Thirsty in LA » Wine

Your Next Happy Hour Stop: Waterloo & City

thirstyinla — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:46:40 +0000

Photo: Waterloo & City

If the goal for Waterloo & City was to “create a fun, accessible neighborhood spot,” where guests can “enjoy a sophisticated, nuanced menu, knock back a few pints or do both at the same time,” then Executive Chef Brendan Collins and GM Carolos Tomazos have done all that and more. Their Culver City gastropub (named for a line on the Tube) has been packing them in and earning raves since its May opening. Based on her first impressions, S. Irene Virbala writes in the LA Times: “I can’t think of anything quite like (Waterloo & City) in all of Los Angeles,” and singles out the charcuterie as “gutsy and irresistible.” The LA Weekly’s Jonathan Gold likewise gives props to the charcuterie, noting in his review that “Waterloo & City has been mobbed from the second it opened,” and deems it “the right restaurant in the right neighborhood at the right time.”

To tempt guests with even more reasons to stop by, last week Waterloo & City debuted two happy hours, available every day in the Bar/Lounge area only. Selected “Pubtails” are $6 (regular price $10), including a few happy hour exclusives:

The Westside – Gin, Lemonade, Mint, Fresh Watermelon
Sangria – Brandy, Wine, Fresh Fruit
Dark & Stormy – Goslings Rum & Ginger Beer
Peach Margarita – Tequila, Lime Juice, Triple Sec, Fresh Peach
Aperol Spritz – Aperol, Sparkling Wine, Club Soda, Orange

There are other drink specials to quench your summer thirst:

Wine of the Day: $5
Well Drinks: $5
Beer of the Day: $4

To soak up the libations, Waterloo & City has a variety of happy hour bites, including a selection of Small Plates & Shares (starting at $7) and a choice of three pizzas ($9 each). Can’t make it to happy hour? The Late Night Menu features the same Pubtails and drinks, plus a few more food specials. Next stop, Culver City!

Waterloo & City
12517 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90066
(310) 391-4222
www.waterlooandcity.com

Happy Hour: 5-7pm daily
Late Night Menu: 10pm-12am (Sun-Thu), 11pm-1am (Fri-Sat)

Time for a Cocktail: Hourglass Menu at Comme Ça

thirstyinla — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:15:04 +0000

With Bastille Day today and summer finally arriving in Los Angeles, the time is right for Comme Ça to debut its Hourglass Menu, available every night at the bar from 5pm to 7pm.

Wines by the glass or beer are half price, while the following signature 18A cocktails are $6 each:

Vodka Daisy – vodka, lemon, house-made curaçao
Mojito – rum, lime, simple syrup, mint
Rye Smash – rye, lemon wedges, honey, mint

The Hourglass Menu also features dishes available exclusively at the bar, including: fried oysters with sauce gribiche ($9), pulled pork sliders with pickled shallots and arugula ($8), and Poutine made with pomme frites, topped with Vermont white cheddar curds, sausage gravy and sunny side egg ($8).

You can view the Hourglass Menu here. Just make sure you’re at Comme Ça before time runs out!

Hourglass Menu at Comme Ça
Nightly from 5-7pm
8479 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 782-1104
www.commecarestaurant.com

March 14: St. Patty's Fest in Hollywood

thirstyinla — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:41:35 +0000

On Sunday, March 14, Barcelona Enterprises presents St. Patty’s Fest, at the Taglyan Arts and Cultural Complex in the heart of Hollywood. Your ticket gets you all the beer, wine, and whiskey you can drink from more than 35 breweries, 20 wineries, and spirits including Tullamore Dew and Feckin Irish Whiskey.

To soak up the booze, there’s all you can eat Pink’s hot dogs, Boar’s Head sandwiches, and of course an array of Irish sausages, cheeses, and breads. Live entertainment includes the Claddagh Dance Company and music by Peter Daily & the Royal Band. Best of all, proceeds benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation and The Irish Center.

St. Patty’s Fest
Sunday, March 14, 2010
2pm-7pm

Taglyan Complex
1201 N. Vine St.
Hollywood, CA 90038

All-inclusive $100 tickets are available online now.
Ticket includes food, drink, live entertainment, and all the singing and dancing you didn’t realize you had in you.
Proceeds benefit Children’s Tumor Foundation and The Irish Center.

