Bartender and capital's first sommelier win big

Tomas Dundulis from OKKU Luxury Japanese Restaurant and Lounge won the Bartender of the Year award last night. 

The judges viewed Tomas as a motivator with a strong customer focus.

Tomas made it to the final 24 bartenders in the World Class Best Bartender UAE 2010.

He is now responsible for the training of junior staff at OKKU and is viewed as a pivotal member of the bar’s team. Tomas’s innovation is apparent in his restructuring of the bar at OKKU.

The judges were particularly impressed with his initiative. Since opening in 2009 OKKU had been facing some difficulties with its water filtration in its jellyfish aquarium that resulted in money being spent on fixed water filters that always seemed to clog too quickly.

Tomas took it upon himself to review the problem and came up with the solution of using smaller and more cost effective pre-filters.

He said: "What this award means to me is that I am doing something right. It is recognition for that and that is very important, and of course it is a good advertisement for the company. It will make me reach for a higher level.
“Getting recognition like this will make me go that extra mile and I will want more! This award will be an inspiration to my colleagues who will think that they can work to where I am right now.”

Sommelier of the Year went to Daniel Blais from Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

Daniel stood because of his in-depth knowledge of beverages through study on key industry courses.

He has 15 years experience and is focused on customer service and improving his wine knowledge. Judges were impressed with his commitment and passion for his role.

A bi-monthly wine tasting event organised by Daniel has proved to be a huge success and it is fully booked for 2010, something the judges identified as an indicator of knowledge and enthusiasm for his job.

His skills at wine and food matching are regarded as a major asset by Fairmont Bab Al Bahr management.

Daniel is responsible for six wine lists throughout the hotel and across seven food outlets with 600 different wine labels, many of which are high-end luxury vintages.

Daniel said he was proud to win the award as Abu Dhabi's first ever sommelier. "I came to Abu Dhabi a year ago, and there were no sommeliers. Then the Fairmont Hotel gave me this project, they trusted me. And you see, I guess they were right because tonight we are winners, both Fairmont and I. So it's just great." 

 He said the importance of the role of sommelier was slowly increasing in this region.

"When you go to a restaurant everything is about the details from A to Z. From the hostess service to the kitchen. And when you look at your cheque at the end of the night the wine aspect is of great importance. I am here to maximize that investment in your evening."

 
Highly commended was Julien Coron from Reflets.