Check, Please! Bay Area: Episode 3 (#101)

When Dion and Michael walked into the studio we immediately started dishing about one of our favorite subjects -- wine. As a wine writer, I could talk about vino forever, so it was the perfect way to kick off the shooting. Then Fanci arrived (don't you love that name?) and she lit up the room with her bubbly personality. We had a great time. This was one of our first shows, so we were still working out the kinks, but the taping went even more smoothly than anyone anticipated. On a television or film set it's generally "hurry up and wait" as the crew arranges lights and the talent (as those of us who are on camera are known) gets wired up with microphones. This show goes very quickly, though. When spending only about eight to ten minutes to talk about each restaurant, things move at a rapid pace. You've got to be on your game or risk not getting a word in edgewise. Overall, the show was highly positive with Dion, Michael, and Fanci all enjoying the experience of eating at Isa, Antica, and Salang Pass.

Wines of the Week:

2003 Laguria Chardonnay, Delle Venezia, Italy $10
This was the first wine we uncorked and it was a delight. Dion said it was "crisp but with a fullness to it," and Michael agreed. Fanci enjoyed the freshness of the wine. I think it's a top-notch bargain wine worth twice the price.

2004 Groth Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California $16
We quickly finished that bottle and as we were getting cut-away shots for use in editing, we had to have more wine in our glass for continuity (at least that's what we told the producer). Michael mentioned that one of his favorite wineries was Groth, so we cracked a bottle I had on set. Lemony with a touch of herbal notes and a long complex finish, this sassy sipper was a winner.