June Monthly Report
Brat girl summer is in full swing over here.
There’s too much good stuff to share this month, so naturally I took photos of everything and now this post is too long for email. Make sure to hit the “View clipped message” button if you’re reading this in Gmail. And with that… Here’s all the things I’ve been waiting to share with you this month. Enjoy!
The Highlight Reel
A few of my favorite moments from the month.
The exciting news first: The Wine Press is now its own podcast! You can now listen to 15 minutes of wine news on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and right here on Substack. I’m especially proud that something which started as a Brunello Bombshell feature is now spinning into its own wonderful show. I wanted to create something that feels informative and fun - something that can be appreciated by both wine professionals and wine enthusiasts alike. Thank you for continuing to listen and subscribe wherever you listen to The Wine Press!
This month I’ve spent a lot of time surrounded by family and friends. It still surprises a lot of people when I say that I’m an introvert that happened to land in some very extroverted work, but I’m starting to find the joy in connecting with others IRL. Lots of family events and big celebrations in June… it was a big month of celebration for a lot of people!
Season 3 of The Bear dropped last week, which felt like a big highlight in and of itself. In all reality, the show has a big piece of my heart because of its unflinchingly honest portrayal of restaurant life. My husband loves the show for pushing technical boundaries and making a show about food feel cinematic and larger than life, yet such a part of its modern Chicago setting. (Yes, I’ll be talking more about The Bear in a separate post soon. Stay tuned!)
Left On Read
Books I devoured this month.
This section contains affiliate links to Bookshop.org, so thank you for supporting your favorite Certified Sommelier AND your favorite independent bookstore when you shop this list.
Drink Pink by Victoria James and Spritz by Talia Baiocchi and Leslie Pariseau were both included in my list of travel inspired wine reads that was published last month. Re-reading them both got me mentally ready for summer, and encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone drink wise.
Some of you may have noticed that I’ve been on a big business book kick lately. Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan was a quick but invigorating read. I particularly loved hearing this one as an audiobook - there’s just something different about hearing the author read their own work, and Noah Kagan’s enthusiasm shines through his voice.
Your Table Is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D' by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina is a page-turner of a memoir. From the author’s humble beginnings as a rabble-rousing kid in Brooklyn, the entrepreneurial spirit goes a long way in a career on the restaurant floor. Fair warning: For better or worse, the book captures an era gone by, and there’s some language and subject matter that reflects an anti-feminist attitude. I firmly believe that acknowledging history’s flaws allows us the opportunity to not repeat them. A lot of great lessons about life on the floor here, but take some things with a grain of salt.
Somm Selections and Special Menu Items
My favorite bites and sips from the month.
Artichoke & Yukon Potato Soup with Tarragon and the yummiest Zucchini, Basil & Chèvre Quiche from Rustic Bakery Café in Larkspur. Not pictured, but their iced vanilla latte is probably one of my favorites in the Bay Area. I felt like my net worth increased tenfold just by sitting here with the farm-to-table bites in the white picket fence-lined patio.
Literally everything at Sam’s Anchor Cafe in Tiburon. This Mai Tai topped with lilikoi foam? Dangerously good, and ridiculously easy to drink. The Smoked Lobster Roll with house made “ranch” chips will make you feel like you escaped to Martha’s Vineyard (and it’s bang-for-your-buck massive in size, too). The Fried Calamari had just the right amount of crispy breading, but you can still taste the fresh fish underneath.
The mocktail selection at Sisterita in FiDi is really varied and creative, which is always clutch for people who choose not to drink alcohol. (Don’t worry, imbibers have plenty of options to spike these N/A cocktails, and they also have a full bar). My favorite is “Don’t Chase, Get Chosen” - mango purée and lime juice topped with mint and soda water.
Order the XLB Sampler and the Wagyu Beef with Roasted Garlic at Palette in San Mateo. Case closed, end of story. Also, I had one of the best service experiences EVER at Palette - I usually avoid dim sum restaurants because I’m very sensitive to soy, but the entire team (front of house and back of house) went above and beyond to make sure I had some delicious food that wouldn’t put me in agonizing pain. I cannot wait to return here soon!
On The Rocks released a ready-to-drink Midori Sour for a limited time only, and it is the perfect amount of sweet and sour. Plus, that color makes it #bratsummer approved. The 2000s are back!
Ro Sham Beaux in downtown Sacramento has a fun selection of low intervention wines, but I thoroughly enjoyed their Garibaldi Tropical. Instead of the traditional Campari, Cappelletti is fat washed with coconut oil, adding a sweeter and decidedly tropical twist to the classic Italian cocktail. Combined with “fluffy” orange juice over ice? This is a thirst quencher designed to beat the summer heat.
I’m Obsessed
Does this really need an explanation? I just like these things.
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