@BufalinaPizza

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Hope everyone’s ready for a #wine & #pizza #SommChat w/ a 2017 @foodandwine #Somm Steven Dilley of @BufalinaPizza! C U at 12 N ET!

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: .@JuneRodil @C_McFall @dbrogues @ccollins @winejames @yrmom_safoodie U ask Qs 2 Steven since U all luv his list @BufalinaPizza #SOmmChat 12N

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Tell your friends to join us to learn abt #wine & #pizza with Steven Dilley @BufalinaPizza!

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: We’d like to introduce you to Steven Dilley @BufalinaPizza #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: We’re abt ready to dive in w/ Qs, so shout out to Steven Dilley @BufalinaPizza to say hello so he knows UR here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Don’t forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order for everyone to see it!

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: As we ask Steven Dilley our Qs, U can ask UR Qs 2 @BufalinaPizza as well! He'll do his best 2 answer all Qs in the order they come #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: W/so many participants lots of gr8 Q's R asked! Even if u dont ask--give a S/O 2 @keepercoll & @BufalinaPizza let us know uR here! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Let’s start talking #wine and #pizza with Steven Dilley @BufalinaPizza #WineWednesday #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Psyched to be on #SommChat today! Looking forward to your questions!

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @BufalinaPizza Steven, How did you get into #wine? #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Got into wine thru the Austin Wine Merchant! Late '90s. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr @#SommChat #Somm - @BufalinaPizza did U train as a #Somm and if not how did you make your fist #wine list for @BufalinaPizza?

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Have not trained as a somm, but I'm obsessive and tend to drink deep and wide, which informed the list @BufalinaPizza #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm heard all the industry go 2 to @BufalinaPizza biggest compliment what is diff on ur #wine list 2day vs opening?

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Opening list had maybe 20 selections and we're up to 200+ at the first restaurant but focus hasn't changed... #foodfriendly #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: #SommChat Always honored when industry comes in. Biggest compliment. The list has grown significantly…

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat peep: do U only pair #wine fr #Italy w/ Ur food or what other #wine regions do U think pair well and why @BufalinaPizza

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Followed by Italy and U.S. with some random Spain, Austria, Germany, etc. #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: #SommChat #Italy make up about a third of our list. Focus is #foodfriendly, versatile wines. France is the largest %...

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @BufalinaPizza Steven, U lived 4 a while & travel to #NY, what is difference in #NY #wine scene & #TX market? #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: But I feel that's changed and I don't there's much of a difference outside of not having secondary market in TX. #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: #SommChat When I lived in NY ('02-'10), I feel like there was a bigger selection and easier access…

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how do U deal with #wine storage @BufalinaPizza 4 200+ #wines - this is big prob in resto industry

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: #SommChat We've maxed out cooler, walk-in, and dry storage. Yet it hard to stop buying #wine!

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Great question! Storage is a big issue and as Abby (our FOH mgr) says, it's like playing Tetris! Wine is pretty much everywhere. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - congrats @foodandwine #Sommelier award, do U choose all #wines R a committee approach and if so who @BufalinaPizza ?

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Thanks! I tend to steer the list but love staff input. If they're excited about a #wine, we get it! #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @BufalinaPizza what influences your decisions for the evolving #pizza and #wine menu? #SommChat @keepercoll

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: The #wine list evolves alongside availability and our general awareness. Important to always be searching! #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Great question! #SommChat Our #pizza menu is mix of standards and seasonal. Right now lots of spring produce and early tomatoes! …

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: gr8 to see @CharlesComm on #SommChat great question and keep them coming for @BufalinaPizza

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how often does #wine list change @BufalinaPizza & how do U organize list - has that changed over time @BufalinaPizza

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: A bit smaller so less printing. Both organized by geography (my favorite way to read a list!) #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: #SommChat List tends to change multiple times a week. Lots of printing! List at our second resto...

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat peep - do you only buy locally 4 @BufalinaPizza or do you have some products fr #italy that bring in as well ?

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Have yet to find domestic ingredients that work as well. Can't compare to real parm! #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Great question! #SommChat We primarily buy local, tho our flour, parm, oregano, and a few other things are fr #Italy…

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @BufalinaPizza what is your most popular #pizza and #wine pairing? #SommChat @keepercol

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: It’s definitely our margherita #pizza with a glass of something fizzy! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @BufalinaPizza Steven, What inspired you to open your #Italian restaurant and why in #Austin? did ur #IT background influecnce U #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: IT made it easier to set up the network! And finance easier to set up the biz. #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: #SommChat Have family and friends here and love #Austin! No-brainer. Had also fallen in love with Neapolitan #pizza!…

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @BufalinaPizza Where in #Italy did you travel to study #pizza B4 opening the restaurant? #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Traveled to #Naples! Pizzeria Da Attilio, very old-school traditional #pizza. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - read that U started brunch at 2nd location - do U find ppl buy #wine at that meal or more just #food @BufalinaPizza

