This past Tuesday night, March 8, an intimate party of about 45 Santa Claritans attended the first French wine paring dinner held this year inside Valencia Wine Company. Hosted by Guy Lelarge and his staff, the dinner was privately catered by former Oaks Grille Chef Samson Francois with assistance from Kelly Klemovich. Attendees encountered a…
Law Estate Wines I’ve written a few times about the great wines that relative Paso newcomer Law Estate Wines put out from the “get go”. From their inaugural 2010 vintage, which my wife Karen and I loved, to their outstanding across the board 2011 releases, I don’t think I had ever tasted such an outstanding…
A Bountiful Menu Filled with Traditions and Kobayashi Signatures ARTISAN, the American restaurant in the center of Paso Robles, presents their 9th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 26, 2015. Chef Chris Kobyashi’s acclaimed à la carte four course feast is inspired by the holiday classics and prepared with outstanding products that are locally sourced,…
Coming Home to J Dusi Wines We hadn’t visited J Dusi in some time, but in our quest to share with our family members what makes Paso Robles special to us, it seemed almost a requirement. After all, the name Dusi is practically synonymous with Paso Robles. Janell Dusi [the J in J Dusi] has…
Le Chene Presents: 2015 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau Dinner Friday, November 20, 7pm Menu Baby Mix Salad Vinaigrette, Seafood Feuillette with Lobster Sauce Roasted Chicken au jus, Potatoes au gratin, Sauté Green Beans, Chocolate Mousse Charlotte. Coffee, Tea or Iced Tea $48 per person includes wine, food, tip, tax and a good time! …
We brought some family members with us on our last trip to Paso Robles. This trip wasn’t about breaking new ground or seeking out new discoveries. Instead, we purposely visited some old favorites to show them [and remind us] what makes Paso such a special place for my wife Karen and me. So much of…
The San Francisco International Wine Competition has been around since 1980, so they must be doing something right. Headed by James Beard Award winner Anthony Dias Blue and judged by somewhat of a Who’s Who of the wine world elite, this year’s event took place at Hotel Nikko in June. [Speaking of wine judges, I’m…
There is always so many great opportunities to experience living in the beautiful Sonoma County Wine country and working in the wine industry here just adds to the flavor of what is available. Frequently, I find myself invited to a specific winery, to meet a winemaker or to go and taste new release wines at…
I must admit that, living in Healdsburg, I was mortified when an Indian casino was built into the pristine hills above neighboring Alexander Valley. And I still think River Rock Casino is an eyesore and does not belong perched on a hill overlooking vineyards. Recently, I discovered a different side of the tribal gaming story…
The first time Doug Minnick, co-founder with Stewart McLennan of the Garagiste Festivals, told me the Wiltern was going to host the latest version of the event, I was a little concerned. Were they just going to use the stage? If not, what about all the seats? Well, it turned out the seats are removable…