In the world of wine and food, we often find ourselves ensnared by ratings, stars, points &ndash; an endless parade of numbers that dictate our choices. We chase after high-rated wines or Michelin-starred restaurants with fervor only to be met with experiences that seldom live up to their lofty reputations. But amidst this whirlwind pursuit for perfection lies a simple truth - what truly makes wine and food special are not scores or accolades but pure experiences crafted from love.

Recently I found myself at the end of a long day filled with events where things just didn&rsquo;t go as planned. Tired yet hungry, my companions and I stumbled upon a little hole-in-the-wall pizza place tucked away in some nondescript corner. From its rustic exterior to its bustling interior echoing with laughter and clinking glasses, it was evident this wasn&#39;t your typical pizzeria.

The kitchen was alive even late into the night; chefs danced around each other like seasoned ballet dancers performing on stage while crafting culinary masterpieces out of doughs and toppings. Their energy seeped through every crack in the room creating an atmosphere so vibrant you could almost taste it &ndash; reminiscent more than anything else perhaps of Italy itself.

The pizzas were nothing short of magical despite being deceptively simple; fresh ingredients combined harmoniously resulting in flavors both unusual yet familiarly comforting at once. Accompanying these gastronomic delights was wine served straight from barrels without any labels adorning them- unpretentious yet delicious beyond words can describe.

This experience couldn&#39;t have been scripted better if one tried - serendipitous is probably how best one would describe it all! It reminded me why we should appreciate such unexpected moments when they come along because they bring us back down to earth reminding us about life&#39;s simpler pleasures which are usually overlooked amidst our constant quest for grandeur.

It&#39;s these experiences that truly make wine and food special. It&rsquo;s not about the points or stars, but rather the love poured into every dish prepared and each bottle uncorked. The magic lies in savoring a meal made with passion, enjoying a glass of wine crafted with care, sharing laughter over shared plates &ndash; all without any preconceived notions clouding our judgment.

So here&#39;s to embracing serendipity! To letting go of expectations and simply relishing what comes our way. After all, life is too short for anything less than extraordinary moments - even if they come from ordinary places.

Cheers to you all! Remember always: Drink what you love because at the end of it all; it isn&#39;t about how many points your wine has or how many stars your restaurant boasts but rather about those pure unscripted moments filled with joyous spontaneity which makes everything taste just so much better.

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In the world of wine and food, we often find ourselves ensnared by ratings, stars, points – an endless parade of numbers that dictate our choices. We chase after high-rated wines or Michelin-starred restaurants with fervor only to be met with experiences that seldom live up to their lofty reputations. But amidst this whirlwind pursuit for perfection lies a simple truth - what truly makes wine and food special are not scores or accolades but pure experiences crafted from love.

The Serendipity of Experiences in Wine and Food

The world of sparkling wine is a vast one. While champagne has long been the reigning king, there's another contender that’s not only equally delicious but also offers great value for money - Cremant.

Cremant vs Champagne: The real deal for bubbles.

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

Robert Tas and special guest, Bradley Knebel, General Manager of Tatiana, talk about Bradley’s career in wine, inclusivity and diversity in wine production, and, of course, the wines on the list at Tatiana.

Wine List Review of Tatiana, New York City

Robert Tas

Tatiana

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 my special guest Bradley Knebel, General Manager of Tatiana by Kuwamee Onwuatchi.

Hello Bradley,&nbsp;I&rsquo;m so excited to have you join our CorkRules podcast.

BK: Hi Robert, it&#39;s great to be here.

RT: Before we jump in, let&rsquo;s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine list 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: Today we are talking about one of the hottest restaurants in NY. Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi,&nbsp; located in the Lincoln center.

Bradley, I&rsquo;m super excited to talk about your journey to opening the restaurants, the food and of course it&rsquo;s wine program. But first tell us about you.

BK: Give introduction to yourself. Background, experience, path to GM and wine.

RT: Wow amazing journey. So now let&rsquo;s talk about the restaurant and the journey.

BK: Talk about your involvement from the beginning, path to opening. Talk about the food. How it&rsquo;s going.

RT: Amazing. Ok, let&rsquo;s pivot to your wine program.

BK: Give an overview of the program. How it&rsquo;s organized.

RT: Before we jump into your list, what is a boozy jelly? Sounds yum.

BK: &hellip;

RT: Wow super cool. Alright, let&rsquo;s start with your wine by glass selections.

BK: &hellip;be specific

RT: As I look at your list, it&rsquo;s really well curated. What are some unique wines that you all offer?

BK: &hellip;be specific

RT: I also love how your list offers many great bottles under $100 any great one that you&rsquo;d recommend?

BK: &hellip;

RT: And then of course I love the reserve section, if I&rsquo;m gonna celebrate something special, how do elevate my experience?

BK: &hellip;

RT: Bradley this has been amazing.&nbsp; Thank you so much for joining here on CorkRules and for all your great suggestions. Congratulations on all your success.

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.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for all our latest episodes and to download the CorkRules app for Apple ios. It provides personalized wine recommendations at over 40K restaurants, allows you to order wine with confidence with price transparency and of course, connect with your friends.

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you. We look forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon.

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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

Casablanca is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Casablanca Valley, one of Chile's most renowned wine regions. With a focus on sustainable viticulture practices, the winery produces a range of premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of the valley.

Contemporary, laid-back vegan outlet supplying small plates & hearty entrees, plus coffee & beers.

Contento

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

MEET OUR SOMMELIER

Johnna
Green

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About Johnna

Want to be a featured Sommelier?

MEET OUR SOMMELIER

Johnna Green

Related Episodes

#33

Contento

About Johnna

Want to be a featured Sommelier?

Johnna
Green