Anna Arfaras is the head sommelier at Charlie Palmer Steak New York at Archer Hotel, a modern American steakhouse proposing an extensive 400-label wine list.
We met Anna at Spyglass, a rooftop bar atop Archer Hotel with an amazing view on the Empire State Building.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and I went to college in Orlando. My parents are still living in Florida.
After graduating from University, I then moved to Las Vegas and I started working there as a sommelier.
When did you move to New York City and why?
I moved to New York about 6 years ago, in September 2012.
New York is an amazing city and I always loved it. I like doing shopping, going to the shows with my parents, and of course wandering in Central Park.
I really love the New York experience!
What are your favorites spots in New York?
A have a few good spots for a glass of wine in Manhattan.
Jadis Bar a Vins on Rivington street in the Lower East Side
Aldo Shom wine bar on 51st street in Midtown
Lelabar in the West Willage
What is an average day like for you?
I am trying to go to the gym every morning. When I am back home, I prepare my own lunch because I don’t want to undo what I did at the gym eating pasta at the restaurant.
I walk my dog Zoe every day, and I take her to the dog park in the morning if I have time.
My day at Charlie Palmer Steak starts anywhere between 1pm and 4pm. My focus is completely on the beverages, liquor and wine, so I check levels and inventory, place orders, and update menus.
If we receive a new wine, we need to input it in our system, price it, and list it. Education the staff is very important and we use team meetings to taste the wines which are on the wine list, either by the glass or by the bottle. We even taste the cocktails.
We then start the service and I end my day at around 11pm, Charlie Palmer Steak New York is a pretty early restaurant job.
What do you find the most rewarding about your work?
Getting a guest to try a wine they might not otherwise have because of my recommendation.
For example we have a great selection of Italian wines but a lot of people are not familiar with them. So they need someone like me to advise them and recommend a great wine.
We have an international wine list but also international clients and travelers.
What are your three favorite wines?
I drink a lot of sparkling wine and I really love Champagne Bereche, my favourite bubbles!
The best Italian wine that I ever had is a 1979 Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva.
The wine that really opened my eyes was a champagne, a Tattinger 1999 Rosé. This is their best cuvee and I tasted it in Las Vegas.
Any recommendation to eat at Charlie Palmer Steak New York tonight?
Steak is my favorite and I am a ribeye kind of girl!
For tonight, I would recommend the scallops crudo. They are just amazing, incredibly light, fresh, and tasty!
A side of Mac and Cheese is worth it every night!
Charlie Palmer Steak New York
47 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
www.charliepalmersteak.com