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Definitely sparkling #wine! Just feels right for brunch. #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: And definitely #rose as it heats up! So much #rose. #SommChat

Douglas Trapasso @demilove: @keepercoll - What is your favorite -style- of pizza; does that affect what wine you might pair with it? - #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @BufalinaPizza Compared to #NYC how does the Austin #wine scene differ? #SommChat @keepercoll

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: I miss access to NY #wine auctions! But #Austin wine community is as tight and supportive as I've seen. Love it. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @BufalinaPizza What was the process behind developing the #menu at Bufalina and how has that changed w/ 2 restos if at all? #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Great question! #SommChat As we've grown, much more collaborative. Rely on an amazing team and let them create #pizza!

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @BufalinaPizza What was the process behind developing the #menu at Bufalina and how has that changed w/ 2 restos if at all? #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Great question! #SommChat As we've grown, much more collaborative. Rely on an amazing team and let them create #pizza!

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - how do U train staff at #resto to sell #wine and what skillset do U look 4 in hiring staff @BufalinaPizza

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: For training, we emphasize tasting and have a great staff that relies on each other for support. Always learning! #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: #SommChat Most important: #hospitaity and #enthusiasm! All about making the diner happy and an excited, enthusiastic FOH is key…

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: @BufalinaPizza When did you first become interested in #pizza and how long did it take 2 open 1st resto compared to #2 #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: #pizza is a life-long interest! 2nd resto took less than half the time. Learned many lessons, incl: don't be your own GC! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm do U think there R opportunities 4 #wine jobs in #atx are is it saturated @BufalinaPizza

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Always opportunity for enthusiasm and hard work! Always. Def not saturated. In fact, #Austin needs more peeps. #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @BufalinaPizza what is your favorite summer #pizza and #wine pairing? #SommChat @keepercoll

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Our fresca #pizza with bottle of #Chenin! All summer. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat peep: why did you decide to make @BufalinaPizza walkin vs reservation & how have customers responded abt any waits?

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Primarily because of limited size. (We're pretty small.) Thankfully, most customers drink #wine if there's a wait. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat peep: @BufalinaPizza What prompted decision 2 open a resto and leave other career? Anything U would do differently? #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Decade in finance is a long time! Was either resto and #wine or grad school. No regrets. Love this industry! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm R ur #Pizza ovens made in #US or #Italy and why? if #Italy how hard to get in #US and installed @BufalinaPizza

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Oven from Naples. Ferrara. Great quality and built specifically for Neapolitan #pizza. Not hard to get but a pain to install! #SommChat

Douglas Trapasso @demilove: @keepercoll - Won't mention any names but do you think Americans put too many toppings on pizza or too many obscure ones? - #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Great question. #SommChat I think it depends on style. Sicilian, Detroit, NY can handle more. Or in Naples, a calzone...

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: But our style is lighter and delicate and too many topping would overwhelm. #SommChat

Douglas Trapasso @demilove: Bm

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @BufalinaPizza how do you see the Bufalina #wine program evolving in the next few years? #SommChat @keepercoll

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Currently in Texas, very difficult store offsite. #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Hopefully continue to grow if we can find more space for #wine! Biggest problem right now is storage. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm are #wine lists different b/w resto #1 and #1 @BufalinaPizza & if so why and how?

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: It took first resto a couple yrs to start growing, too. Staff training needs to grow alongside #wine list. #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: #SommChat Both have same approach but #1 is 4 yrs old and #2 is 1 yr old. Newer resto currently has smaller list but starting to grow…

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat peep -what was 1st #wine U bought fr @austinwinemerch that you got you really excited abt wine & kept u going @BufalinaPizza

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Ha! Don't remember first one but first to knock me out: '91 Clos St Hune. BLEW MY MIND. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Congrats on @foodandwine award - were U surprised & has it changed your business @BufalinaPizza

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Incredibly surprised and humbled. Out of the blue. We have had diners bring magazine in and order wines mentioned, which I love. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat peep @BufalinaPizza Steven As a child, what was your dream job and did you think U would be a restauranteur? #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Ha! Always thought I'd be a lawyer. (In fact, moved to NY for law school.) Never thought restauranteur. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Love doing #Sommchat live with @BufalinaPizza with this view in #chianti #itay #travel

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @BufalinaPizza What do you think makes a #quality #pizza?

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Ingredients, care, and focus in preparation. It's not hard but take commitment to do right. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #wine and #pizza talk with Steven Dilley @BufalinaPizza #WineWednesday #SommChat

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: It was great to have Steven Dilley join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WineWednesday

KeeperCollection @keepercoll: Please join us in thanking Steven Dilley @BufalinaPizza for his time #SommChat

Bufalina @BufalinaPizza: Thanks so much for having us on @keepercoll #SommChat! So much fun. Hope to see you @BufalinaPizza soon!