WOMEN OF WINE
With wine overall as hot as ever , the demand for knowledgeable yet approachable sommeliers is high — and more and more , women are accepting the challenge .
Estelle Touzet , head sommelier at Le Meurice in Paris , is one of several female head sommeliers at Dorchester Collection properties . She began her culinary career with a local radio show , and still brings boundless energy to her job . “ I have the opportunity to compose a wine list with complete freedom which takes our clients on a trip through French and foreign vineyards , tasting daring blends ,” Touzet says . “ Clients trust us , and you can ’ t put a price on that .”
Vanessa Cinti , head sommelier at 45 Park Lane in London , says although the sommelier profession has been dominated by men , the job challenges she
Estelle Touzet , head sommelier at Le Meurice in Paris , is one of several female head sommeliers at Dorchester Collection properties .
faces are not related to gender , and she expects more women to take on the sommelier role . “ The majority of resumes I receive are from women whom want to work in this business ,” Cinti notes .
Zoe Hankins , newly named assistant sommelier at La Toque at The Westin Verasa Napa in California , agrees the
industry is evolving to become more receptive to women sommeliers . “ I have found the key to success is the ability to relate to each guest , and once that is accomplished there isn ' t much room for obstacles ,” Hankins says . “ My advice to other female sommeliers is to be humble and handle each situation with grace and confidence .”
Maurice Rougemont
BROADER VIEW
Room service menus will always include standbys such as burgers and Caesar salad , but increasingly , they are reflecting broader F & B trends in distinctive ways .
The Ritz-Carlton , Dallas recently introduced a new in-room dining menu focused on locally inspired selections such as Texas pecan pie .
The Ritz-Carlton , Dallas recently introduced a new in-room dining menu focused on locally inspired selections , such as mini elk sausage corn dogs ( US $ 15 ) and Texas pecan pie ( US $ 11 ).
Last fall , JW Marriott Chicago debuted various “ in-room tasting experiences ” including the JW Wine Ambassador Pairing ( US $ 55 ) featuring three dish selections paired with a monthly selected wine varietal . “ We know our guests appreciate good food and good wine ,” says Director of Restaurants Olivier Lau . “ We wanted to offer options that were tailored tasting experiences with which guests could expand their food and beverage knowledge from the comforts of their guestroom .”
Trump SoHo took a similar approach to its recently revamped room service menu , which includes international breakfasts ranging from Japanese with miso soup , teriyaki-glazed salmon and jasmine rice ( US $ 36 ) to Greek with an egg-white omelet , merguez sausage , Greek side salad and minted honey yogurt ( US $ 34 ) to sandwiches inspired by New York City neighborhoods , such as
JW Marriott Chicago ’ s “ in-room tasting experiences ” include the JW Wine Ambassador Pairing featuring three dish selections paired with a monthly selected wine varietal .
the Chelsea Market Lobster Roll ( US $ 26 ). “ We want guests to feel as if they have traveled to various parts of Manhattan — or even another country — without ever leaving their rooms ,” says Desmond Lim , executive chef at Trump SoHo .
44 HOTELS June 2013 www . hotelsmag . com