In the Drink

Born and raised in Chicago, Richard Hanauer was surrounded by food and wine

“The wines are strictly there to compliment the cuisine – my job is to complement the food.” [25:30]

— Richard Hanauer on In the Drink

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on In the Drink, Jeff Taylor, Head Sommelier at Eleven Madison Park, comes into the studio to show us what’s new and exciting in the world of wine. Tune-in to learn more about Jeff’s background to becoming head sommelier, and his latest updates from visiting the wine culture in Greece!

Jeff Taylor was born in Boston, MA and spent his childhood traveling throughout the United States. An opportunity to live in London during High School and frequent visits to Europe helped to solidify his passion for food and wine. He returned to the US to attend New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts were he received a BFA in Acting and a Minor in Philosophy.

Jeff’s tenure at EMP began in 2007 as a Kitchen Server. He then went on to be a Captain for 2 years before becoming a Sommelier in 2009. During his time at EMP, the restaurant has garnered 4 Stars from The NY Times, 3 Michelin Stars, Wine Spectator’s Grand Award, and James Beard Awards for both Best Wine Service and Best Restaurant in the USA. EMP is currently ranked #5 on San Pellegrino’s 50 Best Restaurants in the World. While at EMP, Jeff has had the privilege of working with two great Wine Directors: John Ragan, MS and Dustin Wilson, MS.

— Jeff Taylor on In the Drink

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meet sommelier Aaron Von Rock. Aaron was born in Maryland and had his first experience with wine at the age of three, stomping Concord grapes along with his siblings for the family’s homemade wine. Aaron’s first job in the field was at a barely legal age buying wines for the Baltimore Hotel, where he was introduced to fine wines.At Lincoln Ristorante, Aaron Von Rock has developed a 400-bottle, Italian list with general manager Paolo Novello. The wine list hopes to remove the distance from vineyard to table by making the selections accessible and telling the story of select vineyards and bottlings. The wine program is built to parallel and complement the cuisine of Chef Jonathan Benno, both with classical and cutting-edge selections. The cocktail menu is also curated by Aaron and highlights Italian traditional liqueurs and products in classic drink recipes. Tune in to this week’s episode of In the Drink as host Joe Campanele chats with Aaron about “Nero d’Avola face”, Negroni bars and extensive wine tastings. This program was sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

–Aaron Von Rock on In the Drink

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

SOMM is a film written and directed by Jason Wise, that focuses on the most difficult test you’ve never heard of – the Court of Master Sommeliers and the massively intimidating Master Sommelier Program. SOMM takes you on the ultimate insider’s tour into the world of mastering wine, and gives us an insight into those who put their personal lives at risk, their well-being, and often sanity to pull it off. Shrouded in secrecy, access to the Court Of Master Sommeliers has always been strictly regulated and cameras have never been allowed anywhere near the exam, until now.

On this week’s episode of In The Drink, Jason phones in to talk about the film, telling us his background inspirations, and insight into presenting these stories to various audiences, such as those not very familiar with the hurdles of becoming a Sommelier. Also starring in the film and here in the studio is Dustin Wilson, Wine Director at Eleven Madison Park, who describes the pressures behind taking the exam, his future as Wine Director at Eleven Madison Park, and of course, the experience of allowing Jason to film his story. Tune-in to learn more and find out about this incredibly amazing profession, the stories behind making the documentary film, and the future of the Sommelier world and wine industry. Be sure to check out the film at their Facebook page. SOMM opens June 21st in theaters and on iTunes! This program has been sponsored by Route 11 Potato Chips. Thanks to the Dead Stars for today’s music.

“If you find someone who puts everything on the line for something, you should always be around those people.” [28:15]

— Jason Wise on In The Drink

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patrick Cappiello, sommelier and wine consultant in New York City, comes into the studio on this week’s In the Drink to talk wine! Mr. Cappiello is the Managing Partner and Wine Director of Pearl & Ash Restaurant as well as Chef Sommelier for Daniel Johnnes La Paulée. Tune-in to learn more about the art of being a sommelier, and how Patrick broke into the wine industry after starting from the bottom as a waiter at TriBeCa Grill. Mr. Cappiello has 25 years of work experience in the restaurant industry, and as a result was nominated in 2012 for Wine Enthusiast “Sommelier of the Year”. Today’s episode has been sponsored by Bonnie Plants.

