"Adam the Wine Guy": Perfect Pairing Picks (Volume II)
By Tara de Lis, City Editor
Adam Leemon established his "Sommelier to the Stars" status at Dolce during its Page Six glory days. He's also a regular guest on "The Tasting Room" radio show with Tom Leykis. Here, he shares his favorite food and wine pairings at some of L.A.'s top restaurants.
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Water Grill
544 S Grand, Los Angeles, CA
Nothing is sexier than oysters, and the Quilcenes from Washington, with a glass of 2006 Chateau Soucherie Anjou, is a classic combination. Combining the oyster’s hint of saltly brine and delicate texture with the wine's subtle herbaceousness and minerality make this an amazing pairing with elegant balance. Wine: $5 for a three-ounce taste or $10 for a glass; Food: $13 ½ dozen oysters; Subtotal: $18. -
Terroni
7605 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Amid the rockin' energy of this bustling Italian joint, check out the sublime pairing of earthy funghi assoluti (grilled oyster mushrooms topped with melted Parmesan cheese and served on a bed of arugula) with the floral and slightly creamy 2005 Congisertoli Salis Torre Delle Sirena. Wine: $11; Food: $11; Subtotal: $22. -
The Village Idiot
7383 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA
When you match up the hearty steak and potato pie with a glass of the 2006 Slipstream Mc Laren Vale Shiraz /Grenache blend, the result is a combination of flavors as vibrant as this gastropub’s lively atmosphere. With vegetables and huge chunks of beef, the pie pairs wonderfully with the rich deep plum and berry fruits and soft finish of the Slipstream. This is a starter that eats like a meal. Wine: $11; Food: $11; Subtotal: $22. -
Cha Cha Cha
656 N Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA
You gotta taste the empanada made with the owners' grandmother's recipe. Its crispy cornmeal crust is stuffed with lightly seasoned beef and served with fresh pico de gallo salsa. Pair it with a glass of the homemade sangria, which is like a refreshing Caribbean-inspired red wine cocktail. The combination is a fiesta in your mouth. Wine: $5; Food: $7.50; Subtotal: $12.50.
