Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Are You Afraid of the Dark? – Episode #571

November 5, 2008

The video came out a little darker than usual, but we had a fabulous time tasting wines during Bacchanalia at the Napa Valley Grille in Paramus, NJ.

Having trouble viewing this video? Try the Quicktime version.

Comments on this episode(135) Leave a comment ›

“Just found the show! Yea! Good stuff! And, lo and behold, another PV h…” by Kell Brigan
“QOTD: By far its Cafe Juanita in the Seattle area. Ive typed about t…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2007 Round Hill Oak Free Chardonnay
2006 Flora Spings Napa Chardonnay
2006 Trinchero Family Pinot Noir
2004 Twomey Cellars Merlot

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

The Napa Valley Grille in Paramus NJ

135 Responses

November 5, 2008

Dominick Mack
SO DARK!!!
November 5, 2008

Snarf
Duuuuuuuuuude!
November 5, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD — Drago’s, in Metairie LA (not found much here in NC yet)
November 5, 2008

Nick L
TOP TEN?!
November 5, 2008

Susan
Gary- YES, I am afraid of the dark……LOL!!!!!!
November 5, 2008

Marc
Room lighting…good for a restaurant, but not great for TV. The message is not lost however!

QOTD: No faves at the moment
November 5, 2008

Susan
QOTD: Haven’t had many Napa anything…..yet…………
November 5, 2008

Charlie Wasabi
Gary, you are a god – sooooo well done with the hosting: informative, friendly, fun yet your definitely in control – wow!

Get well soon dood, the wine world needs you
November 5, 2008

Jay
QOTD: A couple of my favs right now have to be Barolo in Seattle and Bis On Main in Bellevue. Good food and great settings.
November 5, 2008

Thomas
Great Show. Don’t have a fav restaurant right now, but depending on where I am, something that presents local cuisine or specialties.
November 5, 2008

Daniel Kemp
Hope you get better quick Gary.

QOTD: I like Burger King.
November 5, 2008

Jeff R
Gary, I’ve noticed a trend in your live shows where you seem to rush a lot. is it a time constraint? Wish you would slow it down and take your time like you do on normal shows.

QOTD: CJ Montanas in Tinton Falls, NJ. Excellent food!
November 5, 2008

Jess
My fav restaurant is the one I work for- The Black Cat Restaurant in Boulder, Colorado. Seasonally driven, new menu daily, fresh veggies from the chef’s garden, focus is on food and wine pairings. We look for wines from small producers. http://www.blackcatboulder.com
Something the chef taught me: If you have a successful food and wine pairing, you can’t tell where the wine ends and the food begins.
November 5, 2008

Jay
Jeff R: I think Gary’s just pumped when he has a live audience plus he wants to keep the energy high so the audience’s attention remains focused.
November 5, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: There’s a spot in RI called Mill’s Tavern that’s absolutely fantastic. In NYC it would have to be one of Danny Meyer’s places (The Modern is so good, though I have a soft spot for Grammercy Tavern and Blue Smoke). If you want a “chain” the best I can give you is The Palm. I’m not a fan of chains.
November 5, 2008

Withnail
I liked the different lighting – nice change of pace.
Good backdrop with that painting and frame behind you, too.
November 5, 2008

AbsolutLahmi
QOTD: Casa Mono has been a favorite in NYC for the past 3 years now.
Gottino in West Village is still an everyday favorite though.. Amazing wine bar focused on small Italian producers with decent small plates..
November 5, 2008

TNM
Too dark, turn a light on ! Josephs Steak House Bridgeport CT, best steak around.
November 5, 2008

Susan
QOTD #2 – In the dirty jerse La Campagna…………VERY authentic Italian!!!!
November 5, 2008

Jay
Hey did anyone keep track of how many “that being said”s we had in this episode?
November 5, 2008

Susan
QOTD #3 – In BEAUTIFUL Charlotte……..My favorite is Shun Lee Palace…. Mandarin, Szechaun, Hunan AND Cantonese…….YUM!!!!!!!!
November 5, 2008

EP
QOTD: Veritas Wine & Bistro in College Station, Tx
November 5, 2008

Kevin K
QOTD: 1 – Next time I’m in Jersey. 2 – A Thai place called Sri Thai.

