September 2022.
I had no idea that I was to receive a Michelin Star at the inaugural Michelin Guide Toronto Ceremony. I was not aware that there was a category for Sommelier! To my surprise I found myself by being awarded a star. I had been invited to attend, via a forwarded email thread.
I decided that it could be interesting to attend.
I arrived on the night of the event, relaxed in my KangolxKith bucket hat and New Balance Harris Tweed limited edition sneakers, of course I would participate on my own terms. There were plenty of industry ‘hi’s and how are you’s’ and ‘long time no see’. Desperate for a glass of wine, I found myself sipping some Cave Spring Riesling at the only booth providing wine at the event. The VQA Ontario Wine booth was situated in a very remote corner of the room. With something fresh and bright in my hand, I was able to catch up with wine industry peers, Jenn Heather (Master Sommelier), Elsa McDonald Master of Wine) and Magdalena Kaiser-Smith of VQA Ontario.
As the ceremony began and my name was called for the Sommelier Award, I was awestruck, it was Magdalena who ushered me up to the stage to receive the award. I hopped on stage, off camera as you may have seen on the live Michelin YouTube screening, with a Riesling bottle and glass in hand, quick thinking on my part, this fact was intentional. Sober as I was, yet astonished to be caught off guard and in front of industry peers, I may have looked less composed than usual. What would you do if you received a Michelin Award? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t kneel to the alter of Michelin, nor San Pellegrino or Canada’s Best Restaurants. It is funny that a guy like me is up there getting recognition. I just do what I do in all honesty. I do feel that in recent history, since the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, I been a more complete version of myself in front of guests. Why? Well wine, for me, is a dynamic medium in which, at precise moments creates spaces for brief, yet intense moments of human connection with the person in front of me! These moments bring to light the many undiscussed realities and issues on how we engage with the world around us. Concepts of language in wine, gatekeeping of any sort, our respective culture(s), the memory of taste and experience are all subjects that can be explored over a glass of wine.
I mean, if and when we meet, I am sure we may perhaps experience such moments.
To me this award is a validation, it is encouragement to continue. We shall see what the future holds.
Ase
