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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

Delfina Restaurant

Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier, and Robert Tas visit Delfina, a wholly “Cali-Itali” restaurant that bridges that offers a beautiful amalgamation between the old-world and the new. 

Wine List Review of Delfina, San Francisco

Grant Wood

Delfina

Cork Rules

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 Grant Wood, wine educator and certified sommelier. Hello Grant,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to have you!

SH: Hi Robert! Great to be back.

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. Today Grant and I are reviewing

Delfina SF

&nbsp;Delfina has been in SF for over 20 years and is back with a new design after being closed during the pandemic. This time with a whole new look and a fabulous menu to match. They are true pioneers to the Cali-Itali with everything from Pizza to Liberty Farms Duck. Let&rsquo;s take a look at their beverage program and see what gems we may discover!

Let&rsquo;s kick it off with cocktails as you know I can&rsquo;t resist!

I&rsquo;d go for the Dolores Park Swizzle with rhum blanc (French islands) lime, Maraschino and absinthe. Rhum with an H is what tells you that this is coming from the French islands and are made with cane juice as opposed to molasses. Another quick draw for me is the Negroni Nostrano featuring Bordiga Occitan gin, vermouth rosso and house-made apertivo because you know I can&rsquo;t say no to any kind of Negroni.&nbsp;

Moving on to bubbles here there is a great Italian theme with some great options. I&rsquo;d go for the Sagrantino Brut Rose by Scacciadiavoli out of Umbria. This is a beautiful rose from an underappreciated part of Italy for Spumante and at a reasonable price. Otherwise, I&rsquo;d order the Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelverto by Zanasi out of Emilia Romagna which is a killer sparkling red that is perfect for antipasta or charcuterie.&nbsp;

Moving on to whites let&#39;s go for the 2019&nbsp;&nbsp;Weissburgunder &lsquo;Praesulis&rsquo; by Gump Hof in Alto Adige which is really lean and easy going but for something a little closer to home I can&rsquo;t resist Ryme&rsquo;s 2018 Ribolla Gialla from the Vare vineyard in Napa Valley. Ryan and Megan are making truly awesome wines that are for the people. They&rsquo;re also a favorite of my girlfriend and I and we drink these wines all the time.&nbsp;

One other local favorite would be Idlewild&rsquo;s 2021 &lsquo;The bee &ndash; Flora &amp; Fauna&rsquo; made from Arneis-Muscat and Canelli-Favorita which I think would have just the right amount of body roundness to pair with something a bit richer.&nbsp;

Let&rsquo;s get in the reds now, yea?

On the lighter side, I&rsquo;d go for the 2021 Carignan from Railsback Freres here is California which is high acid, bright red fruit, and super easy drinking.&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking back to Italy, though, I like the 2016 Barbera by Guiseppe Mascarello which is always delivers and I think is such a great wine for the table.&nbsp;

Moving into the bigger reds which I know is where your head is at Robert. I&rsquo;d go for the 2017 Nerollo Mascalese by Passopisciaro which is such a classic and would be great with their menu. Another standout for me is the 2012 Aldo Conterno &lsquo;Colonello&rsquo; from Barolo which would really just steal the show.&nbsp;

Lastly, I&rsquo;d finish my evening with the 2012 Falanghina Passito by La Sibilla in Campania to tie off what is sure to be a wonderful dining experience at Delfina.&nbsp;

Cheers!

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RT: Grant, thank you so much for helping us navigate the wine list at Delfina.&nbsp;

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.&nbsp; If you would like Grant to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: <a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">Info@</a><a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">CorkRules</a><a href="mailto:Info@corkrules.Com">.Com</a> or visit our web website where we have a request form.

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 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

Ken Forrester is a highly respected wine producer in South Africa, known for his exceptional Chenin Blanc and other varietals. He is committed to sustainable farming and producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Coastal Region.

Refined restaurant & bar featuring updated steak & seafood dishes, plus a nose-to-tail butcher shop.

Viva Garcia

Brera Osteria

Buddy V's

Yardbird

CHICA Las Vegas

Chica

Bar Zazu

Hell's Kitchen, Las Vegas

Brera

Jasmine

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

Echo & Rig

DAOU

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, USA

Henri Gaillard

Cotes de Provence Rose 2020

France

Caballero Malbec, Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo 2016

Malbec

Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Copain Wines Tous Ensemble Chardonnay 2017

Mendocino County, USA

Copain Chardonnay Tous Ensemble, USA, California, Sonoma County 2017

Chardonnay

California, USA

The Pinot Project

Pinot Noir 2018

Pinot Noir

California, USA

Villamedoro

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2019

Montepulciano

Abruzzi, Italy

Sean Minor

Signature Series Pinot Noir 2020

Pinot Noir

Central Coast, California, USA

El Cep Gelida Pinot Noir Rosado Brut Reserva Cava 2019

Catalonia, Spain

Weingut Josef Spreitzer '' Riesling, Rheingau 2018

Rheingau, Germany

Highlands

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Cabernet Sauvignon

Howell Mountain, USA

Smoke Tree Ros, USA, California, Sonoma County NV

Rose Blend

California, USA

Dr. Hermann

Riesling Trocken NV

Riesling

Mosel, Germany

Giulia

Luca Paretti Prosecco, Italy, Veneto / Friuli-Venezia NV

Glera

Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Chamisal Vineyards

Stainless Chardonnay (Unoaked) 2016

Chardonnay

Central Coast, USA