Grill 23 certainly has a lot to be proud of. Not only is the Back Bay restaurant considered one of the best steakhouses in town, but they also have an in-house Master Sommelier, the highest distinction given in the beverage service industry (there are less than 150 people in the country holding this title). Brahm Callahan received this distinction last year and is the beverage director for all of Himmel Hospitality Group’s restaurants (Post 390, Harvest and Grill 23).
Photo Credit: Grill 23
Brahm joined Grill 23 & Bar as wine director in 2010, where he developed an award-winning list of over 1,700 selections. Since then, he has become the beverage director for the entire collection of Himmel Hospitality restaurants. The Master Sommelier exam is conducted annually and is by invitation-only offered to select top wine aficionados in the world.
Photo Credit: Grill 23
Callahan now develops a training program for all sommelier and bar managers at all three Himmel restaurants.
Photo Credit: Grill 23
We caught up with Callahan recently to find out what he loves most about Boston.
Title: Corporate Beverage Director, Himmel Hospitality Group
Where were you born: Vail, Arizona
How long in Boston: 10 years
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
Favorite Restaurant: Neptune Oyster
Best Sushi: Uni
Best Italian: Prezza
Best dessert: Mike’s Pastry to go…
Best place for a romantic date: Bistro du Midi
Best Sunday brunch: Harvest (if not one of our restaurants, then Four Seasons)
Best place for a power business meeting: Grill 23
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Lenox
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Riccardi’s on Newbury Street
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Small Pleasures on Newbury Street
Favorite Cultural Event: Boston Marathon
Favorite Cultural Institution: Fenway Park
Best Steakhouse: Grill 23 & Bar
Best Lunch: Coppa
Best Museum/Exhibit: Children’s Museum
Describe Boston in three words: Wicked cool town
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Walking the hill
All-around favorite spot in Boston: Silvertone
Best Aspect of Boston: Big city options with a small town feel