Get better soon G!
November 5, 2008

Jared Pondelik
Feel better Gary!
November 5, 2008

Rossodio
QOTD: Since I recently moved from Charleston, SC to New Orleans, LA, I have two favorite restaurants for you. I am fortunate to have moved from one of the best food cities in the south to another.

In Charleston, SC, Tristan is the way to go if you want great food and a phenomenal wine list. Not overpriced like Charleston Grill or Peninsula Grill, and the Sommelier, Brian Austin, is as amazing as the Pastry Chef, Nicole Anhalt, and the exec chef, Aaron Deal. I dined there many times, and loved going every time. More of a gourmet restaurant, entrees are $20-$35. And by the way, the foie gras is great, as is their $12 by the glass 1964 and 1971 deuxieme cru sauternes from Chateau Caillou.

In New Orleans, I’m stuck on Cochon. It’s a restaurant in the warehouse district that has great winter-type dishes like suckling pig, rabbit and dumplings, and the best boudin balls I’ve ever had. Great bourbon selection too, and the wine list for a restaurant of its type and size isn’t bad. Entrees are in the $16-$25 range.
November 5, 2008

Glen,....winecrazy.com
Great……you go to the NVG which is 10 mins away from me and you don’t even give me a heads up so I can go see you.

NICE!!!!

Dows down 500 again today.

QOTD: Go there often….and, my fav is Campanias in Fairlawn. BYO and the best meetballs in Jersey award.
November 5, 2008

italianwinelover
GV-
Sorry your not feeling well…hope you get some rest and come back soon full force!!

QOTD: Balducci’s Willowbrook IL or Chapin’s in Morris IL
November 5, 2008

pawncop
Another good episode, really do like the unoaked Chardonnay’s.

QOTD – Probably III Forks Steak House in Dallas.
November 5, 2008

Neil
QOTD: My wife and I just enjoyed a nice dinner at Clementine in San Francisco last weekend. Yummy food and a good wine list.
November 5, 2008

theemptyglass
QOTD: different restaurants depending on my mood (and of course their proximity rates high in my book). (All close to Newark DE and Elkton MD) Homegrown is a favorite because they usually have something new on the menu. Its kinda like if Trader Joe’s had a trendy restaurant, that’s what it would be. Then for “local cuisine” Wellwoods, its right on the marina and they have the best crab bisque. And El Kukuruku has the best rotisserie chicken and Mexican salsas, and thus make killer tacos, even if they use store bought tortillas.
November 5, 2008

JudeMurphy
Favorite Dublin restaurants:
Pizza Stop, Dunne & Crescenzi, Siam Thai

Come to Dublin, Gary! ; )
November 5, 2008

Rick D
Whipped right through that episode, not bad.

$50 is a little heavy for a Merlot, although if it keeps up with or surpasses a Pomerol I guess it might be worth it. I tend to go old world when I chose to spend that much cash on a bottle.

QOTD: My local Italian joint “My Italian Place” especially now that they significantly upgraded their wine list and kept the pricing reasonable. #1 restaurant bitch is 2.5x to 3x retail wine prices. Makes me drink beer.
November 5, 2008

SurfCityJay
Another great show… since I’m in SoCal, nice to see some Cali wines…

QOTD: Silvera’s Steak House in Downtown HB… Owned by the former drummer of Korn…

P.S.: I hope they wash the pitcher REALLY good before serving water in it again…
November 5, 2008

John
QOTD: Commander’s Palace, New Orleans.
November 5, 2008

MattieJ
QOTD: I really like Ruth’s Chris and the Melting Pot… Both have a decent wine selection (and RC has a reasonable corkage fee )

On another note it’s funny that you picked today to do all Napa wines because I announced today on my video blog that I’m going to be starting something in a niche market for all you Napa lovers out there… Check it out and let me know what everyone thinks http://mattiej.com/2008/11/05/wacky-wednesday-2/
November 5, 2008

Z
audrey claire – a BYOB in philadelphia. delicious.
November 5, 2008

sam
Thank you for bringing the thunder despite the sickness. Hope you get well soon.

ps Looks like you’ve got a potential vayniac in the top right corner of the screen!
November 5, 2008

valentin
John’s Steaks

get well soon
November 5, 2008

Jon Berry
Cool show Gary.. I’ve walked past the Napa Valley Grill a few times at Garden State Plaza but never stopped in.

