Aldo Sohm

Why is hunger an important issue for you?
I see it every day on the streets – you can’t miss it and it makes me sad that it has reached that level. You see a lot of over-supply in the food industry and not all of the surplus is getting directed to those who need it most.  Thankfully City Harvest is there to address this and get surplus food in the hands of those who need it.

How has your involvement with City Harvest affected your outlook on food and/or hunger in New York City?
My grandparents in Austria would often tell stories of how they were hungry after WWII, and my parents too for a while. Hunger is closer to home than you think. City Harvest really is one of a kind – I have never seen anything like it. Watching their work and seeing the immediate results inspires me to be involved as much as I can.

What is your favorite holiday memory?
My favorite holiday memories are those when I was a child in Austria. Christmas Eve was my favorite day – playing in the snow, sitting down with the family for an evening of stories and movies and traditional Austrian cookies and desserts – linzer augen and my favorite, vanille kipferl!

What does a typical work day look like for you?
A typical work day is a busy one! It usually involves inventory, purchasing, wine tastings with our team of sommeliers and creating wine pairings for new dishes with Chef Ripert, and then of course lunch and dinner service.

What is your favorite part of your job?
The people! My colleagues and the guests at Le Bernardin. In a city of 8 million people, there really are some fascinating personalities out there and I love interacting with them in the dining room.

What is your favorite hidden gem of a restaurant (or wine bar!) in New York?
Seasonal on 58th between 6th & 7th aves. It’s Austrian and has the best schnitzel in town.

What is an easy way for a wine-beginner to select the right wine with their meal?
Do a little research and reading but don’t go too crazy. Most importantly, ask your sommelier or server. Discuss with them your likes and dislikes, price range and they will point you in a good direction.

What should everyone have in their “wine cellar”?
Champagne, a good red and a good white – if Austrian, even better!

Any suggestions on good wines to bring to holiday parties during this busy season?
French Chablis – great for seafood, Champagne as it’s great for celebrations and goes with everything and a good Bordeaux.

What is in your refrigerator?
Cheese, Beer & Champagne

Do you cook at home? What do you make?
I do cook – with my beloved Suzi – the name I have given to my BBQ! I cook everything on the grill – hanger steaks being one of my favorite things to make.

What was the last best meal you had?
A surprise birthday party thrown for me recently in one of my favorite places – SriPraPhai Thai restaurant in  Queens. It was a great night with great food and even greater company.

Any resolutions for 2012?
I’m not very good at making resolutions but I do try and keep focused and enjoy life and work as much as I can. I think I do ok every year.

• At the Chef's Table
• The Food Council