The best thing about writing this blog ain't the money. There is none. It's trying great food and meeting terrific people. I have met more local folks involved in making and serving food and wine in the past year than ever before. I've also tried to introduce you to some of them here and over at Bay Area Bites.
If you'd like to meet some of the people I've met this year, you should come stop by The Hidden Vine next Thursday. I've written about it before, it's a cozy little wine bar right near Union Square (holiday shopping anyone?). The proprietors David and Angela are knowledgeable as they are enthusiastic about the wines they serve. This month they are featuring wines from South Australia. There are always plenty of California wines available by the glass too.
Thursdays are generally a good night stop by because The Hidden Vine offers a complimentary cheese board from 6 - 9. But next Thursday it's doubly good because Alison of McQuade's Celtic Chutney will be sampling her wares. As I've mentioned in the past, Alison's chutney is for chutney haters. Why? They are not too sweet, not gloppy and mushy but filled with chunks of fruit and veg and terrifically spiced. She uses all natural ingredients and is always sourcing seasonal fruits like persimmons and cranberries. All her recipes are original and her savory chutneys in particular are very unique.
Next Thursday you can try Fig and Ginger, Sun-Dried tomato, Persimmon, and Cranberry Tangerine. Other flavors to stock up on include Curried Banana, Glasgow Spiced Apple, Elgin Habanero, and Mandarin and Apricot. They are terrific with cheese, with ham, turkey, on sandwiches, even with eggs. If you can't make it next Thursday, you can also buy them at Cowgirl Creamery down at the Ferry Plaza.
The Hidden Vine
Tues - Thurs 5 - Midnight
Fri & Sat 5 - 2 am
Entrance on Cosmo Place @ Taylor Street (between Sutter and Post)
415.674.3567
