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RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 11/23/2008 6:41:53 AM   
fingers

 

Posts: 739
Joined: 8/26/2006
From: Santa Ana, CA
Status: online 		Brutal!   on Versai


I didn't make it to Winex because I had to work late, but I do have a few worthy values to share:

2006 Bodegas Ateca / Zabrin Calatayud Garnacha de Fuego Old Vines 

2005 Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 

2006 Clos de los Siete (Michel Rolland) Clos de Los Siete

2005 Dobbin Lane Cabernet Sauvignon

2006 Bodegas Borsao Garnacha Campo de Borja Tres Picos
 
Pretty good stuff, all for under $15/btl.

Now, on another note that I was going to put into the "Wine on TV" thread  - 
Saturday morning on AM830 (the Ducks/Angels station), I caught the end of a show with Mario Martinelli that was talking about wine! Temecula, to be exact, and it was quite good and entertaining and informative.  I'm going to try to find a podcast of it and I'm hoping it's a weekly thing.  I think it was called 'The Family Table'.  If I can get the podcast, I'll post a link but I'll be listening next week and see if it's still there.  I know Tom Lycus (sp?) does his thing but I can't stand his voice.
 

Couldn't find a podcast, but here's the show webpage:

http://am830.net/programs_chefmario.htm

Too bad..... the show on Temecula would have been of interest to many of us.  Maybe it will repeat.

< Message edited by fingers -- 11/23/2008 6:52:38 AM >

(in reply to jhannah27)
Post #: 31
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 11/23/2008 11:48:59 AM   
RoundersRob

 

Posts: 757
Joined: 7/1/2006
From: Santa Cruz, CA
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: jhannah27

So I have a follow-up to the review of the new wine bar Versai in Yorba Linda.  My wife and I met my mother there last night to have dinner at the connected restaurant and enjoy some decent wine.  Dinner was great, the wine, again, was OK and as I mentioned in the "Active Users" thread, I had a decent Riesling.  This was all fine and enjoyable....

At around 8 or so, they apparently hired a "singer" to entertain the patrons while they sipped their wines. 

Keep in mind...this place is only about 20' x 20' with a small patio out front. 

At first she was fine.  Not a great singer, but servicable and she sang soft, jazz and big band songs from Sinatra, Norah Jones, with the occassional soft rock song. 

Another aside...she was singing to the instrumental versions of these songs...like karaoke, without the words on screen...

She sang one set, then took a 20 minute break or so.  When she came back, it was a new thing altogether.  She had ditched the jazz standards for Janis Joplin, Four Non-Blondes (90's female grunge band), and I kid you not...Britney Spears and Pink!!  WTF?!?!?  To make it even more inappropriate, she for some ungodly reason decided that she needed to BELT OUT every word of theses songs (and I think they even turned up the volume in the P.A. system).  Now I am all for some variety in the entertainment, but this was just downright disrespectful to the patrons. It was so loud you could barely have a conversation.   I was sitting accross a fire pit from my wife (no mor than 4-5 feet away), and I had to scream for her to hear me.  I was so annoyed that I just walked up to the bar, paid our tab and left (thank god, too, because she began to "sing" some annoying twangy country song as we were walking out).  And I feel even worse for the peole who were sitting inside, as it was even louder in there.

Anyway....that's my rant.  Needless to say I won't be going back there on a Friday night anymore.  I also plan to write the establishment to tell them how inappropriate the whole thing was for the type of setting I feel they are trying to create.

I swear...her voice is still ringing in my ears....



You totally should write to them about that.  Sounds pretty lame.

(in reply to jhannah27)
Post #: 32
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 11/23/2008 1:51:00 PM   
jhannah27

 

Posts: 526
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Anaheim, CA
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: RoundersRob

You totally should write to them about that.  Sounds pretty lame.



As a footnote...the website does not have an e-mail address to contact.  And I just can't be bothered to call and piss about it.


_____________________________

"Quickly! Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever."
Aristophanes 450 - 385 b.c.