QOTD: In Jersey, I really like the River Palm just off Route 17. Also, there are such good Italian places around that I just can’t name them all, but a hidden GEM is Momento II in West Milford, NJ. It’s hidden away, private, and over-the-top GREAT food, service, etc.
November 5, 2008

DrEdwardo
QOTD 2: basically any decent French bistro
November 5, 2008

Utah
Awesome show, Gary. I may have to brave the Paramus mall …. in January. I’m not insane.
November 5, 2008

Dominus
First off, I hope you feel better my man but you started of with “…Virginia and all that bull-crap …”? Please, that’s not nice.

I had some problems with the visual aspect of this show: too dark, Chris’ video could not focus on the label and what’s up with that video Peeping Tom behind you? Annoying though I want his job.

That being said, I’d like to find some of the Twomey. I’ve read about it but have never tasted it.

QOTD: A much better strip mall restaurant not too far from your Rockville, MD book signing called “Il Pizzico” that features only Italian wines though their food is amazing.

Cheers!
November 5, 2008

bill wrollcia
daniel is always a classic, ate at bouley last week for my girlfriends b day,,,,, baggin,,, the thunder was def brought.
November 5, 2008

catherine
oh i really miss dirty jerse now! i moved to the west coast a couple years ago from DE. next time im in jersey im going to napa valley grille!
November 5, 2008

Mark
QOTD: The Charleston which is located in Baltimore. Its awesome. http://www.charlestonrestaurant.com/
November 5, 2008

Alex
QOTD- In Los Angeles, Madeo in West Hollywood,CA A perfect 100.
November 5, 2008

Zinfreak
Pizzeria Azzurro in Napa. Great Pizza and excellent wines by the glass!

Also Bounty Hunter in Napa is loads of fun.
November 5, 2008

BobbyTiger
Damn…………….four wines in 13 minutes. And I kind of like that.
Looks like you took your vit. B-12 today. Lotsa energy when I know you feel bad.
No real favorite restaurant. We have a lot of places opening in our area, (Arlington, VA.), and we try to hit many of them. Last visit was a place called restaurant “3″. Exxxxcellent food, and good service. Wine list was very inclusive, however we skipped the vino as the food is $$$, (but worth it).
Hopefully I can enjoy the wine with dinner in a few years when the stock market recovers. Cheers……….
November 5, 2008

M
QOTD: Low budget…kids…I don’t get out much. But when my husband and I have ‘date night’, we like BYOB restaurants. Or we like restaurants with low corkage fees and we BYOB. No favorites at the moment. No plans going to Paramus any time soon. Sorry, it’s 2-3 hours away.
November 5, 2008

JustAFan
don’t know where to write this..

i’d really love an episode in which you show us the whole winelibrary shop, with the cheese area and all the other things..
November 5, 2008

manonthemoon
Jersey = one big Superfund site, there is a reason they call it dirty jers

QOTD: Has to be Create Bistro in Newport News, Va, great four star food with the high prices, plus a great mixology/wine list.
November 5, 2008

manonthemoon
Jersey = one big Superfund site, there is a reason they call it dirty jers

QOTD: Has to be Create Bistro in Newport News, Va, great four star food without the high prices, plus a great mixology/wine list.
November 5, 2008

Pete G
How funny you mention Yoda. So dark in there it looked like the Stars Wars cantina. Was waitin for Han and Chewy to join you at the table.

QOTD: When I come down to WL to visit the shop I’ll try stop at Napa.

QOTD2: River St. Cafe, Troy, NY. Great food and really good wine w/out the
big mark up.
November 5, 2008

The Doc
Chengdu 46 in Clifton, NJ best upscale chinese restaurant in the world. If you go you have to get the Peking Duck.
November 5, 2008

purplejuicebruce
get well soon.
November 5, 2008

kaybee
QoTd
Dude, I’m closer to Napa Valley than Napa Valley Grill! So, it ain’t happenin. Love Italian these days and dark,rich red zins.
November 5, 2008

Vern
Penguin Isle in Nags Head N.C.a winespectator favorite.
November 5, 2008

LittleJonnyH
Nice show from the Dirty… heard you’ve got some black bears up there!

