Hello! I’m Noah. I’ve lived in the Grand Traverse area for 15 years. I’m currently a server at Pepenero restaurant where I work with incredible co-works to bring our guests an amazing experience while they enjoy wondrous food, drinks and of course wine. Originally I’m from a small town in Central Michigan, but I’ve found that the North and I seem to get along better. I was a classically trained Ballet dancer for most of my life (I’ve danced with North West Michigan Ballet Theater, as well as West Michigan Youth Ballet and HIS dance academy) but found myself in food service after quitting the dance world. Through food service I’ve met some really amazing and interesting people . When I’m not at the restaurant I can usually be found studying foreign languages, crocheting, meandering around the woods/beach or enjoying a ridiculously amazing meal somewhere with my friends and family. I’m a performer as well as someone who is truly interested in providing gold standard service. A smile, a laugh, and kindness are all free. I think people forget that sometimes.
Q: Please tell us about yourself.
I’m 29 y.o. I consider myself a food service professional with an interest in fabulous food (even though I’m not much of a cook and much less of a chef) and wine. I really love meeting and interacting with people and serving tables affords me this opportunity in a somewhat unique way. I’ve been told that I have a stellar sense of humor, and I think that’s something that you have to be told so I’ll accept the compliment.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My current career is serving tables, but I’ve been a casino card dealer, and a classically trained ballet dancer. There are many things about my current position that I really enjoy, though I think the most satisfactory for me is helping clients truly enjoy their respective experiences. Whether that’s helping choose the perfect bottle of wine, or by adding humor to their night. The relationship we have is fairly short as table and server, but can make such an incredible difference. I’m uniquely positioned to provide such an experience.
Q: What is your favorite book?
I’m not sure that I could choose a single favorite book, there are just too many wonderful ones to choose from.
Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Pepenero for sure, The Cook’s house, Osario’s, and Slabtown bring me a lot of happiness.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I’ve lived in the area for about 15 years, and worked around 9 of those years. Originally I was moved to the area with my immediate family so that my mother could get married.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
I think the best advice I could give for people who want to visit us is have general respect for us as people and our natural wonders. We love where we are, and we’re happy that you want to to visit us, but please respect us, and the place we call home. Please pick up after yourselves, and please be kind to the people who call this place home 365
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet?
Oh, that would have to be Rudolf Nureyev. It would be amazing to converse with such an influential dancer, what drove him and how he feels about the decisions that he had to make not only as a dancer but as a person. Not really lunch locations but for dinner we would probably go to Pepenero or The Cook’s House.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I would have to say the shear amount of natural wonder that can be found around here is absolutely fabulous! Beaches, walking trails, woods, rivers, the sand dunes, I mean we really seem to have it all in that regard.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m sure that a good amount of people would say that they already know this about me, but I do think it’s one of the more interesting parts about me. I speak 6 languages (to varying degrees of fluency I speak French, Spanish, German, Swedish, Danish, and English of course. To add to that list I’m currently learning Italian)
Q: Which yearly event in Grand Traverse County do you enjoy best?
I really enjoy the Film Festival. It’s a great way to meet with people while seeing some really fantastic movies either again, or for the first time.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in that season?
My favorite Northern Michigan season would be winter. During those months I really enjoy getting out and snowshoeing around on either the numerous trails or just through the woods.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
I’m HOME wherever my people are (my Aunt especially). Having a structure is great, and I love having hot water, but when I think of home I think of the people that make such a word tangible. Followed closely by warmth and comfort.
