CorkRules - Episodes | Parkway Grill

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About this Episode

Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas take a trip to the Parkway Grill where casual sophistication strikes a perfect balance creating a rustic chic space with an award-winning wine cellar, comprised of upwards of three thousand bottles, includes a broad selection of wines served by the glass. Luckily, Grace is on-hand to help identify the must-try bottles, the value wines, and the special occasion splurge wines.

Wines reviewed include:

2005 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque, Champagne
2012 Brut Rose, Frank Family vineyard, Napa
2016 Laurene Pinot Noir, Domaine Drouhin, Oregon

Transcript: Parkway Grill

Parkway Grill

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!

A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grace, it’s great to have you!

GH: Hey Robert how’s it hanging?

RT : Before we jump in, let’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… it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

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.

RT: So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list. Today we will be talking about a Pasadena local’s favorite – Parkway Grill. Grace what are your initial thoughts on this place?

GH: Well, they are referred to as “The Spago of Pasadena”, so that definitely caught my attention! I love that they specialize in a seasonal menu, and also have their own on-premise garden, which is always such a unique thing for a restaurant to have, especially ones in major metropolises, ya know?

RT: Totally – urban gardening is rare to come by. What is the Parkway Grill wine list looking like?

GH: They’ve got a pretty classic list! Lots of old-world and new-world bottles are represented. Variety of price points. Definitely, lots of options for every palate.

RT: Fantastic – should we dive right in with sparkling?

GH: I meannnnn if you insist Robert hahaha. If you wanted to go with a traditional style vintage champagne, I would go with the 2005 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque. However, if you wanted a special production of domestic sparkling, they have a 2012 brut rose from the Frank family vineyard in napa which would be a real treat! I’ve actually never seen a Frank family sparkling so it’s definitely small production.

RT: Oh that’s so fun – I didn’t know Frank Family made sparkling. Would definitely be one to try out for sure. Now, what caught your eye on the whites?

GH: Oh man they have a lot to choose from! If we’re thinking domestic – they have a 2015 Chardonnay from one of my favorite Willamette Valley producers, Bergstrom. Or if you wanted to go with something a little more unique, they have a 2017 Viognier from Alban which is a vineyard in the central coast. I personally prefer California viognier over California chardonnay, so if theres any fellow viognier lovers out there, DM me hahah

RT: Yum! I forget about viognier sometimes. It’s a great alternative to chardonnay, and pairs really well with food. Thanks for the reminder, Grace! Now I’m sure the Parkway Grill has a killer selection of reds

GH: Oh do they ever Robert! It was hard to pick just a few. But some really delicious vintages that caught my eye were the 2009 Ribero del Duero from Vina Sastre out of Spain, as well as the 2016 Laurene Pinot Noir from Domaine Drouhin Oregon. Ohhh I also see they have 2012 Red Blend from Joanta which is a real tasting vineyard out of santa ynez valley, and also a 2012 Sine Qua Non which are very hard to come by!

RT: Oh, wow those all sound delicious. I’ll take one of each! Now Grace what would be your picks for some value wines at Parkway Grill

GH: If you’re bougie on a budget like yours truly, I would start off with the Naverean Cava Rose, followed by the 2017 Aligote Bourgogne from Paul Pernot, and finish with 2014 Tintilla from Vara y Pulgar from Spain.

RT: Great selections. Now, what about some of those special occasion bottles?

GH: Ohhhh well they have a 2009 Cristal which would make any palate happy. And for a special white? The 2017 Puligny Montrachet from Domaine Jean Pascal et Fils. And then for a baller red bottle? Gonna have to be the 2014 Gaja Barbaresco

RT: Amazing. Love those choices. Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list at Parkway Grill. To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules. If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: Info@CorkRules.Com 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.

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. Follow us on social media @CorkRules and @wineswithgrace

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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