QOTD(please note that I’m a low roller and don’t eat at a lot of extremely pricey (>$20 entree) establishments):

Pizza- Coccia House, Wooster OH
Italian- La Tavola, Columbus OH
BBQ- Rendezvous, Memphis TN
Seafood- Salty Dog Cafe, HH SC (worth the hype)
Indian- Saffron Patch, Akron OH
Value- tie… The Alcove, Mount Vernon OH & Olde Jaol, Wooster OH
November 5, 2008

Timinspokane
Coolio show! Didn’t mind the dark at all…. Just like a mature woman by candlelight…. right Gary?? When the light is low, you have to use your other senses a bit more, and that is always fascinating!

QOTD – favorite restaurant? These days, I would rather cook something amazing at home and pop something nice from the cellar! If forced, I really like the Downriver Grill in Spokane, WA, and the Whitehouse Grill in Post Falls, Idaho. The Whitehouse Grill (a Greek/Middle Eastern place) is a garlic lovers heaven!!!
November 5, 2008

SteveC
Afraid of the dark? Heck no, I voted like crazy for Obama. (Bit of a freaky title for a day like today, don’t you think?)
November 5, 2008

Ray Barnes
First of all Gary, I hope you get well soon, and no criticism intended or implied, I hope Chris is not coming down with the same thing. For a “Best of Gary”, I loved this show, even its darkness. It is not something I would want to see often, but on occasion. It also appeared you felt very much at home and the crowd reaction was fun and engaging. As usual, your tasting comments are unique, I hope to try out that final merlot.

QOTD: In my home town of Surrey BC Canada I enjoy the Central City Brewing Company, in spite of its limited wine list – a very common problem here. In Greater Vancouver the retail price is already inflated by high taxes, and then the majority of restaurants will at least double them. BYOB with corking fee is illegal.
November 5, 2008

Matt W
Sergeatnsville Inn in Sergeantsville, NJ of course.
November 5, 2008

Richard Ritter
Boy…did that artwork in back of you add a boatload of class!!! Maybe you should have something similar at WL. Great show, sorry you’re under the weather.

QOTD #1: Napa Grille is a bit of a ride. If I’m ever passing through I’ll be sure to stop in.
QOTD #2: Bistro M, in Glen Head, NY.
November 5, 2008

ScottEJ
Oddly enough, I was at a tasting just tonight that had the Round Hill and thought it was the best of the 5 or 6 un-oaked chards on display. Right off the bat, a clear bottle. 2nd a deep, rich color for being sans oak. 3rd, a nice, bigger mouthfeel for having no butter/oak to it. Good call and a good price.

QOTD: Hard to say. I go thru restaurants like water. I generally like a good byow, though. Cara Mio & Cote du Rhone here in Chi. are good options.
November 5, 2008

DAve A
I agree – Smell is so important. Good show. I like the dark. Horse voice and all.
ah. you were looped prior to this taping. You still did a great show!

Hope you fell better.

QOTD: NVG? no. Applebee’s. hahaha NOT! like no selection! AS bad as McDonald’s! Xios is mine, in Raleigh – Greek, baby! come to raleigh
November 5, 2008

Kent
I’m going to have to pull a Jim Cramer and say Olive Garden. That’s value right there.

When price isn’t an issue, I’d go with Anthony’s, which is a place that focuses on Seafood in the Puget Sound area near Seattle. Ridiculously good, but equally expensive.
November 5, 2008

WineWoman
QOTD: Maybe around the holidays–it’s a little far to travel for dinner, but looks like a fun place. Favorite Restaurant is David Drake’s in Rahway.
November 5, 2008

Cameron W
QOTD: Le Cirque in Las Vegas.
November 5, 2008

CHICAGO MARK
TUSCANY ….the one on taylor st in chicago.
November 5, 2008

RANDI
GARY!!
Hope you feel better soon!!
QOTD #1: What mall are you in? Hhmm NVG? Dunno
QOTD #2: Lately, La Piccola Liguria & Asia de Cuba…my palate changes for food the same way it does for wine..
November 5, 2008

jett
naha——————– naha———————naha————()*(&*_(*&()+*()+*)*()_&%$%^$&^%&)_(*_) are you hip to what i’m saying? naha.
November 6, 2008

Flavio
QOTD: Maybe on my way to/from the WL, next time I have to do some shopping.

