Check, Please! Bay Area: Episode 5 (#105)

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...

This show was all about poodi. Even though it sounds like a college fraternity drinking game, it's the name of the signature curry dish at Burma SuperStar. When I encouraged the group to "talk poodi," even the camera crew was laughing. It seems we laughed a lot during shooting. The minute I met David I couldn't help thinking how much he looked like Kevin Bacon. I was calling him Kevin practically the whole time. Poor guy. Even Barbara and Bryon were playing along in the "name the Kevin movie game" between takes. Barbara was a great guest, very elegant and articulate with interesting stories of her worldwide travels. We got talking about Paul K's innovative wine list with its humorous categories like "Our Softest, Juiciest, Most Lip Smacking Red Wines," and how it encourages people to have fun with wine. It's definitely a spot to explore if you're a wine lover. (I suggest choosing the supple Fidelitas Cabernet/Merlot from Washington or the crisp Forefather's Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.) Bryon is a total foodie…he loves eating out and is into finding the deals. His insider tip was that you need to go early to Burma SuperStar, while Kevin's (oops…David) was to try brunch at Universal Café.

Wine of the Week:

2000 Marqués de Riscal Reserva, Rioja, Spain $18-20
Spanish wine is hot, hot, hot. Rioja is one of Spain's classic wine producing regions, and this spicy, earthy red is made from thirty-year-old Tempranillo grapes that have been aged for years to become smooth and supple. Try it with grilled sausages, cheeses, and pasta in marinara sauce.

Sponsor Wine of the Week:

2002 Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, California $12-15
Made from organically-grown grapes, this velvety Cab is balanced and elegant enough to pair with roast chicken, but sings when served alongside steak. And, at this price, it's worth it to stock up.