(in reply to RoundersRob)
Post #: 33
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 11/23/2008 3:14:50 PM   
jhannah27

 

Posts: 526
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Anaheim, CA
Status: online 		For anyone interested, I was at the Costco in Tustin this afternoon and they had a bunch of different top Bordeauxs in stock.  Lafite, Margaux, Angelus, Mouton, Palmer, Pichon Baron Longueville, and others.  They were all relatively well priced, in comparison to their ungodly prices elsewhere.

_____________________________

"Quickly! Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever."
Aristophanes 450 - 385 b.c.

(in reply to jhannah27)
Post #: 34
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 11/24/2008 2:59:21 PM   
jhannah27

 

Posts: 526
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Anaheim, CA
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: fingers
I didn't make it to Winex because I had to work late, but I do have a few worthy values to share:

2006 Bodegas Ateca / Zabrin Calatayud Garnacha de Fuego Old Vines 

2005 Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 

2006 Clos de los Siete (Michel Rolland) Clos de Los Siete

2005 Dobbin Lane Cabernet Sauvignon

2006 Bodegas Borsao Garnacha Campo de Borja Tres Picos


I always forget about the Clos del los Siete because, while it is always quaffable, I find it very inconsistent, so it is not something that I "go to." 




_____________________________

"Quickly! Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever."
Aristophanes 450 - 385 b.c.

(in reply to fingers)
Post #: 35
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 11/24/2008 3:32:46 PM   
fingers

 

Posts: 739
Joined: 8/26/2006
From: Santa Ana, CA
Status: online 		I'm also with you on the Norante Contado.

Just got home from Wine Exchange.  Still not my favorite store.  It just seems very loose in it's organization and I find it difficult to sort, if you have anything specific in mind.  I guess it's cool if you're browsing and impulse buying but I feel like I'm at a swap meet.  Prices are competitive, though.  The Wine Club in Santa Ana is kinda like that, too.  Some of the staff know alot - some know very little.  Guess I've been spoiled at Amazing Grapes by Paul.  Anyhow, I was going to bring it up with Paul that he should act as a site for a future CTVirtual Tasting.  Us locals could gather there for the skype session and taste together.  It could also be incumbant for them to provide the wine!

(in reply to jhannah27)
Post #: 36
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 11/24/2008 3:49:04 PM   
jhannah27

 

Posts: 526
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Anaheim, CA
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: fingers

I'm also with you on the Norante Contado.

Just got home from Wine Exchange.  Still not my favorite store.  It just seems very loose in it's organization and I find it difficult to sort, if you have anything specific in mind.  I guess it's cool if you're browsing and impulse buying but I feel like I'm at a swap meet.  Prices are competitive, though.  The Wine Club in Santa Ana is kinda like that, too.  Some of the staff know alot - some know very little.  Guess I've been spoiled at Amazing Grapes by Paul.  Anyhow, I was going to bring it up with Paul that he should act as a site for a future CTVirtual Tasting.  Us locals could gather there for the skype session and taste together.  It could also be incumbant for them to provide the wine!


I agree with you 100% on Wine Club and Winex (swap meet is a perfect analogy).  Both I find it difficult to find anything, although I know Winex has a decent selection.  Even at Amazing Grapes I wonder if there are hidden gems in some of the boxes that may be labeled incorrectly.  

I am all for doing it down at AG.  I bet if we guarantee him that we will have X number of people at the tasting, he could let us use his wine for a nominal fee, much like purchasing a tasting flight.  That would save a ton of money on our end and likely yield some additional full bottle sales on his end.  Especially if perhaps we can get him to "sponsor" the event.  If he discounted the wine for participants (using a discount code or something) then he would likely drum up some of the participants that are out of the area as well.

Just thoughts...

_____________________________

"Quickly! Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever."
Aristophanes 450 - 385 b.c.

