The Reluctant Somm: Wine & Hospitality Podcast

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Tired of the same polished surface? Welcome to The Reluctant Somm, your unconventional podcast navigating the back alleys of hospitality and the real stories behind every bottle of wine. We’re not here to romanticize the grind. Host Christopher Truitt, an experienced sommelier with a crucial Front-of-House (FOH) perspective, pulls back the curtain on the messy, chaotic, and exhilarating world of the wine and hospitality industry – from the demanding restaurant floor and the depths of the cellar to the unpredictable vineyards. This is your invitation to go beyond the perfectly plated dishes. We’re diving deep into the real talk of hospitality: the long nights, the challenging customers, the spilled drinks, the unpredictable harvests, and that never-ending quest for the perfect vintage. Christopher shares candid conversations and untold stories from the sommeliers, chefs, winemakers, and other dedicated food and wine professionals who live it every day. Explore the true wine culture, understand the sommelier life, and get an uncensored look at the wine industry through engaging storytelling and Christopher’s fifteen years of experience in competitive markets like Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Whether you’re a wine novice curious about the real stories, an industry veteran nodding along, or someone aspiring to a career in wine or restaurants, The Reluctant Somm offers a unique blend of insider insights, wine knowledge shared through authentic experiences, and sheer entertainment. Join us as we explore what makes wine so damn good, the people behind the label, and the moments that make you question your sanity, only to remind you why you truly love this industry. If you crave authentic food and wine narratives and a genuine look at behind the scenes wine and restaurant life, you’ve found your podcast.

Episodes

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025

The Human Element in Hospitality: Chef Celtin on Family, Food & Breaking the Fourth Walls at Prelude

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025

In this insightful episode, we sit down with the incredibly talented Chef Celtin Hendrickson of Prelude, a restaurant recently acknowledged with a Michelin "nod." Celtin takes us on his inspiring journey, starting from his early days as a dishwasher to becoming the driving force behind a unique and elevated take on Southern cuisine right here in California. Discover how childhood memories, especially those of his grandmother's grits, deeply influence his innovative tasting menus. Celtin shares how he masterfully blends the nostalgia of authentic Southern flavors with the incredible local ingredients found in California, even drawing inspiration from places beyond our region. Beyond the exceptional food, Chef Hendrickson passionately discusses his philosophy on hospitality. He emphasizes the importance of creating a truly welcoming and special experience for every guest, breaking down the traditional "fourth wall" to reveal the human element and heart behind his dedicated team. Tune in to hear Celtin's personal stories, his creative process, and his vision for bringing a taste of Southern soul to the California culinary landscape at Prelude.

Topics Covered:

• Chef Celtin Hendrickson's journey from dishwasher to chef

• The inspiration behind Prelude's elevated Southern tasting menu

• The influence of childhood memories and family recipes • Blending Southern nostalgia with California ingredients

• Celtin's philosophy on hospitality and guest experience

• Breaking the fourth wall and the human element in restaurants

• Getting a Michelin "nod" acknowledgment

• AND so much more! Listen and watch to see what he has to say.

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