Blog Archives
Nerve-Wracking and Hilarious
In Strong Water, you take readers behind the scenes in restaurants and share anecdotes and lessons learned from your experience in the food and wine industry. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The stories in the book have been percolating for years. Whether it’s dealing with a corked poncho in Chile or navigating a formal service gone wrong, the wine world is full of moments that are simultaneously nerve-wracking and hilarious. I wanted to capture that spirit while sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I wish I would have written more over the years, especially keeping journals of wine trips. But I was so busy as an independent contractor with travel and events that I didn’t have much of a chance. But the journals I did manage to write are priceless now.
I enjoyed the humor peppered throughout your book. Do you have a favorite anecdote among those you share with readers?
Pouring a splash of an expensive Napa Valley Cabernet into a little girl’s Jelly (plastic shoe) for her dad to taste was definitely a priceless—and bizarre–moment in my sommelier career.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I regularly write a blog (timgaiser.com/blog) and a Substack (https://tgaiser.substack.com/). Otherwise, I’m working on two books at the moment. The first is a collection of non-wine essays called Hits and Missives: Essays at the Speed of Life. The second is a book for those just getting into wine called First Glass: Tips on Wine From a Master Sommelier. I hope to publish at least one of them by the end of next year. Stay tuned.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Humorous restaurant experiences and memorable wine encounters
The evolution of a professional wine taster’s palate
Behind-the-scenes looks at the life of a sommelier
Unforgettable travel adventures in wine regions around the globe
Reflections on the connections between music, food, and wine
With wit and wisdom, Gaiser demystifies the world of fine wine while celebrating the joys of sharing a great meal. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply enjoy a good story, “Strong Water” provides a delightful blend of humor, expertise, and passion for the finer things in life.
Strong Water: Tales of a Master Sommelier’s Life in Food, Wine, and Restaurants
Strong Water: Tales of a Master Sommelier’s Life in Food, Wine, and Restaurants, by Tim Gaiser, is a delightful exploration of the world behind the scenes in restaurants, food, and wine. With humor and honesty, Gaiser takes us through his decades of experience, offering stories about everything from his early restaurant jobs to becoming a Master Sommelier. The book is not simply about wine—it’s a mosaic of personal anecdotes, lessons learned, and the camaraderie of the food and wine industry. It’s as much about people and moments as it is about the craft of tasting.
One thing that struck me about Gaiser’s writing is his ability to paint vivid characters and scenarios. Take, for instance, his description of his first restaurant job at Biff’s Pancake House, where the chaotic 10-hour shifts exposed him to a cast of eccentric coworkers and patrons. His recounting of Darla, the chain-smoking manager with a helmet of Aqua Net hair, was hilariously vivid. The way he detailed the flow of a pancake joint during rush hours was not just funny—it was visceral. I could almost smell the coffee and hear the clatter of plates. These moments made me laugh out loud while nodding at the shared absurdities of service industry life. Another standout aspect of the book is its reverence for the art of wine. Gaiser delves into his passion for tasting and describes wine with poetic precision. His phrase, “The sum total shimmered like the surface of a quickly moving stream,” encapsulates the beauty of a great Burgundy. Yet, he balances this highbrow reverie with humility, as seen when he champions jug and boxed wines for their accessibility. This mix of poeticism and practicality makes his perspective on wine refreshingly grounded and approachable.
Gaiser doesn’t shy away from the grittier parts of his journey, such as the rat-infested jazz bar where he bartended. His recounting of Mr. Patel’s daily “rat roundup” was both grotesque and darkly amusing. These stories, while slightly horrifying, underline the book’s broader theme: the restaurant world is unpredictable, full of both wonder and absurdity. It’s an unvarnished look that gives the book its charm and authenticity.
By the end of the book, I felt like I’d spent hours with a charismatic, wise, and endlessly entertaining storyteller. Gaiser’s warmth and humor shine through, making even his most technical discussions about wine accessible and engaging. This book is perfect for wine lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the inner workings of the hospitality world. It’s a celebration of passion, hard work, and the joy of sharing a meal—or a glass of wine—with others. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or just someone who enjoys a good story, Tim Gaiser’s Strong Water is a must-read.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0DMTHBKC7
LITERARY TITAN 