EVENTS: TASTE OF THE ICONOCLAST DINNER, THE ICONOCLAST DINNER HONOREE

instagram: @ess_thomas

EDUCATION: B.A., Mary Baldwin College, M.S., Renaissance English Literature -University of Cambridge, Advanced Sommelier Certification in the Court of Master Sommeliers.

BACKGROUND: Spoon, Bar Marco (Pittsburgh), Aldo Sohm Wine Bar (NYC)

CURRENTLY: Le Bernardin (NYC)

WHY SHE IS AMAZING: Upon returning to the US to continue her studies following her time at the University of Cambridge, Sarah began working at Spoon as a bartender. This is where her deep interest in food and beverage turned into a passion. Sarah noted a correlation between the alchemical metaphors in metaphysical poetry and creating cocktails. She decided to focus on wine instead of cocktails and became the wine director of Bar Marco.  While director of the wine program, Bar Marco was recognized as one of Bon Appetit magazine’s best new restaurants in the country. She worked closely with the chef at Bar Marco, fellow honoree Jamilka Borges, to create a unique private dining experience in their wine cellar.   She met Aldo Sohm through serendipity on a trip to NYC, and was offered a position at his new wine bar. Within nine months of moving from Pittsburgh, Sarah had been promoted to sommelier at Le Bernardin, a three-Michelin star restaurant. While working a full schedule at this iconic established, Sarah also prepared for and passed her Advanced Sommelier exam in the Court of Master Sommeliers.

LAST NIGHT ON EARTH SHE’S SIPPING IN: Ajaccio, Corsica