Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 <a href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards">James Beard Awards!</a> These talented individuals and establishments have demonstrated exceptional skills and contributed to the culinary world in remarkable ways. Here&#39;s a praise for each winner:

&nbsp;

Outstanding Chef: Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster in Washington, D.C., showcases a mastery of flavors and a commitment to sustainable and plant-based cuisine.

Outstanding Restaurant: Friday Saturday Sunday in Philadelphia, PA, captivates diners with its impeccable service, innovative dishes, and an inviting atmosphere.

Best New Restaurant: Kann in Portland, OR, brings a fresh and exciting culinary experience to the city, pushing boundaries and delighting taste buds.

Outstanding Restaurateur: Ellen Yin, the driving force behind High Street Hospitality Group, including Fork, a.kitchen + bar, and High Street Philly in Philadelphia, PA, has created a dining empire known for its exceptional quality and diverse offerings.

Outstanding Hospitality: The Quarry in Monson, ME, stands out for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that guests feel truly cared for.

Emerging Chef: Damarr Brown of Virtue in Chicago, IL, has emerged as a rising star, showcasing culinary creativity and a deep passion for his craft.

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Margarita Manzke of R&eacute;publique in Los Angeles, CA, creates stunning desserts that are as visually captivating as they are delicious.

Outstanding Bakery: Yoli Tortilleria in Kansas City, MO, crafts artisanal tortillas that elevate any meal with their authentic taste and texture.

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Ototo in Los Angeles, CA, offers an impeccable selection of wines and other beverages that enhance the dining experience with every sip.

Outstanding Bar: Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu, HI, is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts, delivering exceptional libations with skill and flair.

Best Chef: Midwest: Itaru Nagano and Andrew Kroeger of Fairchild in Madison, WI, create a culinary symphony, fusing local ingredients with inventive techniques.

Best Chef: Mountain: Kris Komori of KIN in Boise, ID, showcases the diverse flavors of the region, combining culinary traditions with contemporary flair.

Best Chef: South: Natalia Vallejo of Cocina al Fondo in San Juan, PR, celebrates the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with a modern twist.

Best Chef: Northeast: Sherry Pocknett of Sly Fox Den Too in Charlestown, RI, captivates diners with her creative dishes rooted in indigenous ingredients and traditions.

Best Chef: Southwest: Andrew Black of Grey Sweater in Oklahoma City, OK, dazzles diners with his innovative approach to regional ingredients and bold flavors.

Best Chef: Southeast: Terry Koval of The Deer and the Dove in Decatur, GA, showcases a deep understanding of Southern cuisine, blending tradition with contemporary techniques.

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic: Chutatip &ldquo;Nok&rdquo; Suntaranon of Kalaya in Philadelphia, PA, takes diners on a culinary journey through the flavors of Thailand, beautifully balancing authenticity and innovation.

Best Chef: New York State: Junghyun Park of Atomix in New York, NY, crafts refined and intricate dishes that pay homage to Korean cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Best Chef: California: Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks, CA, showcases the rich and complex flavors of Thai cuisine, creating a memorable dining experience.

Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific: Vince Nguyen of Berlu in Portland, OR, presents a menu that celebrates the bounty of the Pacific Northwest, highlighting local and sustainable ingredients.

Best Chef: Texas: Benchawan Jabthong Painter of Street to Kitchen in Houston, TX, brings the vibrant and diverse flavors of Thai street food to the heart of Texas, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Best Chef: Great Lakes: Tim Flores and Genie Kwon of Kasama in Chicago, IL, craft innovative Filipino-inspired dishes that celebrate the flavors and traditions of their heritage.

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Special mentions for the wine-related categories:

&nbsp;

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Ototo in Los Angeles, CA, impresses with its curated wine selection, showcasing a diverse range of varietals and regions.

Outstanding Bar: Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu, HI, offers an exceptional selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails, ensuring a memorable drinking experience for all.

&quot;At CorkRules we&rsquo;d like to congratulate&nbsp;the winners of the 2023 James Beard Awards! You inspire us with your passion and innovation. The restaurant industry continues to reimagine itself and these winners are leading the inspiration&rdquo;, Robert Tas, CEO/Founder of CorkRules.

