September 15, 2025 (New York, NY) — Amy Racine, Beverage Director and Partner of JF Restaurants, Chef John Fraser’s award-winning hospitality group, announces the launch of “Unfiltered,” a new wine and dinner series debuting this September at the group’s Aegean-inspired restaurant IRIS in New York City. Racine, who has been named “Beverage Director of the Year” by both Esquire and Wine Enthusiast, and most recently a VinePair Next Wave finalist in the “Wine Professional of the Year” category, created the series to bring together some of the most thoughtful voices in wine and beverage and spotlight purpose-driven hospitality.
Each evening will feature a guest sommelier whose impact reaches far beyond the dining room, using hospitality as a platform to build community, shift culture, and expand access. From grassroots initiatives to cultural storytelling, Unfiltered celebrates leaders reshaping what wine and beverage hospitality can mean. Guests can expect seasonally inspired small plates paired with thoughtful wines, alongside meaningful conversations. A portion of the proceeds from each dinner will benefit a charity selected by the guest wine and beverage professional.
“Unfiltered is about elevating the voices of hospitality leaders who are shaping the beverage culture in ways that go far beyond what’s in the glass,” said Amy Racine. “These dinners are a chance to slow down, share a meal, and engage with the people who are expanding the definition of what hospitality can be.”
The current lineup is as follows, with more dates to be announced soon:
- Wednesday, September 17: Touré Folkes, Turning Tables in New Orleans with a portion of the proceeds going to Turning Tables. (Reservations available HERE).
- Thursday, October 30th: Jordan Salcito with a portion of the proceeds going to Earthjustice
- Tuesday, November 25: Cristie Norman, Delilah in Las Vegas with a portion of the proceeds going to The United Sommeliers Foundation
- Tuesday, December 2: June Rodil, Master Sommelier and CEO & Partner in Gracious Hospitality with a portion of proceeds going to Southern Smoke Foundation
For more information on the series and updates, follow @amyracine and @irisrestaurantnyc on Instagram. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
About JF Restaurants
Founded by Restaurateur and Chef John Fraser, JF Restaurants is a hospitality group grounded in innovation, sustainability, and thoughtful dining experiences. Since launching in New York City in 2007, Chef John Fraser made his mark on the culinary landscape by redefining the role of vegetables in American cuisine. From acclaimed fine dining destinations to beloved neighborhood restaurants, he has championed seasonal cooking and responsible sourcing, shaping a diverse and dynamic portfolio over the past 16 years.
Today, JF Restaurants operates celebrated concepts across New York City, Long Island, Tampa, and Boston. Signature highlights include the Michelin-starred Lilac at The Tampa EDITION, North Fork Table & Inn, IRIS, La Marchande, The Terrace & The Lobby Bar at The Times Square EDITION, The Vermilion Club, Casa Cruz, and the newest addition, Obvio. To learn more, visit www.jfrestaurants.com.