QOTD2: Tough question… like asking what my favorite wine is. To keep it simple, I’ll limit to NYC.

Balthazar still is the quintessential go-to spot, day or night. Otherwise… proper dinner: Veritas, Gordon Ramsey; more casual dinner: Bar Milano, Allen & Delancey, Tribeca Grill (exclusively for the Rhone list); wine bars: Inoteca, Terroir; lunch: Momofuku Noodle Bar, Sant Ambroeus, BLT Steak.

I could name another dozen favorite spots. I love this city so much, it’s not even funny. We’re so blessed to have the best-of-the-best right here on our footsteps (and I can drive to the WL in less than 45 min). I could not imagine living anywhere else in this country.
November 6, 2008

neutron212
QOTD: pt1) i dont know i really dont have a reason to head east to NJ being from niagara falls,ny. pt2) La Hacendia the best pizza ever or DiCenso’s either one is kick ass
November 6, 2008

Loops
QOTD – Zingermans of Ann Arbor MI. Shame on you if you not familiar, fantastic restaurant, even better deli/market and almost all available by mail order. Probably the best breads i’ve ever had…
November 6, 2008

apj_bobswineguy
Not a big fan of Twomey. Not a fan of the way they try to force you to buy it to get more Silver Oak(as a restaurant wine buyer). Not a real big fan of Silver Oak.
I do like the folks that actually work at the wineries-both Silver Oaks & Twomey. Really nice people.
It’s a shame the sales & mkt’ing people on the street don’t reflect the warmth that you get out in Wine Country.
November 6, 2008

rimarfish
QOTD: Carlitos Gardel in Los Angeles, CA.
November 6, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Easy!! “TASCA WINE BAR, LOS ANGELES” (8108 W. 3rd St.)
November 6, 2008

Susan B
Favorite restaurants: The Little Owl- Bedford Street, Suenos-W. 17 St., Casa Mono-Irving Place.
November 6, 2008

Diana Santos
Hello -

Wrote a post on my BLOG which including Wine Library TV.

Thanks so much for your encouragment to explore “The Wine World”.

Feel better!

Diana Santos – http://www.DianasNeighborhood.com
November 6, 2008

JD
QOTD: Most interesting US restaurant this year: Hell’s Backbone Grill in Boulder, Utah.
Great organic restaurant where Western and Himalayan influences meet.
November 6, 2008

karlkons
Good luck fighting the weather! If you happen to come to Cologne in Germany, reserve your table at Le Moissonier – the boss of the restaurant is sommelier by profession, so you won’t be disappointed by the wine list!
November 6, 2008

Eric S.
My wife and I have been to the Napa Valley Grille many times, love the fact that you can order flights of wine. Don’t see that too often in this area. As for restaurants that we have been going to frequently, both in Hoboken, NJ, and both BYOB, Robongi (sushi) and Anthony David’s (italian).
November 6, 2008

Classico
Hope you feel better soon.
Nice show…

Groetjes,

Classico
November 6, 2008

HuskerJamie
QOTD: We like the Dish Restaurant in downtown Lincoln, NE. They do a great job with my wife’s gluten allergy.

http://www.dishdowntown.com/
November 6, 2008

Scottie P
Hope you feel better GV. Fun show with great energy! Using the economy as a reason to drink my face off… consider it done.

QOTD: Tough question as I don’t get out too much. Ton of great places in Philly! Try Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s or Pod.
November 6, 2008

KTF
Favorite restaurants:

1- Tiburon – Salt Lake City, Utah

2- Rosemary’s – Las Vegas, nv
November 6, 2008

ex-lurkdawg
qotd: Fore Street in Portland, Maine
Gary, I hope you feel well again soon.
Also … Madeira? Huh? With a vintage Madeira? I’ll keep bugging you about it.
Good show. Thanks.
November 6, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo G, Hope Ya Get Well Soon!!!

qotd1: I’m on me way!!

