Wine Consultant and Harlem Native - Cha McCoy Tells You Where To Eat in NYC
Cha McCoy
Wine Enthusiast: 40 Under 40 Tastemaker 2019
Wine Consultant and Event Sommelier
Owner & Founder: Cha Squared
“The Communion”: An International Wine Tasting Pop Up Series
Social: Cha_Squared
Astrological Sign: Pisces (Sag Rising)
Hometown: Harlem, NY
Currently Living: Lisbon, Portugal
Fav Foods: Seafood, Italian, Chinese, Senegalese & Cheese
How do you eat your pizza?: Folded - The Envelope Style..like a Pro
““If you don’t like people, becoming a Sommelier is not the job for you.””
"We often are so jaded by ‘status’ that we don't even recognize that there are people doing this job without the fame, pins, and letters behind their name.”
Cha McCoy fell in love with wine during her studies in Italy and I fell in love with her in a grocery store. I was re-arranging tomatoes so I could get a good pic for Instagram - I'm not sure if she thought I was nuts, intrigued or both - but it led her to start up a conversation with me. Right there amongst the fresh produce, we hit it off and I have been watching her rise (and getting incredibly inspired) since.
After getting her MBA in Italy she returned to New York City, became a certified sommelier, worked in a bottle shop and started organizing a dinner series with underrepresented chefs called "the Communion". While all are welcome, the meals are geared especially toward people of color who may have experienced exclusion in the wine world. “I realize I am fulfilling a purpose as the ‘People's Sommelier’, doing the work that restaurants fail to provide my community. I want to empower consumers with wine education so they are armed and are able to ask for better hospitality then what they are currently receiving at restaurants, bars or even bottle shops. This makes me feel like I am doing a small justice with my events and work. We often are so jaded by the status that we don't even recognize that there are people doing this job without the fame, pins, and letters behind their name."
Since embarking on her journey, her business has since grown to organize travel for consumers and consult on events with winemakers all around the world, with a focus on Portugal (where she currently is living). "I could not compete in the wine game the traditional way. So I began studying and obtained my pin and wine credentials for a different purpose, for the education and to serve my community. The right to have equal food and beverage service is what I realized people valued and wanted most.” Cha is an advocate for food equality, sustainable practices, and proper revitalization of urban neighborhoods using hospitality as a vehicle to generate progress in communities.
““If you don’t do well with criticism, taking orders, people questioning your opinion, testing your knowledge (constantly), polishing glassware, and being humble, this ain’t for you.””
Cha's NYC & What to order when you get there
1. Hop Kee Chinatown : NYC Chinese - Chinatown, NYC
Order : BBQ Flounder, Snowpeas, and Snails in Black Bean Sauce
2. Dragon Ice Cream : Ice Cream - Chinatown, NYC
Get: Lychee flavor, or whatever is new
3. Vinateria : Wine Bar - Harlem, NYC
Drink: as Much Portuguese and White Spanish wines. Tell the Manager Cha sent you!!
4. Africa Kine : Senegalese - Harlem, NYC
Order: Thiéboudienne is considered the national dish of Senegal (whole fish, head on always)
5. La Casa Del Monfongo : Latin American - Washington Heights, NYC
Order: Arroz con pollo, straight off the charcoal and seafood mofongo
6. Babbaluci : Pizza - Harlem, NYC
7. Buceo 95 : Spanish Tapas & Wine Bar - Upper West Side, NYC
8. Amy Ruth's - Harlem, NYC
Get: the Al Sharpton aka Chicken & Waffles - ( Know for naming their dishes after famous African Americans)
9. Bisou Bisou : Wine Bar - Fort Greene, Brooklyn
I have created a personal wine list for them - drink from #TheChaList - tell them Cha sent you!
