Check, Please! Bay Area » episodes: season 2

Check, Please! Bay Area: Season 2: Episode 24 (#224)

checkplease — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 06:57:48 +0000

Check, Please! Bay Area's second season episode 24 (#224) profiles and reviews these three Bay Area restaurants:

1) Holy Land: | restaurant information | reviews |

2) Sodini's Bertolucci's Ristorante: | restaurant information | reviews |

3) B44 Catalan Bistro: | restaurant information | 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. Also, in my "What to Sip" suggestions, I choose one restaurant from each show and offer tips for selecting libations to enjoy with your meal.

Sponsor Wine: 2005 Beringer “Third Century” Chardonnay, Central Coast, California $14
A Chardonnay that will appeal to all who enjoy creamy, smooth whites. Kissed with a touch of oak, the wine is spicy and full of ripe tropical fruit flavors. One of California’s most historic wine producers, Beringer Vineyards is based in Napa Valley. Their newly launched label is an ode to the company’s heritage as they enter a third century of winemaking.

Wine of the Week: Chandon Rosé, California Sparkling Wine $22
This a lovely, pink sapphire-hued sparkler made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes that invites celebration. Soft and plush, this is a bubbly to drink throughout a meal. Pair it with spicy take out, salmon or other fleshy fish, and even hearty sausages with grilled onions.

What to Sip: B44
Take a virtual vinous trip to Spain just by perusing the fantastic wine list at B44.

Selections are primarily Spanish but peppered with well-chosen French and California options, as well. Organized by style with price ranges for all budgets, it’s an exciting task to pick a wine (or wines) for your meal.

I recommend seeking out the hot Spanish winemaker, Telmo Rodriquez’s crisp white from Rueda in Spain ($22) made with Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, and Viura grapes. Also, a unique white to sample is from Segura Viudas named “Creu de Lavit.” Priced at a cool $30, it’s a winner for shellfish.

With hearty fare, spend a bit more on Vall Llach’s “Idus” ($99) from the rugged Priorat region of northeastern Spain. Made with red grapes Carinena and Garnacha, it’s earthy and powerful. Some of my favorite but hard-to-find reds hail from the Bierzo region of Spain. The grape variety is the rare Mencia and it produces elegant, Pinot Noir-like reds. B44’s list has two to try: the Domino de Tares for a deliciously affordable price of $35 and the Descendientes de Jose Palacios Petalos de Bierzo for a mere $45. I’m on my way to enjoy a dish of paella and a bottle of this beautiful wine right now.

Check, Please! Bay Area: Season 2: Episode 23 (#223)

checkplease — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 09:00:54 +0000

Check, Please! Bay Area's second season episode 23 (#223) profiles and reviews these three Bay Area restaurants:

1) Baladie Gourmet Cafe: | restaurant information | reviews |

2) Sumi: | restaurant information | reviews |

3) Marché Aux Fleurs: | restaurant information | reviews | recipe |

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Sponsor Wine: 2005 Beringer “Third Century” Syrah, Central Coast, California $14
One of California’s most historic wine producers is Beringer Vineyards based in Napa Valley. Their newly launched label is an ode to the company’s heritage as they enter a third century of winemaking. Hailing from the cool Central Coast, this elegantly-styled Syrah captures the variety’s ripe fruit flavors, smooth texture, and signature spicy kick. Uncork it with casual sausage pizza or classy osso bucco.

Wine of the Week: La Tordera, Prosecco Brut, Valdobbiadene, Italy $19
When it comes to celebrating this holiday season, you’ll want to stock up on bubbles. But who wants to spend a fortune when you can sparkle for less? This dry, crisp fizz is made from Prosecco grapes grown in northern Italy. It’s perfect for party sipping or sharing fireside with your Secret Santa. Think about adding a dash of peach juice for a festive Bellini.

What to Sip: Marché aux Fleurs
When I look at a wine list, I’m hunting for diversity, value, and wines that cause excitement. I found all of these things and more with the terrific list at Marin’s Marché aux Fleurs. Their savvy roundup of wines respects the customer by offering affordability and choice. For example, you can order a worldwide selection of delicious whites and not pay more than $40. When you visit, look for the aromatic Mesh Riesling from Australia’s Eden Valley ($36), organically-grown Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand ($34) or sassy, citrusy Condes de Albarei Albariño from Rias Baixas in Spain ($27). All of these wines will pair beautifully with the restaurant's market-fresh fare.

For red lovers, there are so many choices that I want to run to the eatery right now and start drinking. The hard-to-find Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a slight splurge at $85, but well worth it. For value, turn to the section named, "Rhone Zone." Here you’ll find an earthy French red, Domaine Garrigue Vacqueyras ($26) or bold Aussie Lengs & Cooter Shiraz from Down Under for $30. For adventurous drinkers, order the Capçanes Montsant ($30), from one of my favorite Spanish producers. It’s hearty, smoky and sultry.

Check, Please! Bay Area: Season 2: Episode 22 (#222)

checkplease — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 01:51:45 +0000

Check, Please! Bay Area's second season episode 22 (#222) profiles and reviews these three Bay Area restaurants:

1) Marta's Kitchen at Jay 'N Bee Club: | restaurant information | reviews |

2) Central Market: | restaurant information | reviews | recipe |

3) West Coast Cafe: | restaurant information | reviews |

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Sponsor Wine: 2004 Beringer “Third Century” Merlot, North Coast, California $14
An ode to Beringer Vineyards’ centuries-old history of winemaking, the Third Century wines are all about easy enjoyment. Merlot is one of America’s favorite wines because it captures red berry elegance paired with a smooth texture. This version also offers a hint of herbal complexity, which makes it an ideal complement to a steaming bowl of lentil or tomato soup.

Wine of the Week: 2005 Justin "Savant" Paso Robles, California $45
Paso Robles, located on the central coast of California, is a rising-star wine region. Highly regarded for intense Zinfandels, the area is also producing unique blends. One such marriage of grapes is "Savant," from the beautiful Justin winery. A combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this polished, velvety red is full of rich flavors and smoky aromas. Drink now with rib roast or lamb shank, or if you have the patience, age it for five years or so.

What to sip: Central Market

Historic downtown Petaluma is home to quaint streets lined with antique stores and restaurants. One of the busiest spots for dining is Central Market. Focusing on home-cooked, hearty fare, the wine list is ideally tailored to the cuisine. Though small -- just two pages long -- the wines listed are well chosen and well priced. Organized by style, from Crisp and Floral whites to Rich and Fruity reds, almost all selections are tagged under $50 with many hovering in the $20 range. There are worldwide offerings, such as a Gascon Malbec from Argentina at $32, or Heron Pinot Noir from France for $30, but you should explore the delicate dry rosé from local Petaluma producer, Keller Estate ($30). If you're up for spending a bit more, order the hard-to-find Kistler Chardonnay, Les Noisetiers, for $75. You better hurry though. At that price I may just go through all the Kistlers before you get to Central Market.

Check, Please! Bay Area: Season 2: Episode 21 (#221)

checkplease — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:58:31 +0000

Check, Please! Bay Area's second season episode 21 (#221) profiles and reviews these three Bay Area restaurants:

1) La Folie: | restaurant information | reviews | recipe |

2) Aldo's Ristorante & Bar: | restaurant information | reviews |

3) Golden Lotus: | restaurant information | reviews |

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Sponsor Wine: 2006 Beringer “Third Century” Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast, California $14
One of California’s most historic wine producers, Beringer Vineyards is based in Napa Valley. This affordable label is an ode to the company’s heritage as they enter a third century of winemaking. Obviously, experience has paid off. Their Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, refreshing and overflowing with citrus flavors. Enjoy with a wide range of dishes from grilled scallops and fresh greens topped with goat cheese to chips and fiery salsa.

Wine of the Week: 2004 Hess Collection, Mount Veeder, Mountain Cuvée, Napa Valley $35
The Hess Collection, founded by Swiss entrepreneur and art collector, Donald Hess, is located in the rugged Mount Veeder mountains minutes from downtown Napa. This polished red (made with grapes grown at altitudes up to 2,000 feet) is an ultra-smooth blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. With a piece of moist roast beef or a hearty cassoulet, it shines.

What to Sip: La Folie
To fully enjoy La Folie's classic French cuisine, it's best to have a glass of wine in hand. Luckily, the eatery's thoughtful and remarkably well-priced wine list makes it easy to uncork.

Focused primarily on top French wine regions, including Alsace, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the Rhone, the list is peppered with interesting American selections from Oregon and California.

My advice is to call owner Roland Passot's brother, Georges, over to the table (he handles all things wine) and have a chat about what you're interested in drinking. He will select a special pairing program for you or make suggestions about what to choose.

I'm impressed with the delicious selection of half bottles on the list. Ordering several of these, which serve around 2-3 glasses, is an ideal route to go especially when pairing with the restaurant's diverse menu. Some of my favorite half bottles include Gosset's elegant Brut Grand Rose Champagne ($54), the crisp white from France, Sancerre Domaine Auchere ($29), or the rich California Chardonnay from Testarossa ($32). For red half bottles, try the fantastic Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir from Oregon ($53) or a beautiful French St. Emilion from Chateau Graves du Bert ($42).

