Eve's Wine 101

Vintage Eve 7/2018: What Did I Find at The Latest Garagiste “Urban Exposure” in Santa Monica?

by

Garagiste festival co-founders Stewart McLennan and Doug Minnick (locals know Doug from his shared wine tasting room in Downtown Newhall, Double Trouble) as well as countless experienced volunteers, succeeded once again to bring nearly 50 small producing wineries under one roof – Santa Monica Bay Women’s Club – to be discovered by wine lovers.

Left to right: Erik Siering, Mark Wasserman, me, Paul Quinn and James Schreiner.

(Photo: My favorite people – and wine – at Vinemark Cellars and TW Ferm Co! — left to right: Erik Siering, Mark Wasserman, me, Paul Quinn and James Schreiner.)

Urban Exposure features artisan winemakers from across California, including Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, Los Angeles County and more. The Garagiste Festival is Los Angeles’ only wine festival that exclusively features high quality wines from commercial California ‘garagiste’ winemakers, offering Angelenos a unique opportunity to discover hard-to-find wineries, taste hundreds of their wines, and meet the winemakers…Over 70% of the wineries pouring at the festival do not have tasting rooms, and most are not on “wine country” maps and difficult to find except at the Garagiste Festival.

Pretty sure I’ve covered every Garagiste event that has been produced in Los Angeles for the past five years, as well as a couple in Paso Robles. I look forward to trying the new vintages from wineries we’ve discovered before, and wines from new wineries added to the event. This year I tried to taste as many Rare and Reserve offerings as I could as well, before palate fatigue set in.

Will now share a few of my take-aways (oh how I wish I could’ve taken some of the wine home with me!) from the event. (Too thirsty to read on? Shoot over here to see the event photos.)

Wineries Tastes (I have only noted the wines I enjoyed – keep in mind I did not try every wine that was offered at every winery table.) 

Bellante Family Winery: 2016 Viognier, Los Olivos, Camp 4 Vineyard, and 14.9% alcohol.

Betwixt Wines: 2012 Grenache, Boer Vineyard, Sonoma (sold out) and 2010 Syrah.

Byron Blatty: Mark’s brand new Rose of Grenache, LA County, $27 and 2016 Tremor blend of Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, LA County, $58.

Caliza Vineyards: 2013 Estate Grenache, Paso Robles, only 50 cases made, $75

Cutruzzola Vineyards: 2012 Riesling, Riven Rock Vineyard Estate, San Luis Obispo County, 12.5% alcohol, 450 cases, $28 and the 2015 Riesling with 128 cases and $30. 

Dusty Nabor: “K” Super Secret Syrah, Ballard Canyon, 27 cases, $45 and 2016 Super Secret Grenache, Ballard Canyon, 27 cases, $45. 

Frisco Cellars: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, Yattes and DiPietro Vineyards, $56.

Gordenker Wines: 2012 Sylvia Drive Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, $68. (Parker gave this wine 93 points.)

Hoi Polloi: Everything: Pinot Noirs and Syrah! Love Minnick and happy to support local business! 

Kaleidos Wines: 2014 Praying Mantis, 100% Syrah, Paso Robles, 88 cases, 15.6% alcohol, $65.

Leverage: 2014 Trajectory, GSM, Paso Robles, 85 cases, $60.

Parmeson: 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, 149 cases, $60.

Pulchella Winery: My all-time favorite local winery was serving up their Rose of Tannat, “Rogue Rose of Tannat”, Bella Colina Vineyards, 120 cases, $35 as well as six 2016 releases. 

Record Family Wines: 2013 Reserve Merlot, Paso Robles, 100 cases, $35. 

Siela Wines: 2015 Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley. (SF Chronicle Wine Competition gave this a Silver in 2017, I would’ve given it a Gold.)

TW Fermentations: 2014 “Cultivator” Bordeaux Blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Paso Robles, 14.7% alcohol, $68 and a Malbec with 14.9% alcohol.

Vinemark Cellars: All 2014s: Reserve Pinot, $41; Cabernet Sauvignon, $32; “Mezzanotte” Primitivo/Petite Sirah blend, $32. 

Volatus Wine: 2015 White Rhone Blend, $25; 2016 Bolter Rose blend of Tannat, Grenache and Viognier, $14; and Reserve Red blend of Syrah and Malbec, Paso Robles, 65 cases, $45.

All Wineries

Alma Sol+, Ann Albert, Ascension Cellars+, Bellante Family Winery+*, Betwixt Wines, Brophy Clark, Byron Blatty+, Caliza Vineyards, Cavelletti Vineyards, Cloak & Dagger+, Cutruzzola Vineyards, Domaine Kreger, El Lugar Wines, Frisco Cellars*, Golden Triangle, Gordenker Wines, Hoi Polloi+, In Vino Musicas+*, Kaleidos Wines, Kitson Wines*, LA Wine Project+, Lavender Oak Ranch+*, Magna Vita Cellars, Malibu Ridge+*, Marin’s Vineyard, Mastro Scheidt, Metrick Wines+, Monochrome Wines, Murder Ridge, On Your Left, Pulchella Winery+, Record Family Wines*, Siela Wines*, Stolo Family Winery, Sweezter Cellars+, Sycamore Ranch+, The Blending Lab+*, Tlo Winery, Torch Wines, TW Fermentations, Vinemark Cellars+, Volatus Wine, Wildwood Oak Winery* (*First time pouring at the festival, +Based in LA County)

Festival Sponsors: ETS, Glenn Burdette,, Farm Credit, Laffort, Digital Dogma, mWEBB Communications, Travel Paso, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. For sponsorship info, email info@garagistefestival.com.

Keep track of where the next Garagiste festival will be offered here: http://garagistefestival.com

For special discounts and updates on Urban Exposure, Taste of Garagiste mini-tastings and other Garagiste Festival events and news, sign up for The Dirt at http://garagistefestival.com/sign-up/,

Follow on Twitter (@GaragisteFest) or Facebook (http://on.fb.me/1rgBC80).

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 15k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Glamorous New Seaside Al Fresco Cafe Unveiled At Los Angeles’ Iconic Art Deco Hotel Shangri-La

by

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (PRWEB) – Los Angeles’ Art Deco Hotel Shangri-La has further elevated its culinary excellence with the launch of its chic al fresco dining space. Boasting panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica’s city skyline, The Sidewalk Cafe is the latest addition to the iconic LA destination, a continental style café tucked alongside the glorious coast.

Vibrant white Tulip chairs lined up in a Parisian fashion on the hotel’s VIP roped off pavement outside among the palm trees – where guests can enjoy timeless rituals such as the morning parfait and croissants, lunchtime pizzas made in Santa Monica’s only wood-fired oven shaded by umbrellas, or a leisurely dinner with a Pacific Ocean view while taking in the extraordinarily intense sunsets. Offering internationally inspired, Californian-infused cuisine, everything on the menu is locally sourced, organic seasonal ingredients, from Santa Monica Farmers Market.

