Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/101724
THE MESSAGE Hatfield's Somm Jonathan Baird W PHOTO: MARIA SCHRIBER hile pursuing a career in music, Jonathan Baird worked at Greenblatt's, the celebrated delicatessen in West Hollywood, CA, known for its outstanding wine and spirits selection. "Although I have a background in cooking, I really became intrigued by wine and learned so much on the job," Baird tells THE TASTING PANEL. "Tasting lights of Highland Park and Macallan convinced me that I was going to follow a new path." When Baird followed a lead that famed Los Angeles eatery Hatield's was looking for a second sommelier, he put his name in the hat. Peter Birmingham—who was "somm number one"—became his mentor. When Birmingham left (and headed to San Francisco), the 32-year-old Baird had the opportunity to script his own changes to the wine list. With some re-structure and a new format, he added wines from Eastern Europe and other personal twists. "I like to pull wines from around the world. It gives me an opportunity to ind value-driven, boutique labels. I think inding great wines is an adventure ─ for me and for my customers." ─Meridith May Jonathan Baird, Sommelier and Beverage Director for Hatfield's in Los Angeles. CORRECTION! Nourishing Nékter The Real Kate Walker veryone knows the juicing kick has been all the rage in Hollywood, but now the trend is making its way into the spirits industry. Nékter Juice Bar gained a huge Southern California following with its variety of approachable cleanses and juicing options, but then they took it a step further. Co-founder Alexis Schulze explains, "Our customers were coming in and telling us about the cocktails that they were mixing with our juices and I thought, 'I want in on that!'" President and CEO Steve Schulze expands, "And it makes sense. If you look at the mixers available, they Nékter co-founders Steve are all artiicial lavors and and Alexis Schulze. chemicals. If you are going to be selective about what spirit you use, shouldn't you be conscious of the mixer as well?" Soon they had four delicious Skinny Mix lavors: Berry Basil, Cold Smoked Jalapeños, Pearadise and Orange Flower Time. With tasty, low-calorie and inventive recommended recipes, now you can juice, while you "juice." —Breanne De More 20 / the tasting panel / january 2013 W PHOTO: HARDY WILSON PHOTO: BREANNE DEMORE E e mistakenly used Kate Walker's photo in the wrong place in December's Red Blends Speed Tasting Report. Kate, Regional Manager/ Northern California for C. Mondavi and Family, pictured here, showcased the Charles Krug 2009 Napa Valley Family Reserve Generations for our panel. The wine was revered by our entire group, and Kate's presentation was stellar.