While not shy on mouth-watering splurge wines (anyone up for a Chateau Lafite Rothschild from Bordeaux's heralded 1982 vintage for $1400?), La Folie's wine list offers fair pricing that beats most of the city's chic restaurants.

If you're into just having a lovely bottle of white that won't break the bank, look to the lesser-known Burgundy region of St. Romain for the Domaine Germain priced at $65. Another option is the juicy Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay ($59) from Napa. With Monsieur Passot's hearty French fare, you might want a red from the Rhone area of France, so try the Perrin brothers' Vinsobres "Les Cornuds" for an affordable $47.

Check, Please! Bay Area: Season 2: Episode 20 (#220)

checkplease — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:52:51 +0000

Check, Please! Bay Area's second season episode 20 (#220) profiles and reviews these three Bay Area restaurants:

1) Postrio: | restaurant information | reviews |

2) Old Port Lobster Shack: | restaurant information | reviews |

3) Cleo's Brazilian Steakhouse: | restaurant information | reviews |

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Wine of the Week: 2004 Swanson Merlot, Oakville, Napa Valley, California $30

Merlot is all about texture and smoothness. Swanson's version (a personal, perennial favorite) captures this plush, chocolaty richness while still managing to maintain vibrant red fruit flavors. Go for comfort food and whip up a gourmet Gruyère-grilled cheese sandwich topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions, then uncork the Merlot. Delicious.

What to Sip: Postrio

Just like Postrio's reputation for world-class quality food, their 33-page wine list reads like a who's who of the wine world. Open to any page and there are discoveries to be savored and enjoyed. I'll admit it: I love this wine list. It's one of the best in the country. Reading the entries I feel like a kid in a candy store who wants to try everything. And, as a diner you simply can't go wrong with any bottle offered.

Pricing is excellent with choices in any price range. You can splurge and spend $2,200 on a Domaine de la Romanée-Conti red Burgundy (one of the most coveted bottles in the world) or discover the owner of DRC's hidden Burgundian treasure, the lovely A & P De Villaine, Mercurey Les Montots ($80). The two pages of red Rhone-style wines include French classics from Chapoutier and Château de Beaucastel, but also lists other unique finds, like the Bay Area's own Jeff Cohn's J.C. Cellars Syrah ($63).

Spanish reds include the powerhouse Vega Sicilia wines, along with superstar Alvaro Palacios, ranging in the hundreds of dollars (and worth it, I might add if money is no object). However, you can order the earthy, elegant Valdubon from Ribera del Duero in Spain, which rings in at around $50 and delivers plenty of pleasure.

Other under-$50 reds to seek out include: Brancott Pinot Noir from New Zealand ($38), Terrazas de los Andes Malbec from Argentina ($47), and Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc from Napa. For whites, there are plenty of great choices hovering in the $40 price point with Ceretto Arneis from Italy, Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier, Joseph Drouhin Saint Veran from Burgundy, and finally Bodegas Palacios Remondo Viura from Spain, an amazingly crisp white for a mere $33.

Check, Please! Bay Area: Season 2: Episode 19 (#219)

checkplease — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 22:48:23 +0000

Check, Please! Bay Area's second season episode 19 (#219) profiles and reviews these three Bay Area restaurants:

1) Da Lian Restaurant: | restaurant information | reviews |

2) The Mountain House Restaurant: | restaurant information | reviews | recipe |

3) Buca di Beppo: | restaurant information | reviews |

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2006 Merryvale "Starmont" Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California $18
From their well-priced Starmont line to the classy (and pricey) red blend "Profile," Merryvale ranks among the bearers of quality in Napa Valley. This racy, refreshingly crip white wine is one to pour with chicken satay and peanut sauce or seared scallops.

What to Sip: The Mountain House Restaurant

Considering the Mountain House's rustic wooded setting and game-influenced menu, I expected their wine list to be focused on bold, beefy reds.

The two-page list, though small, does deliver plenty of hearty reds to complement the fare but isn't shy on a good selection of whites, either. The focus as a diner should be to sample the extremely well-priced wines from several local producers in the Woodside and Santa Cruz Mountains areas.

For a smooth red blend try the Thomas Fogarty "Skyline Red" ($30), which has enough heft to pair with the massive double cut pork chops. The rack of lamb or venison begs for an earthy Cabernet Sauvignon so reach for Woodside Vineyards' version priced again at a cool $30.

