Local Hero BARTENDER/SOMM 2018 Finalists
And the finalists for your favorite BARTENDERS/SOMMELIER are Alba Huerta, Linda Salinas and Paul Killingsworth - all dedicated to their craft and skilled at pairing drinks that work perfectly with each meal! Read about each nominee and CAST YOUR VOTE for your favorite.
Although born in Houston, Texas, my growing up years were in Springfield, Missouri. I’ll never forget tasting a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand for the first time. I was floored. Wine can taste like this? And that’s where my wine bug started.
Somewhere along the way all the wine lights came on. Wine somehow transitioned from head knowledge to heart knowledge. Realizing that the title sommelier has a bit of a stigma that comes with it – an air of snobbery and elitism – I didn’t want to be known as that. My philosophy changed. Wine is about appreciation – about discovery. It is something to be shared with friends and loved ones and as an olive branch for communication. Fellowship across a dinner table. Love. Passion for life. The stuff that’s in a bottle no matter the price point, is a produce at its simplest form. The best winemakers are farmers, and the best wines are not all the brands seen on every grocery store shelf. There are places around the world where families are making really cool stuff, and I want to find them. I want to share them with my friends.
Linda Salinas
I’m a bartender and beverage consultant. I’m currently working on the new Jonathan’s the Rub as their beverage consultant. I’m known for my fresh juice programs and classic cocktail training. I was the brain behind Bernies Burger Bus, La Grange cocktail program and revamping the Hungrys in Rice Village. If you ever wanna see me behind a bar, I’m occasionally spotted at Julep during the week. Cheers!
Website: Itsjustdrinks.org
Twitter: Que_Linda
Instagram: Quelindahtx
