1) Hunan Home's Restaurant: | restaurant information + video | reviews |

2) Radius Restaurant and Café: | restaurant information + video | reviews

3) Guerilla Café: | restaurant information + video | reviews |

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My name is Leslie Sbrocco and I'm the host of Check, Please! Bay Area. Each week, I will be sharing my tasting notes about the wine the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show. I will also share some wine tips with each episode.

2010 Brewer-Clifton "Mount Carmel" Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills, California ($52) — Magic happens when opposites attract. That's the result when erudite ex-professor of French, Greg Brewer, collaborated with ex-surfer dude Steve Clifton to create wines in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara county under the Brewer-Clifton label. Though recognized for their Pinot Noir, what first attracted me to their wines was Chardonnay. In my opinion, the duo rank among the world's best for this variety. Closing my eyes, the minerality and elegance stands out and I feel I could be sipping Grand Cru Burgundy from France. But, the succulent fruit gives it away as hailing from somewhere else. That somewhere is the wind swept vineyard of Mount Carmel perched on a steep slope deep in the cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills. Richly textured — like expensive raw silk in a glass — the wine seamlessly marries caramelized pear aromas with nutty flavors in a jaw-dropping Chardonnay that's simply magical.

2010 Brewer-Clifton "Mount Carmel" Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, California ($56) — Like the Chardonnay from this vineyard, there is an earthy streak that runs through the wines of Mount Carmel. Peeking through as tea leaf on the nose and brown spice on the palate, it's accented by red berry freshness in a complex, alluring Pinot. The primary goal of both Greg and Steve is to "deliver the essence of the vineyard as clearly and honestly as possible." Goal accomplished.

2009 St. Francis Malbec, Sonoma Valley, California ($35) — When it comes to power reds, Malbec ranks among the top contenders. Most recognized versions come from Argentina, but this is a California gem. The muscular, inky-hued version sports a dash of Petit Verdot and Merlot, giving layers of flavor to a wine that makes an ideal partner for grilled porterhouse steak. Meat and Malbec equals a match made in culinary heaven.

2011 St. Francis, Sonoma County ($15) — A full-bodied, full-bore style of California Chardonnay that showcases ripe fruit flavors and toasty oak notes. Don’t over-chill! Serve with a creamy cheese, grilled chicken or salmon filet lightly draped with a mustard sauce.

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Location:
622 Jackson Street (between Kearney Street and Grant Avenue)
San Francisco, CA 94132

Parking: Street (difficult), Two hours of validated parking Portsmouth Square Garage when you spend $45 or more at restaurant

Phone: 415-982-2844
Email: bmw1688@aol.com
Website: hunanhome.ypguides.net

Restaurant Owner: James Yuan
Executive Chef: Kai Yuan

Type of Cuisine: Chinese
Signature Dishes: : Potstickers, Won Ton in Hot Sauce, Hot & Sour Soup, Orange Peel Chicken, Sizzling Beef, Honey Walnuts Prawns, Crab with Spicy Salt, Hunan String Beans.
Vegetarian Options: 3+ items
Alcohol Served: Beer & Wine
Corkage Fee: $10
Bottle Limit: 1 bottle per table

Restaurant Hours:
Monday: 11:30am-9:30pm
Tuesday: 11:30am-9:30pm
Wednesday: 11:30am-9:30pm
Thursday: 11:30am-9:30pm
Friday: 11:30am-10:00pm
Saturday: 11:30am-10:00pm
Sunday: 11:30am-9:30pm

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Average Dinner Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $15-$25
Average Lunch Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): under $15
Payment Options: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Accept Reservations: Yes
Do you accept reservations through OpenTable.com? No
Need Reservations: Yes
How far in advance should reservations be made? 1 day for small party, 1 week for large party 10 people or more

Accommodations for Children: Kid-friendly
Dining Style: Casual
Disabled Access: No
Restaurant Size: Large (100+ seats)
Accommodate Groups (10+): Yes
Private Dining Room: No
Tables with Scenic Views: No
Outdoor Dining: No
Entertainment: No

