Recently I was heading up to Paso Robles to be a judge at the Central Coast Wine Competition. On my way, I went to meet with winemaker and owner David McGee of Monochrome Wines. His tasting room is located in Tin City, an super-hip wine tasting destination in Paso Robles. But, Tin City has more to offer than just wine tasting some of the best boutique wineries in the region. There are a few other surprises. You can read all about it in the story that I had written for California Winery Advisor. So what is Tin City Paso Robles and why should wine lovers care? Fifteen minutes south of the town of Paso Robles, an unassuming industrial park is home to an unexpected experience: Tin City. While pool supply companies, auto body shops, and air conditioning distributors are still located here, there is no mistaking that Tin City is Paso’s hippest wine tasting destination. Add in a brewery, cider maker, and distillery and it is clear that Tin City is a drinker’s paradise!

Before We Get To The Tiny City Wineries

Hollywood has a new drinking (and eating) destination. Bar Joe, inside Spoonfed, will satisfy you morning, noon and night. That is right, Bar Joe is an all-day drinking destination. Bar Joe is located inside Spoonfed in the heart of the Hollywood Media District. Spoonfed is a large, bright open space that combines counter service with comfortable seating and lots of natural light. Tucked inside Spoonfed is Bar Joe. Bar Joe offers table service in its dining room and patio. The entire Spoonfed menu is available in Bar Joe and Bar Joe provides all of the drinks for both spaces. The only thing you have to decide is if you want table service or self-service. 
The heat was at an all time high in Los Angeles and it was over 100 degrees across the city. I had been invited to check out Del Frisco's Grille's new brunch menu and brunch at the beach sounded like the perfect antidote. It was also a great opportunity to catch up with a friend. Del Frisco's Grille sits on Ocean Avenue, directly across the street from the Santa Monica Pier. Of course, it is summer in Los Angeles, which means that the tourists have descended upon Santa Monica. Hoards of people were trying to cross the street to head to the pier or the beach and I sat patiently at the light, waiting for it to change. I pulled up to the valet, parked and walked into Del Frisco's. While sitting on the patio, looking out at the ocean sounded lovely, the idea of sitting inside the cool indoor space sounded better so we opted for a lovely booth by a window. Del Frisco's Grille is a steakhouse by night, serving up creative twists on American comfort classics. But on the weekends, they are offering a revamped brunch menu that will satisfy both locals and tourists alike. We started with the share dishes on the menu. The Smoked Salmon Tower is the quintessential brunch platter. Perfectly toasted New York bagels are served with two different cream cheeses, one plain and one an "everything" caper spread. On the top of the tower is smoked salmon from Foley Fish in Boston, red onions, cucumber, tomatoes and capers. I love a good bagel and would have been satisfied with just this dish.....but there was more to come.
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