I was brought on as a founding employee of Petit & Keet after working with several high-end Little Rock restaurants and bottle shops. I curate our award-winning wine lists for both concepts through rigorous tasting and research, meet with winemakers, host events and classes, educate staff and guests and do my very best to make wine cool.
Earning the title of certified sommelier was huge for me. The test is very difficult and most of the preparation is independent. Passing gave me the confidence to keep pushing.
Being in a field that is never-ending. I find something interesting and new every day. One person will never know it all, but it's fun to try.
From a young age I worked for my family's business. I like to think that I've treated every company I've worked for with the same level of commitment.
Not all Somms are snobs! Wine can be intimidating, but ultimately it's just juice. Real connoisseurs relax and enjoy a glass rather than try to one-up each other.
Staying on top of what's new, what guests want, what's available and balancing that with what I think you should be drinking.
There's more math involved than I'd prefer.
Have a glass of Champagne.
I get to be a party nerd!
