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<a href="https://www.sprucesf.com/">Spruce</a> in San Francisco: A Gastronomic Delight with Exquisite Ambiance

Hey there foodie friends! Today, I wanted to share my recent dining experience at Spruce in San Francisco. Nestled in the vibrant Presidio Heights, this upscale dining destination perfectly blends sophisticated flavors with an inviting atmosphere. So, grab a seat and let&#39;s dive into a memorable culinary journey!

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1. Food: (4/5) A Culinary Symphony of Flavors

The menu at Spruce is a tantalizing showcase of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Whether you opt for the tasting menu or the bar menu, prepare to have your taste buds dance with joy! From the first bite to the last, every dish is meticulously crafted with precision and creativity. The use of bold flavors and elegant plating truly reflects the culinary mastery of Spruce&#39;s team. The caviar service is ridiculous how good it is to enjoy and perhaps pair some champagne.

Remember, while the tasting menu might seem like a splurge, Spruce&rsquo;s bar menu offers a more casual and affordable way to experience their culinary expertise. Whatever you choose, don&#39;t forget to save room for dessert as Spruce is renowned for its innovative sweet creations. Beignets are terrific.

2. Service: (5/5) Elevating Hospitality to an Art Form

Spruce&#39;s approach to hospitality is simply exceptional. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted by warm and knowledgeable staff who treat you like a longtime friend. Their passion for hospitality shines through every interaction, offering personalized recommendations and attending to your every need with impeccable service. It&#39;s clear that creating a memorable dining experience is at the forefront of Spruce&#39;s philosophy. The sommeliers are top notch, in fact they 3 or more on the floor at any time. Everyone is very knowledgeable, it&rsquo;s clear they do an amazing job of training.

3. Wine List: (4/5) A Sophisticated Journey for Wine Enthusiasts

Calling all wine aficionados! Spruce&#39;s wine program is a true gem. Their thoughtfully curated wine list boasts an impressive selection of both classic and lesser-known wines from around the world. The list is not small by any means, in fact might be too big for one to manage on their own. Thank goodness we have an <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/corkrules-wine-confidence/id1631528589">app</a> for that. With great attention to detail, the wine program at Spruce offers a depth that caters to every palate and budget. As mentioned above their sommeliers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. They&#39;re more than happy to guide you through the menu, suggesting perfect pairings that complement your culinary journey.

<a href="https://www.corkrules.com/spruce/episodes/447">CorkRules Podcast Episode #275</a>

4. Vibe (5/5): Elegance and Warmth Collide

Spruce sets the stage for a memorable dining experience with its beautifully designed dining room and inviting bar area. The dining room exudes sophistication with its cozy fireplace, elegant chandeliers, and plush seating. It&#39;s the perfect setting for a special date night or celebrating a milestone. On the other hand, the bar area offers a more vibrant and livelier atmosphere, making it ideal for casual get-togethers with friends or enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail. No matter where you choose to sit, Spruce guarantees a warm and welcoming ambiance that adds to the overall dining experience.

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Spruce in San Francisco is a culinary haven that deserves a spot on every food lover&#39;s list. With its exceptional menu, stellar service, impressive wine program, and inviting atmosphere, Spruce is a must-visit destination that will undoubtedly leave you wanting to return for more. So, gather your friends, make a reservation, and prepare for a gastronomic journey that will delight your senses and create lasting memories. Cheers to good food, great company, and unforgettable experiences!

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Hey there foodie friends! Today, I wanted to share my recent dining experience at Spruce in San Francisco. Nestled in the vibrant Presidio Heights, this upscale dining destination perfectly blends sophisticated flavors with an inviting atmosphere. So, grab a seat and let's dive into a memorable culinary journey!

Spruce in San Francisco: A Gastronomic Delight with Exquisite Ambiance

Wine gifting is a time-honored tradition that never goes out of style. Whether you're attending a dinner party, celebrating the holidays, or simply wanting to show appreciation, a bottle of wine can be an elegant and thoughtful gift. However, there are certain etiquettes around wine gifting that should be observed to ensure your gesture is well-received. Here's how you can master the art of wine gifting.

The Art of Holiday Wine Gifting: A Guide to Etiquette and Unforgettable Impressions

The holiday season is a time for celebration, and champagne is a popular beverage of choice for many. Whether you're looking for a high-end champagne to mark a special occasion or a more approachable option for casual gatherings, there are plenty of choices to consider.

Bubbles for the Holidays!!

