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Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: To Bang Korean BBQ, Tina's Place and Hopscotch

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Wendy Goodfriend
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Check, Please! Bay Area Season 11 episode 2 airs Thursday, April 21 at 7:30pm on KQED 9. See other television airtimes. And never miss an episode by subscribing to the video podcast.

Find spicy kimchee, plentiful banchan and meats grilled tableside at this casual South Bay eatery, To Bang Korean BBQ in Santa Clara. Then find great value, full plates and friendly service in Pinole at Tina's Place. Finally, its hip decor, craft cocktails and American food, with a touch Japanese influence, at Hopscotch in Oakland.

Host Leslie Sbrocco and guests on the set of the episode 2 of season 11.
Host Leslie Sbrocco and guests on the set of the episode 2 of season 11. (Wendy Goodfriend)
Host Leslie Sbrocco and guests on the set of the episode 2 of season 11.
Host Leslie Sbrocco and guests getting wild on the set of the episode 2 of season 11. (Wendy Goodfriend)

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Host Leslie Sbrocco tasting wine.
Host Leslie Sbrocco tasting wine. (Wendy Goodfriend)

My name is Leslie Sbrocco and I'm the host of Check, Please! Bay Area. Each week, I will be sharing my tasting notes about the wine the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show. I will also share some wine tips with each episode. This week I discuss: Food and wine pairing tips -- sparkling and snacks.

You don’t need to be a hip Millennial drinker to enjoy Taken Wine Company’s wares. Partners Josh Phelps and Carlos Trinchero are both second generation sons from noted Napa Valley families (think Chris Phelps of Swanson Vineyards and Trinchero/Sutter Home fame). They founded their line of wines for everyone to celebrate a casual take on wine. The duo wants to showcase wines from regions around the globe and this vinous trio does just that. It marries whimsical with affordable and good taste with good quality.

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2014 Available Pinot Grigio, Puglia Italy $13
This refreshing and light-bodied white captures la dolce vita of Italy’s sunny southern shores. Freshly-grilled seafood is an ideal partner.

2014 Complicated Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California $18
A kiss of oak and ripe, tropical fruit is like a welcoming hug. Once you’ve taken a sip or two you notice the vibrant acidity that gives the wine a dash of complexity.

2013 Taken Red Blend, Napa Valley, California $39
Blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this powerful wine was the first of the series in 2010. It is an expression of what both winemakers know how to do well – make bold, richly-styled Napa reds.

Wines that guests drank on the set of the second episode of season 11.
Wines that guests drank on the set of the second episode of season 11. (Wendy Goodfriend)

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