Hey guys!

Guess where I had dinner last night? Babbo Ristorante in NYC! If you&#39;re a foodie like me, I&#39;m sure you&#39;ve heard of this amazing Italian classic Let me give you the lowdown on this place and why you absolutely need to check it out.

First things first, let&#39;s talk about the history of Babbo. Back in 1998, renowned chef Mario Batali opened this gem in the heart of Greenwich Village. It quickly became one of the hottest spots in the city, attracting food lovers from all over the world. Fast forward to today, and the restaurant is now under the expert management of chef-owner Mark Ladner, who has taken Babbo to new culinary heights.

<a href="https://www.corkrules.com/babbo/episodes/252">Check out CorkRules Podcast #218</a>&nbsp;by our very own Maria Valetta aka @mariathewineblonde.

Food: (4.5/5) - Now, let&#39;s dive into the food. The menu at Babbo is a celebration of classic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. They offer a wide variety of dishes, ranging from antipasti like the famous Grilled Octopus with Borlotti Beans to mouthwatering homemade pasta dishes like the unforgettable Black Spaghetti with Rock Shrimp and Spicy Calabrese. Chef Ladner&#39;s expertise really shines through in every bite, and you can taste the love and dedication put into each dish.

Wine: (4/5) - But it&#39;s not just the food that makes Babbo stand out; their wine program is equally impressive. Head sommelier Jeff Kellogg has curated an exceptional but overwhelming wine list, featuring a fantastic selection of Italian wines as well as some hidden gems from around the world. Whether you&#39;re a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a good glass of vino, you&#39;ll find something to suit your taste here. The knowledgeable staff is more than happy to help you find the perfect pairing for your meal, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

Service: (4/5) And speaking of the staff, let&#39;s talk about the service at Babbo. From the moment you step through the doors, you&#39;re greeted with warm smiles and attentive hospitality. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the food and wine they serve, and they go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels well taken care of. It&#39;s the kind of service that makes you feel like a VIP.

Vibe: (4/5) Finally, let&#39;s talk ambiance. If you&#39;re looking for a cozy and intimate setting for date night, Babbo is the place to be. The restaurant has a charming rustic decor, with warm lighting and exposed brick walls that exude a welcoming atmosphere. The energy is lively and vibrant, making it the perfect spot for a celebratory dinner or a romantic date night. And if you&#39;re looking to host a private event, Babbo also offers a private dining room that can accommodate larger parties.

Babbo is one the quintessential restaurants in NYC and is simply outstanding. From the incredible food to the exceptional service, this place has it all. Whether you&#39;re a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking for a memorable dining experience, Babbo is definitely worth a visit. So go ahead and make a reservation and prepare to indulge in the best of Italian flavors. You won&#39;t be disappointed!

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Back in 1998, renowned chef Mario Batali opened this gem in the heart of Greenwich Village. It quickly became one of the hottest spots in the city, attracting food lovers from all over the world. Fast forward to today, and the restaurant is now under the expert management of chef-owner Mark Ladner, who has taken Babbo to new culinary heights.

Babbo Ristorante in NYC! An Italian Classic!

Navigating the wine list at a restaurant can be a daunting task, as many wine lovers have experienced. In our previous article on the tension of ordering wine at restaurants, we discussed this issue and shared some tips to help ease the process. However, one CorkRules user has recently encountered a situation that highlights just how challenging it can be.

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Memorial Day weekend signals the official kick-off to summer, and what better way to celebrate than a backyard barbecue with friends and family? But for the wine lovers out there, the usual pairing of burgers and beer can feel a little, well, uninspired.

Fear not, fellow geeks! Let's ditch the predictable and dive into three exciting wine options that will have you sipping and savoring alongside the sizzling BBQ.

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What is the right price for a bottle of wine at a restaurant? Wine pricing at restaurants is a hot topic of late but has many complexities. Let's dig into it and better understand the issues and some potential solutions.

The tension around wine pricing at restaurants?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a name that resonates with prestige and quality in the world of wine. This illustrious appellation is steeped in history dating back centuries and has been producing some of France's most celebrated wines for generations.



Nestled within the southern region of Rhône Valley, France lies Châteauneuf-du-Pape - translated as "the Pope's new castle". The area earned its moniker during the 14th century when it served as a summer residence for Popes who sought refuge from political turmoil in Rome.

The Rich History of Châteauneuf-du-Pape highlighting some great value wines

In the world of wine and food, we often find ourselves ensnared by ratings, stars, points – an endless parade of numbers that dictate our choices. We chase after high-rated wines or Michelin-starred restaurants with fervor only to be met with experiences that seldom live up to their lofty reputations. But amidst this whirlwind pursuit for perfection lies a simple truth - what truly makes wine and food special are not scores or accolades but pure experiences crafted from love.

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The world of sparkling wine is a vast one. While champagne has long been the reigning king, there's another contender that’s not only equally delicious but also offers great value for money - Cremant.

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Omakase is experiencing a surge in popularity, let’s dig into what it is and of course what wines to drink.



 Omakase, a term that translates to "I'll leave it up to you" in Japanese, is rapidly gaining popularity in the culinary world. This dining experience places your meal entirely in the hands of the chef, who meticulously crafts each course based on seasonal ingredients and their personal creative flair. It's not just about seafood; while sushi often features prominently due to its status as a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, an omakase menu can include anything from Wagyu beef to seasonal vegetables.