For more information, including the complete list of participating breweries, wineries, and spirits: www.stpattysfest.com

Update 3/2: Groupon has 50% discount tickets available TODAY (Mar. 2) ONLY: www.groupon.com/deals/barcelona

February 21: Stir It 28 – Food Bloggers for Haiti Relief

thirstyinla — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:08:29 +0000

It’s been just over a month since a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on January 12th, causing widespread damage and devastating the capital city of Port-au-Prince. According to the Associated Press, the estimated death toll is now over 230,000 and expected to rise. Although the emergency phase of the disaster is over, and millions of dollars have been donated towards the humanitarian effort, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. As Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive recently told delegates at a conference in Montreal, “massive support” from the international community will be needed in order for Haiti to rebuild.

With that need in mind, three food bloggers have come together to organize Stir It 28, a multi-faceted fundraising campaign to support ongoing relief efforts in Haiti. Stir It 28 is the brainchild of Chrystal Baker (The Duo Dishes), Bren Herrera (Flanboyant Eats) and Courtney Nzeribe (Coco Cooks).

The three-part Stir It 28 campaign will take place as follows:

Part I. Feb. 21 – Culinary Evening Celebrating Life & Hope
Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and New York will each host its own culinary fundraiser for the public this Sunday, February 21st. The events will feature food from chefs, restaurants and food bloggers from each city.

For Stir It 28 Los Angeles, a top-notch group of caterers, bloggers and home cooks will prepare an extensive list of appetizers and desserts for guests to enjoy. Among the culinary talent is Gisele Perez (Small Pleasures Catering), who will host an interactive bruschetta bar and a dessert bar; and Barrie Lynn Krich (The Cheese Impresario), who will have her artisanal cheese plates for the event.

Thirsty guests need not worry: Natalie Bovis-Nelsen (The Liquid Muse) is hosting not one, but two bars. Grey Goose and LA brand attaché Christophe Namer are joining Natalie to present signature vodka cocktails, including Natalie’s own Hearts for Haiti (Grey Goose L’Orange, homemade syrup, fresh grapefruit juice and prosecco). At her Sangria Station, Natalie will offer specialty sangrias featuring Sutter Home and Fre Alcohol-Removed wines, and the Sparkling Pomegranate Snowflake from her book, Preggatinis™: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be.

$30 advance tickets can be purchased at Flanboyant Eats or Coco Cooks. Advance tickets are on sale until 3:00 pm PST on Saturday, February 20th. Click the Stir It 28 logo that says “Purchase Tickets For STIR IT 28 Culinary Event-Feb. 21st.” Be sure to indicate you’re buying a ticket for the LA event in the seller’s notes. A limited number of $35 tickets will also be available at the door.

Part II. Month-Long Donations
If you’re unable to attend Sunday’s event, donations are being accepted via PayPal all month long, beginning Feb. 21st. The PayPal donation address is stirit28 (at) gmail (dot) com.

Part III. One Comment. One Eats.
Food bloggers are invited to participate in Bren Herrera’s hunger campaign, “Hunger Lives No More: One Comment. One Eats.” For each comment left on the 1st post of February, participating bloggers are asked to donate one food item to Share Our Strength. Donations are coordinated with SOS to ensure all food items will reach Haiti. If you participate, email bren (at) flanboyanteats (dot) com and you will receive a “You Gave” badge to place on your blog.

Stir It 28 Los Angeles
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Private Hollywood Residence
4-7pm

$30 in advance.
Limited $35 tickets at the door.
Complimentary valet parking to the 1st 50 guests.

Featuring:

Appetizers and desserts from top caterers, bloggers, and home cooks.
Two bars with cocktails and beverages from The Liquid Muse, featuring Grey Goose, Sutter Home Winery, and Fre Alcohol-Removed Wine.
Raffle prizes include Preggatinis™ Gift Basket from The Liquid Muse, iHerb.com gift pack, cookbooks from Abel & Cole and Karen Tack and Alan Richardson, and a gift certificate to OpenSky.

100% of proceeds goes directly to Yéle and Share Our Strength.

For more information, please visit The Duo Dishes.