Santa Monica’s chic new Parisian style café has been designed for the ultimate outdoor dining experience with dedicated attention from the hotel’s talented team, on hand to create unmissable dishes. The concept has been inspired by CEO Tamie Adaya and GM Armond Khosrovyan, with a varied menu fizzing with flavours, and a design that features space age tables and chairs that were originally designed by Eero Saarinen, of the famed TWA Flight Centre.

Ms Adaya said: “People coming together – dining outside – eating and drinking immediately makes any city come alive again. The Hotel Shangri-La is bringing summer to the streets with a degree of improvisation, vibrancy and spontaneity. Our Sidewalk Café gives our iconic hotel a continental sheen – a bit of Paris on the Pacific that visitors, residents and regulars alike will enjoy surrounded by palm trees and spellbinding ocean views.

“It’s an enticing and intimate space. When you feel like gazing at the ocean on a balmy summers day while sipping your coffee, a glass of Chablis or Shangri-La cocktail, The Sidewalk Café is the ultimate seaside dining spot in Santa Monica for an eclectic alfresco experience.”

Entrees include Whole Branzino accompanied by sautéed baby squash, zucchini and heirloom fingerling potatoes drizzled with a citrus butter sauce, Whole Red Snapper, roasted beets, turnips and heirloom fingerling potatoes, and a 12oz. New York Steak with a purple potato purée and a mushroom cognac sauce. For dessert, groups can tuck into the signature Shangri-La Knickerbocker Glory – the only place in the USA that offers this unique and delicious dish which features Vanilla and strawberry ice cream topped with strawberry compote, pineapple chunks, pop rocks, whipped cream and meringue.

A series of safety features has been put in place to protect both staff and customers, and the space will have a limited capacity in compliance with guidelines set by the State of California, the City of Los Angeles and the City of Santa Monica.

Offering lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, The Sidewalk Café is open every day 7am – 9pm Reservations can be made online at OpenTable

Rates at Hotel Shangri-La start at $286 for a timeless luxury room per night. To experience more visit Hotel Shangri-La

Iconic Chez Jay In Santa Monica Introduces the Backyard Where All Good Peep Meet to Eat & Drink!

by

SANTA MONICA – Santa Monica’s most iconic restaurant, Chez Jay, officially celebrated their 60th Anniversary by kicking off the festivities with the Grand Opening of The Backyard at Chez Jay, ‘where all good peep meet to eat and drink’ this past August.

Photo Credit: acuna-hansen.

Chez Jay, located in the heart of Santa Monica on Ocean Avenue, is Owned by Michael Anderson and now operated by his son General Manager Chris Anderson. Shortly after Chez Jay was named a Historical Landmark in 2012, The Backyard began as a vision that Michael Anderson had where he wanted to create a special experience for his longtime following of extremely loyal clientele so they could enjoy outdoor dining right by the Santa Monica ocean under the stars. M. Anderson set out to start this project, which he thought would be a great addition to Chez Jay and the City of Santa Monica, but the process turned out to take much longer than expected. “Everyone fought me at every turn, but I was not going down,” states M. Anderson. “I just kept thinking of Robert De Niro’s line as LaMotta in Raging Bull during one of his fights with Robinson when he says, ‘Hey, Ray, I never went down, man! You never got me down, Ray! You hear me, you never got me down,’ and he kept going.” Michael’s son Chris Anderson joined his father at Chez Jay approximately 2 years ago as the General Manager where he quickly decided he wanted to help his father finish what he had started.

“This was not my first priority when I came on board at Chez Jay, but after seeing how much this meant to my Dad and realizing that getting this done was taking such a toll his health, I jumped in and did everything I could to help him finish this project and make his vision a reality,” says C. Anderson.

The Backyard was designed by Chris Anderson and Nataly Lopez with the thoughtful mission to create a comfortable and welcoming gathering space for family, friends and longtime guests of Chez Jay. The space features picnic tables, couches, Adirondack chairs, fire pit, wine barrels, hanging vintage lanterns and string lights, large off-white canopy, and bright blue fence that backs up to Santa Monica’s Tongva Park.

Chef Guillermo De Arcos G, known as “Chef Memo,” is the special secret ingredient at The Backyard at Chez Jay. Having been in the kitchen at Chez Jay for over 27 years, he now has his son Guillermo De Arcos Jr. cooking by his side, making this a true family affair as he introduces the new Good Eats menu at The Backyard at Chez Jay. The Starters kick off the party with the Peppercorn Maple Bacon, Grilled Street Corn, Southwest Steak Nachos, Truffle Fries, Kimchi Guacamole, Rhode Island Calamari, Shrimp Ceviche Bites, and Baked Clams. There are three delicious Salads that can be shared or enjoyed on their own including the Crispy Calamari Salad, prepared with fried calamari, frisée, romaine radicchio, tomatoes, pickled red onion, and French Dijon vinaigrette; The Cobb served with grilled chicken, romaine, bacon, egg, blue cheese, tomato, avocado and lemon honey vinaigrette, or the NY Steak Salad prepared with Angus New York Strip, arugula, mixed greens, blue cheese, cranberries, walnuts, pickled onions and balsamic. The Mains start off with seafood selections such as the Mahi Mahi Sandwich served with a grilled filet of Mahi Mahi, lettuce, tomato, onion and tartar sauce on a toasted bun, or the Fish & Chips with Allagash beer battered cod and French fries. Next, step-up the savory by enjoying the Chez Burger comprised of a 1⁄2 pound Angus beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion, served on a toasted bun; the Crispy Chicken Sandwich made of fried chicken, house coleslaw, apple, frisée, chipotle aioli, and pickles on a toasted bun, or the Steak Au Poivre Sandwich with a Peppered Angus NY Steak, cream of horseradish, picked cabbage, arugula on sourdough. Lastly, there is the Jay Dog prepared with a grilled 10 inch Wagyu hot dog, tomato, pickles, onions, relish, peppers and mustard on split-top brioche, or the appropriately named Mike’s Melt, in honor of Michael Anderson, prepared with a pressed 1⁄2 pound Angus beef patty, melted cheddar, and caramelized onions on rye.

For the final finish on the menu, the Sweet offering inspired by Chez Jay Chef Juan De Arcos known as “Chef Tony,” are Chef Memo’s Fried Oreos – the ultimate comfort food fried to perfection.

