Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Valette, eatsa, Osso Steakhouse

Check, Please! Bay Area Season 11 episode 10 airs Thursday, June 16 at 7:30pm on KQED 9. See other television airtimes. And never miss an episode by subscribing to the video podcast.

Two brothers work together to execute a quintessential wine country eatery at Valette in Healdsburg. In stark contrast, a fully-automated spot with fresh and healthy vegetarian bowls, delivered via a high-tech cubby, at eatsa in San Francisco. And finally, a place for steak, substantial sides and an amazing wine list at Osso Steakhouse in San Francisco.

Get Restaurant Information:

• Valette (Healdsburg)
• eatsa (San Francisco) [CLOSED]
• Osso Steakhouse (San Francisco)

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, beer, and spirits 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: How is vodka made?

2012 Los Vascos “Grande Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile $18
From the Baron de Rothschild (Lafite) portfolio comes one of the best-value Cabernets on the market. The famed French Bordeaux family planted roots in Chile with Los Vascos and produces wines of style and flair. This Cab is earthy, complex and age-worthy. From summer to winter, celebrations to home-cooked dinners, it’s a wine for all seasons and reasons.

2012 Teac Mor Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California $22
A discovery for those who covet elegance and balance in Chardonnay. This beautiful bottling from a boutique winery showcases the purity of fruit that Russian River is known for producing. I would recommend going online and buying not only the Chardonnay, but also the layered and refreshing Pinot Noir.

2014 Siduri Russian River Valley, California $35
Adam and Diana Lee started Siduri in 1994 and named it after the Babylonian Goddess of Wine. Being a big supporter of women and wine (even those of mythological status), I’ve always found Siduri falls into the goddess category. Smooth, supple and silky, it’s a Pinot that will please all lovers of the grape.

2014 La Crema Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California $30
Lush and full-bodied, this is a Chardonnay for those who want a white with power. Generously oak-influenced, it’s a wine that pairs well with rich dishes from fleshy grilled salmon to mustard-drizzled pork chops.