Drink Local: Made in Malibu Launches at Pourtal

thirstyinla — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:13:35 +0000

When wine aficionados talk about California wine, it’s more than likely they’re discussing the world famous wineries that are well north of our fair city. Santa Monica’s Pourtal aims to change that way of thinking with Made in Malibu, a wine tasting series that explores Malibu’s burgeoning wine region, or American Viticultural Area (AVA). The goal for the month-long series is “to spotlight some of our favorite California wines, all of which are produced right in L.A.’s backyard,” says Pourtal owner Stephen Abronson.

The exclusive wine tasting tour will feature a flight of ten wines crafted solely from grapes grown in the Malibu AVA. Pourtal’s high-tech Enomatic machines will be busy dispensing tastes through the month of January. Each wine is priced per 1 oz. pour, and guests are welcome to sample at their own pace. Two additional Malibu wines will be available from Pourtal’s by-the-glass list.

Made in Malibu featured wines include:

2006 Hoyt Family Vineyards Chardonnay
2008 Republic of Malibu Pink Lady Rosé
2007 Cielo Malibu Rouge
2001 Semler Cabernet Sauvignon Library Release
2005 Semler Syrah
2005 Rosenthal Malibu Newton Canyon Merlot
2004 Rosenthal Surfrider Red
2007 Griffin Family Vineyard Malbec
2007 Malibu Vineyards “Vortex” Sangiovese
2008 Malibu Sanity Pinot Noir, Schetter Malibu Vineyard

Made in Malibu debuts on Wednesday, January 6 with a launch party honoring the winemakers. Representatives from each of the featured wineries will discuss their wines as well as hand-pour an additional wine. Pourtal will provide hosted appetizers for guests. Admission to the launch party is free. The hand-poured tastings are free with the purchase of a $15 Pourtal tasting card, which may be used for pours from the Enomatic machines at any time.

Throughout the month, Pourtal will also host select Malibu wineries for a special series of hand-poured tasting events. Each winemaker will present several off-the-list wines to taste, as well as have a few bottles available for purchase. The tastings are free to guests with the purchase of a $15 Pourtal tasting card.

NOTE: Dates and times for the special tastings are subject to change. For the full schedule of tasting events, please visit Pourtal’s website.

Made in Malibu
Wine Tour and Tasting Series
Jan. 6-31, 2010
Available any time during regular business hours.

Launch Party: Wednesday, January 6th, from 7-10pm.

Pourtal
104 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-7693
www.pourtal.com

Update 1/19: Tonight, you can support the Haiti earthquake relief effort by drinking wine. From 7pm to closing, Pourtal will donate 25% off all tasting sales on Tuesday night to the Santa Monica chapter of the Red Cross specifically for the earthquake relief in Haiti.

November 8: 23rd Annual Great Chefs of Los Angeles

thirstyinla — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:32:19 +0000

On Sunday, November 8, the 23rd Annual Great Chefs of Los Angeles brings together L.A.’s top tastemakers for an afternoon of food, wine, music and auctions to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California. GCLA draws more than 500 people each year, and has raised more than $4.5 million for the foundation since its inception in 1987. The recently introduced “Go Green, Go Organic” theme promotes eco-conscious living and sustainability, utilizing organic foodstuffs and eco-friendly products throughout the festivities.

Honorary Chairs George and Ann Lopez.

National Kidney Foundation spokesman George Lopez, a kidney disease survivor, and his wife and kidney donor Ann Lopez, will host the afternoon’s festivities as Honorary Chairs. Joining the Lopezes will be a star-studded “green carpet” including such celebrities as Andy Garcia, Jennie Garth, Peter Facinelli, Amy Garcia, Paul Stanley, Deana Carter, Mark Rolston, Brook Burns and Jeff Davis.

Chefs of Honor Neal Fraser (Grace, BLD) and Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (Border Grill, Ciudad) head an impressive lineup of top Los Angeles chefs. The Chefs of Honor will present awards to their fellow participating chefs to spotlight the use of local, organic and sustainable ingredients. (See below for a full list of participating chefs, wines, and spirits.) Hostess Chef Candice Kumai, The Stiletto Chef of TLC’s “Cook Yourself Thin,” will serve as emcee for the event and auction.

Featured items for this year’s live auction include a Maurice Lacroix Limited Edition 999 Watch, a private dinner party courtesy of Neal Fraser paired with wine from Frank Family Vineyards, a Border Grill Truck Party for 25, a La Loggia party for 25, two round-trip business class tickets on American Airlines to one of their European destinations, and a five-night stay at Aurelio-Lech, a new luxury ski lodge in Austria. The silent auction will include sports memorabilia, travel packages to international destinations, and numerous wine and spirits packages.

