We’re back with another MML Team Spotlight, introducing you to the incredible people behind our restaurants, hotels, and shops. This week’s spotlight is our very own Ford Flusche, Floor Sommelier at @sammiesitalian. Q. Where are you from? A. Dallas, TX Q. How long have you worked for MML Hospitality? And at what location? A. One year at Sammie’s Italian Q. Before joining MML, where did you work? A. Commodore Perry Estate and Il Brutto. Q. First food you ever loved? A. Fried chicken from Babe’s in Highland Park in Dallas Q. First wine you fell in love with? A. G.D. Vajra Riesling Q. What's your favorite thing about Austin? A. The friends I’ve met Q. Favorite dish to make at home? A. BLTs. I can live off BLTs Q. One thing you always have in your fridge (other than a bottle of wine)? A. Cheese and hot sauce. I’m a little psycho about my hot sauce being chilled Q. Favorite wine region on the planet? A. Piedmont— at the moment. Q. Desert island bottle of wine? A. Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera Brunello di Montalcino...it’s the wine that made me want to do this for a living. Q. Most underrated wine region on the planet? A. It’s getting more popular nowadays but Sicily for both its white and red wines. Q. Most amazingly wonderful food and wine pairing? A. PX sherry over vanilla ice cream Q. What's the last movie you watched? A. The original Top Gun—for the first time Q. Favorite restaurant in the world? A. Cotogna in San Francisco. Hands down the dining experience I’ve ever received. Q. What's the last book you read? A. Kerin O’Keefe’s books on Brunello and Barbaresco/Barolo are mainstays on my coffee table. Q. Favorite type/brand of glassware for drinking wine? A. Gabriel-Glas—the thinner the stem the better. Q. Grackles or Bats A. Bats. Grackles are just the worst Q. Deep Eddy Pool or Barton Springs? A. Barton Springs