Cheers to all the winners.&nbsp;

Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 James Beard Awards! These talented individuals and establishments have demonstrated exceptional skills and contributed to the culinary world in remarkable ways. Here's a praise for each winner

2023 James Beard Award Winners Spotlight

1803 is a Cajun restaurant that brings a little of New Orleans’ eclectic culture to the streets of New York. It’s a sexy, sultry space with a penchant for Deep South decadence and jazz. For a memorable culinary experience, this is the place to bring a date.

Pairing Wine with Cajun Food at 1803

Drops of God, the popular manga series by Tadashi Agi and Shu Okimoto, has been adapted into a television series by AppleTV and has some buzz in the wine world. The AppleTV series tells a story about a competition between Camille's (Fleur Geffrier) estranged daughter and Issei (Tomohisa Yamashita), the protégé after the death of Camille's father, a famous wine collector, to win his world-renowned wine collection valued at $100M+.

Drops of God: The AppleTV Series That Could Save the Wine Industry

Certified sommelier and CorkRules’ resident Somm, Michaela Quinlan shares her expertise on the wine list of il Buco. il Buco’s wine cellar holds a selection of over 400 wines and includes an exciting range of lesser-known, artisan wines from Europe. This restaurant has been called "one of the best and most exciting in America" by Gourmet magazine and the wine list has won Wine Spectator’s "Award of Excellence" several times.

Artisan Wines at Il Buco

Orange wine is made from white grapes, but the skin stays in contact with the juice longer during the maceration period, which increases the tannins and turns the normally white wine a more golden hue. The longer the contact,  the darker the hue, which increases the tannins and a stronger intensity. Pinot gris and malvasia are two common grape varieties used to make orange wine, but if you dig a little deeper, explore a little further, you can find some delightful orange wines along the border between northeastern Italy and Slovenia where orange wines are madefrom indigenous grapes on the region, including sauvignon vert (friulano), ribolla gialla, and pinot grigio.

Pairing Orange Wines at Pasquale Jones

The Lobster Club in the Seagram Building, New York City is a Japanese Brasserie that is renowned for its unique interpretation of Japanese cooking and Sushi, and what’s even more exciting is that it has an extensive wine list.

Fine Wines at The Lobster Club

Unless you are born into a vineyard, grow up in wine country, a career in wine is not a go-to profession for most graduates. But for some people, their love of wine and career path are intertwined. This is how it was for Jane Lopes, sommelier, co-founder of Legend Imports, and author of Vignette: Stories of Life and Wine in 100 Bottles.

Stories of Wine & Life with Jane Lopes, Sommelier, Author and Co-Founder of Legend Imports

CorkRules has been presented with the BMMA ‘Best New Mobile App” Platinum award, the highest award achievement in category.

CorkRules Wins the 2023 BMMA Platinum Award for "Best New Mobile App"

Pairing wine with Asian food is a common dilemma. Just what should you order with the Spicy Yellowtail Yu Sheng or the Mongolian Lamb Chops? How do we make palatable choices that cross cultures and bring out the best in each location’s use of herbs and spices?

Pairing Wine with Asian Food at Buddakan

Field & Main Restaurant

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas explore the wine list at Field and Maine, a restaurant with a wholesome, rustic vibe that serves locally-sourced and globally-inspired cuisine. 

Wine List Review of Field and Maine, Virginia

Michaela Quinlan

Field and Maine

Field &amp; Main:

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!&nbsp;

A podcast where,&nbsp;in each episode,&nbsp;we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I&rsquo;m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier. Hello Michaela,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: 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: Today we are talking about Field and Main Restaurant in Marshall, VA, just an hour outside of Washington DC. Field and Main offers locally sourced and globally inspired cuisine. Enjoy their indoor dining, or try their private, outdoor cabana seating for that special event.

Michaela, I can&rsquo;t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list.

MQ: Any wine list that features pages of sparklers from around the world, definitely has my attention! Not to mention the stellar selections of reds, whites, and roses. The list layout is approachable by region and varietal and will certainly please all palates.

