growing up, as his parents were avid cooks who always encouraged a sip at the

dinner table, taken from a bottle chosen from their growing wine cellar. A Chicago native, sommelier, and the current Wine Director of L2O, Richard worked his way up the ranks at Levy Restaurants (once serving high tea to the Queen of England one year) as their Fine Wine Expert, two years at One SixtyBlue, and eventually to Tru as head sommelier at the young age of 25. In 2011 he came to L2O and built one of the best white wine collections in the country, including the deepest collections of premier Champagnes in the city. Hanauer has also been awarded the Advanced Sommelier pin by the Court of Master Sommeliers, and will take the Master test in the coming years. Tune-in to this week’s episode to learn more about how to build and grow your wine cellar, and most importantly, learn to pair amazing wines with your favorite foods. Also find out more about L2O, Executive Chef Matthew Kirkley, and the way Richard chooses the best wines for the set menu. Thanks to our sponsor, Cain Vineyards.

“We can’t ignore the little guys – they’re fantastic with the food if you know the anatomy of the glass and what it’s gonna offer to the plate on the table.” [10:30]