Award-winning sommelier and wine importer Liz Carey [of Vivant Selections] teams with Sydney chef Laura Rheinlander this Friday at Lumen People in North Melbourne, bringing a decadent shared-plate brilliance to the table with some fabulous wines to match.
Carey, who began her career in wine 25 years ago [having worked at Christine Manfield as restaurant manager and sommelier, then at Movida as a sommelier, and for its import arm Alimentari], says the industry continues to teach and inspire her.
Awarded the Gourmet Traveller Maître D’ of the Year in 2009, she takes her wins in her stride.
“Accolades are great and humbling, I think it’s important to be recognised for excelling within your profession,” says Liz Carey.
“I personally take greater joy from the recognition given by customers or industry colleagues. From the restaurant customer who trusts you to select their bottle of wine every week and is open to exploring new things, to my industry customers who trust in the wines I import or colleagues and peers who seek advice,” she says.
Liz Carey spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
TELL US HOW THE WINES YOU’VE CHOSEN WILL PAIR WITH LAURA’S DISHES AT LUMEN PEOPLE?
Loz’s menu has lots of bright fresh ingredients and flavours. There’s some saline coastal wines as well as some plush central French numbers in there, all with a shimmy of freshness. After so many years working with food and wine together, I naturally lean to wines that have freshness and balance.
MY CITY
Sydney, there’s a youthful dynamism to the industry here, and of course the weather.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Take away Cassoulet by Harry Lester (Le Saint Eutrope) with dear friends and colleagues whilst in Angers for the wine fairs. Much thanks to Sue and Roger for arranging it.
FAVOURITE BAR
Ante in Newtown – Yuzu Collins.
A DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Champagne – quality over quantity.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Avoid the hangover in the first place. Otherwise, dumplings.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Caretakers Cottage – always start with a house martini then dealers choice. Public Wine Shop – whatever Cam chooses for me.
FAVOURITE WINE
There’s no favourite, it’s always a joy to share good bottles with family and friends.
WINERY RECOMMENDATION
Unfortunately the wineries I enjoy best aren’t open to the public. In Australia it has to be Bindi in Gisborne, I always leave a visit with Michael inspired.
NEXT DESTINATION
Europe in May to visit with my producers.
WHEN: FRIDAY 5TH APRIL
WHERE: LUMEN PEOPLE 2A/520 VICTORIA STREET NORTH MELBOURNE
DINNER: BY LAURA RHEINLANDER [FRED’S SYDNEY]
WINE LIST: BY SOMMELIER LIZ CAREY
MUSIC: DJ STEPHEN CHARLES
