Jeff was born in Boston, MA and spent his childhood traveling throughout the United States. An opportunity to live in London during High School and frequent visits to Europe helped to solidify his passion for food and wine. He returned to the US to attend New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where he received a BFA in Acting and a Minor in Philosophy.
Jeff’s tenure in NYC restaurants began in the late 1990’s at Gramercy Tavern. Over the years he has worked in some of the city’s best dining rooms. He was on the opening team of Masa at the Time Warner Center in 2004, and worked for the B&BHG on opening Bistro du Vent in 2005. In 2007 he started a 7 year stint at Eleven Madison Park. He was a Captain at EMP for 2 years before becoming a Sommelier in 2009, and eventually Head Sommelier in 2011. During his time at EMP, the restaurant garnered 4 Stars from The NY Times, 3 Michelin Stars, Wine Spectator’s Grand Award, and James Beard Awards for both Best Wine Service and Best Restaurant in the USA. After leaving EMP, Jeff was the Wine Director at 1 Michelin stared Betony, Wine Director of Chevalier at The Baccarat Hotel, Wine Director of Felidia and Wine Director of Danny Meyer’s North End Grill. In February 2018, Jeff left the restaurant floor for the retail floor and was reunited with his former EMP colleague Dustin Wilson, and is now General Manager of Verve Wine in TriBeCa.
Jeff has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Wine & Spirits Magazine, Sommelier Journal, Tasting Table, Eater and Heritage Radio. Recent accolades include being named one of Wine & Spirits Magzine’s “Best New Sommeliers 2014” as well as being one of three winners of the inaugural La Paulée Burgundy Scholarship.