Name: Emily
Occupation: Senior Food and Wine Account Executive
Location: San Francisco
Favorite Restaurant: Hunan Home's Restaurant
Reviewed Hunan Home's Restaurant: Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Hunan Home's is a Chinatown gem, featuring accessible Chinese food in a warm, friendly, casual environment. A family-owned and operated business; Hunan Home's was established in 1983. As a Chinatown resident, this has been our neighborhood spot for close to two years. My boyfriend and I most recently dined on a busy weeknight and were lucky to be seated immediately. We were greeted with complimentary Jasmine tea—a nice touch for a cold Bay Area evening. We started with the Sizzling Rice Soup and Pot stickers. The soup is served tableside in a dramatic presentation, as crispy rice drops into the hot soup making a distinct sizzle noise—an ode to the dish’s name. The soup is filled with tender shrimp and chicken and lots of vegetables. The broth is perfectly clear, and was a delicious way to begin the meal. We enjoy all of their soups including their famous Hot and Sour and Wonton. The pot stickers are also served tableside, with a custom blend of rice wine vinegar, chili oil and soy sauce for dipping. They boasted a beautiful golden brown exterior, and were filled with a large portion of ground pork and vegetables. Next, we enjoyed their signature Orange Peel Chicken. Large chunks of perfectly fried chicken are covered in a sweet, tangy and slightly spicy sauce. Delicious and fragrant orange is apparent throughout the dish, which is served over a bed of tangy, pickled vegetables. We always order this dish whether we’re eating in or taking-out—it’s a must-have. We also enjoy their beef dishes including the Beef with String Beans, composed of tender beef in a savory sauce with crisp green beans. Finally, we were served the Mu Shu Pork, which is elegantly prepared tableside. Our server used large serving spoons to construct and serve our individual pancakes—a lovely touch. The pork was tender and the cabbage and mushroom mixture was perfectly shredded to create the perfect consistency for the pancake. The classic tangy, rich hoisin sauce and scallion was liberally wrapped in our pancakes making every bite as good as the last. The portions are large and we definitely took home our leftovers. I highly recommend this restaurant to both the gourmet and tourist alike. It’s consistently delicious and you won’t be disappointed.

Name: Scott
Occupation: Corporate Tax Consultant
Location: Sausalito
Favorite Restaurant: Radius Restaurant and Café
Reviewed Hunan Home's Restaurant: Friday, February 10, 2013

Hunan Home's is a Chinese restaurant tucked against the edge of Chinatown near Jackson Square. Getting there is typical for San Francisco with a number of parking garages or metered street parking nearby. With so many Chinese restaurants to choose from in the neighborhood, Hunan Home's unfortunately does not stand out for its food or service. Almost across the board, all the dishes were over salted and lacked any depth of flavor. The lone standout was the hot & sour soup — though it alone would not bring me back to this below average restaurant. There are two primary seating areas — one on street level and one in a basement level. The basement level seating gives the feeling of a hotel banquet room which could be located in any city…so ambiance is definitely lacking. The food is inexpensive with many lunch options below $10. So if you’re looking for cheap, below average Chinese food Hunan Home's is your place.

Name: Lyrics Born
Occupation: Rapper/Author/Producer/Songwriter
Location: Kensington
Favorite Restaurant: Guerilla Café
Reviewed Hunan Home's Restaurant: Saturday, March 2, 2013

I wasn't blown away by Hunan Home's restaurant. I was really looking forward to eating in SF’s Chinatown since I so rarely get out there to eat. The ambience was very "homey" in the smaller front dining room, with jade-green, indoor ceramic pagoda shingles, and was full of couples and some families eating what looked like great dishes. I found the service to be slightly on the impatient and indifferent side, and the food to be good, and solid, but not mind-blowing. However…it was cheap. At $50 for 4 people, I guess there isn't much room to complain in that regard, but I found the overall experience a bit disappointing. The menu was huge, and we ordered some old stand-by's, like the mu-shu and fried rice, and went with the waiter's "recommendation" of the sizzling sliced fish and "Two Kinds of Mushrooms." Again, the food was good, but not the Chinatown SF meal I'd hoped for. If I were an SF local I might come back, because it was decent and cheap, but I wouldn't make a night of it coming from the East Bay.

