Paul Rodriguez of the Garces Restaurant Group Competes in Sommelier Smackdown
In 2009, Rodriguez joined the opening team at Amada, the authentic Spanish tapas restaurant created by Iron Chef Jose Garces, where he helped design its critically acclaimed wine list. When Garces opened his Basque outpost, Tinto (116 South 20th Street, 215-665-9150), Rodriguez was again tapped to fill the wine cellars with top-flight selections. He has since hosted many special Basque wine dinners at Tinto, including one featuring Isastegi Sagardo Cider in its first appearance on the East Coast.
Owing to his latest turn at Village Whiskey, Rodriguez has become a master mixologist, designing both classic as well as avant-garde potables for the Garces' casual gastropub located in Center City. He is also responsible for Village Whiskey's deep and eclectic whiskey list, featuring lesser-known gems as well as an unparalleled array of top-shelf notables.
We couldn't be more excited to see what Rodriguez – now firmly entrenched in the food and beverage empire that is Garces Restaurant Group – brings to the table in this latest contest of wit and skill.
The Sommelier Smackdown is an acclaimed culinary competition that pits two wine professionals in a head-to-head battle of food and wine pairing acumen. These wine-soaked tussles take place on the last Wednesday of each month and are sold out long in advance.
The Wine School of Philadelphia is located at 2006 Fairmount Avenue in Philadelphia. To set up a time to speak to the Director, Keith Wallace, please contact the School's press office at 1-800-817-7351 x30, or email press@vinology.com.
The Wine School is dedicated to educating wine novices and professionals alike. Their philosophy is simple: the information needed to appreciate wine should be available to everyone, and they accomplish this by providing dynamic, enjoyable learning experiences based on a sensory and an academic understanding of wine.
The Wine School of Philadelphia
2006 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Collin Flatt
info@vinology.com
215-965-1514