If you love wine and La Cuchara restaurant, then you likely know Mike “Red” Farace. The red hair, the beard, always looking dapper, Red is one of the many reasons I love to sit at the bar at La Cuchara. It’s a great solo spot for me, whether it’s a quick drink and snack (see: BREAD SERVICE!) or dinner. FYI: They update the menu on their website everyday, so you can see what’s on for that night. If I see dayboat scallops on the menu and do not go, there has to be a very, very good reason.
Red is my favorite kind of sommelier, one who does not try to be overly fancy, suggest the most expensive wines or make you feel “less than”. He offers tastes, sometimes a little out of the ordinary to stretch guests’ wine choices. I love that he tends to remember what kinds of wines I like and encourages me to drink what I like and to be okay with that. No judgment. But then he may lso very politely suggest something a little different that he thinks I might like. I’m sure other La Cuchara regulars have had similar experiences that put you at ease and make you feel special. That is Red.
Recently La Cuchara was named one of the Top 50 wine restaurants in the country by Wine Enthusiast and when I emailed Red to congratulate him his reply was, “Thank you so much. Marco and I couldn’t have fun with the wine program if all of the other aspects of the restaurant were not on point consistently”. Classic. What a team!
I can’t believe that next year mark’s La Cuchara’s tenth year. Seems like yesterday Ben Lefenfeld was showing me the space while it was under construction and I walked in and blurted out a curse word – I was in total awe of not only the overall size but the design elements, the bar, all of it.
If you haven’t been to La Cuchara in a while, get there. And be sure to say hello to Red. Thank you for being a part of this series and for always being so darn nice, Red!
Cake or Pie? And what kind?
Cake (if it is a real deal Smith Island Cake).
Your most prized possession?
Is it ok to say dog? Yeah, my dog Vinny. Full name Vincenzo Jason Bateman Farace. He is a goofball pit mutt that loves everyone and everything.
What’s your favorite thing to order out at restaurants?
I’m going with anything duck. Duck confit, duck breast, foie gras, smoked duck, Peking duck, etc. It is something that I don’t usually cook at home, which makes it more special.
What’s your favorite to cook at home?
Massaman Curry with lamb, chicken, or beef and a ton of veggies.
What’s your morning beverage and how do you take it?
Double espresso, black.
What’s your personal motto?
If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
My fantasy football draft. It is back home on the Eastern Shore with friends I don’t see often. It is a Thanksgiving type environment and I get to see friends and family.
Best advice you were ever given? And from whom?
It doesn’t cost anything to smile. Treat others fairly and with kindness. You never know what anyone else is experiencing, but you can be a bright spot in anyone’s day. My dad instilled this in me at an early age.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
This is from a long time ago (and several knee surgeries ago), but I still hold AAU Powerlifting world records.
The last text you sent?
I don’t know if sending a gif counts, but the last “text” I sent was a gif of Will Ferrell from Anchor Man. “It’s so damn hot. Milk was a bad choice.”
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness is drinking vintage Champagne with a huge meal after an all day hike in the mountains. Or an unplanned nap.
What do you love most about food?
The thing I love most about food is the memories that are crafted around a meal. Almost every special occasion around the world has food involved in some way. Birthdays, deaths, weddings, holidays, etc. all have food as an integral part of the event. Food brings people together like nothing else.
What’s your favorite place in Baltimore?
It is tough for me to choose between the stadiums downtown and Lake Roland. I’ve been going to Orioles and Ravens games since I can remember, but I also love doing a couple mile walk through the trails at Lake Roland with my wife, Jen, and dog, Vinny.
Go Red! But I’ll call you by your given name, Michael.
35 years in the restaurant business and I know exactly where you are and what you’re doing and feeling. There is nothing like it, even though it’s a thankless business at times. Maybe you should come home and start your own. I’ll cook.
DC