CorkRules is built for wine enthusiasts who are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting wine experiences. People often find themselves lost in a sea of options when trying to choose the perfect bottle for any occasion. Look no further! CorkRules Wine App is here to meet all your wine needs and revolutionize the way you explore, learn, and enjoy wine.

CorkRules - The Uber Wine App

Learning about wine can be an exciting but challenging journey. With thousands of wine varieties, regions, and winemaking techniques to discover, it's no wonder that many beginners feel overwhelmed (as do we) when starting their wine education. However, numerous resources are available to help people build their wine knowledge, and wine magazines are among the best tools for aspiring oenophiles (wine geeks).

Our favorite wine magazines to help your wine journey:

Joh. Jos. Prüm is a celebrated family-owned wine estate located in the heart of Mosel, a serene region in Germany, renowned for its outstanding Rieslings. The Prüm family's wine-growing heritage dates back to as early as the 17th century, further solidifying their stature as one of Mosel's most revered wines producers. The estate's rich history, coupled with a well-preserved passion for meticulous wine craftsmanship, allows them to consistently deliver the grandiosity expressed in each bottle of their world-renowned Rieslings.

A Taste of Heaven: Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Riesling 2010

Paola Bea is a legendary figure in the world of Italian wine, particularly in Umbria. The family is renowned for their commitment to natural winemaking and has been instrumental in establishing the reputation of Sagrantino di Montefalco as one of Italy's most distinctive wines.

San Valentino Paolo Bea an Italian treasure

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!

Hey foodies! We recently had the pleasure of dining at Estiatorio Milos, a Greek seafood paradise nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, located in the opulent Venetian Resort. Let me tell you, this place is an absolute must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere. As always, freshly caught fish is displayed whole on ice, it’s a symbol of the seafood pleasures ahead.

Estiatorio Milos, a Greek seafood paradise in Las Vegas

Hello, movie buffs and wine enthusiasts! Get ready to swirl your glasses as we introduce you to a new cinematic delight that will take you on an intoxicating journey through the picturesque vineyards of California wine country. It's time for another grape-infused adventure with 'Gap Weekend,' a film that promises to be this generation's answer to 'Sideways.'

Uncorking the Delights of 'Gap Weekend': Via California Wine Country

Le Grand Restaurant

Grace Hood

Le Grand

Le Grand

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where, in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Grace Hood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grace,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to have you!

GH: Hey Robert! Happy to be here as always

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.

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:&nbsp;So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list. Grace, what are we reviewing today?

GH: Today we&rsquo;re taking on downtown LA hot spot, Le Grand, and let me tell you, this place looks like a VIBE as the youths say. On top of having an awesome wine list and delish-looking menu, they have live music, DJs and performers most nights! Looks like one hell of a party. Let&rsquo;s go Robert!

RT:&nbsp;Let me get a babysitter and I&rsquo;ll meet you there Grace!

GH: And I love that even though this place is super fun and lively, they put a lot of care and consideration into their wine list. That doesn&rsquo;t always happen with properties that focus more on having a good time rather than curating a unique wine list. You basically either get fine dining with huge cellars, or nightclubs with bottle service. Love that this place meets in the middle!

RT: Sounds super fun! What are your thoughts on the wine menu?

GH: Whoever made this wine list definitely knew their audiences. In LA you have some old school classic Hollywood types who love their big cabs and old-world Italians etc. But then you have hip young millennials who are all about natural wine. And you can get all of that at La Grande!

RT: Love that. Catering to all palates in downtown LA. Where do you want to kick us off?

GH: So, in the first few pages, they are highlighting Georgian wine which is super rare to see! Georgia is internationally recognized as the cradle of wine with 8,000-year history of winemaking. These smaller lesser-known countries, like Ge&oacute;rgia, who have been producing wine for thousands of years, but just didn&#39;t have the volume or the interest to distribute worldwide. But now that so many countries have wine as an everyday beverage, we&rsquo;re seeing tons more countries represented in the wine scene. &nbsp;

RT: I don&rsquo;t know if I&rsquo;ve ever had Georgian wine!

GH: You wouldn&rsquo;t be the first person to say that to me Robert! I love that Le Grand is putting na emphasis on Georgian wine. And best part, besides being delicious, is that it&rsquo;s super affordable! Most of the wines they have on the Georgian list are going to be natural wines done in quervi&rsquo;s which are large, egg-shaped earthenware vessels used for the fermentation, storage and ageing of traditional Georgian wines. Going to give you a creamier more rustic style of wine. Not for everyone but definitely worth trying so you can at least experience this unique style for yourself.

