Paula Rester Leaving Congress Austin

Today is a good day to try to secure a last-minute reservation at Congress Austin. Paula Rester, Congress' wine director, has accepted a sommelier position at Maialino in New York City. Her last day at Congress will be this Saturday.

Rester originally joined the Congress team in 2010, later working at Vino Vino as the general manager. She returned to Congress in October 2012 after then beverage director June Rodil became the general manager of Qui. During Rester's stint as wine director, David Bull's Downtown showcase received several accolades for its wine program – including being named one of “America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants” by Wine Enthusiast for three consecutive years.

Rester is leaving with the full support of her colleagues. “Paula has proven to be a very valuable member of our team," said general manager Laura Shearer in a press release. "Though we are sad to see her go, we know this is a great opportunity for Paula to advance her career.”

"I am very grateful for the opportunity that the Congress Austin family gave me, and will always fondly remember being part of a wonderful team that provided such excellent hospitality,” said Rester in the release. “I look forward to taking the lessons I learned during my time in Austin and applying them to my new role with USHG (Union Square Hospitality Group) and Maialino.”

Congress is currently searching for a replacement, but they will have big shoes to fill. We raise our glass to Rester as she enters the next phase of her career.