qotd2: Great Chinese Food at Chu Dynasty in San Diego !
November 6, 2008

Harry
I’m missing my old favorite sushi joint in Brooklyn, Geido, but loving the food here in Sonoma. So far I’d go for Girl & the Fig. Feel better GV – I’m all stuffed up as well. Maybe we caught a little Obama fever.
November 6, 2008

Andy
Hope you get to feeling better G…… Get some of Mom’s chicken soup.
QOTD——- Del Frisco’s ….. what a wine list and great food
November 6, 2008

fatherthechair
Hope you feel better, I am down with whatever’s going around too. Top of mind, Fritzy’s in Howell NJ– no frills, cheap, excellent german food. Get the potato pancakes, the house vinaigrette salad dressing and the bauernschmaus!!
November 6, 2008

J Dubb
QOTD: Bayport Cookery, Meritage St. Paul, Vincent A Restaurant, Manny’s Steakhouse, Murray’s, Oceanaire Seafood Room, Zelo… all Twin Cities restaurants.
November 6, 2008

Chippewamike
GV–feel better!

QOTD– Novi Chophouse, Novi Michigan. Great food. Great wine.
November 6, 2008

disziplin
QOTD: Dream Dance, Milwaukee WI – Retail prices on wine FTW!
November 6, 2008

Tom
QOTD — I currently have two favorite restaurants: Zingermans Roadhouse in Ann Arbor, MI and Rutherford Grill in Napa, CA.
November 6, 2008

Derek F.
I love the Dark…this would have been a good EP for Halloween??

QOTD: Capital Grille in Providence RI. The wine list blows my mind!!
November 6, 2008

Murso
Never had Roundhill?!!! Since the 1970’s, they were one of the movers in production that spurred growth of a California Style of Chard. which was spearheaded by Jed Steele at K-J. Though the Van Asperens have by now retired, I’m sure the successors hold up to their history as a more than dependable producer in the fighting varietals market.

I used to keep extra cases of mags in stock for walk-ins with parties to supply.
November 6, 2008

Murso
A little further back, to around 1990, or thereabouts, Flora’s Chard was one of the highest rated in America. The still make delicious wines, fairly priced, across the board. And Sean Garvey always did a remarkable job repping his, and the Komes’ familie’s product. I LOVE their Merlot!
November 6, 2008

Murso
P.N. in this price range is just “wine”, Napa Valley, or not. Pass.

You Didn’t mention that Trinchero’s are the dynamo family of Sutter Home, since the 1940’s.
November 6, 2008

KyBoy
QOTD: Jeff Ruby’s in Louisville, KY. It’s a killer steak house w/ a great wine list. Ordered my first bottle of petit verdot there. Shout out to PV It was awesome.
November 6, 2008

Murso
For Oak Lovers only. While Silver Oak (Cab) was heroic, and delicious, I found Twomey to be outlandishly unbalanced. S.O. (and Justin Meyer’s) philosophy was to do ONE thing , and do it best. Back in the day, every bottle of S.O., regardless of bottling designation, spent 30 – THIRTY!!! months in NEW, AMERICAN Oak. This concept alone was prohibitively expensive, but with the best care, vineyard practices, and attention to details, they created the number one Cabernet in America. And it was worth it. The subsequent commercialization of wine, Napa, success, and everything else has led us to this point, when I’m not so sure the end justifies the means anymore, e.g., QPR (as in cult wines)is out of balance, to say the least. GV, for such an oakaphobe, I’m surprised at you. I say that every true wine lover , still, must experience Silver Oak Cab (and 1st Growth Bordeaux).
November 6, 2008

Dan-o
Cool show – like the live aspect. I had a few bottles of Twomey at a business dinner a few months back and it was stunning! Loved it!