Omakase and Wine Pairing: A Booming Gastronomic Journey

California Chardonnay: it's a name synonymous with sunshine, buttery richness, and maybe even a splash of white wine envy (looking at you, Bridget Jones). But how did this grape, originally hailing from France, become a Californian icon? Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of CA Chard, from its unexpected origins to the reasons it continues to reign supreme on wine lists.

Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of CA Chard!

Forget everything you think you know about sweet, syrupy wines. Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region that’s as light and bubbly as a summer day.

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Girasole

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas embark on another wine adventure as they peruse the wine list at Girasole. Chef-owned and operated, Girasole serves authentic Italian cuisine.

Wine List Review of Girasole, Virginia

Michaela Quinlan

Girasole

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

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Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

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MQ: Hi Robert!

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RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well&hellip; it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

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Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

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RT:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

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RT: Today we are talking about Girasole. Located in The Plains, the heart of Virginia&rsquo;s Hunt Country, Girasole is chef owned and operated and features authentic Italian cuisine with house made pasta and local ingredients.

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Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

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MQ: Girasole offers an extensive, Italian dominant list with half bottles, local wine selections, and a limited Reserve list. There are many options to pair with their fresh and local menu. We hope you enjoy today&rsquo;s selections.

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RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

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MQ: The first to catch my eye was the 2020 Wilhelm Walch &lsquo;Prendo&rsquo; Pinot Grigio from the Alto Adige of Italy. This Northern Italian white wine is well balanced with bright acidity, tangerine, ripe green apple, and citrus, along with fresh herbs on the mineral finish. A perfect way to begin your dining experience or to pair with cheese and salads.

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RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

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MQ: Heading to Tuscany, a red that caught my eye was the 2018 Elisabetta &lsquo;Brunetti&rsquo; Sangiovese. While medium bodied with soft, round tannins, this Sangiovese can still stand up to richly sauced pasta and proteins. The ripe red cherries, blackberries, hints of white pepper, cedar, earth, and cocoa make this Sangiovese and excellent pairing with Girasole&rsquo;s menu.

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RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a &ldquo;must-try&rdquo;?

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MQ: Travelling further south to Puglia, a must try is the 2020 Leone de Castris &lsquo;Five Roses&rsquo; Rose. This is the Rose for red wine drinkers. Consisting of a blend of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera, this richly colored Rose features citrus, tangerine, watermelon, and ripe strawberries, along with bright acidity, and a mineral finish. Pair this Rose with herbed proteins and charcuterie.

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RT: These are some great calls. So, you know I&rsquo;m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

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MQ: Returning to Tuscany, a wine to consider for the table would be the renowned and consistently highly rated and organic 2018 Avignesi &lsquo;Desiderio&rsquo; Merlot. This full bodied, aromatic red wine features notes of sage, fennel, and eucalyptus, along with ripe black berries, boysenberry, and ripe plumb. The long, mineral finish lingers with smoke and leather. A winner for all richly sauced pasta and proteins.

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RT: Ooh, Terrific.

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Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind.&nbsp; Any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

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MQ: I am a fan of this next grape varietal and I hope you become one as well. Consider the 2020 Tasca d&rsquo;Almerita Grillo from Sicily. Grillo is a white grape that produces bright, dry, and aromatic white wines. This wine features bright acidity, lemon and lime zest, notes of salinity, white flowers, and that classic almond/nuttiness on the finish. Pair this excellent quality and value wine with shellfish, seafood and cheese.

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RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

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MQ: Let&rsquo;s return to Tuscany for the 2019 Castell di Poppiano Syrah. If you have not tried many Syrah from Italy, do give this one a try. It showcases all of the Syrah qualities we love such as ripe red cherries, ripe plumb, notes of sage, black pepper, earth, and smoke. The round tannins and herbal notes make this an excellent quality and value wine to pair with pasta, pizza, and herbed proteins.

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RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

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&nbsp;MQ: What would an Italian list review be without mentioning a Barolo? If you are looking to add to your dining experience, consider celebrating with the 2018 Giacomo Conterno &lsquo;Cascina Francia&rsquo; Barolo from the Piedmont. While Barolo is the region within the Piedmont, the red grape in this stellar wine is Nebbiolo. This 97 point rated Barolo is rich and full bodied with fresh acidity, ripe red cherries, ripe blackberries, with notes of raspberries and herbs. The classic aromas of rose and licorice, along with smoke and tobacco on the finish make this wine one to celebrate. Extend your special event by allowing this wine to be decanted.

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RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Girasole&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;

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To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

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If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">Info@CorkRules.Com</a> or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

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We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.&nbsp;

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And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

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Thank you.

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End

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J Vineyards is a renowned winery located in the heart of California's Russian River Valley. Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, the winery is known for its exceptional sparkling wines and Pinot Noirs, which are crafted using traditional methods and sustainable farming practices. With over 100 acres of vineyards and a state-of-the-art winery facility, J Vineyards is committed to producing wines of the highest quality that reflect the unique terroir of the Russian River Valley.

Seasonal New American fare in posh, romantic environs, plus craft cocktails & extensive wine list.

Contento

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Join us each week as we pour a glass and share top restaurant ‘wine list’ picks, providing you with the knowledge to confidently navigate the ‘wine list’ through somm recommendations, suggested food pairings and masterclass insights.

Babbo Ristorante in NYC! An Italian Classic!

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