23rd Annual Great Chefs of Los Angeles
Sunday, November 8, 2009
12pm-3:30pm
$150 per person, proceeds benefit the National Kidney Foundation

CBS Studio Center
4024 Radford Dr.
Studio City, CA 91604

For more information, please visit www.kidneysocal.org

Featured chefs include:

Adam Horton, Saddlepeak Lodge
Akasha Richmond, Akasha
Andrea Cavaliere, Cecconi’s
Benjamin Ford, Ford’s Filling Station
Bob Lynn, La Grande Orange
Brain Moyers, BLT Steak
Calogero Drago, Celestino Ristorante & Panzanella
Celestino Drago, Drago Restaurant, Enoteca Drago, Il Pastaio, Drago Centro
Chris Moran, Events D’Elegance
David Linville, Charlie’s Malibu
Frank Leon, LaLoggia Ristorante & Bokado
Keven Alan Lee, EAST Restaurant & Lounge
Giacomino Drago, Il Pastaio
Govind Armstrong, 8 oz.
Jason Johnston, Dakota
Jesse Perez, Fuego at Hotel Maya
Jimmy Shaw, Loteria Grill
Joachim Weritz, Moonshadows
Jonathan Burrows, Mr. Cecil’s California Ribs
Jorge Chicas, The Bazaar – SLS Hotel
Josie Le Balch, Josie Restaurant
Margarito Cid, Harry’s Oklahoma Style Smokehouse BBQ
Mary Sue Milliken & Susan Feniger, Border Grill & Ciudad Restaurants
Michael Fiorelli, mar’sel
Neal Fraser, Grace & BLD
Paolo Sicuro, Via Alloro
Roberto Maggioni, Lago
Sam Marvin & Christopher Goossen, Bottega Louie Restaurant & Gourmet Market
Simon Dolinky, BLVD 16 at Hotel Palomar
Steven Fretz, XIV
Tanino Drago, Tanino Ristorante & Panzanella Ristorante
Yoji Tajima, SHU – Sushi House Unico

Wines:

Barone Fine Winery
Buttonwood Farm Winery
Crossings, New Zealand
Duckhorn Wine Company
Frank Family Vineyards
FIFTYROW
Golden State Wine Co.
Grgich Hills Estate
Jaffe Estate Wine
Jack Wines
Jocelyn Lonen Winery
Kunde Estate Winery
L’Aventure Winery
Laetitia Vineyard & Winery
Loring Wine Co.
Quinta do Castro
Regal Wine Co.
Sterling Organics
Trefethen Family Vineyards
Vega Sicilia
Villa Franttina

Champagnes:

Remy Cointreau USA
Charles Heidsieck
Piper-Hiedsieck

Spirits:

VeeV Açai Spirit
Tequila Ocho
RIGHT Gin

944 Get Hip Get Green Lounge
944 and Get Hip Get Green, an eco-conscious leader in producing stylish reusable bags, totes and water bottles, sponsor the GCLA “944 Get Hip Get Green” Lounge, outfitted with environmentally friendly lounge furniture provided by Girari Sustainable Furnishing. VeeV Açai Spirit, a leading distiller in promoting social responsibility in the beverage industry, will pour cocktails at the “Go Green Go Organic” Spirits Bar. Guests will use biodegradable utensils by Sysco’s Eco Company line.

Guests will receive Get Hip Get Green’s reusable gift totes stuffed with $250 worth of goodies from leading green and eco-friendly companies, including LaRocca Skincare, Healing Skin, Utter Cream, Eco-Panda, Herbal Water, Nelson J Salon, Alterna, OPI, Explorer’s Bounty, Celtic Sea Salt, Edward & Sons Trading Co., Pop Chips, Robert’s American Gourmet and Little Laura’s Sweets, among many others. Signed copies of Skinny Bastard, the latest book by Skinny Bitch authors Kim Barnouin and Rory Freedman, will also be included in the gift bags.

