratch ... A scratch? Your arm's off!" [Recites with a laugh].
Fav sports team, college or pro: Go Tar Heels! Used to have a crush on Montross...
Beer — domestics or imports: Either, as long as it's cold!
Fictional character with whom you most identify: Kenny from "South Park." You just can't keep me down! [Laughs].
Fav '80s sitcom: "The Simpsons," for sure. My parents didn't really like me watching it when I was little, but they liked it; so I thought that if I kept super quiet when it came on, they would forget I was even there. It seemed to work, too!
If we turn on your TV, it's on: Well, if I had cable, maybe the Discovery Channel, but I don't, so I don't watch a lot of TV. I'm more into reading, or better yet, my music.
Bigger train wreck: Heidi Montag or Lindsay Lohan? Is that a trick question?
You sometimes get mistaken for: This might sound bad, but on paper, people think I'm a man! [Laughs]. My first name is Justinn ... don't ask.
Your celeb crush: Johnny Depp — especially as a pirate!
People should know you: Have a mean headlock.
One thing you refuse to do under any circumstances: Wear pink.
Pet peeve: People that drive too slow in the hammer lane. "Clear a path people!" [Recalls "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective"].
Craziest thing you've been asked to do while bartending? Ride piggyback with a man in his boxers around the bar, and I did it! Love you, Salt.
What bar was this? Deep South.
What one thing do you wish you could tell people about patronizing any bar? Never whistle or holler at your bartender to get their attention.
A bartender's best friend is: Their barback and their tip jar.
People drink too much: I concur!
People don't drink enough: "High quality H2O" [Recalls Adam Sandler as Bobby in "The Waterboy"].
Drink for a hot summer night: Any kind of frozen beverage with a little fruit garnish is always refreshing ... and maybe with an umbrella!
Other bars in the Triangle you have worked: Hi5 back in the day; Sammy's; Nelson's, which is now Fosters ... again; and Deep South, which was always fun. Just to name a few.
If you're not at work, you are most likely: At work [laughs]. I currently have three jobs. So, either at Bottega Hair Salon or the Raleigh Amphitheater.
Best thing about drinking in the Triangle: For me, the fact that I live downtown on Glenwood and can walk to the bars, plus the people — fellow bartenders included.
Worst thing about drinking in the Triangle: [Laughs] Again, the fact that I live so close and it's all too easy to frequent the bars ... trouble!
Fav bar in the Triangle other than your own: Besides Noir? Hmm, that's a tough one. I guess it's not so much the bar I'm at, but the people I'm with.
