#SommChat Guest Beverage Director Jake Lewis, Momofuku Restaurant NYC

10/19 Beverage Director Jake Lewis, Momofuku Restaurant NYC

@hungrywino

Gourmet Delights @exceptionalfood: Double Walled Insulated Wine Cooler gourmet-delights.com/wine-cooler.ht… #WineWednesday #winelover #foodies #kitchen #SommChat pic.twitter.com/VRoFW5jix9

Gourmet Delights @exceptionalfood: Every Wednesday at noon EDT join us for #SommChat hosted by @KeeperColl gourmet-delights.com/twitter-food-c… #wine #wiyg #foodies pic.twitter.com/6GtJJtPmor

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Welcome 2 #SommChat every1! join us 2 hear abt #wine w/ Beverage Director Jake Lewis @hungrywino, @momofuko Restaurant #NYC on #SommChat !

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: We’d like 2 introduce you to Beverage Director Jake Lewis @hungrywino, @momofuko Restaurant #NYC! #SommChat #WW

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: dive in w/ ?s, so S/O 2 Beverage Director Jake Lewis @hungrywino, @momofuku Restaurant #NYC & say hello so he knows UR here! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Don’t forget to include #SommChat on EVERY tweet in order 4 every1 2 C see it! #WineWednesday

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: you can ask him Ur Qs to @KeeperColl as well! He’ll do his best 2 answer all Qs in order #SommChat #WW

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Looking forward to the questions! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: W/so many participants gr8 Q's R asked! Even if u dont ask 1, S/O 2 Jake Lewis @hungrywino on @KeeperColl 2 let us know u R here! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Let’s start talking with @momofuku Restaurant #NYC Beverage Director Jake Lewis @hungrywino about #Wine on #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #SOmm @hungrywino : What has been the most challenging part of overseeing such a diverse group?

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Good Question. Empowering our bev team to do what they need, and putting infrastructure in place to operate within #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @hungrywino How did you get started in the industry - was it #wine or #food first? #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Food first. Wanted to open a pizza and sandwich shop when I was 16. Took wine class at @HiltonCollege and life changed #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr shy #SommChat peep: what are some of your fav #Champagnes that won't break the bank @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Always a tough question. I like smaller producers, like Chartogne Taillet and @champagnesavart and Vouette et Sorbee #SommChat

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: Q Good morning @hungrywino how did you get your start in wine biz & whom are your mentors? Thanks #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @SandyWasserman Started at Pappas Grill in Houston right outta @UHouston working with @drewhendricksms and the Pappas Bros crew #SommChat ..

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @SandyWasserman I moved to MN and TO and worked with @MasterSomm and Jenn Heuther mostly there and they were fantastic help #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Great to see @SandyWasserman on #SommChat today - hope you are having a great #WW

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: So far so good, hope all is well where you are. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl:@SandyWasserman all is good here in #Austin thanks for asking #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @hungrywino How many years have you worked in #food/#wine industry and what made U move from #Texas to #NYC? #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q. @Eater wrote about @momofuku's Instaram-era wine list, @hungrywino how do you tell the story of other beverages? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @CharlesComm @Eater @KeeperColl That particular wine list is Ko's, elsewhere we tell of quality production and relation to food #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino:@KeeperColl Much more old world, and back vintage wines, and less California here in NYC. You can get anything you want here #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @CharlesComm great to see u here on #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what R some of the main differences BW #Texas & #NYC #wine scene @hungrywino

Kaki Miller @kaki_miller: @hungrywino Thanks for being here! As a wannabe #wine enthusiast, what are some good go-to #wines to order when out to dinner? #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @kaki_miller Depends. If there's a somm I defer to them and am direct re:$$. If not I order gamays/PN or Chenin/Chablis/Riesling #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @hungrywino When did you start working at Momofuku and what was UR position? Was it UR 1st job in #NYC ?#SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr shy #SommChat peep: what is one of the hardest qs you have heard fr a guest and what was ur answer @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Good one. Recently had one asking about the differences between 2 brother producers. Couldn't remember so... #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl I went to find out. Stepped off the floor and googled it. I try to never BS my guests. It's a bad idea... #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm can U describe ur work week and do you make #wine selections alone or as a group @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl M-F. 8-10 am study. 10-8pm list shopping/meetings/new resto development/infrastructure/tastings/put out fires... #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl ... Then to the restaurants either around 6pm if possible or pop by as needed. Trying to be on floor about 3-4 nights #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl ..not always possible. We choose wines as a group but local Somm/management gets to decide. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@hungrywino What is your strategy for pairing recommendations at @momofuku #NYC?#SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Wine/beer/cocktail/sake HAS to elevate the food. Try to pour world class wines in doing so not boring/btg/cheap juice. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how hard was it to work 4 @drewhendricksms & what advice would U give if u were interviewing 4 a job w/ him @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl @drewhendricksms Ha! I enjoyed working for Drew. He pushed me hard (and I was really green) and I'm grateful for it... #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl @drewhendricksms As far as interviewing - I was lucky enough for him to inherit me so I wouldn't know directly... #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl @drewhendricksms But I'd suggest being straitforward. No BS, and be ready to work and learn #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q. @hungrywino what do you think is the most under-appreciated #wine region today? The most under-appreciated #spirit? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @CharlesComm @KeeperColl tough one. Lots of exciting things happening in established regions, but Wine - germany believe it or not #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @CharlesComm @KeeperColl Spirit - amaro. But with the new Amaro book we'll see #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: @hungrywino @KeeperColl We wrote a piece on amaro for our blog not long ago - bit.ly/28MT7La. Amari are blowing up here in #SF!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: q fr #SommChat #Somm @hungrywino do you work with the #Chefs and if so how often do they change a dish to fit #wines on ur list?