Of course, The Backyard at Chez Jay is all about Good Drinks and the cocktails the Chez Jay team has created are no exception. The menu offers signature drinks such as the Hotel California made of Bombay Sapphire, grapefruit, lemon and rosemary; the Chevy To The Levy comprised of mezcal, pineapple, Ramazzoti Rosato, lemon and sage, The Juan Margarita prepared with Casamigos Tequila, jalapeño, cucumber, cilantro and lime, and the Ketel Spritz made of Ketel One, St Germain, Prosecco, lemon, and thyme. For classics with a twist, guests can enjoy the Pimm’s Cup made of Pimm’s, cucumber, mint, ginger, and lemon, the Dark & Stormy prepared with Gosling’s Rum, ginger beer, and lime, the Never Old Fashioned with Slow & Low Rock and Rye Whiskey, orange peel, Luxardo Marashino Cherry and bitters, or the Tecate Michelada made with veteran Chez Jay Bartender Petter Whichman’s Wickie’s Bloody Good Mix, and lime with a Tajin rim.

For guests that prefer a glass of vino, The Backyard at Chez Jay will offer Wines by the glass including options such as the Cupcake Prosecco, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Ferrari Chardonnay, Bev Rose, Meiomi Pinot Noir, or the Josh Cabernet.

Beer lovers can enjoy an ice-cold Draft, Can or Bottle in The Backyard at Chez Jay. Drafts feature the Allagash White, Heineken, Santa Monica 310, or Angel City IPA. The Can selections include Palmia Light, Tecate, Angel City Pilsner, or Golden Road Wolf Pup, along with Bottle offerings Corona, Bud Light and Angry Orchard.

The Backyard at Chez Jay is open every Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm; every Friday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm; every Saturday from 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm, and every Sunday from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm. For more information, please visit www.ChezJays.com or call Chez Jay directly at 310.395.1741.

Social Media: Please follow Chez Jay on Facebook @ChezJays and Instagram @chezjay_sm

The Backyard at Chez jay

1657 Ocean Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90401 T: 310.395.1741 www.ChezJays.com

L.A.’s Epic Culinary Festival Los Angeles Food and Wine Returns Aug. 22-25, 2019

by

LOS ANGELES – In a collision of cuisine and culture, Southern California’s number-one food and wine festival, Los Angeles Food & Wine, is ramping up to its ninth rendition, August 22-25. Festival-goers will rub shoulders with the nation’s hottest chefs during the four-day epicurean extravaganza, with events spanning the City of Angels. Fans of fine food can score tickets a la carte at lafw.com.

Among the culinary supernovas on the festival marquee are the legendary Jeremiah Tower (“The Last Magnificent”), native Angelenos Nancy Silverton, Jet Tila and Alvin Cailan, and several celebrity chefs who have made the city their own, like Curtis Stone, Tim Hollingsworth and Antonia Lofaso. The festival will also showcase wines from across California and the world.

Los Angeles Food & Wine launches Thursday evening with a series of dinners at restaurants across the city. The action then shifts to the historic Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport, one of LA’s premier event spaces, for the rest of the weekend. Among the 14 culinary star-studded events:

· The Legends Dinner at Chi SPACCA: The widely credited father of California cuisine Jeremiah Tower joins queen of the Mozza-Plex Nancy Silverton at her white-hot Chi SPACCA. This epic, one-night-only pairing promises a lifetime of bragging rights to the 40 festival-goers fortunate enough to snag a ticket.

· Dinner at Otium: Fans of Netflix’s “The Final Table” can pull up a chair to watch 2018 season winner Tim Hollingsworth share the spotlight with rising star chef Travis Swikard at Hollingsworth’s downtown masterpiece, The Broad museum-adjacent Otium.

· The Epic Burger Throwdown with Alvin Cailan: In a city known for great burgers, the best are going bun to bun to win the coveted LAFW Golden Burger Show Trophy. Host Alvin Cailan, star of YouTube’s “The Burger Show,” will join celebrity judges Seth Rogen, Tiffani Thiessen and Adam Richman in this juicy battle of the beef.

· LA’s Faves & Craves: In one short stroll, festival-goers can take in the breathtaking diversity of L.A.’s culinary landscape as the city’s own Jet Tila hosts a showcase of the most crave-worthy dishes of 25 local chefs. L.A’s finest tacos, pizza, hot dogs, donuts, fried chicken and a wealth of Asian-inspired specialties will all share one location for one afternoon only.

· Meat Me at LAFW’s Great Steak-out & BBQ: Meat master Curtis Stone of Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant and 25 other great tamers of the flame are bringing their A+ game to LAFW. Surf, sides, caviar and Big Cabs will complement the slabs at this event evoking the nation’s greatest steakhouses and BBQ joints.

· Sunday Brunch So Hard: Those lucky enough to score one of the very limited VIP tickets to LAFW’s grand finale enjoy rare pre-event access to Jeremiah Tower, the illustrious self-taught chef dubbed “The Last Magnificent” by Anthony Bourdain. Standard tickets are anything but shabby, too, at the culinary legend’s brunch-to-end-all-brunches.

Find a full event listing here.

Event Sponsors

The 9th annual Los Angeles Food & Wine welcomes best in class partners like Chase Private Client, Food & Wine magazine, Guinness, Suntory Whiskey and Bulleit Whiskey, among others.

Ticket Information

For tickets and more information, visit lafw.com.

L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Turns 10!

by

LOS ANGELES, CA — Marking a momentous tenth year, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, hosted by James Beard Foundation award-winners Chef Suzanne Goin and partner Caroline Styne (The Lucques Group) along with Chef David Lentz, is set for Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 12:30 – 4:30 pm on UCLA’s Royce Quad. Goin, Styne and Lentz have again enlisted the support and generosity of their culinary-superstar friends around the country who will donate their time and services to raise funds and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) and its mission to find better treatments and cures for all kids with cancer. The Presenting Sponsors for the cookout are Northwestern Mutual and Volvo Cars of North America.

photo credit Becky Sapp/Getty from 2018 event

Featuring fabulous food, wine and cocktails prepared by the nation’s best chefs, winemakers and mixologists, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade is an afternoon of fantastic fare, cocktails for a cause, children’s activities, extravagant silent and exhilarating live auctions, and much more. The 2019 event is guaranteed to surpass the aspirations of previous years with returning chefs Michael Cimarusti, Chris Bianco, Adam Perry Lang, Donald Link, Nancy Oakes, Nancy Silverton, Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo, Rocco Whalen and Marc Vetri coming together to cook for childhood cancer cures. First time participant is Gabriela Cámara, Mexico City’s beloved chef of Contramar (and Cala in San Francisco) who will open her first restaurant in Santa Monica in the coming months. More chefs will continue to be announced, as well as leading vintners and mixologists from across the country. 