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Location:
1123 Folsom Street (between 7th and 8th Streets)
San Francisco, CA 94103

Parking: Street (easy), Free lot with advanced notice

Phone: 415-525-3676
Email: info@radiussf.com
Website: radiussf.com
Facebook: Radius
Twitter: @Radiussf

Restaurant Owner: Jon Whitehead
Executive Chef: Peter Cham
Pastry Chef: Max Pouvreau

Type of Cuisine: California
Signature Dishes: Lamb Shoulder and Fried Chicken
Vegetarian Options: 3+ items
Alcohol Served: Beer & Wine
Corkage Fee: $20
Bottle Limit: No limit

Restaurant Hours:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 5:30pm-10:00pm
Wednesday: 5:30pm-10:00pm
Thursday: 5:30pm-10:00pm
Friday: 5:30pm-10:30pm
Saturday: 5:30pm-10:30pm
Sunday: CLOSED

Café Hours
strong>Monday: 11:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday: 10:00am-9:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am-9:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am-9:00pm
Friday: 10:00am-9:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am-9:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED

Meals Served: Lunch at Café, Dinner
Prix Fixe Menu: Tuesday through Thursday 5:30pm-10:00pm
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: Yes, Lunch catering
Average Dinner Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $35-$60
Average Lunch Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $15-$25
Payment Options: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Accept Reservations: Yes
Do you accept reservations through OpenTable.com? Yes
Need Reservations: No
How far in advance should reservations be made? n/a

Accommodations for Children: Kid-friendly
Dining Style: Business casual
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: Medium (30-100 seats)
Accommodate Groups (10+): Yes
Private Dining Room: Yes
Tables with Scenic Views: No
Outdoor Dining: Yes, weather permitting
Entertainment: No

Name: Scott
Occupation: Corporate Tax Consultant
Location: Sausalito
Favorite Restaurant: Radius Restaurant and Café
Reviewed Radius Restaurant and Café: Thursday, February 28, 2013

You will find Radius in an up-and-coming section of San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood. Radius is a neighborhood restaurant which has a local and sustainable approach to using the freshest ingredients available. The concept of the restaurant is one where they source all of their product from a 100 mile radius of San Francisco. All meats and vegetables are either wild or obtained from local sustainable practice farms. Getting to Radius is fairly easy as there is plenty of neighborhood parking available — either free-metered spots on Folsom or neighborhood parking on the side streets. Radius has a café which is open for breakfast & lunch, but their pride & joy is truly Radius Restaurant which is only open for dinner. The dinner selections vary by the time of year as their focus is on high quality seasonal ingredients which are locally sourced. The result is a winning combination of outstanding food paired with exceptional wine and excellent service to boot. The dinner menu is filled with options from appetizers to desserts — for vegetarians and carnivores alike. If you’re a meat-eater, get the fried chicken — it’s to die for. The décor is modern, clean and simple. Radius let’s its food do the talking. Some entrée selections are above average in price, so don’t bring a cheap date here. The service is very accommodating and knowledgeable. They do make you feel at home. Overall, this is a great date restaurant or one to bring a group of friends. Come hungry and leave satisfied from Radius.

