Shortform Autobiography

Gastronome Timothy Penick began working in restaurants at the age of 16.  (Outback Steakhouse to be exact—we all had to get started somewhere!) I studied Hospitality Management at Purdue University where I became interested in wine and gastronomy.  I started watching the Food Network becoming a foodie, then progressing to PBS where I found my love for James Beard, Julia Child, and American Gastronomy.  I procured myself a copy of James Beard's American Cookery and started reading every cookbook I could get my hands on. 

After college, I somehow managed to get a job at Charlie Trotter's in Chicago where I food-ran until I about dropped.  The Chef finally let me in the dining room when I accepted my new formal name—Timothy.  In 2004 I tasted an '83 Margaux, and something clicked in my brain. I helped prep in the kitchen prior to service for about two years before being appointed to the wine team in 2006.  I became a cellar rat and started upon the journey of wine.  At this point, I was still torn between the front and back of house. 

After a few short stints at a couple of Chicago Restaurants towards the end of 2007 into'08, including the transmogrifying Moto, I returned to my hometown of Naperville to join the SugarToad team in 2008.  After several months I was appointed to SugarToad Sommelier and took over wine responsibilities for SugarToad and Hotel Arista. 

I write a monthly column in a local newspaper, Positively Naperville, write this blog, and enjoy all things wine.  On my days off I read classic American cookbooks, patronize antique stores, support local brewers, and enjoy gardening.  Wine is Life!