Christian Sparkman
Christian Sparkman brings his passion for wine and 20 years of experience to guests’ tables each night, infusing the Waterfront experience with Southern hospitality.
Sparkman was appointed general manager of Waterfront Seafood Grill in May 2003. The Washington Wine Commission recently awarded the Waterfront Seafood Grill 2007 Restaurant of the Year. In 1992, he was inducted as Chevalier into Le Croix de Bourgogne, and in 2004, gained status as sommelier, as recognized by The Court of Master Sommeliers. Wine Spectator has awarded twelve of his wine lists with the International Award of Excellence.
Previously, Sparkman was maitre d’ at Waterfront Seafood Grill, dining room captain at El Gaucho Seattle, headwaiter at Olives in Washington, D.C., senior waiter and maitre d’ at The Orangery in Knoxville, Tenn., headwaiter at Michael’s in Santa Monica, Calif., and captain at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans.
Sparkman is a native of Knoxville and currently resides in Woodinville, Wash. with his wife Kelly and daughters Stella Mae and Ruby Leigh. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Environmental Policy from the Monterey Institute of International Studies and speaks French and West African Pidgin. He also served in the Peace Corps in Cameroon in 1994-95.
Along with their parents, the Sparkmans launched Sparkman Cellars, a boutique winery in Woodinville specializing in premium wines made primarily from Red Mountain fruit. Their 2006 Darkness Syrah received 94 points from Wine Enthusiast magazine.
