Thibaut Idenn
Alla Vita and BOKA | Chicago
SEPTEMBER 2024
For Thibaut Idenn, providing top-notch hospitality to others has always been his guiding light. Born and raised in France, Idenn enrolled in hospitality school at the age of 16. During an internship at Burghotel Staufeneck in Germany, he felt drawn to front-of-house service as he gazed out into the dining room from the depths of the kitchen. Feeling reinvigorated, Idenn returned to school to earn his Bachelor’s in hospitality management. After graduating, he started at Michelin-starred La Vague d'Or in Saint-Tropez during the summer season and, during the winter, he worked at Les Airelles Courchevel, a luxury ski resort. Looking to push himself and showcase his skills, Idenn represented France in the WorldSkills Competition for restaurant service while also working at Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée as a server. The global competition sparked a curiosity in different hospitality cultures, which inspired Idenn to travel the world.
He returned to school once again to earn his Bachelor’s in Wine and Business Management as well as a Master’s degree in International Hospitality Management. After some time in Shanghai, he settled in Chicago, working as a food and beverage manager in luxury hotels before finding his way to The Langham and accepting the role of beverage director. In April 2021, he joined the team at Boka as general manager and, one year later, was promoted to wine director for both Boka and Alla Vita, the group’s family-style, celebratory Italian concept. At Boka, Idenn highlights international wines, with a focus on classical regions of France, while at Alla Vita, he has created a more progressive, user-friendly experience. There, he categorizes the wine list by texture and taste rather than region, and is showcasing accessible wines with more wallet-friendly price points. Across the restaurants, whether through hands-on training or weekly wine classes, Idenn has worked to instill unwavering hospitality within his team.
Tips on building a wine list that works for everyone from Sommelier Thibaut Idenn of Alla Vita and Boka