A Toast to Truluck’s Beverage Managers

Our passionate beverage team is committed to offering sips for every palate.

Perhaps the only thing better than a delicious, unforgettable meal is the perfect beverage to sip on with it. And no matter what your drink preferences are—or what you are eating—Truluck’s passionate team of beverage managers, led by Director of Beverage Dave Mattern, has curated options fit for every palate. Our upcoming Italian wine series, for example, is sure to inspire a celebratory meal.

“Italian wines are rich in culture and history. They are one of the most elegant wines,” says Truluck’s beverage manager Jesus Perez. “Our educated servers and beverage managers can create a whole new adventure for our guests to embrace the flavor.”

So, let’s raise a glass to Truluck’s beverage managers. Meet them below to see why they are the toast of the town—and why they are excited for you to sip and savor Italian wines.

Ken Alford — Truluck’s Southlake, Texas

Favorite spirit: I love bourbons and the wide variety and styles, from Rye to wheat, barrel proof, single barrel or single cask.

What inspires you? The ability to create the perfect pairing for a meal or particular dish. Truluck’s has long had a solid reputation for its fine-dining atmosphere and ability to provide a true five-star experience. The commitment to excellence and attention to detail in every area is what drew me to Truluck’s.

What should guests know about Italian wine? They are incredibly diverse and rich in history. For example, Amarone is typically a low-tannic wine with flavor and profiles of fig, prunes, plums and cherry liqueurs. Sangiovese is more savory with flavors of tobacco, rosemary and sage. Super Tuscans are fruit-driven, as they’re typically made with Sangiovese and Cabernet.

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: The House Old Fashioned. The simplicity of the drink along with the incredibly refreshing flavor.

Brian Dominick — Truluck’s Washington, D.C.

Favorite spirit: For me, it depends on what time of day and where I am drinking. I think there is nothing cooler than living like the locals. If the locals do bourbon, I do bourbon. If the locals sip wine, I sip wine. If the locals bash beer, I bash with them!

What inspires you? I love when people do things that are unexpectedly simple, such as parmesan cheese on an espresso martini. Being someone who loves to try something new, my interest is piqued when I see something that is a little out of left field but still playing the same game.

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: Tru Story. I love the freshness of the specialty cocktails. There is a vibrancy to all the drinks with a balanced flavor profile that makes them approachable to most people.

Davis Duong — Truluck’s Houston, Texas

Favorite spirit: White Burgundy. I believe white Burgundy pairs with everything from red meats to seafood to even pizza!

What inspires you? The never-ending education you learn about spirits, wine and food. The way it makes a guest feel when they have their first sip from a hard day’s work or celebrating a special occasion with friends and family.

What should guests know about Italian wine? Italy produces more wine than any other country and has more than 2,000 grape varietals. And Italian wines do not have to be expensive to be good!

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: Voila. But at the end of a long day, my go-to Truluck’s order is a nice cold glass of champagne or bubbles because every day should be a celebration.

Deshon Ford — Truluck’s Dallas, Texas

Favorite spirit: Bourbon and whiskey due to its rich history. They are versatile, and there are always innovative and creative ways to drink them, such as Truluck’s High Flier cocktail.

What inspires you? I am inspired by creating a great memorable cocktail experience. Cocktails and wine have become a staple when it comes to enjoying a great dinner. The ability to add to a great experience is what thrills me, in addition to the rotating door of knowledge and innovation. The market is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new with a great wealth of knowledge attached to it.

What should guests know about Italian wine? Italy has a unique region and climate which contributes to the rich array of flavors and styles. It’s the home to Prosecco and produces some of the best traditional reds in Barolo’s and Barbaresco. The upcoming wine series will present an opportunity to be introduced to varietals you may be unfamiliar with. It’s the chance to explore the rich history of Italian wine makers and variety of styles, which are extremely intricate.

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: First Crush. The recipe has been perfected to create the perfect flavor, and it’s also an excellent summer drink.

Jason Johnson — Truluck’s Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Favorite spirit: Gin. I love how botanicals affect the flavor and how that can be indigenous of a region or a preference in style.                       

What inspires you? The never-ending changing of palates.

What should guests know about Italian wine? Our selections of Italian wines encompass the spirit of Italy’s diverse terroir, Mediterranean climate and old-world traditional methods. Some of our finer Italian wines on the Rare Gems menu are a great way to celebrate your special occasion at Truluck’s.

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: Tru Story. It’s just super fresh and vibrant. All our cocktails have great presentation and taste.

Matthew Middleton — Truluck’s The Woodlands, Texas

Favorite spirit: I love Rum. Rum offers a wide range of flavors and styles, from light and floral to rich and complex depending on factors like aging, distillation methods and the origin of the sugarcane. This diversity allows for nuanced tasting experiences that cater to different palates and occasions.

What inspires you? I have a genuine passion for beverages, from cocktails and wines to craft beers and spirits. The opportunity to immerse myself in the world of drinks and share that enthusiasm with others is incredibly rewarding. I am inspired by the artistry of crafting unique and memorable drink experiences that complement Truluck’s culinary offerings. I am also inspired by the constant innovation and evolving trends within the beverage industry. From new cocktail techniques to innovative brewing and winemaking practices, staying abreast of these developments allows me to offer our guests exciting and cutting-edge drink options.