Name: Emily
Occupation: Senior Food and Wine Account Executive
Location: San Francisco
Favorite Restaurant: Hunan Home's Restaurant
Reviewed Radius Restaurant and Café: Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Radius Restaurant is a lovely neighborhood spot located in the SOMA district of San Francisco. My boyfriend and I dined during the week, securing an early 5:30 P.M. reservation. We took advantage of their pre-fixe menu, which featured three courses for $38, which offered a small savings vs. ordering a la carte. We started with the Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with sunflower, tarragon and lemon. The soup was lovely, perfectly pureed and had a very clean, fresh flavor. The sunflower sprout garnish was delicious and reminded me of watercress, although with more of a crisp texture. In addition to the pre-fixe we ordered a few extra items, including the Seasonal Flatbread with Soubise, Oyster Mushrooms, Dry Jack, Chili Flake and Sherry Vinegar. The soubise was thick and sweet and paired well with the tangy sherry vinegar. The jack cheese provided a nice savory backbone to the flatbread along with the meaty mushrooms. The flat bread itself was thin and crispy—a perfect dish for sharing. I ordered the Petaluma Farms Fried Chicken, Fried Breast & Leg, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Kabocha Squash and Ham Hock for my entrée. The Brussels sprouts were perfectly cooked and the sweet squash complimented it nicely. The diced ham hock was also a nice addition—and this was definitely my favorite bite of the night. The chicken was very moist, however the exterior crust was too thick, similar more to a chicken tender vs. fried chicken. My partner ordered the Long & Baily Farms Roasted Pork Chop, Butterbeans, Wilted Dandelion Greens, Oyster Mushrooms and Bacon White Chocolate Gastrique. There were too many opposing flavors in the bacon white chocolate gastrique. Butter beans have a delicious natural flavor, but were masked by the sauce. However, the pork chop was well cooked and very moist. We enjoyed two side dishes, the Roasted Broccolini, Crushed Red Pepper and Garlic Chips and Brown Butter Roasted Potatoes. The broccolini was cooked perfectly, nice bright green color and crunch, topped with toasted garlic chips. The potatoes were surprisingly sweet, lacked salt and were overly garnished with tarragon. The desserts were plated beautifully. We enjoyed the Lemon Curd Tart, Italian Meringue, Chocolate, Candied Almonds, and Dark Chocolate Cake, Salted Caramel, Whipped White Chocolate Ganache, Coco Nib Streusel. The lemon curd was thick, and wonderfully tart with a tender, buttery pastry crust. The chocolate cake was light and spongy, and the textural contrast of the tiny cocoa nibs along with the rich salted caramel made this dish quite memorable. If you’re in the SOMA area, check out Radius restaurant.

Name: Lyrics Born
Occupation: Rapper/Author/Producer/Songwriter
Location: Kensington
Favorite Restaurant: Guerilla Café
Reviewed Radius Restaurant and Café: Friday, March 1, 2013

Radius is a great restaurant! Locally-sourced Cali cuisine with a French influence, all of our dishes were presented thoughtfully and beautifully. The courses were well proportioned and well-paced. The sardines were extremely fresh; the escarole was very light and crisp. While my trout was very fresh and the rye on the side was excellent as were the beets, the remoulade was a bit sweet for my taste, but still enjoyable. The lamb however, was utterly fantastic! Tender and juicy, it was sooo soft on my fork. The lemon curd tart was a great finish, had great texture and wasn't too sweet, and again, was presented extremely well with dots of sweet cream around the plate. We had reservations, so there was no wait. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive. The server, who was French, was very knowledgeable about the menu, and all his recommendations were spot on. The atmosphere was very nice and quiet. The restaurant was spotless and very appealing. All the portions were "just right," and came at the right times. This is by no means a cheap dinner, but if you want a great night out with one or more friends that you will remember for years, this is the place.

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Location:
1620 Shattuck Avenue (at Cedar Street)
Berkeley, CA 94709

Parking: Street (easy), Paid lot

Phone: 510-845-2233
Email: info@guerillacafe.com
Website: guerillacafe.com
Facebook: Guerilla-Cafe Art Coffee Vibes
Twitter: @guerillacafe

Restaurant Owners: Andrea Ali, Keba Konte, Rachel Konte
Executive Chef: Andrea Ali
Pastry: Semifreddi's

Type of Cuisine: American
Signature Dishes: Waffles, Eggs Mediterranean
Vegetarian Options: 3+ items
Alcohol Served: Beer & Wine
Corkage Fee: $8
Bottle Limit: 2 bottles

Restaurant Hours:
Monday: 7:00am-2:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am-4:30pm
Wednesday: 7:00am-4:30pm
Thursday: 7:00am-4:30pm
Friday: 7:00am-4:30pm
Saturday: 8:00am-4:30pm
Sunday: 8:00am-4:30pm

Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Average Breakfast/Lunch/Brunch Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): under $15
Payment Options: Cash, Visa, MasterCard
Accept Reservations: No
Do you accept reservations through OpenTable.com? No
Need Reservations: No
How far in advance should reservations be made? n/a

Accommodations for Children: Kid-friendly
Dining Style: Casual
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: Small (under 30 seats)
Accommodate Groups (10+): No
Private Dining Room: No
Tables with Scenic Views: Yes
Outdoor Dining: Yes
Entertainment: No

Name: Lyrics Born
Occupation: Rapper/Author/Producer/Songwriter
Location: Kensington
Favorite Restaurant: Guerilla Café
Reviewed Guerilla Café: Saturday, March 2, 2013

I love Guerilla Café. Every time I either leave for tour or come home from tour, I make sure I stop by for brunch at their Berkeley, Gourmet Ghetto location. All the ingredients are delicious, fresh, seasonal, mostly organic, and locally sourced. All the recipes are very honest, and are house-made right down to the maple syrup, the aioli spread, and the barrel-aged hot sauce. The atmosphere is very lively and unique, with hip-hop, jazz, vintage soul and Latin and Afro-beat all on shuffle. Many of the materials used to create the cafe were re-purposed, from the tile to the 30+ year old stackable Eames shell chairs that surround the tables. The food is very reasonable given the quality, and that's why it seems to be a local favorite. I personally love the house-made soups, waffles, and Panini. The wait for a table can be a touch long, due to its small size and large popularity, as can the wait for the food, for the same reason, but I've never been disappointed. They showcase emerging art and artists on the walls regularly, so there is always something new to look at. After ordering at the counter you are given a number card which has the photo and biography of an unsung revolutionary from somewhere around the world. This is consistent in keeping with the name and ethos of "Guerilla" Café and so reminds me of what Berkeley and the East Bay is all about, and what makes it unique.

Name: Scott
Occupation: Corporate Tax Consultant
Location: Sausalito
Favorite Restaurant: Radius Restaurant and Café
Reviewed Guerilla Café: Sunday, February 10, 2013

Guerilla Café is a local neighborhood café in North Berkeley that clearly caters to the locals. Given the amount of retail in the surrounding neighborhood, parking is not the easiest, even with metered parking on Shattuck and neighborhood parking on the side streets. GC has very limited seating though it does boast a few outdoor tables, albeit shoved tightly together. The décor is certainly nothing to write home about. The bar seating area overlooks the open kitchen giving it the feel of an old diner. With menu items limited to breakfast & lunch, the selections are very limited mostly consisting of various egg and salad options. One thing GC can brag about: it serves Blue Bottle Coffee. The food was somewhat average, but not terrible by any stretch of the imagination. And the food did appear fresh. That being said, I wouldn’t cross a bridge or drive through a tunnel to come here. It definitely has a neighborhood feel in an area that is otherwise becoming overrun with chain retail stores. So it’s got that going for it. The staff was polite and pleasant. Food was served in a timely manner. Personally, GC is a little hippy dippy for my taste but it’s perfect for local Berkeley residents who want to chill over a morning cup of Blue Bottle.

Name: Emily
Occupation: Senior Food and Wine Account Executive
Location: San Francisco
Favorite Restaurant: Hunan Home's Restaurant
Reviewed Guerilla Café: Friday, February 22, 2013

