damien casten
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| Damien Damien was bitten by the wine bug at Taillevent while living in Paris as a twenty-two year old. At a meal where every bite was fantastic, a 1985 Hermitage La Chapelle from Jaboulet paired with venison was out of this world. That was a happy moment. It took another few years of semi professional eating in France for him to trade corporations for kitchens, but the memory of that three star meal was strong. After attending the New England Culinary Institute he returned to Paris and worked in kitchens for two years including the Michelin three starred Lucas Carton, known for its remarkable food and wine pairings. In his spare time he traded labor for wine and knowledge at one of Paris' best wine shops, cooked with friends and travelled. Back in the US, his experiences coaching high-school lacrosse, visiting wineries, and leading tastings of older wines with Scott combined to form the outline of a wine-event and distribution company. Email Damien. |
| Gazpacho in August. Happy, happy, happy. Damien was proud to be part of Slow Food Chicago's first annual Tomato-Fest to benefit Terra Madre. |
| The best description of great wine I have ever heard. “Damien and Candid Wines introduced us to some extraordinarily complex and wonderful wines at a private tasting that was both intimate and informative. The emphasis is on enjoying wine, both on a sensory level and in an historical context.“ Torey Malatia, President and General Manager, Chicago Public Radio. Speaking of Chicago Public Radio... Listen to Damien speaking about Turkeys, Tomatoes and Slow Food on Vocalo.org |
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