My passion for wine began when my family introduced me to the wines of my region: Languedoc-Roussillon, Bordeaux, Rhone Valley, Provence, Champagne, and Bourgogne while growing up in Toulouse, France. I learned the basics of French & Spanish cuisine at an early age in the kitchens of my mother and grandmother who instilled upon me the significance of time spent as a family at the table. As a student at the Institut Vatel in Nîmes I received a great foundation in hospitality and learned to experiment with different food and wine pairings. In the years that followed, I worked as a sommelier, wine director, sous chef, tasting room manager and retail operations manager in France, the Caribbean, Manhattan & Eastern Long Island.  Each position and location brought me to experience and appreciate food and wines new to my palate. With over 30 years in the industry, I have an extensive knowledge of wines from around the world and love to share my passion with a wide range of wine aficionados, all with different personalities and backgrounds. My cooking can be described as traditional French with Caribbean, Asian and American influences that engage the palate.  Living on the North Fork of Long Island so many quality foods are grown or raised locally so whenever possible I use produce, meat and seafood from our area.

In 2006 while working at a winery on the south fork I discovered an interest in woodworking.  The oak wine barrels of my trade naturally inspired me and I started to create a collection of handcrafted art pieces with used French Oak “Barriques”. Each year I add new pieces to my collection – all are handcrafted and unique.  

Background

Graduate of Institut Vatel Nîmes, France with world renowned Chef Paul Bocuse

Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers

Experience in professional kitchens includes:

Apprenti de Cuisine at Le Colombier with Chef Gérard Zasso in Toulouse, France

Commis de Cuisine at Les Oliviers in Bandol, France (***Michelin)

Sous Chef at La Mer in Grand Case, St Martin, FWI

Experience in front of house includes:

Food & Beverage Director:  The Quogue Club and St Georges Golf And Country Club

Retail Operations Manager, Peconic Bay Winery

Tasting Room Manager, Shinn Estate Vineyards

Retail Sales Manager, Wolffer Estate Vineyard

Wine Director/Sommelier in NYC, Town Restaurant, Josephs Citarella, Compass Restaurant