Guerilla Café is a fun, hip, breakfast/lunch spot located in Berkeley. We arrived on a Sunday around 11am and were pleasantly surprised there wasn’t a line—I’m so used to waiting in lines at overcrowded breakfast/brunch spots in the city. The café is very small with a funky urban feel that’s enlivened with great music. The staff was friendly and seemed as though they really enjoyed their work. Orders are taken at the counter and you can pick your seat at the counter or table. I was very surprised how quickly our coffees were brought out, which definitely set a nice tone for the meal. We ordered a variety of dishes, including their Waffle of the Day: Lemon Poppy seed. The waffle had a gorgeous color, crisp exterior and fluffy middle. The maple syrup was hot—a much appreciated touch. A generous dollop of crème fraiche was positioned in the center of the waffle, which I did not particularly enjoy, but appreciated. Next was a Cinnamon Challah Toast, which was absolutely lovely. Light with a fantastic crusty outside and chewy center, this challah boasted a big cinnamon flavor. Served with a delicious, tart berry jam and fresh fruit—this was by far my favorite dish. We also enjoyed the Organic Savory Polenta with grilled mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, Parmesan & chives. The mushrooms were perfectly cooked with a delicious sear, and the polenta had a delicious, rich flavor. I wish that the egg on top was soft poached or fried so there was some delicious runny yolk to swirl into the polenta, but the egg seemed hard-boiled. We also ordered the Prosciutto Plate with eggs and toast. I loved the concept of this dish as I prefer savory to sweet breakfasts. The bread was perfectly toasted, and the prosciutto was delicious. It was served with a small medley of cucumber, tomatoes and olives on the side, which was very lovely. Again, I was disappointed the eggs were hard poached as I much prefer a soft poach—so I would definitely specify which you desire if you order this dish and the polenta dish. The portions were adequate and I would recommend ordering several different items to share. Guerilla Café is a great little neighborhood spot and if I lived in the area I would definitely frequent this fun, spirited café frequently.

Check, Please! Bay Area guests drank the following wines on the set of episode 806:

2010 Brewer-Clifton "Mount Carmel" Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills, California ($52) — Magic happens when opposites attract. That's the result when erudite ex-professor of French, Greg Brewer, collaborated with ex-surfer dude Steve Clifton to create wines in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara county under the Brewer-Clifton label. Though recognized for their Pinot Noir, what first attracted me to their wines was Chardonnay. In my opinion, the duo rank among the world's best for this variety. Closing my eyes, the minerality and elegance stands out and I feel I could be sipping Grand Cru Burgundy from France. But, the succulent fruit gives it away as hailing from somewhere else. That somewhere is the wind swept vineyard of Mount Carmel perched on a steep slope deep in the cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills. Richly textured — like expensive raw silk in a glass — the wine seamlessly marries caramelized pear aromas with nutty flavors in a jaw-dropping Chardonnay that's simply magical.

2010 Brewer-Clifton "Mount Carmel" Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, California ($56) — Like the Chardonnay from this vineyard, there is an earthy streak that runs through the wines of Mount Carmel. Peeking through as tea leaf on the nose and brown spice on the palate, it's accented by red berry freshness in a complex, alluring Pinot. The primary goal of both Greg and Steve is to "deliver the essence of the vineyard as clearly and honestly as possible." Goal accomplished.

2009 St. Francis Malbec, Sonoma Valley, California ($35) — When it comes to power reds, Malbec ranks among the top contenders. Most recognized versions come from Argentina, but this is a California gem. The muscular, inky-hued version sports a dash of Petit Verdot and Merlot, giving layers of flavor to a wine that makes an ideal partner for grilled porterhouse steak. Meat and Malbec equals a match made in culinary heaven.

2011 St. Francis, Sonoma County ($15) — A full-bodied, full-bore style of California Chardonnay that showcases ripe fruit flavors and toasty oak notes. Don’t over-chill! Serve with a creamy cheese, grilled chicken or salmon filet lightly draped with a mustard sauce.

Wine that Leslie Sbrocco and guests drank on the set of Check, Please Bay Area episode 806.

1) Bocanova: | restaurant information + video | reviews |

2) Willi's Wine Bar: | restaurant information + video | reviews

3) The Rotunda of Neiman Marcus: | restaurant information + video | reviews |

Other ways to watch the episode online (and on video iPod):
Download episode (requires iTunes or QuickTime)
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View photo gallery (flickr.com)
Contribute your food photos! (flickr.com)

My name is Leslie Sbrocco and I'm the host of Check, Please! Bay Area. Each week, I will be sharing my tasting notes about the wine the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show. I will also share some wine tips with each episode.