Nov. 5 & 6: Joseph Phelps Vineyards Wine Dinner at the Peninsula

thirstyinla — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:45:18 +0000

On Nov. 5 and 6, The Peninsula Beverly Hills is hosting a four-course Joseph Phelps Vineyards Wine Dinner, where diners will be able to meet Kathleen Dirickson (the winery’s National Manager) as well as taste several Joseph Phelps wines paired to a fall menu prepared by Peninsula Executive Chef James Overbaugh.

The night’s dishes will include Dungeness crab chowder with carrots, basil and Dungeness crab soufflé paired to a 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (93 pts. Wine Spectator); and roasted loin of venison with persimmon carpaccio, grilled bok choy, roasted turnips and fingerling potatoes paired to a 2005 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (93 pts. Wine News) and a 2006 Insignia (94-96 pts. Robert Parker, 94 pts. Wine Spectator).

This extravaganza for the palate will take place at the acclaimed Belvedere at the Peninsula, a Mobil Four Star and perennial AAA Five Diamond Award winner. The evening costs $98 per person, quite a value if you consider that the Insignia alone typically retails for $200 a bottle.

Information and full menu are below. Capacity is limited, and reservations are required. A superb, reasonably-priced evening of fine dining and excellent wines in a world-class setting doesn’t come along too often, so secure your seat today!

Joseph Phelps Vineyards Wine Dinner
Nov. 5 & Nov. 6, 2009
6pm-10:30pm
$98 per person
Call 310-975-2736 to make reservations.

The Belvedere
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 551-2888
www.peninsula.com

Menu (course / wine)

Dungeness Crab Chowder with Carrots, Basil and Dungeness Crab Soufflé / Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’07 Sauvignon Blanc
Grilled Spanish Mackerel Fillet with Sweet Corn, Matsutake Risotto and Almond-Marjoram Sauce / Freestone Vineyards ’06 Ovation Chardonnay
Roasted Loin of Venison (Sliced Filet Mignon available as an option) with Persimmon Carpaccio, Grilled Bok Choy, Roasted Turnips and Fingerling Potatoes / Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’05 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’06 Insignia
Guava-Peach Soup with Oatmeal Streusel, Chamomile Cream, Coconut Sorbet and Mint / Joseph Phelps Vineyards ’08 Eisrébe

October 8: Dan Aykroyd Wine Tasting at Whole Foods

thirstyinla — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:04:37 +0000

Elwood Blues. Dr. Raymond Stantz. Louis Winthorpe III. Beldar. Most actors would kill for any one of those roles, but Dan Aykroyd played them all. From his years as a founding cast member of Saturday Night Live, to his iconic movie roles, Dan has few peers when it comes to comedy. His writing skills and gift for impersonation place him among the best of his generation; watch this clip of Dan as Julia Child and you’ll see what I mean. Thirty years later, and “Save the liver!” still gets me every time.

Dan’s business savvy has proven to be the equal of his comedic talents. Most people know that Dan is the co-founder of the House of Blues chain. He’s also the Canadian importer and co-distributor of Patron tequila, and the principal owner of Crystal Head Vodka. As if all that isn’t enough, Dan also has a long-standing interest in wine. This love affair began while he was working on SNL and The Blues Brothers, when musician Steve Cropper introduced Dan to Premier Cru Bordeaux and other world-class wines. Dan then immersed himself in the wine world, launching his own brand in Canada in 2007 to rave reviews. In 2008 Dan partnered with Sonoma County’s DeLoach Vineyards to create a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay in a style that reflects his passion for entertaining family, friends, and fans.

On Thursday, October 8th, Dan is hosting an intimate gathering at the Whole Foods on 3rd and Fairfax. Dan will sign bottles of his new Discovery Series California wine, and fans will get to sample the wine. There’s no RSVP necessary, just show up and enjoy! All the info is below, as well as the details on a special giveaway after the jump.

Dan Aykroyd Wine Tasting
Thursday, October 8th
4pm to 6pm
Whole Foods Market
6350 W. 3rd St. (at Fairfax)
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Win a bottle of Discovery Series wine, signed by Dan Aykroyd!

(CONTEST IS CLOSED)

Whole Foods Market has graciously donated a bottle of Discovery Series wine, signed by Dan Aykroyd, for one lucky fan to win!

We’re doing a little contest to see who gets the bottle, and it couldn’t be easier to enter (assuming you’re on Twitter, of course). Just retweet the message below, with your favorite Dan Aykroyd movie between the quotes:

RT @ThirstyinLA @WFMLA Dan Aykroyd #DiscoverySeries Wine Tasting 10/8: “MOVIE”

We’ll randomly select a tweet and post the winner here and via Twitter.

