bios


	dave arnold inventor/partner booker and dax dave arnold grew up in the new york area and began tinkering with restaurant equipment after earning his master of fine arts from columbia university’s school of the arts. after meeting chef wylie dufresne, arnold became even more passionate about the high-tech cooking movement and focused his engineering and inventing skills on professional and home cooking. in 2004, arnold founded the museum of food and drink in new york to promote learning about the history and culture of food. in 2005, the international culinary center, home of the french culinary institute, tapped him to head its new culinary technology department. arnold is food arts magazine’s contributing editor for “equipment & food science.” arnold recently signed a double book deal with norton publishing. his first book will explore the science behind cocktails.
	tristan willey bar manager booker and dax tristan, originally from albuquerque, nm, has been working in fine dining since 19, but found his passion for making and serving spirits and cocktails after moving to nyc in 2010. he has spent the last two years distilling bourbon and moonshine at kings county distillery and bartending at amor y amargo. when not at ssäm bar he can be found running through brooklyn, or drinking bourbon straight out of the barrel.
	robby nelson assistant bar manager booker and dax robby is a mountain-loving and green chile-eating native of albuquerque, nm. after pursuing a (somewhat) competitive running career after college while helping to manage a running store, and exploring the option of attending physical therapy school, robby struck out west to california. instead of returning to los angeles where he attended occidental college, robby opted for the foggier climes of san francisco, where he enjoyed eating and working in “the city.” the food culture of san francisco inspired him to seek other culinary adventures, which is why he is very excited to join the talented booker and dax team. on the off chance that you can’t find him at the bar, you should check nearby running paths or quiet places to read.
	thomas allen jones III assistant bar manager booker and dax thomas grew up in spartanburg, south carolina, but has called new york city home for the past nine years. while he has worked in restaurants and bars since age 16, it was new york city that really ignited his passion for a great imbibing experience. prior to booker and dax he spent time as a bartender/bar manager at bushwick country club and beverage manager at the standard, east village. his favorite drink is red breast irish whiskey, in a flask, at a ny mets game.