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Check Please!

Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Trattoria da Vittorio, Jin Sho, San Jalisco

Check, Please! Bay Area
28:00
Check, Please! Bay Area finds Calabrian-influenced Italian cuisine in San Francisco, fresh Japanese cuisine in Palo Alto and unforgettable soups back in San Francisco.

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Check, Please! Bay Area Season 14 episode 5 airs Thursday, May 9 at 7:30pm on KQED 9. See other television airtimes. And never miss an episode by subscribing to the video podcast.

Our first restaurant, Trattoria da Vittorio in San Francisco, features Calabrian-influenced Italian cuisine inspired by the chef’s iconic matriarch. Up next is Jin Sho in Palo Alto, a Japanese eatery that strives to serve only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Our final stop is San Jalisco in San Francisco’s Mission district, a popular Mexican spot known for serving up homemade tortillas and unforgettable soups.

Host Leslie Sbrocco and guests on the set of season 14 episode 5.
Host Leslie Sbrocco and guests on the set of season 14 episode 5. (Grace Cheung)

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Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine
Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine (Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)

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.

2017 Marchesi de Frescobaldi ‘Alìe’ Toscana Rosato IGT, Italy $15
Frescobaldi is one of Italy’s famed families making wine for more than 700 years. Though they craft wines with a sense of history, this pale-hued pink is appealing for its modern touch. The name refers to a sea nymph from Greek mythology and this rosé is an ideal match for any day at the beach. A blend of Syrah and Vermentino, it’s bright, refreshing and dry with fruit-driven flavors. It’s a rosé for lovers of styles from pale to powerful. For the price, it’s a remarkable value, too. Pretty to look at and delicious to sip.

2017 Tyrrell’s Wines Semillon, Hunter Valley, NSW Australia $25
Americans are generally not familiar with this Aussie classic — Semillon from Hunter Valley. The grape variety has gained fame in France, but Semillon from this part of the world makes a statement. As taut as a guitar string with a twang of acidity and freshness, it’s a wine that tastes of citrus zest and lemon cream pie. Though fermented in stainless steel barrels, it’s left to rest on its lees to add creamy complexity. Drink now with oysters and scallops, but let it age a few years to gain even more layers of flavor. A must-try for adventures wine lovers.

2016 Sea Slopes Pinot Noir, Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast, California $35
Fort Ross Winery is perched along the scenic Sonoma Coast where vine-laden slopes meet ocean waves. The cool maritime climate allows Pinot Noir grapes to ripen slowly and gain succulent red-berry fruit notes while not sacrificing brightness and bracing acidity. With the Sea Slopes, noted winemaker Jeff Pisoni, has crafted a silky, spicy sipper that captures Sonoma Coast’s beauty in the bottle.

Pierre Ferrand 1er Cru de Cognac Ambré Grande Champagne Cognac, France $45
Cognac is one of the treasures of the drinks world. A grape-based spirit hailing from the Cognac region of France, it’s the essence of class in a glass. This luxurious libation is not only from Cognac, but from the highly-regarded Grande Champagne area (not to be confused with the French bubbly spot). From Maison Pierre Ferrand — a producer that ranks among the best — their Ambré is a subtle spirit with floral aromas and toasty caramel and vanilla bean flavors. Indulging in a glass après dinner is one of my favorite desserts.

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

Wine and spirits that guests drank on the set of season 14 episode 5.
Wine and spirits that guests drank on the set of season 14 episode 5. (Grace Cheung)

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