Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [182]
EUGENIO PICKS YOUR NEXT wine bar
Eugenio Jardim is the gregarious sommelier at the restaurant Jardinière, where patrons in jeans enjoy Chef Traci Des Jardins's food alongside a theater crowd in tuxedos and gowns. He was named Sommelier of the Year by Sunset Magazine in 2010. We asked him: “What are your favorite local wine bars?”
When it comes to grabbing a good glass of wine in the Bay Area, I think restaurants are still a step ahead of wine bars on what’s new and exciting. In general, Bay Area wine lovers want some food with their wine (halleluiah to that). Wine bars are back in full force, but I find them a bit gimmicky these days. I do understand the need to offer something unique that will set one apart but, let’s be frank, what should really matter is the quality of the wine you offer, right? Having said that, I still think it is really great that we San Franciscans now have so many more options of places to enjoy wines.
Among the most creative concepts of late is the Pop-Up spot, which with a turn of a key or the ring of the clock turns a coffee shop into a happening wine bar. From the relentlessly creative mind of wine kid Mark Bright Vinyl Wine Bar, 359 Divisadero St. ( 415/621-4132; www.facebook.com/vinylwinebar), is born. No one knows exactly what comes next but he and his partners managed to cram into a single room a movie projector, a communal table made-up from the old Embarcadero Freeway Broadway Exit sign, a bar and a kitchen. Oh, did I forget the hordes of youngsters who flock there for the Pizza night, or for the Pasta night, or even for the night when a food truck stops by to feed the patrons?
When it comes to quality of wine and service, associated with some of the most fun people-watching spots, the Wine Bar at the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchants ( 415/391-9400; www.fpwm.com), in the Ferry Building, is second to none! Silas and Jason are usually in command from behind the bar stirring the crowds to try the latest discoveries by “Wine Mama” Debbie Zachareas. They serve delicious wines in every pour size imaginable, and if you find something in the adjacent wine shop, just grab it and they will serve it to you for a mere $6 corkage fee. Their food selections include some of the city’s best treats: Salumi from Boccalone, cheeses from Cowgirl Creamery, bread from ACME, and chocolates from Michael Recchiuti, all housed in the Ferry Building as well. Every Wednesday night they host a local or visiting winemaker, for what’s become the best opportunity to have a one-on-one with the people behind the wine.
Uva Enoteca, 568 Haight St. ( 415/829-2024; www.uvaenoteca.com), is unashamedly “all about Italy” and the “double ‘B’ team” of Ben and Boris create an amazing environment for the enjoyment of casual Italian-inspired foods and wines. The wine list covers the entire “boot” with great local wines from every region. Their mouthwatering menu is, without a doubt, the greatest bargain in town! Located in the heart of the very festive (and young) Lower Haight area of the city, this rustic Italian jewel makes you feel like you are just hanging out with friends in your own kitchen, and life feels just right!
When Shelley Lindgren set out to open her second restaurant in the city, we all held our breaths. Now, a couple of years later, SPQR, a Roman Trattoria at 1911 Fillmore St. ( 415/771-7779; www.spqrsf.com), still has a new and exciting feel about it. The food is inspired