Pricing for General Admission tickets is $195 until August 1, when the price increases to $225. L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade also offers a $1,200 premier ticket level that includes early access to the event,  VIP seating and an exclusive invite to the private and intimate Welcome Dinner the evening before, on Friday, September 13. The culinary cookout is family-friendly; children under the age of 12 are free with accompanying adult and do not need to register for the event.

For complete listings of participants and to purchase tickets for this year’s event visit the ALSF website. All proceeds will benefit the Foundation.

L.A. supporters enthusiastically responded with huge turnouts in the first nine years, sampling signature dishes of world renowned chefs and reaching over $7.3 million in sponsorship, ticket and auction sales to date. In addition to the generous backing of the community, prominent personalities from the entertainment industry – long time attendees Jimmy Kimmel, Laura Dern, Joe Mantegna, Timothy Olyphant, Kirsten Vangsness and others – have become champions of the cause.

More than 2,000 people, including more than 100 chefs, mixologists and vintners, attended the 2018 event, which raised nearly 1.5 million. Those in attendance heard an inspiring speech by Jay & Liz Scott, Alex’s parents, and co-executive directors of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and Cooper Gray, a childhood cancer hero who was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor at age 4.

“I can’t believe it’s our tenth year. It seems like yesterday that we were introducing LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade to everyone here and now it’s a huge part of the Los Angeles experience.,” said co-founder Caroline Styne. “I’m so beyond thrilled to be part of such a worthwhile organization. And this day is by far my most favorite one of the year. Always.”

“We’re in awe of the commitment and generosity of Suzanne, Caroline and David, all the participating chefs, vintners, mixologists and guests of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade,” said Liz Scott, Alex’s mom and Co-Executive Director of the Foundation. “It is so special to celebrate an entire decade of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade! Every year we move closer to achieving Alex’s vision of finding a cure for all kids with cancer!”

For information on how to become a sponsor, contact Sara Moyer at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, (610) 649-3034 or S.Moyer@AlexsLemonade.org

Become a fan of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ALSFCulinaryEvents Follow on Twitter and Instagram: @LALovesAlexs

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. Her spirit and determination inspired others to support her cause, and when she passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement. Today, ALSF is one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. and Canada raising more than $175 million so far, funding nearly 1,000 research projects and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. For more information, visit AlexsLemonade.org.

Partial List of Participating Chefs 

Chris Bianco (Phoenix) – Pizzeria Bianco

Gabriela Cámara (Mexico City, San Francisco) – Contramar, Cala
Michael Cimarusti (L.A.) – Providence
Josiah Citrin (L.A.) – Melisse

Eva Ein (L.A.) – McConnell’s Ice Cream

Susan Feniger & Mary Sue Milliken (L.A.) – Border Grill

Michael Fiorelli

Neal Fraser (L.A.) – Redbird
Suzanne Goin (L.A.) – Lucques Group

Hedy Goldsmith (L.A.) – Sweet Hedy

Valerie Gordon (L.A.) – Valerie Confections

Sarah Grueneberg (Chicago) – Monteverde Restaurant & Pastifico

Timothy Hollingsworth (L.A.) – Otium, Barrel & Ashes

Bruce Kalman (Pasadena, CA)

Sara Kramer & Sarah Hymanson (L.A.) – Kismet, Madcapra

Adam Perry Lang (Hollywood) – APL Restaurant

David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach) – Manhattan Beach Post, Fishing with Dynamite

David Lentz (L.A.)

Donald Link (New Orleans) – Link Restaurant Group

Jenn Louis (Portland, OR)

Walter Manzke & Margarita Manzke (L.A.) – Republique

Kevin Meehan (L.A.) – Kali

Matt Molina (L.A.) – Everson Royce Bar, Triple Beam Pizza, Hippo

Dahlia Narvaez (L.A.) – Mozza Restaurant Group

Zoe Nathan (L.A.) – Huckleberry

Nancy Oakes (San Francisco) – Boulevard

Zachary Pollack (L.A.) – Alimento, Cosa Buona

Mark Rosati (Nationwide) – Shake Shack

Steve Samson (L.A.) – Rossoblu

Michael Santoro (Beverly Hills) – The Beverly Hills Hotel

Michael Schwartz (Miami) – Genuine Hospitality Group, Fi’Lia

Jon Shook & Vinny DiTolo (L.A.) – Jon & Vinny’s

Nancy Silverton (L.A.) – Mozza Restaurant Group

Jonathan Sundstrom (Seattle) – Lark

Suzanne Tracht (L.A.) – Jar

Marc Vetri (Philadelphia) – Vetri Cucina

Rocco Whalen (Cleveland/Charlotte) – Fahrenheit

Shiho Yoshikowa (L.A.) – Sweet Rose Creamery

 

***All chefs and vintners have graciously donated their time, food and talent to the cause for this event***

Masters of Taste 2019: Mastering it All

by

It was a beautiful day – a sold out day – for Masters of Taste 2019. We love the event, as it’s the only one on the field of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, with fabulous wineries, mixologists, sweet makers and all that FOOD. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy this year we had Chef Michael Hung as the event’s first-time Host Chef. And of course, the money raised goes to charity: Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Entering the field!

Links to all of the participants are below. These are some of my favorites:

Nosotros barrel aged tequila, Dulce Vida grapefruit, lime and pineapple flavors, Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur in its new golden hue, the chefs at Mrs. Fish that used chopsticks to drop samples into the waiting mouths for some of their guests, Celestino pastas, Wild Roots spirits had some fun “northwest fruit infused” vodkas, My/Mo Mochi green tea flavor, the new Hurricane in a convenient box from buzzbox premium cocktails, The Raymond 1886 cocktails made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, flavorful Mediterranean food from Spire Works, Akagisan sake, pesto pasta from Prince of Venice, cocktails made with Ki No Bi Dry Gin from the Kyoto Distillery, Kass lemon meringue, all of the tonics by East Imperial, ZYR Russian vodka, the Mignon chocolate fountain, Matcha Matcha green tea rice crispy treats, the plain straight bourbon from American Born, Granville mac and cheese, cocktails from Magnolia House, Lark Cake Shop chocolate cake and everything from Ascension Cellars and Golden Star Vineyards. 

Story in photos here.

Masters of Taste 2019 participating Culinary Masters and Restaurants included:

Sweet Masters: A select group of Los Angeles Top Sweet Masters will showcase an assortment of delectable desserts such as the deliciously scrumptious scratch baked custom cakes and cupcakes from Fantasy Frostings, Lark Cake Shop and Lady M., Chocolatier Mignon Chocolate, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream, Nomad Ice Pops, homemade premium sorbets from Pop’s Artisinal Creamery,  Porto’s Bakery, SuperCool Creamery, THE Bakery Truck and more.