QOTD – My favorite restaurants of all time are Restaurant Georges Blanc in Lyons, Restaurant Jules Verne in Paris (Eiffel Tower), and in the US I would have to say The Rattlesnake Cafe in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. For a more reasonably priced experience – The Zeveley House in Winston-Salem and Grill 23 in Boston!
November 6, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – this is a hard one, but I am going to answer with places that I like to go to often, because they have good food at good value. The Blue Dolphin in Katonah NY and Ponte Vecchio in Fairfield CT. Both good Italian standards.
November 6, 2008

Rowland
yo this video is gangsta

you would have been better off if you had pulled the chair back a little so you would have been behind the light, not under it.

i like the guy in the corner lol

qotd: http://www.gildedotter.com/splash.htm
November 6, 2008

Andrew D
Thanks Gary

Good to see a decent Merlot getting a bit of air time.
QOTD: Favourite restaurants in HONG KONG include:
New York Cafe, Yuen Long – my local where don’t just know your name, but what type of beer you drink
Olive – great value Middle Eastern food that truly offers something different for HK.
M on the Fringe – porbably my favourite restaurant in Hong Kong. Awesome food in an awesome setting.

Andrew
November 6, 2008

CR Tisdale
Love the look of this episode, it’s like you’re in the back room of a speakeasy or something.

QOTD: My wife and I really love a place here in Calgary called The Cattle Baron. The wine list is pretty basic, but the steaks are phenomenal.
November 6, 2008

JeffH
QOTD: Jaleo and Central Michel Richard in D.C., Arpa and Customshop here in Charlotte.
November 6, 2008

David T
QOTD: Lola in Cleveland.
November 7, 2008

Make It Cool
QOTD: Napa Rose. Anaheim, CA
November 7, 2008

Mike P
Glad to see you liked the 2004 Twomey Merlot! Not a merlot that’s trying to be a cab, or a “lighter style merlot”, it brings the thunder and it’s definitely one of my favorite napa merlots.
QOTD- Go into the city and hit up Anthony Bourdain’s Les Halles. The hanger steak is perfect, and everything about the place rocks. And let me know if you like it!
November 7, 2008

Mike P
oh and get well soon man, best of luck.
November 7, 2008

Brian Kachel
Laicos in jersey city 1st!
Casa danta in jersey city 2nd.
November 7, 2008

Weston
QOTD: being from Vancouver Canada here I like Fuel, Chow restaurant, Sholin(sp) noodle house they make there own hand made noodles awesomeness for cheapess

~
November 7, 2008

Fred
That is awesome, man. Love it!:)
November 8, 2008

J Crazy
There are two restaurants that you have to go to before you die, Gary.

#1: Ricardo’s Mexican Restaurant in Chico California.
The tostada and burrito especial are incredible.

#2: Edogin Sushi in Kamisu, Japan.
The cod sperm sack, crab brains, oysters and ALL the sushi are absolutely out of this world. Pair it with some organic sake from Tsukinoi and you can die a happy man.
November 8, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – My favorite restuarant is Muss and Turner’s in Smyrna, GA. It has great food, wine, beer, and friendly staff. It is an informal place where you can always find interesting people to talk to if you go alone. They also do weekly beer and wine tastings and bring in winery and brewery owners for wine and beer dinners.
November 8, 2008

Tony & Lisa
Blue in Charlotte NC, Great Mediterranean influenced food and a great wine list.
November 9, 2008

6-3-2
Favorite restaurant? Hmm, Noble Fish is Clawson, Michigan. A little sushi restaurant in the back of a grocery store, and it kills.
November 9, 2008

Shawn_944
Nice Show! Good Job GV
November 9, 2008

Glenn Schliep
I have to tell you, the best restaurant that I have ever been to has to be Merenda located in the heart of Bend, OR. Over 800 wines on the bottle list not to mention 80 by the glass. I feel like a kid in a candy store.
November 10, 2008

Dr. Lance
Great show, as usual.
QOTD: Takasho Restaurant in Tsubame City, Niigata Japan. Classic, fresh Japanese food with a modern flare. The best place to have fugu (blowfish) in all of its glory: sashimi, as a nabe (hot pot), and as a porridge…the best part with all of the flavor. Well, the owner/chef is my brother-in-law, but I try to keep my bias to a minimum.
November 10, 2008

Logan
Good episode, Gary, nice energy as usual!

