Andrew Freeman

By day Andrew runs Andrew Freeman and Co., one of the country's premier restaurant and hospitality PR firms. By night he can often be found reaping the rewards of his day job: induldging in a great meal or night away at one of his clients' establishments.

When did your love affair with wine begin?
I was lucky enough to get a job, early on, at the French Culinary Institute and was able to monitor wine classes and tastings.

Favorite places to eat/drink/play?
So many places, so little time. Since I am in the business to promote all things food, wine and good living – I hang out at a favorite restaurant just about every night of the week (our clients'). I love to travel and go on an extensive trip once a year..

What is one quirky thing no one knows about you?
Well, there’s two – I am obsessed with my yorkies Daisy and Tulip (and truly have become a crazy dog person) and I started out as an actor with the dream to make it big on Broadway.

If you were throwing a dinner party, who would you invite?
Okay – so if you haven’t already figured it out I live the alternative lifestyle: my dream dinner is called THE DIVA DINNER. Put Cher, Madonna, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Oprah and Tina Turner at a table with me and watch what happens. Oh and if Lady Gaga and Britney are free I will put in the table extender.

Who do you adore as a style icon?
I see myself as very eclectic. First up for me are Paul Smith and Ted Baker. I like the British influence, the tailoring, and the boldness of their designs. Growing up –it was absolutely my Mom and Dad. They would really do it up for Saturday nights out on the town and I would sit in awe of just how stylish they were (especially my Mom).

What do you love most about your job?
Creative brainstorms and working with clients to make their businesses successful. Running your own agency is the craziest thing anyone could ever do. There are so many ups and downs – finding and keeping a great team, making sure the bills get paid, traveling and being constantly on a quest for great clients. The most rewarding piece of all this is when an idea we have put forth comes to life and makes an impact. That’s a great day.

Favorite city to visit?
So many but right now my heart belongs to Tel Aviv and Sydney.

What is your current style obsession?
Bowties!! I just learned to tie one and I love it. Also classic Levis – and scarves.

Who is your palate icon?
These would be my mentors in life too – the legendary restaurateur Joe Baum (creator of the Four Seasons and The Rainbow Room), Faith Stewart-Gordon (former owner of the Russian Tea Room) and Niki Leondakis (COO of Kimpton Hotels). I worked for each of these folks and they taught my so much about food and how to appreciate it.

Who is your favorite musician/band?
I love me some Divas. Classic to contemporary – I still whip out my Ella CDS and mix them in with some Gaga and Adele. I am very eclectic.

Who has influenced you most?
Hands down – no hesitation – my Mom! Sadly, she passed away when I was 19 but there is not a day that goes by that I don’t feel her influence on my life. From what I have decided to do, to what I eat, to the way I live (clean and neat obsessed), to whom I spend time with – she made a major impact on my life. Her love, her sense of humor and her commitment to making me someone lives on every day in me.

Any closing words of wisdom?
From one of my mentors – Bill Kimpton – When you come to a fork in the road – choose the fork!