Sommelier Showdown
Two sommeliers. Four courses. One delicious duel.
On Wednesday July 1st, join us for our inaugural Sommelier Showdown.
Two top New York sommeliers will be competing for your votes, led by Wine Director Michael Scaffidi, while you enjoy their wines and a four-course menu. Every course will be accompanied by a wine presented by each somm, and after each course guests will vote for their favorite wine. At the end of the evening we’ll tally the votes. The winner walks away with a dinner at Manuela, but most importantly, the ultimate bragging rights.
Tickets are $128 per person (plus tax and gratuity).
Stay tuned to meet the competitors.
May the best sommelier win.
*Ticket includes a four course dinner with a welcome drink and two wine pairings for each course.
The Sommeliers
Zwann Grays
Zwann Grays is a celebrated wine professional, educator, and tastemaker whose work has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, and Travel + Leisure. Recognized as a Future 40 Tastemaker by Wine Enthusiast and a finalist for Star Wine List of the Year, Grays has built a reputation for championing thoughtful, inclusive wine experiences.
She made her mark on New York City’s hospitality scene as Wine Director at Brooklyn’s acclaimed restaurant Olmsted, where she curated an award-winning wine program. Beyond the restaurant world, Grays has collaborated with queer-centered projects such as BABE, bringing her expertise to spaces that celebrate community, culture, and accessibility in wine.
Andrew Asken
Andrew Asken is currently a sommelier at Maxime’s. Before that, he worked at Peasant and Restaurant Marc Forgione. Prior to wine, he spent years overseeing Michelin-starred kitchens before making the move into the dining room and eventually becoming a sommelier.
When he’s not talking about wine, he’s usually traveling, shooting film photography, or listening to Rosalía, Laufey, Harry Styles, and Zach Bryan. A Chicago guy through and through, Andrew still roots for the Cubs, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears, and spends plenty of time with Annie, his chocolate lab.