QOTD: Junkadelic in Tokyo- a stylish yet down-to-earth, reliable Tex-Mex restaurant in Naka-Meguro, Tokyo; in a city that is pretty much gourmet paradise (ranked #1 by Michelin- 80,000 restaurants baby!) it can be tough to find reasonable, dependable Mexican fare, but Junkadelic is holding it down.
My buddy Jey tends bar there so say “hi” and mention Logan if you’re in the neighborhood!
November 10, 2008

Patrick Haaren
QOTD : Martini House St. Helena CA
November 10, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Grill23 Boston
November 10, 2008

Sharon
QOTD: Hi, hmmm prolly Filho’s Cucina near me as the food is awesome, it is a BYO, and I can walk there.
November 10, 2008

Ilse
it’s nice for the atmosphere to do shows in restaurants and bars, but I always find it a bit annoying, as wines are often chosen because it’s fashionable to have this wine, that blend, another brandname, etc…not exactly my way of seeing wines (e.g. the owner of my wine shop in Spain here needs to buy a specific type of sparkling Italian wine, just because it is “in” nowadays in a lot of Italian restaurants over here…it’s expensive and not nice, it actually tastes like water, boring as you would say). I’m not sure whether I want to try the first wine, for instance…the label and the way of marketing the unoaked aspect sounds like a commercial trick which might be used for soda’s, but for wines???
QOTD : I prefer the “real stuff”, so no modern restaurant showing off with mediterranean food you have to pay a lot for in NY or so, but a small, not always newly decorated place where the “mama” (or equivalent for other types of cuisine) still prepares the dishes her (grand)mother taught her…it’s not always easy to find, but in Spain, you can still find them, even in big cities as Madrid and Barcelona (just spent a week there).
November 11, 2008

Heather
QOTD: My new favorite restaurant is Ristorante San Daniele (Italian) in a small subdivision of Hamburg called Poppenbütel. It’s not even really a restaurant as much as it’s a fine dining experience from heaven. There is no menu, you simply say fish and/or meat and each of the 7 courses are left to the discretion of the cook. Of course it is a little on the pricey side, well at least for my meager budget, but I highly recommend anyone who gets a chance to go to Hamburg to go to this restaurant. And the house red wine is also amazing, I wish I would have written down the name, because now it escapes me. As for in the US, tons of places in New Orleans, love me some good ol’ cajun cooking. And on behalf of my father, because he raves about this place non-stop, Fogo de Chao in Houston. It’s a Brazilian Churrascaria cooked the traditional “gaucho way”. Still haven’t had the chance to go, but I’m looking forward to it in Dec.
November 15, 2008

CraigG
I went with my wife to Four Ways Restaurant in Bermuda. The veal was unbelievable. That always seems to be the most amazing piece of food I ever put in my mouth.
November 18, 2008

Kristen
QOTD: I’ve got 2 in France- Les Marrioniers in Montagne (in the St. Emilion appellation) and La Table du Lavoir, the restaurant at Chateau Smith Haut Lafite. Absolutely fabulous, both of them.
November 18, 2008

MattUD
QOTD: Douzo in Boston
November 19, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: I’ll give you two great food and wine restaurants in Cleveland: Lola bistro run by our own “Iron Chef” Michael Symon and Crop Bistro, both in downtown Cleveland, OH are excellent choices and two of my favorites – but I have so many!
December 17, 2008

yowens
QOTD: La Laiterie in Providence, RI
December 19, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: Next time I’m in New Jersey I’ll try the Napa Valley Wine Grille. I can’t think of a favorite restaurant right now. Santa Fe has the best restaurants, but the chefs keep ricocheting around. If I could find a restaurant that served a good cioppino, that would be my favorite.
I’m writing this from 12/19 and am hoping that Gary will emerge again in good health and with the store in good shape.
January 25, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
QOTD: By far its Cafe Juanita in the Seattle area. Ive typed about them before, but will rattle on again. Just fantastic food and service in a home-like setting. Absoultely one of the best if not the best restaurant in Seattle. Please check them out the next time youre in Seattle.
June 9, 2009

Kell Brigan
Just found the show! Yea! Good stuff! And, lo and behold, another PV head! I KNEW I wasn’t the only one. The notes on the Pinot Noir from Trinchero are interesting, since I lurve their PV varietal because of all the earthiness. (Best dang glass of dirt you’ll ever drink! Got a bottle that’s been aging since 2001. Can’t wait to open that thing.) Sounds like I need to check out their Pinot as well. In other words I need to take a wine buying trip out to Napa. (Yes, I live in Sacramento, which means a whole lot of heaven is less than a tank of gas away…)