Meet Jamie Riddle
Jamie Riddle has been in the restaurant industry for 19 years. Her first job was bussing tables at Rugerri’s in Delafield. She hopped around restaurants in the Lake Country area until Jeff Cox found her at Pacific Bistro. Jamie started at Wine Maniacs in 2016, and says it’s the best business she’s worked for. Wine and pairing wine and food together are two things she loves. She had the privilege of re-writing their wine club in 2017 and has gotten to watch it evolve and grow into quite a cool club. In addition to Wine Maniacs “Cool Kid” Club, she does their social networking, marketing, and wine dinners. When she’s not working at Wine Maniacs, you will still catch her with a glass of wine. Her favorite wine region is Italy.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have three brothers and my parents are my best friends. They have been married for 37 years and live in Twin Lakes, IL.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
We do a lot at Wine Maniacs, but my favorite thing we do is educate our customers about wine, and even more, wine and food pairings.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Fishbones, Bella Gusto, Lago Su Bella, Pacific Bistro, The Station, Steel Tank, Sobies
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
19 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Jeff Cox, Owner of Wine Maniacs, Head Wine Guy. He has opened my eyes to the world of wine and food. I will forever be grateful for the knowledge he bestows, and the wine community he has created.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie: Big Fish. TV show: I love the paranormal ones based on real life.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be you. Don’t spend your life trying to please other people, instead follow your heart and have faith.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Kiltie.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Chip Duncan, an amazing photographer, at Pacific Bistro. Chip is a fascinating man and we originally met at Pacific Bistro. Would love to catch up and hear of his recent journeys.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
All of the lakes.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In wine country finding new wine for Wine Maniacs.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My great grandpa played on the NY Yankees with Joe Dimaggio.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents, significant other, and all of our crew at Wine Maniacs.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, comfort, my dog.
