Page 6 - Duval's E-news Magazine, April 2019

Sarasota’s “Somm Mom”
Mani Gonzalez, element General Manager & Sommelier
Mani brings to us more than fifteen years of hospitality industry experience and wine knowledge in her dual role as a restaurant manager and Level II Sommelier. She established a strong background as a bartender, front and back of the house manager in Florida, eventually traveling to New York City and Napa, California to sharpen her skills.
When asked what industry certifica- tions she holds, she humbly responds, “I’m a Certified Sommelier through
the Court of Master Sommeliers, and certified as a Sake Advisor through the Sake School of America. I have also completed Level II Wine & Spirits certification through the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, and I am a Level I Cicerone, certified beer server.”
Mani will tell you that she is an avid learner, and a believer in all types of education - formal, on-the-job, and self taught. She truly loves wine, beer and all other spirits, and shares that love with her restaurant guests and staff. In addition to all the daily duties of a busy restaurant general manager, Mani is
the curator of the award-winning wine programs in element as well as that of our sister restaurant, Duval’s.
She moved to Sarasota in Octo- ber, 2018, and immediately em- braced the lifestyle and the com- munity. When Mani’s not working, she likes to spend time with the lights of her life - her husband and 2-year old daughter.
Mani Gonzalez,
General Manager/Sommelier