(in reply to fingers)
Post #: 37
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 11/24/2008 4:14:28 PM   
fingers

 

Posts: 739
Joined: 8/26/2006
From: Santa Ana, CA
Status: online 		Duly noted and appreciated 

I think I'm going to the Friday afternoon ducks/blackhawks.  I've got two tix (in 309) but wifey has to work so I have to be real nice and get permission to go with someone else.

(in reply to jhannah27)
Post #: 38
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/11/2008 2:44:32 PM   
vinopkm

 

Posts: 106
Joined: 6/14/2008
From: Orange County, CA
Status: offline 		I saw this in Anaheim on Tuesday and thought others might be interested.  Will be interested to see what their wine bar is like.
http://primecutcafe.com/

Just down from the Pond (Honda Center). 

(in reply to fingers)
Post #: 39
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/11/2008 2:59:26 PM   
jhannah27

 

Posts: 526
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Anaheim, CA
Status: online 		Oh, good heads up on this place.  I will have to check it out.  Looks like it's in the same center as the movie theater and the Salty Dog restaurant.

Bob,  might be a good place for a pre- or post- Ducks game libation. 

_____________________________

"Quickly! Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever."
Aristophanes 450 - 385 b.c.

(in reply to vinopkm)
Post #: 40
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/11/2008 3:03:43 PM   
vinopkm

 

Posts: 106
Joined: 6/14/2008
From: Orange County, CA
Status: offline 		They had a sign out front stating they are opening in 8 days and I think that was on Tuesday- so should be open next weekend.

(in reply to jhannah27)
Post #: 41
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/11/2008 3:23:41 PM   
jhannah27

 

Posts: 526
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Anaheim, CA
Status: online 		Good to know.  You know if they are having any specials for the opening worth making a point to go over there?

_____________________________

"Quickly! Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever."
Aristophanes 450 - 385 b.c.

(in reply to vinopkm)
Post #: 42
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/11/2008 3:48:36 PM   
fingers

 

Posts: 739
Joined: 8/26/2006
From: Santa Ana, CA
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: jhannah27

Bob,  might be a good place for a pre- or post- Ducks game libation. 


Check that!  I think our next game will be New Years Eve,  v. Columbus

(in reply to jhannah27)
Post #: 43
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/11/2008 4:55:47 PM   
jhannah27

 

Posts: 526
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Anaheim, CA
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: fingers

Check that!  I think our next game will be New Years Eve,  v. Columbus


I just went to the Columbus game last Sunday.  The wife got antsy with about 3:30 left in the third, and the Ducks were up 4-1, so we left.  BIG mistake...Columbus scored twice to bring it within one, and the Ducks netted one with 11 seconds left to seal the deal.  


_____________________________

"Quickly! Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever."
Aristophanes 450 - 385 b.c.

(in reply to fingers)
Post #: 44
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/13/2008 10:59:15 AM   
vinopkm

 

Posts: 106
Joined: 6/14/2008
From: Orange County, CA
Status: offline 		Went to a great place called Nesai last night in Newport Beach, Ca- just off of PCH- about a block off and hidden.  Had an awesome meal and wine.  The Nesai labels itself as Cal/Italian- but it is more Cal/Italian with some Asian influences.  It is operated and owned by a Japanese lady- super nice and helpful- her daughter also works the bar and is a waitress.  Food was above avg, wine list was great- was suprised to only see a couple new vintage wines on the list- most are from a couple of vintages ago or older.  We ended up ordering a 03 Carlisle Rossi Ranch Zin- when it arrived it was an 04- oh well.  It was only $42 dollars- average price on CT was $34 and winebid $40- wine zap lowest price was $44.99.  So a very well priced wine list.  The only downside was there were no Italian wines- weird since this is a Cal/Italian Rest.  I think there is a reserve wine list- because when you first walk in the rest. there is a large built in wine cellar with French, Cal and Italian wine in it (will have to ask for a "reserve list" next time- ate a late dinner and wasn't fully operating on all cylinder until the wine and food came).  I also noticed 99 and 00 Joseph Phelleps for around $110-125- I think the owner doesn't factor in storage and resells for org. asking price!  Our dinner for 2 was $126 with tax and tip (a hair under 20%)- girlfriend order the soup special- Japanese butternut squash soup and for her entree Shrimp Risotto- I did a salad and short ribs on mash potatoes and in a chipotle cumin bbq sauce- it was awesome- fork tender and very flavorful- the Carlisle went awesome with it.  Girlfriend stated the Risotto was good but was disappointed to not have order the Sea Scallop and butternut squash ravollis- another special that the table next to us ordered.   

