Chad Smyser — Events Coordinator

Accidents happen...and sometimes they work out. "I had moved to New York to pursue graduate work in voice and opera, and began waiting tables at North Square (then called C3) in 1997," Chad says. "Through the years my commitment to the success of the property increased, and I also gained a unique understanding of the way this particular business operates. Ultimately these two things combined focused my sights on higher management here."

Armed only with a degree in voice and opera from Temple University in Philadelphia, Chad's formal training in wine and food has been completely hands on. "I also worked at Aquagrill in NYC where I learned an incredible amount about oysters and the unique relationship they share with wine. You can never underestimate how much wine can enhance the dining experience."

The relationship shared by food and wine is a continuing point of experimentation for Chad. "There are those great 'aha!' moments in pairing wines. Especially when you get it just right...the food and wine bring out nuances in each other that were never there to begin with." With owner Judy Paul, Chad is constantly searching for new and interesting additions to the wine list. "While we are always on the lookout for new and unusual offerings, we also recognize that many customers are most comfortable with what they already know. There has to be a balance between the familiar and the exotic."

So does an opera singer perform at work? "Absolutely not," Chad says. "Not even the birthday song. The food and wine can sing for themselves."

Duets performed nightly...