Here are a few rules:

You must be 21 to enter
One entry/tweet per person
No purchase necessary*
Retweet must be posted by 12pm PST on Thursday, October 8

The winner does not have to be at the event, but the signed bottle must be picked up at Whole Foods by Thursday, October 15. So, you can enter if you’re from out of town, as long as you plan on being in the L.A. area next week.

*Please note, the winner will have to pay 1 cent for the bottle. Don’t ask me, ask the lawyers.

Good luck everyone!

UPDATE 10/8: The contest is now closed! Congratulations to Stephanie Bayer, who was the only entry who picked The Blues Brothers (not that any movie was right or wrong), and even included the classic “We’re on a mission from God” quote in her winning tweet. Thanks to everyone who entered, stay tuned for future giveaways!

2009 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

thirstyinla — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:35:47 +0000

Since its inception just after the repeal of Prohibition, the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition (now in its 70th year) has become one of the Top 5 wine competitions in the country. This year’s 3,400 wine entries were judged by an international panel for three days at the end of May, while another team of judges tasted 199 spirits in early June. The competition also serves as the foundation for a wine education program available to visitors of the annual L.A. County Fair, which opens Labor Day Weekend in September.

I was invited to attend a very special sneak preview event to sample the competition winners, who didn’t find out they’d won until the awards were officially announced earlier today. Appropriately enough, the preview event took place at McCormick & Schmick’s on tony Rodeo Drive.

In a change from previous years, judges awarded Best of Show red and white wines by price point.

Following are the Best of Show reds:

Tamari, Malbec, Reserva, Mendoza Argentina, 2007 ($14.99 and under)
Target Wine Cube, Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah Blend, California, 2007 ($14.99 and under)
Cantina Redi, Briareo Riserva, Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano DOCG 2006 ($15 – $29.99)
Armida Winery, Syrah, Flora Ranch, Chalk Hill, 2006 ($30 and up)
David Bruce Winery, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2006 ($30 and up)

And the Best of Show white wines:

South Coast Winery, Muscat Canelli, Temecula Valley, 2008 ($14.99 and under)
St. Hallett, Riesling, Eden Valley, Australia, 2008, ($15 – $29.99)

Last year, the Wine World of Sports category was created to introduce the wines of sports figures such as Mario Andretti and Greg Norman. Top honors this year went to Los Angeles Dodgers legend Tommy Lasorda’s wine, Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT, 2008. Not surprisingly, there’s a picture of Tommy on the bottle. I should also mention his wine was really good.

New for 2009 is Music Uncorked, a category for musician vintners that includes everyone from Lil Jon to Barry Manilow. Maynard James Keenan, lead singer for Tool, and his Caduceus Cellars took Best of Show for Red Blends, Shinola, Merkin Vineyards, California, 2007.

A blind taste test of the Best of Show reds.

After making our way around the various tasting stations, attendees were invited to gather at a communal table, where glasses of the Best of Show reds were lined up. The object was to guess the price points of each glass. I have to admit it was both intimidating and educational to be seated at the table with two of the wine judges, Bob Blumer (aka “The Surreal Gourmet”) and Master Sommelier Michael Jordan. While suppressing my urge to eavesdrop on them, I managed to get two right (both of the $15 and under reds) and I wasn’t too far off with the other three. The Armida Syrah was the consensus winner at the table, even before the prices were revealed.

The Spirits display, including Best of Show winner Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban.

The Spirits category was added in 2007, and this year Best of Show was awarded to The Glenmorangie Company, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban (Whiskey/Whisky Single Malt Scotch 11-20 years old).

The 2005 Samuel Adams Utopias, a Gold Medal winner.

Winner of the Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition was The Bruery’s Berliner Weisse. Among the other beers on display was the 2005 Samuel Adams Utopias (Gold Medal, Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer).

In the Extra Virgin Olive Oil competition (first introduced in 2000), California and Spain emerged as the big winners of the 477 entries.

The public will have its first opportunity to taste the award-winners at Wine & Cars Under the Stars, a fundraising event to benefit the education programs of the Foundations at Fairplex.

The complete list of all the winners is available at the official competition website.