Fine Wine & Dining in Oceanside? Yes!
It took the leading restaurateur in San Diego, the Cohn Group, to make it happen. David and Leslie Cohn gained respect in the marketplace with such winners as: The Prado, Island Prime, Indigo Grille and others.
Now, add 333 Pacific, across from the pier in Oceanside, to this prestigious list. It’s a steak, chop and seafood format with an ambitious and unique wine menu. The visually striking dining room and bar is accented by two wine cellars. The larger of the two will serve as a wine and dinner events room.
The one we show in the photo is stocked with bottles on the menu, which is the most progressive and easy to understand wine list I have ever seen. Beyond the usual whites and reds by the glass, you can find wines by female wine makers, 90+ point wines, eco wines, medium-bodied reds, full-bodied reds, European wines and a generous choice of half bottles, something I have pushed for in finer restaurants.
Brian Ross, 333 Pacific’s wine manager brought out and opened a 2005 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford in the Napa Valley. “This small production wine is bold and complex,” he declared. “I list it in my Eco group. The wine is a product of organic and bio-dynamic farming. It’s all about minimal or no chemicals added, using natural techniques to enhance growth. The wines are not high in alcohol and partner easier with food,” he said.
333 Pacific’s food menu is seamlessly created by Executive Chef Randy Miller who has achieved a brilliant reputation, initially at the world-class Le Cordon Bleu Academy in Paris where he was first in his class, then professionally as a personal chef that enabled him to cater to top celebrities and elected officials.
The restaurant’s general manager is Deborah Lamoureux, who told me that the panoramic white-water ocean location at the base of the new Wyndham Hotel and the quality wine and food menu, have drawn a great number of locals as well as visitors to the prime beach property. Here’s a tip: ”Wine Wednesdays” offer a 50% discount on selected bottles of wine, and “3 on Thursdays” has a special 3-course dinner for just $33.
Reservations at 760-433-3333. Access their web site at www.cohnrestaurants.com. You Can be a Certified Wine Connoisseur One of the most asked questions I get is how I became a certified wine connoisseur.
While this entitlement is nowhere near as prestigious as a master wine sommelier, the height of certified professional wine knowledge, it establishes a sense of the value of wine and enables the recipient to display proof of having crossed the finish line of courses designed to bring the wine aficionado to the next level of education. Enrolling is as easy as accessing www.winespectatorschool.com.
This leading wine trade magazine is a must-read to keep up with the thousands of wine varietals in the world. Once you have accessed, you will see specific courses to match your interests: Wine Tasting, Understanding Wine, Wine & Food Pairing, Italian, French, California, Australian and many more.
Each electronic course is approximately $49 and lasts about 12 weeks. Some have more degree of difficulty than others, but everything is spelled out when you hit the “learn more” button, and when you enroll. A combination essay and multiple choice exam finalizes your eligibility to become a certified wine connoisseur.
Wine Bytes
- Eli’s Food & Wine in Del Mar Heights, Thursday, Apr. 9 from 4 to 6pm, is presenting Kent Rosenblum of Rosenblum Cellars of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, a winemaker of the highest quality since 1978. 90+ rated Zinfandel and Syrah wines will be tasted for $5. Buy a bottle and Rosenblum will sign it. Call 858-481-2323 for details.
- An Easter Wine Hunt will be happening Fri. and Sat. Apr 10 & 11 at Vino 100 in San Marcos at Plaza Las Posas. A special bottle of wine, if you can find it, is just one dollar! Tastings include: South American favorites from light Torrontes to bold Malbec. For more, call 760-591-9113.
- Two wine events in Apr. for 3rd Corner Encinitas include: Sat. the 11th a West Coast Wine event from 2 to 5pm for $10, and on Sat. the 25th from 2 to 5pm, Organic and Biodynamic Wines, also for a $10 fee. Details at 760-942-2104.
- Jim Barrasso’s Firefly Grill & Wine Bar has the Wines of Argentina Tastings on Wed. Apr. 15 from 5 to 7pm. Taste 8 of the 90 point names, with passed appetizers. $20 pp. Learn more at 760-635-1066.
- Join the fun, Italian food and wines Sat., Apr. 18 at 6pm in the Barrel Room of Belle Marie Winery north of Escondido off Highway 215, for an elegant 5 course meal representing the cuisine of the entire boot of Italy. Premium Belle Marie and Chateau Dragoo Italian style wines will royally wash it down. Hear Winemaster Mick Dragoo and Master Chef Guiseppe di Giovanni narrate this special event. $89 includes all. RSVP at 760-796-7557.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the top five wine commentators on the web. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410