Those sipping whites with their Cajun popcorn shrimp or Chinese chicken salad should try the juicy Storrs Chardonnay from the Santa Cruz Mountains ($34) or the floral-scented, zesty Thomas Fogarty Gewurztraminer ($27).

Check, Please! Bay Area: Season 2: Episode 18 (#218)

checkplease — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 00:16:25 +0000

Check, Please! Bay Area's second season episode 18 (#218) profiles and reviews these three Bay Area restaurants:

1) Pauline's Pizza: | restaurant information | reviews |

2) Rotee: | restaurant information | reviews |

3) La Forêt Restaurant: | restaurant information | reviews | recipe |

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2004 Eponymous, MacAllister Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, California $45
Veteran winemaker Bob Pepi's skillful touch shows through in this Bordeaux-style blend from the Golden State. Based upon Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc and Merlot contributing to the mix, it's sultry and smooth. Dark berry flavors back up aromas of licorice, chocolate, and spice. For lovers of rich reds, you'll be in culinary heaven with this wine and a braised lamb shank or a New York strip steak.

What to Sip: What to Sip: La Forêt

Walking into La Forêt, you know you're in for a special meal. Prepare yourself for a wine experience to match. I would encourage lovers of great California Cabernet Sauvignon and French Bordeaux to make a pilgrimage to this bucolic spot -- just make sure you bring your wallet.

Start with classic Champagne, such as Louis Roederer Brut Premier ($68) especially if you've ordered the flavorful smoked salmon appetizer. For white drinkers indulging in the lobster tail entrée or breast of chicken, I recommend the well-priced Chateau Montelena Chardonnay from Napa ($48) or, for a spend-that-bonus splurge, the amazing Joseph Drouhin Montrachet "Marquis de la Guiche" ($375). Made from Chardonnay grapes in the Burgundy region of France, it ranks as one of the world's best white wines.

The real treat, however, lies in the lengthy list of California Cabernet Sauvignons. Vertical offerings (a series of vintages of the same wine) from top producers read like a who's who list of California Cab: Ridge "Monte Bello", Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Cask 23", Robert Mondavi Reserve, Dunn Vineyards, Harlan Estate, Opus One, Heitz, Caymus, and Diamond Creek. to name but a few. You can select lauded vintages dating from 1987 to the present. Prices are steep for these stunning bottles, but fair. For bargain hunters looking to drink well with their Kobe beef or wild game dish, my choice is the Robert Sinskey Merlot from Carneros in Napa ($48).

No meal at La Forêt would be complete without the jaw-droppingly good Grand Marnier soufflé. Delicate and airy, it's a dessert to swoon over. Forgo the sweet wine selections and simply end with a sip of Champagne. Problem is, you might never want to leave.

Check, Please! Bay Area: Season 2: Episode 17 (#217)

checkplease — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 03:34:42 +0000

Check, Please! Bay Area's second season episode 17 (#217) profiles and reviews these three Bay Area restaurants:

1) RNM: | restaurant information | reviews | recipe |

2) Ana Mandara: | restaurant information | reviews | recipe |

3) The Front Porch: | restaurant information | reviews |

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2005 Iron Horse Vineyards Chardonnay, Green Valley, Sonoma County, California $27
Iron Horse is known as America's preeminent sparkling wine producer -- and I am a fan of their bubbly -- but this week's recommendation is a still wine. Capturing the ideal combination of bright citrus flavors rounded out with a creamy texture, their classic cool-weather Chardonnay is utterly elegant. Enjoy with cheeses such as Brie or Camembert, salmon, or lobster drizzled with butter.

What to Sip: Ana Mandara and RNM

The marriage of Ana Mandara's dramatic decor with its fresh, flavorful fare is echoed in the eatery's excellent wine list. It's lengthy and offers a wide selection of fairly priced wines, well tailored to the Vietnamese cuisine. I respect any list that delivers half-bottle options (a lunchtime favorite) and this one does. Don't miss the crisp, off-dry Selbach-Oster Riesling from Germany ($29, half) or Sonoma star, Merry Edwards', Pinot Noir ($32, half). Organized by style ranging from aromatic whites to light reds and Mediterranean blends, you can't go wrong with any selection.

RNM on Haight Street is all about style. The wine list reflects this chic approach with several pages of esoteric and familiar picks from around the world. The pricing is terrific and invites imbibing. Order a bottle of the hard-to-find Etude Rosé from Carneros in California ($35) and sip it alongside the small plates and delicious pizzas. For red wine drinkers, the Siduri Pinot Noir (a personal favorite at $45) and Napa's Merlot magician, Swanson ($44) will bring pure pleasure to the RNM experience.