RT: That&rsquo;s really great, as you looked at the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: The first wine that caught my eye was a local, Viognier. Consider the 2016 Michael Shaps Viognier from Charlottesville, VA. Viognier is light to medium bodied, aromatic, and truly thrives in Virginia. This beautiful white wine features aromas of white flowers, honeysuckle, ripe green apple, ripe peach, and lemon zest. Enjoy this wine as an aperitif or with shellfish and cheese.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: Another unique wine caught my eye. Consider the 2021 Domaine de la Mordoree &lsquo;La Reine du Bois&rsquo; Rose from Tavel in France. Tavel is an appellation in southern Rhone that only produces Rose. This standout blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah consistently earns high ratings. It features rich color with notes of tangerine, ripe red cherries, ripe raspberries, along with notes of herbs on the lingering finish. This is a year-round Rose to pair with shellfish, cheese, and lightly sauced proteins.

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;?

MQ: A must-try is the Jansz Brut from Tasmania. This Australian sparkler consists of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Munier and features all of the classic aromas and flavors you hope for in a standout Brut. From notes of citrus, apple, and pear, to brioche and almond, this sparkler is a must-try. Kick off your dining experience with a glass or pair with light fare and anything fried.

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?

MQ: Another standout on this list is the 2020 Mullineux Syrah from Swartland, South Africa. This Western Cape Syrah showcases aromas of lavender, dried rose, ripe blackberries, black cherries, and cassis, with notes of mushroom, olive, black pepper and smoke. Pair this red with herbed proteins, savory and smoky dishes.

RT: Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind..&nbsp; any other great value wines you&rsquo;d point us to?&nbsp;

MQ: Consider the 2021 Tornatore Carricante from Sicily. Carricante is a Southern Italian white grape varietal is a medium-bodied crowd pleaser. From ripe peach, pear, and green apple to a mineral and almond/nutty finish, this quality/value white is another must-try. &nbsp;

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: We can thank Portugal for our next selection. If you are looking for a quality/value bold red, then consider the 2019 Quinta de la Rosa from the Douro region of Northern Portugal. This blend of Touriga National, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca features ripe black cherries, ripe plumb, fig, with notes of smoke, earth, and leather. Keep this wine in mind when pairing with all richly sauced dishes.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: If you are fortunate enough to visit this gorgeous area of Northern Virginia, and specifically a cabana at Field and Main, consider the following wine to enhance your Old-World dining experience. The 2020 Domaine JM Guillon &lsquo;Vielles Vignes&rsquo; from Gevrey- Chambertain in Burgundy. Field and Main offers this wine in a Magnum format, which always makes an impression when it arrives at the table. &lsquo;Vielles Vignes&rsquo; on the label means &lsquo;old vines &lsquo;and the grapes for this exquisite and aromatic Pinot Noir were grown on 90-year-old vines. Featuring ripe cranberry, fig, plumb, and ripe raspberry with a note of spice and minerality on the finish make this classic Pinot Noir a celebration in itself.

RT: Michaela, thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Field and Main&rsquo;s wine list. I can&rsquo;t wait to go try them myself.&nbsp;

&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.

&nbsp;

Thank you.

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End

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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.

Trattoria da Vittorio

La Boatina

Pinot Grigio 2020

Friuli Isonzo, Italy

Trapiche

Broquel Torrontes 2020

Mendoza, Argentina

Castellani Vermentino, Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT 2020

Tuscany, Italy

Contemassi

Chianti Riserva 2018

Chianti, Italy

DAOU

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

California, USA

Dei

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2017

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy

Podere 29

Avia Pervia Primitivo 2018

Puglia, Italy

Montemagno

Violae Monferrato Rosso 2019

Monferrato, Italy

Ferrari

Trento Brut NV

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Podere 29

Avia Pervia Primitivo 2018

Puglia, Italy

Raina Montefalco Rosso, Italy, Umbria, Montefalco, Montefalco 2020

Umbria, Italy

Stags' Leap

Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Napa Valley, USA

Montemagno

Tenuta, Monferrato Nymphae, Italy, Piedmont, Monferrato 2020

Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy

Rombauer Vineyards

Sauvignon Blanc 2021

California, USA

Santa Margherita

Pinot Grigio Alto Adige 2020

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy