Check, Please! Bay Area Season 11 episode 5 airs Thursday, May 12 at 7:30pm on KQED 9. See other television airtimes. And never miss an episode by subscribing to the video podcast.

Bootfuls of beer, Weinerschnitzel, and Austrian hospitality are featured at a boisterous San Francisco neighborhood spot called Gasthaus Leopold’s. And modern Vietnamese cuisine that pleases both the eye and the palate is found at Tamarine Restaurant and Gallery in Palo Alto. Lastly the cable car rumbles past a cozy Japanese eatery where sashimi, nigiri and sushi shine, on San Francisco’s Nob Hill at Sushi Rapture.

Host Leslie Sbrocco and guests on the set of the episode 5 of season 11. (Wendy Goodfriend)

Get Restaurant Information:

Gasthaus Leopold’s (San Francisco) [CLOSED]
Tamarine Restaurant and Gallery (Palo Alto)
Sushi Rapture (San Francisco)

Host Leslie Sbrocco tasting wine. (Wendy Goodfriend)

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. I will also share some wine tips with each episode. This week I discuss: using water to avoid a hangover.

2012 Le Domaine Saget, Pouilly-Fumé, France $28
The Saget family has been in the wine business for more than three centuries with nine generations at the helm. This legendary time frame has afforded them ranking among the best producers of the Loire Valley. But, they don’t rest on their laurels and accolades. General Manager Arnaud Saget has taken the reins and is focused on innovation as well with a new line of affordable Vin de France wines dubbed “La Petite Perriere.” This wine, however, falls into their masters category. Made from Sauvignon Blanc planted in the Pouilly-Fumé appellation, this classic style of white encompasses citrus and passion fruit aromas with a driving force of minerality. Pure, focused flavors fleshed out with a luscious texture make it a wine to pair with oysters, scallops or salmon, but also to enjoy on its own as a respite from the day. Though collector-level quality, it’s priced with drinking in mind so stock up for summer time sipping.

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2013 Lombardi Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California $38
Tony Lombardi has a long background in the wine business especially with Pinot Noir. He has captured his love of the grape’s elegance with this eponymous project crafting complex Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Hailing from ultra cool climate vineyards the wine’s hallmarks are freshness layered with cherry fruit notes and a spicy kick. It drinks like silk feels — smooth and sexy. With a few vintages under his belt, this small-production, family-owned operation is one to add to your “must buy” list.

2014 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier, California $15
Pine Ridge has a long history in Napa Valley beginning their awarded journey in 1978. Known for intense and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, I tend to recommend their lighthearted, versatile white blend year in and year out. A deliciously fun sip that surprises, it’s comprised of mostly Chenin Blanc with a splash of Viognier. Chenin Blanc is vibrant, citrus-scented and refreshing while Viognier gives roundness and floral aromatics. Try this with piquant, spicy dishes and fresh, tangy cheeses.

Wines that guests drank on the set of the fifth episode of season 11. (Wendy Goodfriend)

Sushi RaptureSushi Rapture

Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Gasthaus Leopold's, Tamarine and Sushi Rapture