Check, Please! Bay Area: Episode 1 (#103)

3) Hard Knox Cafe: | restaurant information | reviews |

My name is Leslie Sbrocco and I'm the host of Check, Please! Bay Area. After each episode I'll serve up a behind-the-scenes look at what went on during filming, including the wine we were sipping…

Sitting on the set I kept thinking, "This is what the show is all about -- three people who really know food." And from Italian to Polish and soul food, you couldn't get more varied cuisines than the spots we highlighted. Bruce was articulate and passionate about Incanto, and all agreed it was on the cusp of becoming a San Francisco classic. Even when the camera was turned off, we kept talking about chef Chris Cosentino's food. Hard Knox was more controversial, but when it came to the fried chicken there was no argument -- great stuff. Gary mentioned afterwards to call ahead to see if owner and chef, Tony Hua, would be making his specialty -- gumbo. (It's not usually on the menu so you have to ask for it.) Eileen's pick, Old Krakow, was an interesting choice, and despite Bruce's reference to all the dishes being "boiled," it seemed a spot they would revisit. (P.S. Make sure to ask for a side of sour cream when you order the pierogies.)

Wines of the Week:

2002 Ferrari-Carano "Sienna," Sonoma County, California $25
Packed with loads of fruit and layered with complex earthy notes, this Sangiovese-based red is a Californian take on Italy's classic Tuscan grape variety.