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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

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.

Lambrusco: The Party in a Bottle You Need to Try under $25

As the days grow longer and warmer, it's time to trade in your full-bodied reds and crisp whites for a glass of refreshing rosé. This versatile wine is not only perfect for spring but also pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods all year round.



Rosé originates from France, specifically Provence - the world’s leading rosé region. It has been produced there since 600 BC when Greeks brought vines to southern France. Unlike its red and white counterparts, rosés are made using an array of grape varietals including Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault among others.

Spring into Rosé: The Perfect Wine for Warmer Weather

We are interested in understanding your dining and wine consumption habits to gain valuable insights into the wine and restaurant industry.

State of Wine and Restaurant Survey 2024

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

For Chardonnay lovers seeking a refreshing, value-driven alternative, Aligoté, Burgundy's "other" white grape, beckons with its crisp acidity, subtle minerality, and undeniable charm. Often overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbor, Aligoté is finally gaining recognition for its unique qualities and exceptional quality-to-price ratio.

Aligoté: Burgundy's Unsung Hero Steps Out of the Shadows

A Hungarian Legacy: Imagine yourself in Tokaj, Hungary, a region steeped in winemaking tradition. For centuries, Furmint has thrived in its volcanic soil, basking in the warm sunshine. These grapes, loved for their thick skin and high acidity, became the cornerstone of Hungary's most famous wine: Tokaji. These sweet, honeyed treasures were once enjoyed by royalty and popes!

Furmint: Hungary's Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers

Check out these four whites wines under $24, from some great producers across various terroirs – France, Italy, Spain. Spring is in the air.

Four must try white wines for under $24 from France, Spain, and Italy

Eric Asimov's recent article isn't just about the "luxury" of sommeliers vanishing from restaurants. It's a stark warning about the potential collapse of a vibrant corner of our social and cultural ecosystem: the world of wine.

Why the Decline of Sommeliers Is a Crisis for All of Us

Mariel

Samantha Hohl, certified sommelier and wine educator, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Mariel in Boston.

Wine List Review of Mariel, Boston

Sam Hohl

Mariel

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 Samantha Hohl, certified sommelier and wine educator.

Hello Sam,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

SH: Hi Robert!

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.

RT:

Cork Rules&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Mariel 

Overview

Mariel is located in Boston, Massachusetts and features Cuban dishes, craft cocktails and a curated wine list to pair. It&rsquo;s all set in a beautiful dining area designed to transport you to Havana.

Where to start 
Mariel&rsquo;s wine list features wines from Spain, France and America which you can navigate by country and style. There&rsquo;s some great choices here to pair with their menu loaded with rich, spiced and flavorful plates.

Let&rsquo;s start off with the 2020 Rafael Palacios Godello from Valdeorras, Spain. This small winemaking region is known for this native varietal called Godello, a white wine grape well known in Galicia, Spain but is also grown in parts of Portugal. Palacios started acquiring old plots and making wine under his own label back in 2004. This bottle is going to be medium-bodied with bright citrus notes, along with some pear and peachy tones too. Try it with the Yuca Cheese Puffs or Chicken Tots to balance those tasty fried flavors.&nbsp;

Another great bottle to kick off the evening would be the 2017 Pintia Toro. This is 100% Tempranillo from the small Toro region in northwestern Spain. The Pintia vineyard is located on the banks of the River Duero and the climate can be intense with hot summers and very cold winters. There&rsquo;s also very little humidity so all of these conditions make for some really beautiful grapes. This bottle will be silky with ripe blackberry flavors balanced with earthy notes along with hints of leather and vanilla. Delicious to sip on and would pair wonderfully with something like the meatballs Havanera.

Value

This list has a really nice range so there are some great options no matter your preference for the evening and I have a couple to mention. A lovely light red to sip on would be the 2018 Marcel Deiss Saint Hippolyte Pinot Noir. Marcel Deiss is one of France&rsquo;s well-known wine producers loved for their expression of terroir. The estate is located in Alsace and the vineyards are farmed biodynamically. The Pinot Noir vines are planted in infertile soil, which means the roots need to work harder and ultimately more nutrients get sent to the grapes making for really delicious wine. This bottle is going to have those juicy red fruit flavors that we love in pinot noir, along with delicate floral tones and zippy acidity. The acid and fruity tones in this would be so good with the pork sticky ribs!

Another awesome value bottle would be the 2018 Suertes Del Marques &lsquo;Trenzado&rsquo;. This white wine is from the Canary Islands and primarily made from the Listan Blanco varietal, also known as Palomino which is often used to make sherry. The grapes grow on vineyards located on steep hillsides and are exposed to ocean influences, so it adds some super nice salinity to the wine. It&rsquo;s going to bring some serious lemon flavor, hints of peach, almond and delicious minerality. This bottle would be so tasty with the ham and cheese croquette baked oysters to complement the salinity in the dish and cut through the richness.&nbsp;

Celebratory 

A bottle to take your night over the top would be the 2007 Mas Del Serral. Located in Penedes, Spain, the Raventos family has been living and farming the Clos de Serral estate since 1497! So we&rsquo;re talking about some serious history here. This bottle of bubbles was made with a white blend including Xarel&middot;lo grapes that were planted in 1954. It&rsquo;s popping with green apple, pear, some flower petals, along with creamy and toasty notes. Only about 2700 bottles were produced so this is an awesome find!

RT: Sam Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate MARIEL&rsquo;s

wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself. &nbsp;

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: <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.&nbsp;

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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BRAT

Bocca di Lupe

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

Castello del Trebbio is a historic winery located in the heart of Chianti. The winery is known for producing high-quality wines using traditional winemaking practices. Castello del Trebbio is committed to sustainable winemaking practices and has implemented various measures to reduce their environmental impact.

Charming spot offers eclectic fare, wine flights & a fixed-price menu served at communal tables.

Viva Garcia

Brera Osteria

Buddy V's

Yardbird

CHICA Las Vegas

Chica

Bar Zazu

Hell's Kitchen, Las Vegas

Brera

Jasmine

episodes

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.

Wine Vault & Bistro

Available Wines
Total Wines - 5

L'Aventure

Optimus Estate Proprietary Red NV

Petit Verdot

California, USA

Michael Mondavi

Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley NV

California, USA

Stolpman Vineyards

Sauvignon Blanc NV

Sauvignon Blanc

Ballard Canyon, USA

Villa Creek

Avenger NV

Blend

Paso Robles, USA

Calera

Jensen Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mount Harlan NV

Mount Harlan, USA