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl The team works with chefs always and dishes change always. We work to fit to dishes. Rarely the other way around. #SommChat

Kaki Miller @kaki_miller: @hungrywino I am a BIG pizza lover, what type of wine do you suggest pairing with it? #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @kaki_miller I;m traditional with pizza - so rosso di montalcino or chianti BUT I like to open my $$$$ stuff with pizza too #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @hungrywino Do you always get to taste the food you’re pairing #Wines with & if not how do you select #wine w/out having tasted? #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl 95% of the time yes. If not we generally know the ingredients well enough to make a good attempt and taste after #SommChat ...

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Gotta know the ingredients as well as the wines. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm can U share training approach u use with new hires to establish consistency in hospitality @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Thorough program with roles throughout the restaurant, and I work with them myself on the floor to ensure …#SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl that they know our hospitality standards. Lots of check-ins to follow

#SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr shy #SommChat peep: if have option of a wine pairing menu, but don't like one of the #wines, can U ask to have it changed @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Absolutely. At Ko you're not given the menu until after, but if you state your preference before -can adapt if needed. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @hungrywino What are some of your favorite #food and #wine pairings? hardest Pairing ?#SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Hardest - basically the pantry at @momofuku - lots of different kinds of spice that Americans not familiar with... #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl favorites - french fries and champers #highlow riesling and pork buns, sparkling sweet sake and pickled canteloupe #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how do you decide how many BTG #wines to have on a list & what % of whole list @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl We like to have enough to cover what people want have interesting juice, but we have no space! so BTG is about 15 tops #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl as far as the whole list it depends on location. Generally look at them separately and BTG are only on list if needed #SommChat

Kaki Miller @kaki_miller: @hungrywino As beverage director, are you responsible for #cocktails, too? Or just #wine? #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @kaki_miller I oversee beer and wine and sake. we have a bar director that handles cocktails/liquor #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @hungrywino Do you have advice for someone hoping to get a start in the industry?

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Work your way up, and read everything. Be open about what you wanna do so people can steer you. More valuable to do... @SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl more valuable to know how to bus a table than to just go in as a wine geek. and be humble! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat peep @hungrywino PPL think Ur work is glamorous drink #wine all day:) can U share the real picture?

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Lol. sure. Half my day doing costing/inventory/financials. Half planning new places. Half helping my team do the same #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl I taste twice a week for a couple of hours and if i work service i bus/reset tables/sell wine/everything else not wine #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @hungrywino any #Wine regions U have not been to that R on ur dream list and top #wine places U have been to?

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl top: spent summer 2015 Champ/Burg/Rhone/Prov/Barolo/Tuscany/Mosel/Rheingau/Alsace/Belgium/Champagne #radicalsabbatical #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl wanna go to spain and more of france and Hungary #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm : can U share your best study tips @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl ROUTINE ROUTINE ROUTINE. Don't break it. Schedeule and stick to it. For all parts. and get your butt kicked #SommChat

Kaki Miller @kaki_miller: @hungrywino As a college girl I'm always looking for good but inexpensive wine! Do u have budget friendly red & white suggestions? #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @kaki_miller Yes - Top Muscadet can be found for easily under $20. Red - good beaujolais for the same. Skip most nouveau though #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what is the most highly allocated #wine in #NYC & b/c of resto reputation do U auto get or what do you do @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl NYC is fluid on that but DRC. Got our first allocated 3 bottles ever this year... work with the distributors to get it @SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @hungrywino What is your drink of choice when not drinking #wine? #SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Whiskey... or gin... or amaro... or beer. Depends on length and weight of the day :) #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: q fr #SommChat peep: reading the hours you work/study, how do U have any personal time & how do you spend it @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl at least one weekend day is Wife Day. All non-work/study time is with her and our cats. I get 2-3 hours per night too #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - can you describe your dream job in #wine industry and outside of #Wine industry @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl I have my dream job in the industry - set out for this 4 years ago. Non-wine: astrophysicist or carpenter #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat peep: I am afraid to talk to #Somms at resto: can you suggest an opener to start the convo @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Yes! Tell them what you like to drink/if you want something the same or different. The more honest/direct you are... @SommChat

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl the better results you'll get. They want you to have a great time #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - what certification are you studying for & why did you select that path? Do you study alone or with others @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl MS 1st shot next summer Went with @MasterSommUS because I am in service. I do theory mostly alone, but quiz with peeps #SommChat

Brianna Souers @brianna_souers: @KeeperColl Missing you and #SommChat !! Hope all is well :)

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @brianna_souers thanks for the S/O - we miss you too - all is well! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - how R U involved with new resto concepts and what is ur approach @hungrywino

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Food comes first then bev. Try to have local products and our staples. Stay us, but fit the market. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Time to wrap up! Hope U enjoyed talking abt #Wine w/ Beverage Director Jake Lewis @hungrywino, @momofuko Restaurant #NYC on #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Great to have Jake Lewis @hungrywino join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WW

Jake Lewis @hungrywino: @KeeperColl Wow! This was a blast. Thanks for the great Q's everyone. Fun to be on #SommChat after all these years.

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Please join us in thanking Beverage Director @momofuku #NYC Jake Lewis @hungrywino for his time on #SommChat