—Patrick Cappiello on In The Drink

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week’s episode of In the Drink, special guest Carla Rzeszewski comes in to talk about her history within the food and wine industry. She has spent over a decade working her way through the roster of food service positions, zig-zagging from Hawaii to California to New York. She counts Paul Grieco and Peter Liem as defining cornerstones in her growth, and is grateful to every teacher she has encountered along the way, usually over a glass and well-loved food. She currently resides as April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman’s Wine Director for The Spotted Pig, The Breslin and The John Dory Oyster Bar. Tune in to learn more about Sherry wine, and become more educated in wine today! This program has been sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Break music provdided by takstar.

—Carla Rzeszweski on In the Drink

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ivan Ramen is one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in NY right now, and the team behind the Japanese-inspired Clinton Street noodle-outfit joins Joe Campanale on this week’s episode of In the Drink. Meet ramen-guru and owner of Ivan Ramen, Ivan Orkin, General Manager Bill Reed, who is also partner at Brooklyn Star, and chef Mike Bergemann. The three explain the concept behind Ivan Ramen and share their love for Japanese noodle dish and the culture that surrounds it. From slurping techniques to the timing and temperature of ramen, learn how to best enjoy the satiating broth and noodle dish. Tune in as they taste some ramen on air and give listeners and sneak peak at what to expect when Ivan Ramen opens! This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Break music provided by Jerome LOL.

Mike Bergemann of Ivan Ramen on In the Drink

“There are different kinds of ramen. I tend to like a cleaner flavor. I’m a chef, so I like to send people home feeling good. I want the people I feed to have their mood uplifted. I tend to use less fat [in my ramen].” 27:00

Ivan Orkin of Ivan Ramen on In the Drink

“Ramen is supposed to be eaten loud. There’s an art of slurping.” [28:00]

–Bill Reed of Ivan Ramen on In the Drink

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the corporate wine and beverage director for the Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation (MARC) US, Olivier Flosse offers a wealth of experience garnered in France, the UK and New York City. In this position, Olivier is responsible for the award-winning wine collection at A Voce Madison and A Voce Columbus in New York, as well growth of the already impressive wine program at MARC’s award-winning restaurant, Morello Bistro, in Greenwich, Connecticut and Bistro du Midi in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as the development of wine programs at future MARC restaurants in the U.S. Under the direction of Olivier, A Voce Columbus was one of four restaurants in the U.S. to receive the Wine Spectator Grand Award in 2012. Flosse is also responsible for training the restaurants’ sommeliers and floor staff in all aspects of the wine and beverage service, as well as the wine and spirit purchasing in the US. On this week’s episode of In the Drink, he speaks to the importance of ensuring a guests happiness while drinking and stresses that the communal experience of wine is more important than the knowledge base. This program was sponsored by Bonnie Plants

“Service is not something you’re just doing for two hours to get your paycheck. It’s something you have to have inside.” [28:00]

–Olivier Flosse on In the Drink

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Speed Rack is a national cocktail competition featuring top female bartenders in key cocktail markets, putting them head to head in round robin style timed and judged challenges. It is the first competition to highlight the up and coming generation of strong women in the spirits industry. 100% of the proceeds from the events they produce goes to breast cancer education, prevention and research. On this week’s episode of In the Drink, tune in as Joe Campanale chats with the ladies behind the competition, Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero. Pastry Chef Johnny Iuzzini, who will be a judge at Speed Rack, also joins the show to explain how he will be critically tasting the drinks at the competition. Find out how Speed Rack started, what makes it so unique, and tune in for a special on-air cocktail! This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

“It was hard for a woman to become a ‘mixologist’ because we look stupid in suspenders and can’t grow a mustache!” [18:00]

–Ivy Mix on In the Drink

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill Fitch, wine director of Vinegar Hill House and recently opened Hillside talks about his experiences in the wine industry. He discusses the trends of wine, especially in Brooklyn and the Brooklyn food and wine scene. Bill had to have surgery to gain a sense of smell, and upon gaining his sense of scent, was obsessed with smell which led him to wine. In Portland Oregon, he had his first wine related job in a wine cellar, learning all he could about wines. He came to NYC in 1998 and worked at Il Bucco. Soon after, he began putting together wine lists for various NYC restaurants. Currently, he splits his time between Paris and New York City. Today’s show was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

–Bill Fitch on In the Drink

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.