Foodies Favorite Finds: Josh Wiesenfeld of Remedy Wine Bar
Monday, July 27, 2015
Josh Wiesenfeld is the General Manager and Beverage Director at Remedy Wine Bar. _360_360_90.jpg)
Remedy Wine Bar is a modern yet cozy beverage-first wine bar overlooking the NW Park Blocks in Downtown Portland, Oregon. One of Portland's most diverse and ambitious wine programs, Remedy offers the largest selection of by-the-glass pours in town. The wine list, created by Josh Wiesenfeld, is organized stylistically from lightest to fullest and features local and international wines seen through an old-world lens. The impressive wine list is complemented by an inventive menu of seasonally inspired savory and sweet plates from Chef Lucas Parsley. Remedy Wine Bar’s comfortable living room vibe with contemporary design makes it an equally perfect place to relax and unwind after work, or delve into the unique story behind any wine on the extensive list.
Prior to making his way to Remedy Wine Bar, Wiesenfeld was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and attended the University of Iowa. During his time in college, he began his career in the food industry by working his way up from part time delivery driver to regional marketing director for a Midwest soup and sandwich chain. When he relocated to Portland, he quickly began working for Elephant’s Deli – a premiere specialty foods retailer. Wiesenfeld began learning about wine from their massive selection, approaching it with such a passion and incredible palate that he was promoted to Wine Promotions Coordinator.
From Elephant’s Deli, Wiesenfeld moved to the Wine Director position at renowned, James Beard Award winning restaurant Paley’s Place for five years before moving over to Imperial for one year and ultimately becoming the General Manager at Remedy Wine Bar. Wanting to expand his knowledge, he completed the Wine Fundamentals Levels 1 and 2 through the International Sommelier Guild. Even though he likes all wine, his personal favorite wines include sparkling wine, rosé, white Burgundy and Mosel Riesling. As far as food goes, though, Wiesenfeld suggests La Bamba Mexican Restaurant & Cantina as his favorite foodie find.
"My favorite off the radar spot is La Bamba on SE Powell and 49th. They don't use organic, locally sourced product. But it's made with love, and it's legit. There are definitely a few misses, but if you stick to the moles and Vera Cruz style seafood dishes you'll be in good shape. We always get the queso fundido to start. It's not fancy, straight up processed muenster with tons of jalapeños, but it’s an awesome guilty pleasure. The best thing on the menu is the Tlatonile, a complex but light sesame seed mole on chicken, which they claim to be the only restaurant in the country to serve. And did I mention over 100 tequilas?" Said Josh Wiesenfeld.
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