Great presentation by Yannick Benjamin

Inspiring presentation by Yannick Benjamin at this week's RCNY meeting

We thank the Ronald McDonald House for its hospitality

Yannick has achieved the esteemed title of Sommelier of the Year, as acknowledged by the prestigious Michelin Guide. Yannick, a sommelier based in New York City, is the co-founder of Beaupierre Wines & Spirits in Hell’s Kitchen. Beaupierre, a family business, is led by Hell’s Kitchen natives of French descent. Distinguished from other NYC-based wine shops, Beaupierre upholds family-oriented values and serves as a community hub for inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability.

Yannick spoke about the driving principles in his life. He quoted famous Sushi legend Chef Juri Ono:

“Once you decide on your occupation... You
must immerse yourself in your work. You
have to fall in love with your work. Never
complain about your job. You must dedicate
your life to mastering your skill. That's the
secret of success... And is the key to being
regarded honorably.”

–Chef Jiro Ono

Then he spoke about the cardinal virtues: These were known as 'Cardinal Virtues', that its
leaders believed could lead to a better, happier
and more fulfilling life. The four virtues of
Stoicism were: wisdom, courage, temperance,
and justice.

STAY IN SILENCE & STILLNESS
EVERY MORNING

1. We suffer more in imagination than in reality
2. Read first and do not look at your phone-remain in silence and enjoy the stillness
3. Write to yourself (Personal Journal)
4. Practice: Premeditation of Adversity
5. Facial Expression
6. Body Language
7. Tone
8. A Daily Mantra

CREATING YOUR INVISIBLE SHIELD

1. Live according to what nature gives you
2. Thank you for all of the challenges that you will present to me
3. The pause (stay calm); breathe; keep pushing forward
4. Dichotomy of control
5. Delay any opinions or words
6. One mouth two ears
7. No complaining
8. No judgements!
9. Do not gossip stay away from talking about anyone that is not in the room
10. You become what you give your attention to

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

1. Be Uncomfortable/ Do Hard Things Do Hard Things
2. Learn something new/ Never Lose Your Curiosity
3. Disciple Now; Freedom Later
4. Why Wait; When It Can Be Done Now
5. You Can Delay; But Time Won’t
6. Procrastination is not your friend

We also inducted new member Fozia Chugtai into our club a Past President from Pakistan

Yannick is also a co-founder of Wine on Wheels, uniting wine enthusiasts and sommeliers for charitable endeavors. Despite a life-changing car accident in 2003 that left him paralyzed, Yannick pursued his dreams, attending college and becoming a sommelier. His early professional experiences include working at renowned establishments like Le Cirque, Jean-Georges, Felidia, and Atelier at the Ritz Carlton.

Yannick and his partners established Contento Restaurant in East Harlem, which operated with the ethos “accessible for all.” The restaurant exemplified quality hospitality with an inclusive approach until its closure. Yannick’s innovative work at Contento earned widespread acclaim, and he was featured among Wine Enthusiast’s Top 40 under 40 and named Person of the Year by New Mobility Magazine in 2017.

Yannick has served as the resident sommelier on the radio show On The Town with Michael Riedel on AM 970 The Answer and appeared on major networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS. In 2015, he was featured in Uncorked, a documentary series on Esquire TV.

Jancis Robinson of the Financial Times referred to Yannick as “the new star of New York’s gastronomic firmament,” and The Wine Spectator highlighted his ability to showcase a “kinder, gentler side of the profession.” Yannick’s journey and the success of Wheeling Forward, an organization he supports, have been featured in major publications. In 2021, Yannick was recognized as Sommelier/Wine Director of The Year at the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.