http://www.yelp.com/biz/nesai-restaurant-newport-beach

Menu has changed a little from this, but very close:
http://www.americascuisine.com/dynamic/dsp_restaurantMenu.cfm/restId/954

< Message edited by vinopkm -- 12/13/2008 11:02:04 AM >

(in reply to jhannah27)
Post #: 45
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/13/2008 11:05:13 AM   
jhannah27

 

Posts: 526
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Anaheim, CA
Status: online 		Sounds fantastic.  Looks like they are very reasonably priced for food and wine.  We'll have to go check it out.


_____________________________

"Quickly! Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever."
Aristophanes 450 - 385 b.c.

(in reply to vinopkm)
Post #: 46
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/17/2008 12:39:23 PM   
jhannah27

 

Posts: 526
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Anaheim, CA
Status: online 		www.webwine.com

Anyone ever purchased from, or been to the store in RSM??

_____________________________

"Quickly! Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever."
Aristophanes 450 - 385 b.c.

(in reply to jhannah27)
Post #: 47
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/17/2008 4:22:23 PM   
fingers

 

Posts: 739
Joined: 8/26/2006
From: Santa Ana, CA
Status: online 		My experience was all bad.  Took my order, gave me the runaround, never came up with the product, hassle getting a refund,  yada-yada, the usual.  Does that sound negative enough?  It's basically a small, overpriced wine-bar trying to do interent sales with no real inventory.

(in reply to jhannah27)
Post #: 48
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/17/2008 4:45:11 PM   
jhannah27

 

Posts: 526
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Anaheim, CA
Status: online 		Good to know.  I had nothing specific to order from them, I just ran into them on Wine-searcher, so I thought I would ask around.

P.C. - Went to the Ducks/Rangers game last night (3 rows from the glass baby!), and had run by that Prime Cut restaurant and wine bar.  Looks nice and opens tomorrow or Friday.  This weekend might be a good time to check them out with all the grand opening festivities, you might be able to catch a deal.


_____________________________

"Quickly! Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever."
Aristophanes 450 - 385 b.c.

(in reply to fingers)
Post #: 49
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/18/2008 5:00:26 PM   
vinopkm

 

Posts: 106
Joined: 6/14/2008
From: Orange County, CA
Status: offline 		Even though this is in Chino, I'm really starting to like Napacabs as they already recongize me after only 3-4 visits.  This is not a store to just come upon bottles to buy- very un-organized and boxes are everywhere.  I couldn't even get into the Italian section today.  Great prices and good CA selection.  My recommendation is review their website and have a game plan or list of what you want to buy.  You might stumble across a good find- but highly unlikely- but there are some to find- random single bottles scatter about.  50% of the wine is not priced and a lot are not even on display and are in racking in the back- a lot of the wine is on sale but they don't put out the sale prices, you will get the sale price at the register though.  The 2003 Quinta do Noval wasn't even out and was in the back on the 3rd level of racking 15ft up.  Very un-organized store/warehouse.

(in reply to jhannah27)
Post #: 50
RE: OC California Wine & Dine - 12/19/2008 8:23:58 AM   
jhannah27

 

Posts: 526
Joined: 6/9/2008
From: Anaheim, CA
Status: online 		I see them online a lot when I do searches, but have never made it over there.  It is on the way to my mom's house in Corona, so I should stop in there sometime.  By the sound of it, it's not a "pop by and pick something up" kind of store, though.

_____________________________

"Quickly! Bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever."
Aristophanes 450 - 385 b.c.

(in reply to vinopkm)
Post #: 51
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