Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Z & Y Restaurant, Pausa, Souley Vegan
Check, Please! Bay Area Season 14 episode 3 airs Thursday, April 25 at 7:30pm on KQED 9. See other television airtimes. And never miss an episode by subscribing to the video podcast.
This week, we begin at Z & Y Restaurant, one of the hottest Sichuan restaurants in San Francisco, known for catering to tourists, locals, presidents, and foreign ministers alike. Our next stop is in San Mateo and designed with leisure in mind, so turn off your phone and leave your laptop at home when you dine at Pausa. Our final pick in Oakland serves stick-to-your-ribs-hearty-fare with southern hospitality. You’ll be impressed with their meatless menu when you taste the Louisiana Creole-style vegan soul food offered at Souley Vegan.
Get Restaurant Information:
- Z & Y Restaurant (San Francisco)
- Pausa (San Mateo)
- Souley Vegan (Oakland) [CLOSED]
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.
2015 Cuvaison Brut Rosé, Napa Valley, California $50
Considered one of the founding wineries of Napa Valley, Cuvasion was established in 1969 with a focus on crafting top still wines from the Los Carneros region. As a pink bubbles fan, however, I was thrilled to see this sparkling added to their small lot offerings. Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the traditional méthode Champenoise technique, this is an elegant and fruity Rosé worth splurging on for a special occasion (or just to treat yourself).
2017 Groth Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California $24
Groth is a family-owned winery best known for their lusciously structured Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (one of my choices for Napa’s best). But when it comes to Cabernet’s Bordeaux partner, the Groth Sauvignon Blanc scores high marks, too. A crisp, complex wine that showcases the grape’s sleek side, this one also tempts with texture. Aged on its lees, there’s a creaminess that pairs perfectly with the bright acidity of Groth’s succulent sipper.
2015 Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California $70
In 1967, when Molly and Donn Chappellet decided to move to the remote Pritchard Hill in Napa Valley to produce wine, they were creating a family legacy that would rock the wine world. The winery high atop this magnificent hill is one of the world’s most unique and their Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most iconic. This mountain wine is their flagship and oh what a beauty it is — rich, structured and powerful. Drink now with grilled sirloin or cellar for later and be rewarded for your patience.
El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, Mexico $45
As a tequila lover, I have visited the region outside of Guadalajara, Mexico on numerous occasions to indulge my passion. On my last trip, I finally got to visit El Tesoro — one of my favorite producers. The La Alteña distillery located in the Highlands of Jalisco was founded 1937. Don Felipe Camarena created the tequila legacy and now his grandson, Carlos, leads the way. Their Blanco is a pure expression of Blue Weber Agave. It smells of earth and herbs with a clarity of flavor reserved for the best. After all…“el Tesoro” does mean treasure.
Thirsty for more beverage advice? You can find some of my wine, beer and spirits tips for you here.
