... and now it's time for WINE CORNER

WINE CORNER kicks off with a report on our wine tasting evening at Wine Discount Center

by our resident ghost writer "Double D".


Soledad & I went to a "First Look" wine tasting at Wine Discount Center last night. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was worth it for the people-watching alone! The crowd was mostly 30-somethings, with a few older couples mixed in and the occasional weirdo. One guy was obviously a regular - the staff knew him by name and he flitted from table to table espousing wine facts. He seemed completely crazy but totally in his element & really sweet. On the other end of the spectrum was the douche with permed hair who talked really loudly about everything so we could all benefit from his wealth of knowledge, but he pronounced "Viognier" wrong (not that I know how to pronounce it either, but I'm not trying to be Mr. Pretentious Wine Expert Douche). They had a great selection of wines and the staff were really knowledgeable and cool (except for one guy in a puka shell necklace and earring who bugged the shit out of us for some reason - we kept waiting for him to rotate to the next table.) S. was pretty stoked about the "Hits of the 80s" mix they were playing all night, including such winners as "Send Me An Angel" and "Don't Get Me Wrong."

Several quotes from S. during the evening:

"Miss? The mid-90's bridal shower called and they want their dress back"

"Nobody annoying is over there (speaking about Table #3) - should we go?"

At the end of the night Crazy Wine Expert Man had a bonding moment with Pretentious Perm D-Bag: I overheard Crazy giving Perm suggestions about other wines he might like, and he was very appreciative. It was actually super cute and I momentarily felt bad about making fun of Perm but I got over it. I'm just happy that Crazy Wine Expert Man has an outlet for his craziness. He was having a great time.

Favorite wines of the night:

Laurel Glen "ZaZin" Old Vines Zinfandel 2006 $16.99

Domaine de la Voute des Crozes "Nicole Chanrion" Cote-de-Brouilly 2006 $17.59