About Us

Posted Mon, 04/13/2009 - 15:10 by Slope Cellars

 

Patty Lenartz

ImagePatty Glynn Lenartz comes to Park Slope, Brooklyn by way of Westlake Village, California and this is her 5th career change in 20 years. Arriving on the upper west side in 1981 to play drums in her best friend's band, she began a 9 year stint in New York restaurants where she learned enough about food and wine to BS her way through most situations.

In 1990, depleted of fake smiles, she bit the bullet, learned how to work a computer and found work with the American Foundation for AIDS Research in the Public Relations department.

Two and a half years later, in an altruistic moment, Patty decided that if you aren't part of the solution you're part of the problem and she began the arduous process of becoming a certified NYC public school teacher. After earning her Master's degree she began work on a screenplay with Richard Duggan (longtime friend and restaurant alumnus) as a little side project during the summer. By some small miracle, the screenplay found an agent and got optioned 3 months after it was finished. With the possibility of a Hollywood career looming, and although there were rewarding moments and memorable students, after 5 years of teaching she called it quits to write full-time.

Cheap rent and a generous husband allowed her to live the dream for almost 2 years before that tough mistress that is reality reared its ugly head. Informed that she needed to bring in some real money she began freelance writing - a career with plusses (working in your pajamas) and minuses (feast or famine).

During her time as a teacher and continuing today, Patty works as the Production Manager of Loser's Lounge. Loser's is a bimonthly music tribute, which began at the Fez and now resides at the groovy Westbeth Theatre. Her husband Bob likes to say he created the perfect job for her by letting her manage Slope Cellars, playing to her strengths of bossiness and organization and her love of wine. She hopes he's right.

Email: Patty

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Stephen Moses

ImageAs the oldest staff member, Stephen enjoys most of his leisure time at
home in his rocking chair tooting his trombone, cat's hiding, hoping
he doesn't start hitting the drums!
Born into a musical family on Long Island, trombone in one hand, golf
club in the other and a hockey stick in the other, Steve usually rides
his bike to work. His band  ALICE DONUT, after over 1000 shows just
played their 20 year anniversary pArTy and released their 9th full
length studio album FUZZ.
check out <www.alicedonut.com > or the oh-so-popular <www.myspace.com/alicedonut >

In addition to some teaching and session work Steve plays in
LAMBIC <www.myspace.com/lambic >

How I got into wine is really very interesting as well:  When I started playing with Losers Lounge, I met Patty.  We became friends. Then a year or so later she called to tell me that she and Bob were opening a wine shop and would I like to work a few evenings a week.  I thought about it for no longer then one second and said "yes, ...but I don't know too much about wine" and she assured me that if I just watch I will learn what I need to know.  She was correct and that's how I got into wine.

Email: Stephen Moses

 
Ben Hagen

Hailing from California's Bay Area, Ben has been a member of the Slope Cellars Team since the fall of 2003. From a very young age, Ben has enjoyed the development of a healthy, adventurous palate. He remembers his first sip of good coffee, jalapeno-eating contests, and the foreign taste of curry - which he spent many hours grinding, pulverizing and simmering to recreate.  At the end of each experiment was a reward - the satisfying act of sitting down at a table with family or friends. Not until his move to London to attend university, though, did he discover the missing ingredient - the greatest complement to any well-prepared meal - wine. While living in Europe, Ben took advantage of the close proximity to many of the world's great regional cuisines and he grew fascinated with the interplay between food and wine. Upon graduating, he moved to New York and continued this exploration in the restaurant business, which ultimately led him to us at Slope Cellars. After a few good years slingin' wine at the store, he was made partner and has the pleasure of selecting the store's wines alongside Patty. He is happier than ever sharing his curiosity and opinions with customers and he invites anyone with a thirsty appetite to join him.

 
Chris Hiatt
  Image  Hailing originally from the midwest, Chris decided to go against the grain and go questing for food that was more compelling than traditional Indiana fare such as "hot dish" and "tuna mac." Getting a job at the local natural foods co-op helped him discover (gasp!) interesting vegetables. A friend in college suggested one night that he put down the Busch Light and pick something more worthwhile, a Bass Ale. The rest is pretty much history.

Chris got into wine in earnest while working at Whole Foods Market in San Francisco, when the wine buyer began holding wine classes. A giddiness for free booze turned into something serious enough that when he moved to Brooklyn in 2004, he hooked up a job in the wine trade. He has been with Slope Cellars since June of 2006, and is the buyer of our boutique selection of small batch bourbons and single malt scotches.

Chris is also an avid musician (almost a pre-requisite for SC staffers!), performing on saxophone, flute, clarinet and Irish whistles.

Chris is a recent graduate of the French Culinary Institute's full time Culinary Arts Program. He currently resides in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn with his wife Annie and his freaky cat Lulu.
When you purchase more than 12 bottles of wine in a single order, you will receive a 15% discount on the wine in your order. (Offer does not apply to spirits.)