Beverage Masters Included

Brewmasters: Beverage Masters who specialize in barley and hops will be presenting top-notch ales, lagers, pilsners and more for guests to sample, sip and savor all throughout the event, including Southern California favorites Indie Brewing Company, Iron triangle Brewing, Los Angeles Ale Works, Lincoln Beer Company, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., Arcadia’s first  Microbrewery Mt. Lowe Brewing Co., San Fernando Brewing Co. and State Brewing Co..

Wineries: A specially curated collection of Wine Masters will be showcasing their finest varietals including premium boutique winery Ascension Cellars, CRŪ Winery, Frisco Cellars, Golden Star Vineyards & Winery, Hitching Post Winery, Kieu Hoang Winery, Anderson Valley’s Navarro Vineyards, San Simeon Wines, Vinemark Cellars, Wrath Wines and more.

Bars and Spirits: Some of L.A.’s top bartenders and cocktail bars will be creating first-rate craft cocktails, including Cameron Masden of The Raymond 1886, Ned Kirby of Magnolia House, and Katie Putterlik of Otoño. Top brands showcasing their finest spirits will also include American Born Moonshine, Buzzbox, Dulce Vida Tequila, KI NO BI Dry Gin, Krafted Spirits, Neustra Soledad Mezcal, Pomp & Whimsy,  SelvaRey Rum, Ventura Spirits, Wild Roots Organic Vodka, Woodford Reserve, ZYR Russian Vodka and many more.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages: A variety of premium non-alcoholic Beverage Masters will also be on hand for those who wish to hydrate, caffeinate or regenerate, such as Boxed Water, Califia Farms Juices and Cold Brew Coffees, Dry Sparkling, East Imperial, Groundwork Coffee, Honeydrop Beverages, Humm Kombucha, Immordl energy elixirs, Matcha Matcha, Zico Coconut Water and more.

Sponsors: Masters of Taste 2019 is made possible through the generous support of our Sponsors, which include HomeStreet Bank, Judith L Chiara Foundation, US Bank, Western Asset Management, Kaiser Permanente, Capitol Group, Citizen’s Business Bank, Chase Bank, Westport Construction, App Dynamics, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, Clear Stream Media Group, Tsutayo Ichioka & Satsuki Nakao Foundation, HKG LLP, Wescom, California Linens and more.

Non Profit

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2019 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in L.A. County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community. Union Station offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last three years Masters of Taste has raised over $1.5 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Fall In Love With Happy Hour At Eight Happy L.A. Hot Spots!

by

Bone Kettle:

Serving original Southeast Asian dishes in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, Bone Kettle, is the perfect place to take your taste buds on a culinary adventure while relaxing on a fall afternoon. Sip your way through the 5 o’clock hour by enjoying Craft Beers on Tap, House Wine, and Hot Sake all for just $7.00 each. Pair your beverage of choice with Executive Chef Erwin Tjahyadi’s mouthwatering Small Plates like the fresh Oysters with a seasonal mignonette and granité, or the Steak Tartare prepared with St. Helen’s Ranch hangar steak, chili vinaigrette, lemongrass and krupuk. For those looking to enjoy more than a snack, there are Chicken Wings made with fried citrus-brined Petaluma free-range chicken wings and charred lime; the Bone Marrow with scallion confit, toasted bread, mizuna, pears and apples, and Bone Kettle’s famous savory Oxtail Dumplings with seasonal mushrooms, leeks and San Bai Su. So, do not just choose one appetizer to enjoy, as Happy Hour at Bone Kettle will leave both your pocket book and your belly full all season long!

Bone Kettle offers Happy Hour every Monday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm; 67 North Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.795.5702; www.BoneKettle.com

Casita Del Campo:

For over 50 years, Casita Del Campo has been known as an exceptional Mexican restaurant in Silver Lake that serves up delicious dishes and drinks in a party atmosphere with two outdoor patios and a beautiful dining room. With a lively nightly Happy Hour, guests may enjoy a wide selection of margaritas including the Casita Classic prepared with tequila, fresh squeezed lime, Triple Sec; the Fruit Margaritas with selections such as Strawberry, Peach, Banana, Watermelon, Mango, Ginger, Pomegranate and Guava, as well as a Smoky Margarita made with Cazadores Reposado Tequila, mescal, Triple Sec and fresh squeezed lime. Bartenders also serve house-made Pina Coladas, Tequila Sunrises, Palomas and Mojitos. Appetizers include Quesadillas Con Rajas prepared with two corn tortillas with a combination of cheese and mild green chile strips; Casita’s Special includes six crispy mini tortillas topped with chicken, beef, beans, guacamole and sour cream, and the Sweet Corn Tamales include two delicately sweet tamales filled with raisins and jack cheese. Every day is a Fiesta at Casita Del Campo during Happy Hour!

Casita Del Campo offers Happy Hour every Monday through Sunday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 1920 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323.662.4255; www.CasitaDelCampo.net

CHAYA Modern Izakaya:

CHAYA Modern Izakaya offers the perfect respite to long days plugging away in Silicon Beach or just a fun day relaxing on Venice Beach with their great Happy Hour that is available “All Night Long!” You cannot start without a proper Happy Hour Cocktail like the Lychee Martini made with vodka, St. Germaine, lychee purée and lemon; the Last Mule made with bourbon, ginger, cassis and lime, or a Highball prepared with Suntory Toki Whisky and club soda for just $8.00 each. If cocktails are not your style, guests can also enjoy a Sapporo Beer on draft or House Wine for $5.00 each. With a beverage in hand, treat your palate to the Happy Hour Food and Sushi without ever having to worry about breaking the bank. Nigiri and Sashimi lovers can enjoy fresh Tuna, Hamachi, Eel, Salmon and other seafood selections from the Kaisen Bar, along with a daily selection of fresh Oysters. Sushi is also a must at CHAYA Modern Izakaya and guests will not be disappointed with rolls such as the Yuzu Spicy Tuna Roll; the Salmon California Roll with crab, avocado, and cucumber, and the American Wagyu Roll prepared with spicy shrimp, cucumber, and green onions. Guests can also spice up the evening with the Spicy Chicken Wings served with sambal chili; Beef Sliders with white cheddar and spicy aioli, or the Chicken Kara- age prepared with Jidori fried chicken and smoked soy. When Cocktails and Happy Hour Food are this good, every night feels like a Friday at CHAYA Modern Izakaya!

