Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Meet Sherry Arntson ~ General Manager - Wild Ginger at The Bravern


With an extensive 30 year background in the food and beverage industry, Sherry Arntson, excels in her ability to deliver superior guest service and delicious mouth-watering dishes. By striving to go above and beyond the expectations of her guests, Sherry takes tremendous pride in the satisfaction of all who visit.

Executives and Foodies alive, we all have one thing in common; we love good food. Whether it's for drinks and appetizers of a full course dinner for 10, Sherry treats everyone equally and with the highest regard.

As a native to the Pacific Northwest, Sherry is married with two grown children. She spreads her time away from the restaurant with her daughter, who is a chef with sights on opening her own restaurant, and also taking with her son, an office with the Colorado Police Department. Nothing brings her more joy than watching them become successful professionals in careers they love.  

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Meet Mark Thostensen ~ Manager/Wine Director: Wild Ginger Bellevue


From sous chef to flair bartender, craft barkeep and then sommelier, Mark spent over twelve years knee-deep in every aspect of the restaurant life. He always had a strong affinity for the craft cocktail world, adores the juice of barley, and is a complete scotch nerd. His passion for wine, however, only truly began with a less-than-thought through decision to sit for the Court of Master Sommeliers intro exam. By the time Mark passed his certified exam, he was a full-fledged oenophile, he had drank the Kool-Aid and was hooked on a life in wine.

Mark has been a part of Wild Ginger since 2011. He enjoys the challenge of pairing international wines with the diverse world of Southeast Asian cuisine. Now Mark turns his focus on education, not only for guests, but for his colleagues and other aspiring wine professionals. Next up - the Certified Cicerone exam and Certified Specialist of Spirits.

When not jetting around the Wild Ginger opening esoteric vintage Riesling bottles, you can usually find Mark cooking with his wife, catching up on TED talks, or playing video games. A Theatre and Drama major from Indiana University with a minor in Voice, there is also a good chance you can find him poking around underground gorilla theatre troupes and off-off-broadway productions.