The Meaning of Blind Monk
The name The Blind Monk is derived from Dom Pierre Pérignon, the famed Benedictine monk and cellar master of the Abbey of Hautvillers in Champagne, France. To ensure the highest quality grapes were selected for his wines, Dom would taste and select grapes without knowing the source vineyard. This crucial first step of what became known as the Methodé Champenoise led to a revolution in the production and quality of sparkling wine. Over time, references to these “blind tastings” led to the misconception that Dom Pérignon was blind. Our name is a tribute to this wine making legend.
Ben Lubin
Ben is a native of West Palm Beach and opened The Blind Monk in August 2010. A former Marine and veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Ben sought to create the kind of place he wanted to come home to. Ben is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and oversees the food and cheese program at The Blind Monk.
Reese Fisher
Reese was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas. Eventually, her love of travel brought her to South Florida, but not before a stint in California where, technically, her career in the wine industry began—in 2001 she was crowned Miss Sonoma Valley. Reese is a certified sommelier and runs The Blind Monk’s wine program in addition to her other duties as General Manager.
Michael Siegel
Michael Siegel joined The Blind Monk as its Director of Operations in June 2010. Michael has over 25 years of hospitality experience as well as a degree in Accounting. He is also the founder of Siegel & Siegel LLC, a boutique accounting firm that specializes in restaurants and the hospitality industry.
Jason Hunt
Jason is The Blind Monk’s Cicerone® and Assistant General Manager. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jason moved to West Palm Beach from Orlando six years ago, where he has become a prominent figure in the South Florida Beer Community. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts from Florida Southern College and has studied brewing and sensory analysis at the Siebel Institute in Chicago. Jason is also the Florida Representative of the Cicerone Certification Program®. A student of both beer and wine, Jason enjoys bringing his passion and expertise together at The Blind Monk.