CHAYA Modern Izakaya offers Happy Hour every Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm; 110 Navy Street, Venice, CA 90291; 310.396.1179; www.TheChaya.com

Church & State:

A long day at the office or an early evening out with friends calls for a fun and festive Happy Hour filled with cocktail specials and delectable dishes which can all found at Church & State in Downtown Los Angeles. Enjoy a daily selection of Executive Chef Tony Esnault’s $1 Oysters paired with lemon and mignonette; the Le Cachat, a lavender herbed goat cheese on crostini; the Foie de Volaille which is a chicken liver mousse on crostini, or the Deviled Eggs with paprika, lardon, and chives. For Cocktails, guests can enjoy the specialty Craft Cocktail prepared with gin, lemon, Pimm’s, Aperol and mint. At Church & State Happy Hour, guests can easily let the hectic day slip away as they sip and savor the DTLA night away!

Church & State offers Happy Hour every Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 1850 Industrial Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021; 213.405.1434; www.ChurchandStateBirstro.com

Lunetta All Day:

Spend the afternoon and early evening at Lunetta All Day in Santa Monica for a Happy Hour that is sure to end your day the perfect way! Whether with friends or wanting a place to unwind after the long workday, Lunetta All Day is here to greet and treat you with House-Inspired Libations ($8.00), Well Spirits ($7.00), Draft Beer ($6.00), delicious Wine By The Glass ($6.00 – $7.00), and special Bites from Proprietor & Chef Raphael Lunetta and Executive Chef Emilio Cuyuch. Sip a crisp glass of Vinho Verde paired with the Albacore Crudo with mashed avocado and Meyer lemon relish, or enjoy the Rock Shrimp Ceviche with fresh guacamole and house-made lime chips. For Beer enthusiasts, savor a large selection of Draft Beers that taste best when paired with the Chicken Wings with pineapple wing sauce and Cabra Verde, or indulge in the Wood-Fire Octopus Tacos prepared with white beans, fire-roasted peppers and charred tomatillo salsa. Regardless of how the day went, Happy Hour is always happy when lounging at Lunetta All Day!

Lunetta All Day offers Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm; 2420 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 310.581.4201; www.LunettaSM.com

Preux & Proper:

Preux & Proper Photo Credit: Ziv Sade

Happy Hour at Preux & Proper is the perfect place to unwind after a long, laborious day or to gather with friends before heading out to explore a night in DTLA! Grab a seat in the Barroom and start with a classic Beer or House Wine special for $7.00, or branch our get really happy with one of the delicious Frozen Daiquiris or select House Cocktails for just $9.00. Specially priced Barroom Eats are also available for guests to enjoy including items like Executive Chef Sammy Monsour’s Baked Mac & Cheese prepared with orecchiette pasta, scallions, Turbodog ale and Cabot extra sharp cheddar; the Colorado Lamb Ribs made with Jamaican jerk rub, passionfruit-scotch bonnet barbeque and radish pickles, and Lowcountry Mussels served with house-andouille, sweet corn, shallots, butter, scallions, boil spice and crispy fingerling potatoes. On top of daily Happy Hour, guests can also enjoy $1 Oysters every Monday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Preux & Proper’s tasty drinks, delicious dishes, hearty Happy Hour and genuine Southern Hospitality will quickly have you falling for Fall!

Preux & Proper offers Happy Hour every Monday through Saturday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and every Sunday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm; 840 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014; 213.896.0090; www.PreuxandProper.com

South City Fried Chicken:

Sometimes, all you need is a Fried Chicken Sandwich and a sweet treat to help wash away all the work day woes and Happy Hour at South City Fried Chicken offers you just that! After a long day, head to Corporation Food Hall in Downtown, Los Angeles to enjoy Happy Hour at South City Fried Chicken where every city-inspired Fried Chicken Sandwich is just $9.99 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Try the Greenville prepared with house-smoked chicken bacon, gruyère, Duke’s mayonnaise, shaved gem lettuce, heirloom tomato and bo spice, or the Birmingham made with Tillamook cheddar, Alabama white barbeque sauce, hickory-smoked red onions and chimichurri. For those who enjoy some heat, spice things up with the unique Miami made with jerk spice, lemongrass remoulade, mint, jalapeño, lime, shaved gem lettuce, and heirloom tomato, or enjoy the classic Nashville which is served with house-made Nashville hot sauce, house pickles, cookout slaw, and guests choice of four levels of heat. Pair your favorite Fried Chicken Sandwich with a Fountain Soda and cut all that spice with something sweet by savoring a frosty (and vegan!) Dole Whip for dessert, made exclusively of Dole pineapples and served with shaved coconut, pecans, or Mexican chocolate. Happy Hour at South City Fried Chicken will have you leaving with your belly, and wallet full this Fall!

South City Fried Chicken offers Happy Hour every Monday through Sunday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 724 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014; 213.278.0008; www.SouthCityFriedChicken.com

The Raymond 1886:

There is nothing like a good Happy Hour to help liven up a long workday or start a fun night with friends and Pasadena’s The Raymond 1886 has exactly what you need. Guests of The Raymond 1886 can enjoy 50% off Well Drinks and Bar Bites, $5.00 Select Wines, $4.00 Craft Beers, and $7.00 Daily Craft Cocktails. Pair the drink of your choice with a variety of tasty Bar Bites like the Hand Cut Onion Rings served with The Raymond 1886’s aged Worcestershire; the Suckling Pig Carnitas Tacos with white onions and salsa verde; Mac-n-Cheese baked with Irish cheddar and gruyère, or the Steamed Mussels served with Angry Lady sauce and Chinese sausage. Sip a cocktail (or two) and enjoy Pasadena’s finest as you lounge the rest of the day away without breaking the bank at Happy Hour at The Raymond 1886!

The Raymond 1886 offers Happy Hour every Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com

The Night Is Bright At The Moon Bar At Lunetta: Santa Monica’s Stellar New Cocktail Bar Offers Evening Oasis For Thirst-Quenching Cocktails & Cool Coastal Ambiance!

by

Santa Monica, CA – After a fun day of surf and sun, when the tide begins to rise and the moon makes its nightly arch, The Moon Bar at Lunetta opens its doors and welcomes guests to partake in an evening of progressive, chef-driven elevated New Californian Cuisine and masterfully Handcrafted Cocktails. Presented by Chef Raphael Lunetta and the Lunetta Team, The Moon Bar is coquettishly tucked inside Lunetta Dining, capturing the atmospheric California coast quiescence with the approachability of an evening neighborhood cocktail bar that welcomes guests from all over Greater Los Angeles!

Photo credit - acuna-hansen

Photo credit – acuna-hansen

Helming The Moon Bar beverage program is Beverage Director & Sommelier Kristine Bocchino, who contributes her expertise in food and wine to quarterly publication EdibleLA, Westlake Magazine, and has most recently served as a judge in Italy for the Cocktail & Bartending Competition at the Florence Cocktail Week 2018. Describing her approach to the House Libations, Bocchino says, “The cocktails are heavily influenced by Chef Raphael Lunetta’s menu, particularly his incorporation of produce from the Farmers Market.” Fortuitously, there is no need to vacate the alluring ambience of The Moon Bar once guests begin feeling peckish as the full menu from Lunetta Dining is always available. 

