Dine For A Good Cause With The Flying Sommeliers

by Kerlyn @ 21 Apr 2017

---

4 members of the Sommelier Association of Singapore, who goes by the moniker of “The Flying Sommeliers”, have banded together to organize a series of wine dinners that will each end with a silent auctions from 8 May to 10 July 2017 to educate and encourage diners while raising funds for their charity of choice, the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD).
 
We speak with Gerald Lu, Vice President of the Sommelier Association of Singapore and also one of four The Flying Sommeliers, to find out more about The Flying Sommeliers as a team, their aim and what diners can expect from their exciting dinners.
 
CWA : So, Gerald, could you tell us who are “The Flying Sommeliers”?
G : “The Flying Sommelier” moniker was inspired by the “Flying Winemakers”, a concept to describe people that would travel the world to make wine in different wineries while sharing their philosophy. With this in mind, 4 sommeliers with distinct styles will travel around Singapore (for the time being, that is) to present wines during various dinners in their own style. The group of us consists of Amir Solay from Unlisted Collection who loves presenting obscure wines from parts unknown or grapes unknown, Mohamed Fazil of the popular Salt Grill & Sky Bar Singapore who has a knack for wines coming from the new world, Michael Leitner who was formerly from Ku De Ta and presents wines from his travels around the world, and of course, myself, Gerald Lu of Praelum Wine Bistro and who has a spot for the classics and their histories.
 
CWA : How did you guys pick your respective characters?
G: We pick a different superhero team or supervillain team every year. We then decide which one works best for the fun and giggles! This year’s theme is The Empire Gives Back!

CWA : We understand The Flying Sommeliers’ goal is to raise at least SGD6000 for SPD. Is the money for charity the only reason for doing this?
G : We hope to create awareness…. Well, not just for SPD but also (we) hope to inspire other members in our industry to take some time and think how we can give back to the society with our specialized skillsets.
 
CWA : Tell us why should diners support The Flying Sommeliers and the cause that you are championing for? Why don’t they hand their donation directly to the organization, in this case, SPD?
G : (laughs) Well, you can! But how many people are aware of the SPD? If what we do can create awareness in the future amongst the gastronomic circles, then eventually you don’t need The Flying Sommeliers to inform people, but more of us serving as a source of reminder that this charity exist and constantly needs our and especially YOUR help! When that day comes, then can I say The Flying Sommeliers are considered a success and we have gotten the gastronomes involved to do in their part for the society.
 
CWA : You guys mentioned that there is a myth circulating that sommeliers are “stuffy”, “snooty and are only concerned about making money”. We certainly have not heard of such a stereotype! Where did that come from?
G : (laughs) Plenty! Many customers shy away or feel uncomfortable speaking to sommeliers about their preferences. I, for instance, get that once or twice a week at least! I’m surprised that you guys dont get your share of horror stories of sommeliers insisting that the wine is fine or selling something and presenting customers with a hefty bill! Lots of stories like that.

CWA : Tell us 3 highlights of food or wines that should not be missed among the 5 dinners that will presented.
G : All our dinners are special in its own actually! You can check out our menu posts on The Flying Sommelier’s Facebook page or drop us an email for the menus. But I can say is that there’s an exciting menu from Pollen's new chef, Steve Allen, who was formerly from Gordon Ramsey at Claridge's in London. There is also specially imported beef at Salt Tapas & Bar by Luke Mangan and exclusively imported wines from Argentina and Chile at Praelum Wine Bistro and Chef's Table by Stephan Zoisl!
 
CWA : Will there be any exciting items that can be expected in the silent auction?
G : There will be a magnum of Penfolds Grange this year. One of the hundred pointers so…. stay tuned!
 
CWA : Where can an interested diner find the menu of what to expect at the various dinners?
G : Drop an email over to my fellow Flying Sommelier, Fazil, at mohamadfazil33@gmail.com or check out our Facebook page - The Flying Sommeliers.
                                                                                                                                                                                           
CWA : Do you guys see the team of The Flying Sommeliers going to grow in the next 3 years? Any one in particular that you guys will love to recruit for the crew?
G : YES! I believe so and we definitely hope so! More for the cause eventually! We are hopeful for one or two overseas sommeliers from top restaurants master sommeliers, and maybe…. award winning sommeliers too!
 
CWA : What are the plans for The Flying Sommeliers for 2018?
G : We are hoping to unveil one overseas venue next year…. But hey, we'll see!
 
With dinners starting at SGD168 per person, head over to http://www.facebook.com/theflyingsomms/ to find out more about the curated menus and how you can be a part of this charitable movement!