Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Orchard City Kitchen, HiroNori Craft Ramen, Las Cazuelas

Check, Please! Bay Area, season 19, episode 8, airs Wednesday, July 25, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other television airtimes.

Check, Please! Bay Area is scoring big with three guests from Bay FC, the region’s first ever National Women’s Soccer League team! Diners kickoff at Michelin-recognized Orchard City Kitchen in Campbell, where New American dishes with bold flavors are inspired by a blend of different cultures, like garlic noodles and Korean fried chicken. Next, our guests get the ball rolling at HiroNori Craft Ramen in Cupertino where they deliver Japanese craft ramen with elaborately-flavored broth and artisan-crafted noodles. Lastly, they visit Las Cazuelas in San Jose’s historic Alameda District, an old school favorite that’s been offering delicious, affordable Mexican dishes to the community since 1960. Finally, reporter Cecilia Phillips racks up wins for her taste buds as she heads to Paypal Park to try food truck fare that fans enjoy on Bay FC game days.

Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Toss Boade, Caprice Dydasco and Danielle Slaton from KQED in San Francisco.

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My name is Josh Decolongon, and I’m the audience engagement producer of Check, Please! Bay Area. For this episode, I’m helping out host Leslie Sbrocco with some tasting notes on the wine, beer and spirits the guests and Leslie had on set during the taping of the show!

Digby NV “Fine English” Brut
England $45
This Pinot-driven sparkler from England starts off with plum, red apple, and bits of Rainier cherry that open up to a streak of yeast and minerality. Dry and light-footed but present — not brash, but just enough footing to make its mark. Creamy mousse on the palate opening up to apple skin, almonds and cinnamon. Shows poise and restraint but not shy by any means. Great value!

Château de Aqueria 2021 Tavel
Tavel, Rhône Valley, France $22
I’m not a fan of the plethora of rosés that tend to be overly elegant and offer nothing but crisp citrus and red fruit as background extras with no real main character. Tavel is where I head to for a safer gamble when it comes to complexity. This Grenache-based rosé centers around rhubarb and raspberry — something in the middle of ripe and vegetal, like eating berries during a summer hike through a forest. Weightier than one might expect on the palate, with cleansing and acidity and an earthy ending worthy of a charcuterie board or BBQ chicken. A steal for $22. Tip: drink this one closer to room temperature.

Prosper Maufoux 2020 “Domaine Vigne au Roy” Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits
Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, Côtes de Nuits, Bourgogne, France $30
It can be really hard to find relatively affordable and characterful Pinot Noir from Burgundy, which can make sense given its temperamental nature. This hits the spot, though, with a combination of ripe strawberries and black cherries along with a hint of cola that, dare I say, almost gives it a hint of California. Dry and lithe, silky and fresh, opening up to an earthy savory quality. I wouldn’t pair this with a steak, but it’s versatile enough for a backyard BBQ.