Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Queen’s Louisiana Po-Boy Cafe, La Casa Mia, Yak and Yeti Restaurant and Bar

Check, Please! Bay Area, season 18, episode 10, airs Thursday, January 11, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other television airtimes, and never miss an episode by subscribing to the video podcast.

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Located on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Queen’s Louisiana Po-Boy Cafe offers a taste of the bayou. Their menu boasts the best of New Orleans, from shrimp po’ boys to seafood gumbo, brimming with classic and exuberant Creole and Cajun flavors. Then, in Santa Clara, La Casa Mia is home to comforting umami-filled cuisine with an unexpected twist, bringing Japanese-Italian fusion to the Bay. Sea urchin pasta and mentaiko mochi pizza are examples of surprising culinary delights difficult to find outside Japan — until now! Finally, Yak and Yeti Restaurant and Bar serves up Indian, Nepalese and Tibetian flavors in colorful, cozy quarters. From sizzling shrimp tandoor to delectable dal, this beloved Napa restaurant brings the Himalayas to the heart of wine country.

Get Restaurant Information:

• Queen’s Louisiana Po-Boy Cafe (San Francisco)
• La Casa Mia (Santa Clara)
• Yak and Yeti (Napa)

My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the host of Check, Please! Bay Area. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.

W. & J. Graham’s 10 Years Tawny
Porto, Portugal $35
When it comes to drinking dessert, I’m always looking for the chance to share my Port passion. True Port (or Porto) hails from Portugal. This delicious elixir dates back centuries with a history as rich as its taste. One of my favorite styles is amber-hued Tawny. Aged in wood for many years, it can come primarily in 10, 20 and 30 Years styles and even single vintage bottlings. The Graham’s 10 Years Porto is a particular favorite of mine for its notes of orange peel, apricot, and butterscotch. It’s lightly sweet and pairs beautifully with savory blue cheese or creamy crème brulee. Tipple a Tawny for a true treat.

Fetzer ‘Lo & Behold’ Sauvignon Blanc
Chile $9
Fetzer is a leader in sustainability in California…and beyond. This fun wine is an easy quaffer for those looking to lighten up their drinks in both calories and alcohol. A standard glass is 80 calories and about 8.5 percent alcohol versus around 13-14 percent for most other whites. It’s crisp, juicy, and ideal for salads or snacks like guacamole and chips and a veggie platter with ranch dip.

Sovi Sparkling Rosé, Non-Alcoholic Wine
Clarksburg, California $30 (four pack of 250ml cans)
The non-alcohol drinks trend is hot. Why not enjoy a glass (or can) even if you don’t want the alcohol? With Sovi wines you don’t need to sacrifice flavor or quality. Founded by a sommelier/wine industry couple – Julia and Alex Littauer – this emerging brand is one to check out. Their sparkling pink in can captures red berry freshness, light fizz, and a dry finish. It’s ideal for sipping on the go or enjoying with Tuesday night takeout.

Thirsty for more beverage advice? You can find more of my wine, beer and spirits tips for you here.