March 2017 - Briscoe Bites

31
Mar
2017

Product Review: Avina Wine Tools Swan Corkscrew

categories: Booze, Wine

Fellow wine enthusiasts, you know the drill. Birthdays, holidays, and “thinking of you” gifts all come in the form of…wine accessories. Go ahead, look in your kitchen drawers, wine credenza, or wherever you stash that stuff. How many corkscrews, Rabbits, and wine glass charms do you have? And I’m sure, especially when it comes to corkscrews — despite the many options you may have — there’s the one you just always use. Yes, I am the same way. So when offered a chance to try Avina Wine Tools Swan, I was skeptical to say the least. Stick with me, friends, this is worth the read.

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31
Mar
2017

DeLille Cellars 2014 D2

categories: Booze, Wine

I’m last on board for Washington Wine Month, but better late than never. And, to use another cliché, some things are worth the wait. As you can probably tell, I’m most familiar with California wines, predominantly due to proximity and availability — not to mention the added bonus that I can often meet with the winemakers directly. When it comes to Washington, I know my Chateau St. Michele from my Charles Smith and have tasted from the more boutique Amavi Cellars. But when I heard that DeLille Cellars is Washington’s Bordeaux-style pioneers, I was more than willing to reach outside my border. I present to you DeLille Cellars 2014 D2 Bordeaux-style red blend.

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31
Mar
2017

Sneak Peek: Uproar Brewing Company, Downtown San Jose

categories: Beer & Cocktails, Booze

There’s not a lot happening in downtown San Jose. Unfortunately it seems like more venues are closing up shop than opening. Even with the “uprising” of the “art district” SoFa — there’s nary a decent place to hang out for any significant amount of time. But bumming around the desolate downtown, I came across a glimmer of hope on First Street when I saw that construction is nearly completed on a new pub, Uproar Brewing.

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30
Mar
2017

Rutherford Ranch 2014 Napa Valley Merlot

categories: Booze, Wine

I don’t like a lot of Merlot. I know I’ve said this before — It has nothing to do with an un-named movie, it’s just a personal experience thing. Many Merlots in my pre-wine adventure days, seemed to taste like bland, generic red table wine: boring, flavorless, not worth the time and effort. But I’ve learned to not let one or two (or half a dozen) bad eggs spoil the whole bunch. Just note, when I write about a Merlot, it means it’s a wine worth at least exploring. Cheers, Rutherford Ranch: you made the cut.

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29
Mar
2017

Restaurant Review: Scott’s Seafood, Downtown San Jose

categories: Big Bites, Dining Out

Don’t ask me how I found myself at this neither new nor classic downtown San Jose restaurant. Though I perused the menu before embarking on this culinary adventure, I had my reservations. After my somewhat mediocre experience at the once Michelin-starred Alexander’s Steakhouse in Cupertino, I was concerned about my next culinary splurge. But despite its awkward location and that the food photography on the website leaves much to be desired, I finally found a place in downtown SJ worth returning to — Scott’s Seafood.