Vodka + Gin employs the use of clear spirits to bring guests three light and revivifying cocktails beginning with the cheekily named Spicy Like a Sleepover, undoubtedly the star cocktail of the menu, and prepared with St. George Green Chili vodka, Becherovka, coconut cream, lemongrass, ginger, and lime; the East Side to the West Side featuring Fords Gin, cucumber, mint, lime, orgeat, and Angostura Bitters, and the Honey Ryder made with London Dry Gin, pamplemousse, lemon and bubbles. Creamy with a hint of spice, the Spirits from South of the Border sizzle things up with Tequila + Mezcal based cocktails such as the Mariposa Calor comprised of Espadin mezcal, Amaro Nonino Aperol, lime, Firewater bitters, or get a little pep in your step with the Tired but Wired featuring blanco tequila, Rhum Agricole, housemade chamomile-turmeric syrup, coconut cream, Blackstrap Bitters, and lime. What restaurant by the beach would be complete without a couple of Rum libations, starting with a creative twist on a beachy classic, the Oaxacan Mai Tai, comprised Plantation Pineapple Rum, mezcal, lime, Dry Curacao, orgeat, and Angostura bitters. Hang ten and bottoms up to the Gnarly Surfer, a mixture of Rhum Agricole, pineapple gomme, lime, Blackstrap Bitters, and vegan egg white. Three liquid amber cocktails await Whiskey enthusiasts, starting with the Salted Butter, featuring Japanese whisky, Cocchi di Torino, Suze, Italicus, and grapefruit bitters, while Bocchino breathes new life into two quintessential mixed drinks, first with the Pimms Cup 2420, with Buffalo Trace, lemon, honey peach bitters, and Pimms, and lastly, make no mistake this is Not Your Nonna’s Negroni, comprised of rye, Mr. Black Cold Brew, Cappelletti, and Cocchi di Torino.

If Wine is your pleasure, there is no better place to enhance your meal than The Moon Bar with eclectic varietals offered by the glass and by the bottle. Offering a tickle of Sparkling effervescence is the French Aubry Brut Rosé, and Hébrart Brut Cuvee de Reserve, or the Italian Ferrari Brut Sparkling. Pert and pink, Rosé includes the 2017 Liquid Farm “Vogelzang” Happy Canyon from Santa Barbara, as well as a Grenache based Rosé straight from the Sierra Foothills of California: the 2017 The Wither’s El Dorado. Essential for California coastal living, the White varietals start with a wine that Bocchino boasts is, “ideally paired with shellfish as it provides superb acid,” the 2015 Picpoul Forlorn Hope Rorock Vineyard, from Calaveras County, followed by a 2015 Viognier Yves Cuilleron from Condrieu, France, and all of the way from Kamptal, Austria the 2016 Gruner Veltliner Weinschlossl. Bold and sumptuous, a Red is sure to compliment the meal, such as the Spanish 2015 Grenache Palacios, Les Terrasses, or a bold and refreshing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec,  uniting to create the 2015 Alpha Omega II Rutherford from Napa Valley. With the final Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend, the 2010 Phélan Ségur Saint Estephe is sure to please every Bordeaux lover. For the true connoisseur, the Cellar Selections provide unique vintages such as the Bordeaux-Style blend from Napa Valley, the 2001 Joseph Phelps Insignia, or a wine born from the Nebbiolo grape in the mountains of the famous Piemonte region of Italy, the 1998 Gaja Costa Russi, also offered from Champagne, France is the 1997 Salon Les Mesnil Blanc de Blancs.

Creating The Moon Bar look and feel of comfortable but lush beach city cocktail bar is De JONG & Co. For the interior, De JONG & Co. employed contrast and drama as the timeless navy blue of the exterior is carried through The Moon Bar. Cached in the richness of the elements, walnut, soapstone and satin brass accents lend a density to the environment that is at the same time sophisticated and cozy, with custom plush green velvet furniture in a sea of green and teal encaustic tile, and custom designed shelving to showcase all that The Moon Bar has to offer. The details on its casework draw the eye up to a wall-to-wall ceiling treatment of ornate foliage, as though the ocean of the walls rise up to the forested sea floor. A skylight centers the room, with a single exposed beam cutting through like a ship’s mast, and tasteful brass lighting serve as portholes in this stately ship’s cabin. Funneling into the adjacent Lunetta Dining, the night sky is revealed in the constellation-inspired tiling laid out by the firm’s principal designer Ruth De Jong. Look closely and you can spy the Big Dipper.

Warm in attitude while relaxing in composition, The Moon Bar at Lunetta is a new sultry getaway in Santa Monica where you can sip a handcrafted cocktail by a fireplace, meet up with friends, or unwind with your own thoughts at the bar!

The Moon Bar at Lunetta is open every Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.LunettaSM.com please call The Moon Bar at Lunetta directly at 310.581.9888.

PERLIS PICKS: THE GARAGISTE FESTIVAL [Part Two]

by

Last week I gave you an introduction to the latest Garagiste Festival held in Santa Monica. Here now are some comments about the wines Karen and I enjoyed.

Ascension Cellarsgaragiste truck – winemaker Erick Allen continues to make consistently high quality wines from Paso Robles grapes. Primarily Rhone varietals, my favorites were the 2017 Siren Rose, the 2016 Enchantress Rhone White blend and the 2014 Trinity GSM blend.

Byron Blatty Wines – committed to making wines sourced from Los Angeles County vineyards, owners Mark & Jenny Blatty along with winemakers Steve Lemley & Nate Hasper (more on them below) are making some remarkable wines. The two wines listed in the program were poured recently at the Wine On The Roof event in Santa Clarita, so I didn’t taste those this time. But the other two that Mark Blatty poured were excellent as well –the 2016 Agenda (primarily Syrah with a little Tannat) and the 2016 Pragmatic (Malbec with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot).

Caliza Winery – Carl Bowker has been making his small production Rhones in Paso Robles for about ten years now and he has certainly got it down. I tasted his wines recently at Hospice du Rhone but I did try his two 2017 bottlings this time, the Pink GSM and the Kissin’ Cousins White Rhone Blend. Both were delicious, as was my revisit of the 2013 Estate Grenache.

Domane Kreger – this winery is based in Lancaster, CA and sources grapes from Santa Barbara County and Paso Robles. I really liked their 2014 Syrah and 2013 Tempranillo.

Dusty Nabor Wines – Dusty not only gets my vote for coolest winemaker name but is making excellent wines in Westlake Village from Central Coast grapes. He was pouring several wines but my favorite was his 2016 Grenache from Paso Robles.

