Watch Check, Please! Bay Area review: Papillon, Marla Bakery, La Viga Restaurant

Check, Please! Bay Area Season 10 episode 6 airs Thursday, October 1 at 7:30pm on KQED 9. See other television airtimes. And never miss an episode by subscribing to the video podcast.

Classically decorated and romantically lit, this elegant location exudes Old World charm serving traditional dishes prepared tableside at Papillon Restaurant in Fremont. More than just a bakery you’ll find tasty, organic breakfasts and brunches at Marla Bakery in San Francisco. Finally, contemporary Latin food made with the best local produce and created using classical French technique can be found in Redwood City at La Viga Restaurant.

Get Restaurant Information:

• Papillon Restaurant (Fremont)
• Marla Bakery (San Francisco)
• La Viga Restaurant (Redwood City)

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: The part of wine tasting after sipping.

2012 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, Washington ($28)
One of my favorite producers in Washington state, Amavi (combination of Latin words amor and vita) translates to loving life. That’s what sipping this wine makes you do – love life. Crafted by the talented hands of Jean-Francois Pellet, who is also the winemaker at superstar winery Pepper Bridge, this Cabernet is just plain sexy. Lush and full-bodied with a streak of vibrant acidity, it’s a true expression of Washington’s Walla Walla area where warm days and cold nights abound. If you’re a California Cab lover, trade up to this well-priced, pure-pleasure red.

2012 Garcia + Schwaderer Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile ($22)
A hidden treasure wine — this is a Sauvignon with structure and complexity. Hailing from the cool climes of Chile’s coastal Casablanca Valley, it’s a white made for food. Mineral notes express themselves as grapefruit skin aromas and zesty citrus flavors. But, add layers of ripe fruit character and a whisper of honeyed richness and you have a wine with real depth. Swirl the glass and don’t serve it too cold to get the full impact of its unique qualities. Serve it with a warm goat cheese salad and prepare for wine + food perfection.

2012 Luca Pinot Noir “G Lot” Tupungato, Argentina ($32)
Named for owner, Laura Catena’s son, this brand is consistently a top pick of mine from Argentina. Focused on high-elevation, low-yielding vineyards, world-class quality is the hallmark of Luca. Most drinkers don’t think of Pinot Noir from Argentina, but this is one to seek out. It marries the dark berry intensity of Pinot with the grape’s earthy, wild side. If you sip Pinots from Burgundy, you’ll feel at home with a glass. If you indulge in California Pinots, you’ll drink at least two glasses (maybe three). It’s a stylish wine that is delicious by itself or paired with dishes from grilled salmon to beef bourguignon.

2014 Tolosa Rosé of Pinot Noir, Edna Valley, California ($24)
This succulent rosé is all about fruit. From strawberry to peach, melon to pear, it’s a fruit bowl of flavor in a glass. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a dry wine but explodes with freshness. Whether you drink dry or sweet, you’ll appreciate this classy pink. Try sipping alongside salads, ribs and spicy dishes. Or, just enjoy a glass after work.