GEORGE SKORKA Wine Warrior & Kalinist Sommelier and Maitre’D George Skorka
wasn’t yet a teenager when he tasted his first wine, a cup of tea with the
teaspoon of white wine in it, and he remembers it clearly, it always brings back
memories: “The wine made the tea immediately lighter in colors, and it’s flavors
with the odd but stimulating bouquet, good acidity and gentle richness
mesmerized the little boy.” By age 6 he was cooking daily fresh food from the
farmers market with his grandmother. The Hungarian Olympic kayak team member
made supporting money by being a bar back in the most famous night club in
Budapest.
After college and working in the classic floor system in many ranks,
Skorka become assistant Food and Beverage Director in the 200 years old
legendary Hotel on the Danube’s treasure Margaret Island in the heart of
Budapest. At age 30 the revolutionary New York restaurateur Paul Kovi of the
Four Season gave him a Gourmet Magazine review of Gyertya, his former
Restaurant in Budapest. They collaborated in the New York Years in the
complete rewriting of the Transylvanian Cuisine, published in 1984. “I must
thank Paul for a half of my inspirations in life he was magical to direct
people towards to spiritual values in our material business”- said Skorka,
the other great amongst of my many mentors is Terry Leighton the renaissance
man of Kalin Cellars. Escaping communist Hungary for political reasons in
1981 with $ 5 in his pocket and not to speak English, gave a great new
opportunity to Mr. Skorka: start again. In a few months the busboy become a
waiter in N.Y. Moved to Washington DC and from waiter became a Manager of
the Kennedy Center, running Ronald Regan’s Inauguration Ball. In 1985 The
Jefferson Hotel Maitre’D become the Maitre’D of the Bel Air Hotel in Los
Angeles. In the next two plus decades Skorka spent in Los Angeles and became
a Maitre D’/Sommelier in Shutters on the Beach and Casa Del Mar Hotel, New
Chasen and Crustacean, La Merigot and many more. The wine buyer/MaitreD
position in the Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel become the major opportunity to
discover a Central Coast’s potential before it become known for many.
Skorka’s own restaurant in Beverly Hills 456 North Bedford was a turning
point. Constant touring of the vineyard become a passion, and Skorka is
proud of his contribution in Tantara Vinery. He spent years in the winery
and his chosen barrel in the spring racking got the highest score from
Robert Parker in that time.
Years with one of the leading wine Company as a District Manager further benefited him and the organization. He was one of the first among them to be tested with the Court of Master Sommeliers then three level advance exams. The entire group started to focus on the education of the employees afterwards. Skorka’s current plans are learning and teaching: After running the successful Jonathan Club and Bastide, his latest was the opening of BottleRock downtown. “The casualty but Riedel standards fit to the new generation” said the opening Skorka. Skorka is also on the advisory Board of the Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute, and in the last half decade he is a judge on the largest wine event in the USA: the San Francisco International Wine Competition. Skorka’s philosophy is shared with his winery find and sommelier certified wife, his mountain cabin and two Bernese Montain dogs: “I am very lucky, in my life I always being paid for what I love to do anyway…”
Questions just give us a call
Is an all day celebration of the best German Beers, Foods, Entertainment and raises funds for local charities. MAP and Directions to the Oktoberfest Beers, Wines, Spirits and Food
Event in partnership with
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German Consulate General Los Angeles | ||||
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Los Angeles Berlin Sister Cities |
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Heidelberg Club International |
Net proceeds benefit the Childrens Tumor Foundation & the Homeboy Industries.
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