RT: What would you recommend to a first-timer like myself?

GH: For skin contact Orange wine, I would do the 2019 Ori Marani Exile on Caucasus, which is made (and I might get this pronunciation totally wrong) from the Katsateli grape. Or the 2019 Villa Mosavali Mtsvane. Both those grapes are indigenous to Georgia and a staple of their wine-making history.

RT: Very cool! I&rsquo;m so curious about them. What would you recommend for Georgian reds? &nbsp;&nbsp;

GH: So saperavi is one of their most famous red grapes. And there are more than a few on the Le Grand list. I would go with the 2019 from Marbano. Or the 2019 from the Georgian Wine Foundation. The name says it all!

RT: Wow that&rsquo;s so rad. Thanks for that Georgian wine lesson, Grace. I bet a lot of our viewers had no idea about Georgian wine till now. What else is looking good on the Le Grand list?

GH: Oh man they have so many little sub categories. This list is like looking at a map of a city that has many unique neighborhoods. A few pages past Georgia, they have a section called the Rare Gems Collection, and boy do they ever. Starting in sparkling, you could go with the 1990 Taittinger Artist Collection or the equally as lovely 2005 Dom Perignon Brut Rose. 

RT: Can&rsquo;t go wrong with vintage champagne. What about some lighter-style whites?

GH: Oh they have a great domestic riesling producer, Brooks, which is out of the Willmette Valley in Oregon. The riesling made in Oregon, unless otherwise specifed, is going to be dry! Crispy and aromatic and floral. I&rsquo;ve been lucky enough to visit and tour the Brooks winery and they&rsquo;remaking some really exceptional wines up there. &nbsp;

RT: Oh delicious. And I bet riesling would be a fun bottle to have while jamming to a groovy band at Le Grand.

GH: Exactly! When I&rsquo;m dancing I always want something refreshing in my glass.

RT: What about a white for our listeners who are more into richer styles? &nbsp;

GH: Gotta be a central coast classic, Melville. It&#39;s a Santa Barbara winery that&#39;s making french style wine from California grapes, and is a personal favorite of mine. The tasting room is absolutely stunning as well.

RT: Oh la la American Burgundy!

GH: And speaking of American Burgundy. You know I gotta highlight some domestic pinots. They have a 1999 Flowers Pinot out of Sonoma. You don&rsquo;t want to drink pinots when they&rsquo;re too too old, so this one is right on the cusp of almost over the hill, so don&#39;t delay and drink today!

RT: Going once going twice sold!

GH: And if pinot isn&rsquo;t your jam, how about some rhone valley Syrah? This 1999 E Guigal Cote Rotie would be a fabulous choice. Oh if you wanted a 90s Italian, they&rsquo;ve got a 1997 Sassicaia! Woweee wow wow! Or orrrr if you wanted 90s Spanish &ndash; get yourself a bottle of 1998 Vega Sicilia from Ribera del Duero! Holy canolli this place has some deep cuts on their list!

RT: Absolutely amazing. I think this answers the question &ldquo;where did all the older vintages go?&rdquo; turns out their hiding out in a groovy cellar in downtown LA

GH: You can say that again, Robert. Le Grand, we see you!

RT: Amazing! Grace, thank you so much for helping us navigate the list at Le Grand. To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.&nbsp; 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.

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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Gap Weekend: A Film Shoot in Wine Country

Alba Restaurant

Alba

10 Greek Street

L'Auberge Chez Francois

Andrew Edmunds

Salt Seafood and Oyster Bar

Matteos Ristorante Italiano

Matteo's

Eddy V's Prime Seafood Restaurant

28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen

28-50

Fashionable restaurant showcasing high-end steak & Asian fusion dishes in a luxurious atmosphere.

Storypoint Vineyards is the latest innovation from the esteemed Mondavi family. They craft wines that are approachable and expressive of the land. They believe food and wine should be enjoyed together, so they create wines that pair perfectly with your favorite foods. Their vineyards are located in California's most renowned wine regions and are tended by passionate growers dedicated to the land.

The American Express Centurion Global Lounge Network

homepage

CorkRules application allows you to discover wines at your favorite restaurants, learn with friends and be confident with price transparency. Order wine with confidence at restaurants and retailers. Get personalized recommendations. #DrinkWhatYouLove

Animae

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HANDS OF TIME Red 2018

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