What should guests know about Italian wine? Italian wines are a treasure trove of diversity, history, and craftsmanship. Exploring the wines of Italy offers a journey through centuries of winemaking tradition and a chance to savor some of the most celebrated and distinctive wines in the world.

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: The House Old Fashioned is my favorite drink to make. The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Crafting it involves a deep appreciation for tradition and a skillful approach to balancing flavors.

Fernando Nunez — Truluck’s Downtown Austin, Texas

Favorite spirit: Rum used to be my go-to, but in the past few years I started to rediscover bourbon. It has changed so much and is now produced in almost every state. From traditional aging to bourbons aged in different wine, cognac or rum barrels, it’s just amazing. The complexity, the layers of aromas and flavors, and sometimes they are difficult to find—it’s like a second hobby!

What inspires you? Experimentation! Almost every beverage program has some new variations or twists on some of the old school classics that are now in high demand.

What should guests know about Italian wine? Italian wines are some of the best wines in the world. Older vines, different soils, elevation and climate have a lot to do with quality, but the laws of wine making in the Old World are so unique and strict, allowing the winemakers to produce the finest and most delicious wines year after year. Be adventurous, and taste something new!

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: A difficult question! One of my favorites will always be our Upper Manhattan: rye whiskey infused with butter, vermouth, maple and walnut bitters.

Joshua Patrick — Truluck’s Plano, Texas

Favorite spirit: Bourbon has a special place in my heart. I love that each bottle has its own unique flavor profile and that so much goes into making such a great product.

What inspires you? Blowing a guest’s expectations out of the water. We have such a great variety that connects with any guest walking in our doors.

What should guests know about Italian wine? Italian wines are produced in every region of Italy, and Italy has the widest variety of indigenous grapes in the world, giving them vast diversity. The Italian Wine Series sums up the craftsmanship that has long been perfected all throughout Italy. We will take your palate on a tour throughout Italian wine country, introducing you to the incredible variety Italy is known for.

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: The House Old Fashioned. A classic that requires just the right touch to curate that perfect balance.

Jesus Perez — Truluck’s Miami, Florida

Favorite spirit: Vodka is my favorite spirit. I find it to be an elegant spirit and versatile mixer.

What inspires you? Beverages in the hospitality industry provide a wide range of developmental opportunities. There is a continuous sense of learning—becoming a sommelier, mixology, inventory, leadership.

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: I like making the Voila! The cocktail is a great drink and provides guests with an exciting show when it is set in front of them. People get very excited with this drink, and that is fun to watch.

Cameron Stefanini — Truluck’s Arboretum Austin, Texas

Favorite spirit: Bourbon has a rich American history of friendship, passion and expression. Historical figures like Colonel Albert Blanton, Uncle Nearest and Elmer T. Lee have incredible ties to American history, all the while perfecting their craft in creating bourbon.

What inspires you? The beverage industry is an avenue of craftsmanship and artistic expression. Winemakers, distillers, sommeliers and mixologists combine their creativity to make the industry what it is.

What should guests know about Italian wine? Italian culture is all about welcoming everyone in and sharing our passions, language and food. Roman soldiers used to be required by law to have a specific portion of wine each day, as it was considered an essential part of one’s nutrition. Wine was considered a gateway to the soul and the heavens. In vino veritas, “in wine, there is truth,” as they say.

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: I genuinely love making the espresso martini. It has reigned as a staple of a successful beverage program, and I love not only making them but then hearing feedback from my guests that our recipe is the best they’ve ever had. I love how Truluck’s cocktails pay homage to the classics, such as the Voila! being a vibrant refresh of a French Martini.

David Talacha — Truluck’s Rosemont, Illinois

Favorite spirit: Johnny Walker George V, created by the Master Distiller from Macallan. It’s an opulent and regal blend with an incredible complexity.

What inspires you? I’m mainly inspired by endless options in the spirit and wine world. You can always find a new way to elevate the guest’s experience and create unforgettable moments. At Truluck’s, our cuisine inspires me to look for new opportunities and ways to impress with our spirit and wine selection. What drives me is commitment to excellence and providing the highest quality service and beverage selection to our guests.

What should guests know about Italian wine? One of the overriding characteristics of Italian wines is the touch of the land that one can taste in every bottle. The nose might have hints of mushrooms, soil, minerals or grass.

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: The Old Fashioned is by far my top cocktail to make. With a long history, it dates back to the earliest days of cocktails. Did you know that it used to be called the Whiskey Cocktail?

Brooke Torrez — Truluck’s Naples, Florida

Favorite spirit: My favorite spirit is rum because it’s fermented from sugarcane, which makes for a sweet cocktail.

What inspires you? The creativity and fun that is had when mixing new cocktails.

What should guests know about Italian wine? Because Italy has a wonderful variety of wine styles, there is something for everyone.

Favorite Truluck’s cocktail: The Spicy Blackberry Margarita.

Join us at Truluck’s for a dining experience unlike any other. Make a reservation today. Your table is waiting.