Tastemaker Andy Hasroun
WHERE TO FIND HIM: At his wine store, 55 Degree Wine, in Atwater Village.
HOW IT BEGAN: “When I came to the U.S. in 1992, I began working for my uncle and had my first sip of wine,” he remembers. And though he may not have been of drinking age yet, the experience definitely left an impression.
WHY HE LIKES IT: “It’s so nice to have customers call us out by name when the enter the store,” he admits.
WHY THE STORE IS UNIQUE: “We are the only wine provider and wine lounge in Los Angeles that has a genuine, underground, wine cellar used for storing wine for our customers at 55 degrees,” he boasts. The temperature, like the cellar, is perfect for storing wine.
ON THE ATMOSPHERE IN THE CELLAR: “The bar is an alluring, lively, sexy, intimate, and romantic environment,” he gushes. He also notes of the wine pourers, “They are knowledgeable and friendly which makes the bar a great place for dating, learning, and having fun.”
HOW HE SERVES THE COMMUNITY: “Not only does 55 Degree Wine work with many local charities and fundraisers in Atwater Village and Silverlake, but we also help to bring newcomers to our community,” he explains. Many of his customers arrive from outside areas such as Burbank, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Orange County, and Riverside.
HOW HE SELECTS WINE FOR THE STORE: “We go straight to the source to meet and taste with Small and unique producers in Europe,” he insists, adding that he aims for an overall diversity of styles.
ADVICE FOR NEWBIES: “Taste, taste, taste, and more tasting,” he offers. “Try as many wine as you can, that is the only way you are going to develop and learn your palate.”
THE MOST UNIQUE WINE HE’S EVER TASTED: “Every Bottle in the store,” he proclaims emphatically.
PERFECT DAY OFF: A self-professed nature lover, he would spend the day at the park or the beach with his family.
