BYOB, Free Corkage and Two Great Wines

My Dad used to listen to Frank Sinatra sing, "The Best Things In Life Are Free," lyrically glorifying the moon and the stars.  Then Janet Jackson and Luther Van Dross sang a Duet of the same title, all about the "nights" that were free.  But hey, what's better than free corkage?  And still, no song.

Here I can match you with a bunch of places that make it easy for you to bring a favorite wine along, suggest one little gem of a place that has gotten my attention and offer our resident sommelier, Daniel Deny, with his latest wine recommendations.

Daniel and Denise, aptly named for the D Blog!

A Food Affair Restaurant is hidden on a stretch of Robertson Blvd. that has absolutely no connection to the happening parts of Robertson farther north.  I've driven by it countless times on the way to the 10 Freeway and never saw it.  But oddly, the restaurant comes up often on either Open Table or Yelp as having consistently excellent food.  Why, I wondered, was a place with high marks not being blabbed about in the foodie community?  Well, aside from its lack of "hipness," it's a BYOB and that puts it at risk for staying power and is sadly a Deterrent to many Diners.  I checked it out with a friend and our food was nothing short of Divine and so was the server (probably a soon-to-be soap opera regular with a chiseled face, a buff bod and a killer smile - but I Digress).  Not expecting to review, I Didn't take my regular slew of photos but I did get this one of the Duck Leg Confit with the lentil micro green salad and plum apricot ketchup.  The moist meaty quality of the Duck was fitting for a high end restaurant and the nicely combined lentil salad was tasty and restrained to elevate the Duck.  Two appetizers, two entrees, Dessert and our own wine came in at $35 person. Seriously, the best thing in life was practically free and Decidedly Delicious.  Hope others give them a chance as odds are against these little guys Devoted to good food without pricey bars.  Check out their menu.  Just reading it makes me hungry to go back.  http://afoodaffair.com/?page_id=20

Duck leg confit

If the notion of free corkage is appealing, here's a wider list though I can't vouch for these.  http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?pid=370&m=6  Read the small print. Some only offer it one Day a week.

Lastly Daniel Deny, the sommelier who meticulously chooses wines for the D Blog, has two more for you!  One that he loves is poured at his own Primitivo Wine Bistro.  To get you in the holiday mood, the champagne is available through your better wine stores and, if not stocked, can be ordered.

RED WINE FROM CALIFORNIA

Region : Amador County.
Producer : Forlorn Hope "De Witt Vineyard"
Vintage : 2009
A blend of 50% Touriga, 30% Tempranillo, 15% Tinta Cao and 5% Tinta Amarella.
Rich blue-black fruit drapes luxuriantly across a backbone of firm tannin and hides the teasing suggestion of exotic spice and earthiness.
Can be paired with Short Ribs or Grilled Sausages.
A fantastic blend of Portuguese and Spanish varietals grown in Amador County.
"I absolutely love this wine!" said Daniel who Drinks it. "I love its Dramatic forlorn name," said Ilene who hasn't tasted it yet.
On the Wine List at Primitivo Wine Bistro at $53 a bottle 

AND for the holidays or, as I suggest, any night of the week:

CHAMPAGNE FROM FRANCE
Deutz Champagne  Blanc de Blancs  2007

100% Chardonnay. On the nose notes of white flowers and fresh fruits. it is powerful in the mouth, with lemon and white fruits notes. A beautiful yeasty finish.
Can be paired with a grilled white fish, lobster or a carpaccio of fine scallops.
An absolutely good value for a vintage Blanc de Blancs.
Should retail around $69
Remember Champagne is not only for celebrations, it's a perfect food wine (this note from a very particular French sommelier!).

At Primitivo Wine Bistro in Venice, CA.

Cheers, Santé and Bon Appetit!  

Don't forget to email questions for a special or fun night out.  I'll be picking a few to answer on a post.  Look forward to hearing from you! 

A Food Affair Restaurant
1513 - 1515 S. Robertson Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 557-9795