John Szabo was the first Canadian to add the "Master Sommelier" credential to his name and is one of 188 master sommeliers currently sipping wine worldwide. Over the past dozen years of judging at the National Wines Awards of Canada, and countless other tastings and visits to wine country from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, John has had a chance to taste the best Canadian wine and get to know the names to trust.
Here John Szabo tells us about his hidden talents, favourite food and essential kitchen tools.
Name: John Szabo
Favorite dish: I don't have one, sincerely. I switch it up daily.
Hometown: Toronto
Day job: Wine Writer/Sommelier
Daily uniform: casual casual. I wear a tie once a year to teach for the Court of Master Sommeliers.
I have a few: corkscrews, glasses, books
In the kitchen, I swear by: my Japanese knives and gas stove
Taste you couldn't live without: mature nebbiolo
Hidden talents: singing (at least in my mind)
If my kitchen could talk, it would say: "why are these people still here? It's late..."
Latest splurge: French-made Time carbon road bike
Last place I traveled: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, on (mostly) wine business
Most romantic thing I've done for a girl: wrote poems I guess
In life, what is most important to me is: family
I get nervous when: I'm angry
Libation of choice: water, wine, fernet branca
My top 5 meals: give me a sec... too many to narrow down...
My motto: "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." ― Mark Twain