Haute Secrets: Brahm Callahan, Corporate Beverage Director of Himmel Hospitality Group

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