No, it's not what you think.
Think, grasshopper, think...what would be considered a 'benefit' by a food and wine-crazed ex-chef?
Something with no strings attached...
Something delicious perhaps?
How about an ex-boyfriend who is now a partner in a lovely wine boutique? A boutique that reflects his interesting, eclectic taste and not the demands of a boss who got a great deal on "something great" and is pushing it on every customer.
Joe has exquisite taste in wine. For years he languished in a chain wine shop where, as the store manager, he was pulled in twelve directions by his MBA boss -- a boss who had no talent for the business, but a degree that he believed allowed him to expertly manage everything and everyone. I'm an MBA, too, but at no time would I delude myself that the degree has somehow endowed me with super powers. Joe's old boss made him miserable -- which was a pity because Joe loved his work and his customers.
Last fall Joe met Amy, who was planning to open a wine boutique. The wheels were already in motion, and when Joe joined Amy's business, she had already hired --and lost -- a wine director who didn't share Amy's vision. Amy hired Joe and they worked night and day for several months. Late January 2006 they opened the doors of the Bottle Shop, a sunny, open, attractive store with wines that Joe loves. There are quirky wines and serious wines. Joe special orders wines for regular customers, many of whom followed him from his old shop.
Every Thursday and Saturday Joe hosts tastings at the shop -- definitely the closest thing in Chicago to going to a tasting room at a winery in the Santa Cruz mountains. It is unpretentious, laid back, and fun. Joe pours wines he loves, odd bottles, and occasionally what his reps feels like pouring. Joe serves in wine glasses, not plastic cups. There are a number of comfortable stools to sit on. On a sunny afternoon, it is the perfect place to enjoy a good glass of wine and wine conversation. And Joe always has a secret bottle, usually the last of a case that has sold out. He's also got a store blog that he keep updated for his customers. Good to see Joe is putting that English major to use.
Yep, Joe is definitely an ex with benefits.
Did I mention that he's single?
