It’s Cozy with the Piano Man at Mille Fleurs
Every Wednesday through Saturday for the past 17 years at Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe, after-dinner guests and new arrivals with wine glass in-hand, gather around the grand piano for the unique talent and voice of Randy Beecher.
“I started in May of 1993 and I’ve always loved the energy in this room,” he said, flashing that perpetual smile. “I try to read the room and what they might want to hear.” Randy plays and sings it all, from show tunes to Motown to current pop music. I asked him if his romantic atmosphere has helped guests meet and date. “Oh yes,” he answered. “And, marriage proposals are made over my music.”
He credits owner Bertrand Hug and manager Julien Hug for recognizing his talent and staying with him and providing him with a stage for his music. All this good-time entertainment is an entrée to a legendary restaurant dining and wine experience at Mille Fleurs.
I suggest you start out at the bar and taste the house signature wines, especially the Tantara 2008s. Bertrand is a Bordeaux Blend aficionado and his Cuvee Bertrand from Santa Barbara is one he blended himself ( $50). The kitchen is governed by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Martin Woesle, who trained in Munich Germany, worked in Hollywood’s Ma Maison and has been at Mille Fleurs since 1985.
He uses fresh vegetables, salads and other ingredients from the nearby Chino’s Farm. Mille Fleurs offers a Prix Fixe Menu as well as an entrée menu with about 12 choices including 5 Light Mediterranean selections.
The Hugs also own Mister A’s, a historic rooftop restaurant on 5th Avenue downtown San Diego and have just purchased and renovated a restaurant on El Paseo in downtown Palm Desert, Augusta Modern. Learn more at www.millefleurs.com.
Fine Wineries of Napa- Sonoma-Mendocino & Central Coast
Two beautifully bound wine books have appeared as a colorful visitors guide with profiles and color images of all the most glamorous wineries and vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma and Mendocino; and the 2nd book displaying wineries from Central Coast, including Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. Wine traveler and publisher Tom Silberkleit is the master publisher behind this 4th edition of Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino, and the 1st edition of Central Coast Wineries.
September is California Wine Month, celebrating the over 3,000 wineries that dot the state. Silberkleit’s mission has been to do the on-site legwork to spotlight a number of excellent choices for the weekend traveler. The 160 page Napa-Sonoma- Mendocino edition alone has over 200 color images and profiles of 69 wineries with features and directions on each. The retail price is $19.95 hardcover and available at leading bookstores and Amazon.com. Be sure to explore their website at www.Californiafinewineries.com
Wine Bytes
- Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo has Jazz on the Patio, 2 to 5pm Sundays. On Sept. 26 Jimmy and Enrique with guitar and percussion, and Oct. 3rd it’s the Peter Sprague Trio. For details call 858-487-1866.
- Ponte Winery in Temecula has its 8th annual Grape Stomp Festival Sun. Sept. 26, from 4 to 9pm. Competition, dancing, live music and a buffet dinner for $95 pp. Wine club members $86. And of course lots of Ponte wines to taste are included. Order tickets at 951-694-8855.
-South Coast Winery Resort and Spa has two exciting events: The Blessing of the Wine, Grape Stomp and Harvest fr om 4 to 7pm Sun. Sept. 26 with a BBQ, contests, live music and dancing. Reserve tickets at 951-587-9463; and a Jazz concert by the great Kenny G on Sat. Oct. 2 with show time at 8pm. Doors open at 5pm, dinner at 6:30pm. Tiered ticket prices, starting as low as $55. Check out the web- site www.rythmonthevine.org. Or call Ticket Master at 800- 745-3000.
- VR Green Farms at the Bella Colina Golf Course in San Clemente has an authentic Roman Encampment Sun. Sept. 26 from 11 to 3pm. Experience Roman Legion costumes, music, customs and language. $10 ea. Food and drink available for $55. RSVP for more information at 949-697-0032.
- Briar Rose Winery in Temecula presents Barrie Lynn, the Beverly Hills Times Cheese Empresario Sat. Oct. 2 at 6pm, for an Artisanal Cheese and Wine Pairing Adventure and Class. Taste acclaimed and library award winning wines paired with international cheeses, to perfection. Cost is $45. RSVP at 951-308-1098.
Frank Mangio is a renowned wine connoisseur certified by Wine Spectator. He is one of the leading wine commentators on the web. View his columns at www.tasteofwinetv.com. Reach him at mangiompc@aol.com.
