Profiles

Roberto Viernes, 27, Neiman Marcus wine specialist and sommelier for Mariposa restaurant

Born: Philippines; resident of Hawai'i for the past 26 years

Background: apprenticed at Clicquo Restaurant; learned the wine trade at R. Field Wine Co. and Padovani's Bistro and Wine Bar. Has been with Neiman Marcus' Epicure shop for 2 1/2 years.

Quote: "I like to cook classical French with local ingredients. I love to cook with butter and garlic, and use one of them in everything I cook."

Favorites

Meal: pan-seared foie gras with '67 Chateau d'Yquem and confit of duck breast wrapped in bacon with '78 La Tache.

Comfort food: mom's pinakbet with white rice

Cookbook: "La Technique" by Jacques Pepin

Cooking show: "Iron Chef" – "Those chefs are so creative and skillful with every dish; I would love to be a taster on the show."

Kitchen tool: the corkscrew – "Go figure."

Editor's note: This new weekly feature will introduce readers to names and faces in the culinary field in the Islands. If you're a chef, sommelier or other food industry professional, you can nominate yourself for a profile by e-mailing islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com. Direct the e-mail to Wanda Adams, features editor.