An Evening Out to Silverlake Wine

Goodies I took home. Thanks to Oishii for the delicious cookies! They were a hit at the beach party!

Oishii Eats didn't have to twist my arm to meet her and friends at Silverlake Wine's 2-year "Hump Day" Anniversary this past Wednesday. And I was so glad that after a full day of getting trained and ready for my new job, I went.

There's nothing better than the sweet subtle taste of apples, pears, and strawberries to round out the last of this summer's cool winetasting evenings. First tastes make for either a favorable impression or for a bitter evening. And with our first sip of the 2004 Craftsman Királyleányka from the Neszmély Region, I knew it would be a good night.

It was light, crisp and deliciously sweet - just how I like my white wines. Great chilled, it would be a fantastic pairing with some fruit as you listen to music under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. (Hint to my Zero7 concert buddies next weekend on what I'll be bringing to the picnic.)

The anniversary celebrations for this little Silverlake wine shop started early at 5pm. I showed up a little later to find the small space crowded with smiling faces, clinking glasses, and hoards of oenophiles around the grilled meats, crackers and cheese spreads. I was lucky to grab a hot empanada, eat a couple crackers with gourmet cheese, and a chicken taco without the fixings before they were gone, gone, ALL GONE!

When we were finished, I paid for my $12 tasting and $8.50 (with a small percentage off) for a bottle of Királyleányka for my own. And lucky me, Oishii bought me some deliciously soft and sweet cookies made by Southern California's own Isabella's Cookie Company. The Maui Wowie Cookies were made with bits of dried pineapple and coconut, white chocolate, and macadamia nuts for a great treat of 150 calories per chunky cookie. For non-coconut lovers like me, let it be known that these cookies were absolutely delicious without the overpowering flavor or texture of coconut - and one that I'll have to try my baker's hand to make.

And if that wasn't enough, I made the suggestion to my food friends to grab a cup of gelato to finish up the night. (And I'm so glad they humoured me to eat the icy treat out in below 60 degree temperatures.)

The special Kyo-ho Grape gelato was an extra 50¢ more per scoop, and well worth the extra two quarters. The Japanese flavors of grape candy and sweet summer grapes from my childhood memories filled my senses as I took in each bite. My second scoop of White Peach was also a good fruity choice. But the Grape was definitely the best I've had so far - topping even my favorite flavors of Mango and Lychee.

Oishii added a third scoop to her medium sized gelato, including a Lemon Basil scoop. Both JI and I had to take a taste, and both of our fourth generation Japanese American almond-shaped eyes popped! An interesting combination of flavors, the basil just jumped in the mouth and BAM! ...Instant sensations!

With friends who love wine, good food, and gelato as much as me in the city, there's always so much fun (and calories) to be had!

Silverlake Wine
street: 2395 Glendale Blvd | Los Angeles, CA 90039
tel: 1.323.662.9024
Su, M-W: 11a-9p, Th-F: 11a-10p, Sa: 10a-10p
check web for tastings: http://silverlakewine.com

Pazzo Gelato
street: 3827 W Sunset Blvd
tel: 1.323.662.1410
street parking and small lot

Isabella's Cookie Company
tel: 1.310.318.1920
check web for locations: www.isabellascookies.com