Thank you

Becoming a Master Sommelier takes dedication, time, passion and patience. More than anything else it takes the support and love of friends, family and colleagues. Having just settled back in NYC after exams, the only thing I can think about is how lucky I am. This, my first post of the new year. (I was studying and had no time, sorry) is dedicated to all of YOU that have helped me fulfill my dream. I hope if I am speaking about YOU without using your name, you realize how you have inspired me and if you aren't directly a part of my journey, you know that you have been a part of someone else's with similar experiences.   You told me 'Pal, it is about the journey and not the end result that matters'. You were my first mentor, you believed in me when I was 21 and convinced the owner of our company to give me my first sommelier job. You were the first person to tell me I didn't pass my exams in London and the person I couldn't wait to sit next to during my first MS dinner. You woke up every Monday, Wed and Friday for our tasting group at 9am and never minded that I couldn't get Gruner Veltliner right. You were the person I walked around the block with to clear my head after we got our test results. You were the guest in my restaurant that asked me enthusiastic questions. You let me come into your restaurant to serve your guests and helped me perfect service. You were the distributor that taught me there is a practical reason to know the sub zones of Lambrusco by tasting me on one of them. You had so many people to mentor and a busy successful career but you always made me feel like the most important person in your world. You designed a special tray for service that would help you take care of your guests better. You asked me the 1er crus of Burgundy over and over until I remembered. You invited me to your home and cooked me duck and served me Chateauneuf du Pape. You reminded me to be kind to myself and to SMILE. You let me take 2 weeks off from work to prepare for the exam. You hosted my first introduction class. You taught me to never give up on my dreams and that for me the 4th time is a charm.