It was memorable to exchange a microphone with chef Claudette Zepeda, a James Beard semifinalist and competitor on Top Chef and Iron Chef. I paired premium wines with each custom course and enjoyed creating the tasting palate as her food is quite unique and eccentric. The two of us brought to life the wines and why they’d pair with each course. Her food is quite unique and eccentric, finding premium wines to compliment the food was fun. Based on years of my live-action sommelier experience, I worked with the property beverage manager to determine what wines were available. Connecting with the guests during the evening was rewarding and one of my highlights.