"While serving as deputy maître d’ at a Michelin-starred hotel restaurant, Riese created an ambitious water program in 2006 featuring more than 35 mineral waters from around the world; the initiative was well received, raised his profile (he was tapped to select waters for a visiting delegation, prompting the mayor’s effusive reaction), and helped set the stage for his later book and professional certification as a mineral water sommelier." - Katherine LaGrave