Watch Check, Please! Bay Area review Lou's Cafe, Pappo and LaSalette Restaurant

Check, Please! Bay Area Season 10 episode 5 airs Thursday, September 24 at 7:30pm on KQED 9. See other television airtimes. And never miss an episode by subscribing to the video podcast.

Our first stop is a family-run sandwich spot where their special sauces add an extra kick to their extensive list, at Lou’s Cafe in San Francisco. Next, we take a trip to a small and trendy bistro committed to fresh and local ingredients and Cal-cuisine at Pappo in Alameda. Lastly, we follow the fragrant aroma of exotic Mediterranean flavors and spices, served up in modern Portuguese style at LaSalette Restaurant in Sonoma.

Get Restaurant Information:

• Lou’s Cafe (San Francisco)
• Pappo (Alameda) [CLOSED]
• LaSalette Restaurant (Sonoma)

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: What is sweetness in wine?

2015 Boschendal “The Rose Garden” Rosé, Coastal Region, South Africa ($11)
When you walk into a rose garden you are transported to a place of happiness. It’s the same when you sip this pretty-in-pink rosé. Dry in style with succulent red berry flavors, it’s a quaffer with a kick of complexity that’s ideal for all seasons. Try it with dishes from spicy to savory.

2013 Denner Vineyards “The Ditch Digger” Red, Will Creek District, Paso Robles, California ($70)
I discovered this producer on a trip to Paso Robles and was immediately impressed by the quality of their wines. Winemaker Anthony Yount takes great care to focus on the property’s unique vineyards in the cooler, high elevation Will Creek District AVA in Paso Robles. This world-class blend is a combination of Rhone varieties including Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsualt. It’s supple, smooth and ready to drink now, yet has all the elements to age. As the winery says, “Do not be fooled by this wine’s blue collar namesake, as it is pure sophistication.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.

2012 Emilio Moro, Ribera Del Duero, Spain ($20)
For the price, the Emilio Moro ranks among the most delicious Spanish reds on the market. Producing classics for more than 70 years, the family-owned winery is located in the famed region of Ribera del Duero. Here Tinta Fino (elsewhere called Tempranillo) shines, creating lush yet vibrant wine. I recommend it highly and encourage you to stock up by the case.

2013 Lima “Loureiro” Vinho Verde, Portugal ($10)
The area of Vinho Verde in northern Portugal along the border of Spain is known for its crisp white wines. The signature grape is Alvarinho but this citrus-scented, zesty version is made with another grape named Loureiro. If you like fruity Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll find this a great alternative.