Behind the Bar with Marissa
Our “Behind The Bar'“ series highlights one of our team members, celebrating their unique contribution to the Tala experience. We believe the connection across the bar can be meaningful and impactful. Our team puts a smile on the faces of so many each day by simply serving delicious beverages and being an authentic presence in each person’s day. Learn more about what makes each person on the Tala Team unique with this personal interview.
Marissa has been a constant on the libertyville team at Tala since joining back in 2023. She loves befriending customers and making the perfect cup of coffee. When not behind the bar, she is usually curled up with a good mystery book and a warm miel in hand.
Q: How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
I would describe myself to someone who doesn’t know me as a sister friend, aunt, and wife. I’m funny, goofy, and try not to take life too seriously!
Q: What is your favorite part about working at Tala?
My favorite part about working at Tala is making drinks and connecting with customers. It's fulfilling to know that drink I made can brighten someone's day. I enjoy building relationships with our regulars and seeing their reactions when they truly love what we've made for them. It adds a fun and rewarding aspect to my job!
Q: What's your favorite drink to make vs to drink at Tala?
To make: Cappuccino. I love how tiny it is and it is fun pouring latte art.
To drink: Hot chocolate
Q: What is something that you wish people knew about you?
One thing I wish people knew about me is how much I love celebrating special moments, especially with our customers. Whether it’s a birthday or a new job, it’s always exciting to share in their joy and make their day a little more memorable.
Q: What is your favorite memory at Tala?
Becoming friends with Britt and Tayah is my favorite memory working at Tala. We used to work the Saturday morning shift together and called it the girl shift.
Q: Do you have a favorite customer memory?
Customers remembering and celebrating my masters degree. It was really touching when they asked about my progress and took the time to congratulate me once I completed it.
Q: What topic will always get you talking when you’re on the bar?
Books. I love reading mysteries and thrillers!
Q: What's a fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about me is that I'm really into true crime! I love watching documentaries, listening to podcasts like Crime Junkies, and reading books on the subject. I think my fascination started when I was little—my mom is a big fan of scary movies, so we'd watch them together, and it sparked my interest in the topic.
Q: What do you do when you're not at work?
When I'm not at work, I enjoy going for walks or reading. I’ve also been getting into sourdough baking—my tip is to treat the starter like a child, it needs constant care! I also love film photography and like to shoot film for fun!
Q:What’s your biggest hot take or most controversial opinion?
My biggest hot take is that bread is always the best part of any meal. No matter the type, I don’t discriminate. I welcome all kinds of breads!
Q: Who is your favorite musician? Why?
My favorite musician changes often, but right now I’m really into Maggie Rogers—I just think she’s so cool. As for a guilty pleasure, I love early 2000s The Fray!
Q: What is one thing you wish you were an expert at?
Playing kickball. That would have saved me years of anxiety in school. I also wish I was fluent in Spanish or French.
Q: If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you move and why?
The East Coast— it’s really pretty with lots of history.
Q:If you had a late-night talk show, who would you invite as your first guest?
My first guest would be Sophia Bush. I'm a big fan of One Tree Hill, and I think she’s so fun and cool!
Q: What modern thing would freak out a Victorian child?
A beverage over 20 oz.
Q:What made you smile recently?:
Right before this Mike (coworker) made my hot chocolate and knew I wanted it in the diner mug without me telling him.
Q: If you absolutely had to sing karaoke, what would be your go-to song?
I’d go with a Whitney Houston song. Her music is fun, and since everyone loves Whitney, I feel like the crowd would be forgiving no matter how I sound.
Q: What’s something you’re proud of but never get to brag about it ?
I'm really proud of earning my master's degree, especially since I was working full-time while studying.
Alo Ochoa
Alo is often found behind the bar at the Highwood Cafe. When she's not crafting drinks, she's listening to history podcasts or perfecting her latest baking creation.