Hoi Polloi Wines – Doug Minnick is not only one of the founders of the Garagiste Festivals but is one of the owners/winemakers of this winery with a tasting room in downtown Newhall. They have the distinction of making Karen’s all-time favorite Rose and the rest of the wines are pretty great too. The 2016 “Blue Velvet” Syrah from the iconic Larner Vineyard was a standout for me.

Leverage Wines – Paso Robles gets a lot of love at Garagiste and here is another one, focusing on Rhones [which always works for me]. Excellent 2017 Grenache Rose and 2015 Trajectory GSM.

Marin’s Vineyard – This Monterey County winery specializes in Syrah and Viognier. They do a pretty nice Malbec too. We’re talking Southern Monterey County, so think Paso as opposed to cool weather styles.

Mastro Scheidt – sourcing grapes from Sonoma and Mendocino counties, owner/winemaker David Scheidt makes delicious Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc as well as a Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. And his Cabernet Sauvignons are pretty tasty too.

Monochrome Wines – I’m just going to say it: It takes balls to make only white wine in red wine country. Since I was focusing primarily on reds I almost skipped it. Fortunately, Karen insisted I try the wines. As usual…um, always…she was right. Especially loved the 2016 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Marsanne as well as the 2016 blend of Marsanne and Chardonnay. They are pouring in Paso’s Tin City now and I highly recommend you check them out. We intend to.

Pulchella Winery – the men, the myths, the legends. Winemakers Steve Lemley and Nate Hasper put the Santa Clarita Valley wine scene on the map. Not ones to rest on their laurels, they just keep getting better, especially for me the 2015 Tannat.

Record Family Wines – with wines now being made by Jeff Strekas [of Onx] this Paso Robles winery is poised to break out big. The 2017 Grenache Rose was my favorite, but the others showed the capabilities of the family’s vineyard as well.

Stolo Family Vineyards – based in Cambria, this coastal winery produces wines more similar to Sonoma Coast’s style as opposed to nearby Paso Robles. The 2016 Estate Syrah and the 2015 Estate Hillside Reserve Syrah were both great examples of cool climate wines.

Sweetzer Cellars – An excellent example of consumers turned winemakers and named after the street they lived on in West Hollywood, I really enjoyed the 2017 Rose of Grenache as well as the 2016 Grenache from the Central Coast.

TLO Wines – good news for Bakersfield residents and those not far from there: TLO is opening a tasting room just for you. I especially liked the 2016 blend of Tempranillo, Syrah and Mourvedre as well as the 2014 Reserve Syrah.

TW Fermentation Co. – I’m admittedly more of a Rhone and Zin guy, but this Paso Robles winery is selling me on Paso Cab with the 2012-2014 vertical of Straight Cab as well as their 2014 Bordeaux blend.

Wildwood Oak Winery – it was nice to see some Lodi representation. Anita and Tony Matlock source their grapes from there; the winery is in Redlands. I enjoyed the 2016 “Dancing Queen” Syrah from the Abba Vineyard [get it?].

As I mentioned above, there were almost 50 wineries pouring so I if I didn’t mention a winery I probably didn’t get to it this time.

To bring this article full circle [see Part One], I haven’t read anywhere as to whether Jonathan Gold had an opinion about The Garagiste Festival. I like to think he would have approved. Not sure what he’d think of this article though. He was once quoted [tongue in cheek?] as saying: “Wine writing is what food writers do when their knees start to go.”

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

 

PERLIS PICKS THE GARAGISTE FESTIVAL: URBAN EXPOSURE [Part One]

by

Saturday, July 21st was a great day that ended on a very sad note.

Karen and I had a wonderful time at the latest incarnation of The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure in Santa Monica and followed that with an early dinner at one of our new favorite restaurants, Lunetta, also in Santa Monica.

By the time we got home though, social media was blowing up with the sad news of the passing of Pulitzer Prize winning food critic Jonathan Gold.

Now, this article is not intended to be a tribute to Mr. Gold. Far better writers than I am, many who knew him personally, have penned heartfelt remembrances that you should seek out; his influence on the Los Angeles restaurant scene is incalculable and he will be sorely missed.

But it got me thinking that some of the traits that Jonathan praised in the restaurants he wrote about are also ones Karen and I look for in wineries: authenticity, creativity, risk-taking, passion. And nobody exemplifies these attributes better than the Garagistes.

garagiste truckThe Garagiste Festival started in 2011 with its first event in Paso Robles, focusing entirely on the little guys – “the ultra- premium, hard to find, micro-wineries”. Since then, it has expanded to annual events in Solvang, Los Angeles and most recently, just prior to the latest L.A. event, an inaugural event in Sonoma County.

These wineries make less than 1500 cases per year, many much less. This means that in most cases, you won’t find them pouring in a tasting room. But where you can find them is at the Garagiste Festivals, where you will find the winemakers and winery owners pouring their own wines and telling their own stories. You’ll be able to sign up for their mailing lists and even order their wines at the events. Keep in mind that the productions are small and usually not available retail.

Each winery and winemaker has its own journey; some started as consumers, some as grape-growers, some are second generation in the wine business now doing their own thing. What they all share is that passion to make wine the best way they know how.

You should definitely sign up on The Garagiste Festival website for updates as well as follow our reporting.

Which brings us back to the most recent event held in L.A., specifically at the Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club, with almost 50 California wineries pouring:

Alma Sol

Ann Albert

Ascension Cellars

Bellante Family Winery

Betwixt Wines

Brophy Clark

Byron Blatty

Caliza Vineyards

Cavelletti Vineyards

Cloak & Dagger

Cutruzzola Vineyards

Domaine Kreger

El Lugar Wines

Frisco Cellars

Golden Triangle

Gordenker Wines

Hoi Polloi

In Vino Musicas

Kaleidos Wines

Kitson Wines

LA Wine Project

Lavender Oak Ranch

Magna Vita Cellars

Malibu Ridge

Marin’s Vineyard

Mastro Scheidt

Metrick Wines

Monochrome Wines

Murder Ridge

On Your Left

Pulchella Winery

Record Family Wines

Siela Wines

Stolo Family Winery

Sweezter Cellars

Sycamore Ranch

The Blending Lab

Tlo Winery

Torch Wines

TW Fermentations

Vinemark Cellars

Volatus Wine

Wildwood Oak Winery

Next week’s article will report on the wines we enjoyed most this time around.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.

Get our Dear Wine Friend wine news via your inbox every Friday!
  • Our Latest Wine News
  • A Weekly Wine Discovery
  • Links to our Seven Weekly Articles
  • Our Weekly Highlighted Event
  • SCV Wine Calendar Updates
Do you want to plan your weekend? Subscribe Today!
Your name and email address will never be sold.
Clifton's Lightbox