2010 Flying Goat Cellars, Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, California ($39) — This is a Pinot with power. Full-bodied and a touch earthy with ripe flavors of dark cherry and cocoa, it’s a wine that takes a manly approach to a typically feminine variety. Pair alongside beef dishes or hearty cheeses.

2010 Flying Goat Cellars "Goat Bubbles – Blanc de Blancs," Santa Maria Valley, California ($38) — The label depicts a frolicking goat as a testament to winemaker Norm Yost’s “mission of merriment” with wine. This Chardonnay-based sparkler is rich and creamy yet still maintains vibrancy. Toast to the goat!

2011 Luna Nuda Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy ($11) — Not many Pinot Grigios with this price tag have this much complexity. Taut and vibrant with a zip of fresh lemon, it’s an ideal summer wine to stock up on for poolside — or tableside — sipping.

2011 Daou Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California ($35) — You may not have heard of this producer…yet…but you will. Situated in California’s Paso Robles region high atop a rugged hillside, the winery is run by the Daou brothers, Georges and Daniel. Committed to quality, this dark berry and peppery-scented red sports a lush texture and supple tannins. A show-stopping red to drink now with grilled lamb or age for up to a decade.

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Location:
55 Webster Street (at Embarcadero)
Oakland, CA 94607

Parking: Street (easy), Paid lot, Validated, Valet

Phone: 510-444-1233
Email: info@bocanova.com
Website: bocanova.com
Facebook: Bocanova
Twitter: @Bocanova

Restaurant Owners: Chef Rick Hackett and wife Meredith Melville
Executive Chef: John Jackson
Chef de Cuisine: Sean Weyhmiller
Pastry Chef: Paul Conte

Type of Cuisine: Pan-American
Signature Dishes: Dungeness Crab Deviled Eggs-chipotle aioli; Pacific Rock Fish Ceviche-tomato, zucchini cilantro, aji amarillo; Day Boat Scallops-Brazilian curry sauce; Achiote Marinated Chicken-tomatillo & white chocolate mole; Warm Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding-Mexican chocolate ice cream
Vegetarian Options: 3+ items
Alcohol Served: Full Bar
Corkage Fee: $22
Bottle Limit: 2 bottles

Restaurant Hours:
Monday: 11:30am–3:00pm (lunch), 3:00pm–6:00pm (happy hour), 5:00pm-9:30pm (dinner)
Tuesday: 11:30am–3:00pm (lunch), 3:00pm–6:00pm (happy hour), 5:00pm-9:30pm (dinner)
Wednesday: 11:30am–3:00pm (lunch), 3:00pm–6:00pm (happy hour), 5:00pm-9:30pm (dinner)
Thursday: 11:30am–3:00pm (lunch), 3:00pm–6:00pm (happy hour), 5:00pm-10:30pm (dinner); 9:00pm–10:30pm (late night Boca Bite)
Friday: 11:30am–3:00pm (lunch), 3:00pm–6:00pm (happy hour), 5:00pm-10:30pm (dinner); 9:00pm–10:30pm (late night Boca Bite)
Saturday: 11:00am–3:00pm (brunch), 3:00pm–6:00pm (happy hour), 5:00pm-10:30pm (dinner); 9:00pm–10:30pm (late night Boca Bite)
Sunday: 11:00am–3:00pm (brunch), 4:00pm–9:30pm (dinner)

Meals Served: Lunch (weekends), Brunch (Saturday & Sunday) Dinner, Prix Fixe Menu (Monday-Friday lunch and holidays), Late Night Menu (Thursday-Saturday)
Prix Fixe Menu: Monday through Friday during lunch every day. Most holidays we offer a special prix fixe menu.
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Average Dinner Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $35-$60
Average Lunch/Brunch Price Range (Per person, full meal, tax, 15% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $15-$25
Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Accept Reservations: Yes
Do you accept reservations through OpenTable.com? Yes
Need Reservations: No
How far in advance should reservations be made? n/a

Accommodations for Children: Kid-friendly
Dining Style: Casual
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: Large (100+ seats)
Accommodate Groups (10+): Yes
Private Dining Room: Yes
Tables with Scenic Views: Yes
Outdoor Dining: Yes
Entertainment: No