Write a commentWhen Ben Bird and his wife to be Tameika Graham visited the Winery this past Spring, that got more than the wine and beautiful views they came for.
He got hired on as the Winery’s new Chef de Cuisine.
Turns out he and the Winery’s Executive Chef, Emil Nymander worked together in Seneca Falls and both had a longstanding friendship and mutual respect for each other’s talent in the kitchen. The Winery had been looking for someone to oversee Colloca’s Wood Fired Kitchen, the new Winery Lounge and to assist with presentations in the Event Center.
Since the restrictions associated with Covid have been lifted, close to 60 events have been booked in the magnificent facility.
“Having the chance to work with and learn from Chef Emil is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Chef Ben. “His reputation as one of the region’s finest is unparalleled in the industry. And, being able to become a part of the Colloca Team is an exciting prospect”.
Since its founding a decade ago, Founder and CEO Chris Colloca has developed the 100 acre site into an award winning winery as well as a premier wedding destination. “We’re excited that Ben has chosen to join us,” said Dr. Colloca. “He’ll compliment Chef Emil’s work and be a real asset to our growing destination”.
The Lake Effect Vineyard® has received some of the highest awards New York has to offer its wineries. In 2019, it was named New York Riesling Winery of the Year and in 2020, it was named New York Pinot Noir Winery of the Year. And, these two awards are among the dozens and dozens of others that adorn the tasting room.
Chef Ben has a vast experience working in the industry and particularly in Golf Course Kitchen from New York to Ohio and studied at Le Cordon Blu in Pittsburg. His roots though are right in the neighborhood and he grew up on a farm in Redfield, New York.
“That’s where my love of local wines, meats and cheeses come from,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to working with the great team Chris has put together who serve up an unbelievable number of patrons throughout the summer and all year round”. He can’t seem to say enough about the great staff he has inherited from Winery GM Monica Canale and the “Freedom for Creativity which seems boundless,” he said.
And, his favorite wine? “It’s the Pinot, of course!” he says.
To learn more about the wines, restaurants and event center, visit www.colloca.com.
