"Watch Hill Proper has been privileged to host Steve for food and whiskey pairings. His culinary expertise and spirits knowledge is evident, captivating audiences whether made up of four or 40. The establishment regularly receives inquiries about when Steve will make his next appearance.”
—Tommy Craggs, cofounder and co-owner, Watch Hill Proper
As a former sommelier turned whiskey blender I can say from a lot of trial and error that it's far easier to pair wine with food than whiskey with food. Based on my experience working with Steve on several occasions, he is a master at selecting and preparing foods that don't just pair well with whiskey, but also amplify and accentuate the unique characteristics of a specific whiskey, allowing the spirit to shine even more than it would on its own.
— Sean Josephs, founder and master whiskey blender, Pinhook
Steve and I both come from food and wine backgrounds early in our careers, both jumping in years ago to bourbon. His complex understanding of bourbon, food, and beverage pairings is vast, yet he keeps it all engaging and most importantly, fun! One of my favorite people to taste, eat and drink with!
— Marci Palatella, founder, Preservation Distillery + Farm
“One of the key qualities that sets Steve apart is his unparalleled understanding of food and spirits. His depth of knowledge in this area is truly impressive, and it greatly enhances the quality of his pairings.— Kelly Ramsey, owner, Art Eatables Chocolates
“Steve is tremendously talented with his in-depth knowledge of food and whiskey. His ability to pair the two in an enjoyable and educational way is truly exceptional.”
— Dan McKee, master distiller, Michter’s Whiskies
