Some Things I Like Right Now

In the last two weeks, I like:

• The Dark Knight. Visually stunning, great acting by Heath Ledger...a legitimately scary villain. Must be seen on the big screen.
  

• The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty by Julia Flynn Siler. Though some of her comments regarding the wine business, especially the marketing and sales aspects, betray her lack of understanding, the book is well researched and a cautionary tale for any family-owned business.
  

• Simply Fondue Restaurant in Livermore. Who knew that paying a restaurant to cook your own food could be so fun. Owners, Ivy and Alden Faught and their staff, have done a wonderful job filling out their wine list with an extensive selection of Livermore wines...and the Bananas Foster dessert fondue is ridiculous!

• Mera Vino Wine Boutique & Lounge in Livermore. This new, upscale wine shop/wine bar is elegant, with a growing collection of Livermore wines, and the small-plate style menu looks fabulous. Good luck Raj, Karaminder and Mary Lynn.

• Bollinger Champagne, gin martinis (hold the vermouth), everything from Manresa restaurant, the Livermore Hills in spring and summer, the Tasting Room staffs at Steven Kent and La Rochelle (the best in the valley...knowledgeable, fun, passionate about wine), and teaching my kid to drive.