In this episode we speak with Jamel Freeman a Sommelier residing in Chicago. Jamel and I speak about:
- All things NYC
- Transitioning in the hospitality industry
- The difference between the NYC and Chicago wine and dining scene
- Taking are of yourself in the hospitality industry
I hail from NYC as a Queens kid (South Ozone Park), I began my career in a few unknown kitchens of lower Manhattan. Eventually, I moved to the left coast, Bay Area where I worked at Michael Mina’s Aqua. Family matters caused a move back to NYC where I arrived with a curiosity of food and history. My curiosity lead to learning to mix a stiff drink and some of the stories behind how the beverages came to be. But wine created a bigger draw. I was given a chance off the street to wet my palate in some of Brooklyn’s boutique wine shops. Before long I was back in restaurants on the floor this time preaching the gospel of good juice. I haven’t looked back…
For more information:
Social Media:
Instagram – @jafreeman
Leave A Comment