RESTAURANTS: NoVI Chophouse in Novi; Northern Lakes Seafood Company in Bloomfield Hills; Shiraz in Bingham Farms; and Coach Insignia in downtown Detroit.
PERSONAL: Born in New London, Connecticut. Moved to Greece with her family at age three. Returned to United States to attend the University of Michigan. Currently resides in Southgate, Michigan. After attending the University of Michigan, Triffon was hired as wine steward by the Westin Corporation to open the French restaurant in the new Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. "I got the position thanks in no small part to a good French accent."
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: While at the Westin in her first sommelier position, Triffon expanded her role from wine steward to buyer. Her food and beverage director entered her in a national sommelier competition. "I had never even met a sommelier from another state, and found myself in New York competing in blind tastings, food and wine harmony, restaurant service and knowledge of French wines." She finished among the nation's top sommeliers, placing 4th and 2nd in two Sopexa "Best Sommelier in the U.S." competitions.
Triffon was hired in 1985 as wine steward at the prestigious London Chop House. Her London Chop House wine list was named to Wine Spectator's Grand Award of the World's 100 Best Wine Lists.
In 1987 she was invited to sit the Master Sommelier examination. Only seven Americans at the time had ever successfully passed the only internationally recognized credential for beverage sales and service. She was awarded the title of Master Sommelier and became one of only two female master sommeliers in the world at the time, and the 8th American. She is currently one of 75 American Master Sommeliers, of which 13 are women. Has served as Chairman of the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as Scholarship Chairman. She currently sits on the board of the American Chapter. There are 14 female Master Sommeliers worldwide.
In 1995, Triffon joined the Matt Prentice Restaurant Group (formerly the Unique Restaurant Corporation) as Director of Wine. She creates and oversees the wine lists for all MPRG restaurants and works closely with corporate executive chef Eric Ward on food and wine events. The Spectator has awarded the wine list at Coach Insignia the Best of Award of Excellence. Three Matt Prentice restaurants annually have received Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for their wine lists: NoVI Chophouse, Northern Lakes and Shiraz. Santé magazine named Triffon Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year for 1999. Restaurant Hospitality awarded Triffon their Vanguard Award in 2002 for industry leadership and vision.
Triffon is especially proud of the Matt Prentice Group's Wine Team. The up-and-coming colleagues under her direction include: Michelle DeHayes is Corporate Deputy Wine Director and Sommelier at No.VI Chophouse and Coach Insignia; Patrick Peterson is Sommelier at Coach Insignia; Jeff Zimmerman is Sommelier at Northern Lakes Seafood Company; Paula Strickland is Manager/Sommelier at Shiraz. Our special friend Michelle Nyland shows up when we need her most, at events and as a Sommelier at Dinner. Zimmerman is a Master Sommelier candidate; DeHayes, Peterson and Nyland are working toward the qualifying M.S. Advanced examination.
