Le Bernardin wins for wine service. Wynn was there too...

Tonight in New York at the James Beard Foundation awards, Aldo Sohm (wine director) accepts the award for Le Bernardin for Best Wine Service. Daniel won for best service, Jean-Georges for best restaurant, and Dan Barber won for best chef. All in New York.

Steve Wynn was spotted at Le Bernardin last week too. Seems like things are looking up here in the East in terms of the economy... it's a win Wynn. For me, I want Vegas to go back to the way it was in the old days... I'm originally from LV and hate to see all the stories of its demise. While Las Vegas is hurting, things are brighter in New York, especially (with me) at LB.

Tasting menu at Dumont tonight in Williamsburg was awesome. Barcade in B-burg is worth it as well, they have a great draft selection (cheap) and fun, old video games like my fav Galaga. Tasting group yesterday was great, but the Malbecs didn't show that well. We had Argentina and Cahors. The new Inoteca is a good late night place for a snack after work. Ask for Kalani and have the calamari salad, the cocktails are only $10.

Best in the world!

Aldo Sohm won in Rome and is the best sommelier in the world! Very excited for him and so curious to hear all the details from the competition that took place this past weekend.

During this all-American Memorial-day weekend I went to the Yankee's game and had a great time, but realized some major flaws with the best (they say) team in baseball (I still love my SF Giants). The Dodger dog, by Farmer John, is the best hot dog in baseball. I know this might be blasphemous with Nathan's and all, but all I could think about while I was having my dog at the game is the memory of my Farmer John in LA. I spent a lot of time hating the Dodgers too, so you know I'm serious. Oakland A's win for the best all-around food concessions, and the Giants win for best wine selection. Coors field has the coldest beer. Wrigley had a great wiener, but the bun fell apart. Yankees didn't even have sauerkraut, maybe somewhere else in the park, but I was in a good seat (with padding) with a server and no sauerkraut was offered.

Now the wine at the house that Ruth built was the worst part of the game. Oh my gosh, YellowTail? For real? Isn't this America? Isn't this an American pastime? Isn't Yankee Stadium the icon for all that? Tell me where YellowTail is from people. Why not serve some wine from say, I don't know, New York!? There is very drinkable wine from New York, as close as the Hamptons. Tocai Friulano from Channing Daughters is a fine example. Sheesh!

I hope with the new ball park going up next door that things are going to change, or Derek Jeter and I are going to have a very personal conversation.