Spotlight: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: Spotlight: San Francisco Bay Area

user2158 — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 22:48:19 GMT

Haley: I think about the guest first. If I were writing a program simply for Town Hall’s menu (a New Orleans-inspired restaurant) it would be filled with Riesling, Chenin Blanc and cru Beaujolais. Unfortunately, our guests are not sommeliers. They want big Napa Cab, Bordeaux, California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wine list is written for them first, for the food second, and for my personal preferences last.

Probably one of my favorite quotes and thought processes. Having a fortunate position that allows me to travel to all the major market and many secondaries twice a year, sadly you see far too many lists that are: Personal preference, food, guest.

RE: Spotlight: San Francisco Bay Area

user11150 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 21:08:34 GMT

Awesome piece. Thanks for putting this together! As someone fairly new to the Bay Area, this helps me have more of a big picture view - as well as some incredible recs on new producers and the like! The chef and I will be paying you all a visit after the holiday season takes its' toll!

RE: Spotlight: San Francisco Bay Area

user2605 — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 16:31:46 GMT

Great piece on one of the top food and wine cultures on the planet!

Chris, loved your comment on (paraphrasing) someone passionate, experienced and informed recommending a great wine regardless of pin size...

Bobby C, Kesner rocks and I am drinking trousseau Gris almost every time down in Cali, several rockin producers, who knew???

Best,

RE: Spotlight: San Francisco Bay Area

user2781 — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 22:13:00 GMT

My favorite quote of this piece "Not being a Douche"

Amen Josiah!

RE: Spotlight: San Francisco Bay Area

user5521 — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 21:15:30 GMT

Bobby kills it.

RE: Spotlight: San Francisco Bay Area

user8926 — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 20:36:40 GMT

Great Write-up! Chris, Josiah, and Bobby are absolutely right about the lack of late-(end-of-shift)-night dinning. I work in SF as well, typically from noon to 10pm (not as late as most sommeliers), and I have always been open to late night studying, tastings or whathaveyou, but haven't really come across any usual spots. Don't get me wrong, there are many night spots, but there's a reason why San Francisco is not the city that never sleeps (that would be NY). The city is setup for individuals to NOT be out that late. I live in North Berkeley and the BART (urban train) stops running at 1am. My study group like most of the others in the City is going on in the mornings, before our shifts. Keep on keepin' on.

RE: Spotlight: San Francisco Bay Area

user2102 — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:15:33 GMT

Thanks for putting this together Stevie!

RE: Spotlight: San Francisco Bay Area

user4580 — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 22:32:05 GMT

amazing interviews, amazing somms(mad respect for all of you), amazing city.. Makes me want to move.