Joe Vicari Restaurant Group is thrilled to announce the first of many Somm Slam events. This June, The Statler in Detroit will be hosting Somm Slam dinner events where Joe Vicari Restaurant Group Sommelier Lisa Ribaudo will pair against wine specialist at Palm Bay International Wine Imports, Sean Mankowski, in a dueling dinner battle of the wines. Guests will enjoy an evening of fun and flavor as they relish in a three-course dinner with wine pairings. THE BATTLE: RIBAUDO vs MANKOWSKI Lisa Ribaudo was introduced to wine by her Italian grandfather, Antonio Ribaudo. While Papa Tony made wine in the basement of his Detroit home, the Ribaudo siblings would be like glue to his side, enthusiastically crushing grapes with their feet. In actuality - they were creating quite a mess – but it was in this quaint Detroit wine cellar that Lisa‘s love of the vine was first cultivated. It came as no surprise to the Ribaudo family when Lisa left a family business to enter the food and beverage industry. The year was 1990, when entrepreneur Joe Vicari opened his first Italian restaurant in Warren, Michigan. What originally began as a part time job for Lisa quickly blossomed as the Andiamo business grew into multiple locations across metro Detroit. Fast forward over 3- decades, Lisa remains with the Vicari group, in the role of Corporate Sommelier. Sean Mankowski is a sommelier and District Manager at Palm Bay International Wine Importers, Palm Bay International Wine Importers are preeminent wine and spirits suppliers in the United States who are perpetually exploring the globe to discover exciting opportunities to ignite innovation. Guests 21+ are welcome to attend. All guests must present their ID upon arrival. Space is limited. $79 per person* *Does not include tax or gratuity. Tickets are available now at http://www.statlerdetroit.com/ under “Happenings”