Christian Ercolani
Fort Myers,FL
Summary
Dependable and enthusiastic food and wine service professional, well-versed in the hospitality industry and building client and team relationships. Fine-dining expert and wine enthusiast with extensive knowledge of food and wines, wine pairings, growing regions and terroir. Efficient teacher, scientist (geochemist), and student with a willingness to continuously learn. Communicate effectively, fluent in English and Spanish, friendly, and have a strong work ethic.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server / Bartender
Quail West Country Club
Naples, FL
09.2018 - Current
- Focus on event setup and running of 20+ wine dinners with wine sommelier, including explaining wines to members, assisting with food pairings, and wine pouring during dinners
- Increased member participation in wine dinner events
- Work with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items
- Assist members with menu selections and serving meals
- Trained 10+ new staff members
- Tend full-service bar with many cocktail and wine options
- Work 10+ private catering events at members' exclusive multi-million dollar homes; setting up and breaking down event; serving food; bartending
Server / Bartender
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Naples, FL
05.2009 - 09.2014
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Worked with POS system to place orders and manage bills
- Created menus at private dining parties
- Paired food and wine for customers
- Certified trainer
- Upsold premium wines and steaks to customers
- Tended full-service bar with 100+ wine by-the-glass choices
Server / Bartender
Naples Tomato
Naples, FL
04.2004 - 05.2009
- Helped to build steady customer base at this new Italian restaurant
- Worked with wine sommelier to understand and sell premium wines to customers
- Paired food and wines for customers
- Trained 30+ new staff members, in both English and Spanish
- Worked 50+ private dining events and pasta dinners at restaurant
- Worked 10+ private dining and catering events at customers' homes
Education
Ph.D. - Geochemistry
University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW, Australia09.2018
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL05.2014
Bachelor of Science - Marine Science
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL05.2005
Skills
- Speak English, Spanish, and French
- Knowledgeable about wines and wine-growing regions
- Comfortable working in variety of settings including tasting room, wine dinners, laboratory, and out in the field
- Knowledgeable on soils, climate, and earth surface processes
- Able to train staff and also willingness to be trained
- Great team player, warm and friendly, and easy to get along with
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Proficient with many computer programs
- Strong team leader
- Ability to work independently
Certification
- Certified Winery Owner, IAP College Careers, completed 2022
- Food and Beverage Safety Training Certification, ServSafe, competed 2021
Timeline
Server / Bartender
Quail West Country Club
09.2018 - Current
Server / Bartender
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
05.2009 - 09.2014
Server / Bartender
Naples Tomato
04.2004 - 05.2009
Ph.D. - Geochemistry
University of Wollongong
Master of Science - Environmental Science
Florida Gulf Coast University
Bachelor of Science - Marine Science
Florida Gulf Coast University