a post!

Something really pisses me off. Oprah claimed on her show that it's not necessary to tip on wine in restaurants. Women everywhere are listening. I want someone to make an argument with me on this. Here's my thinking. Wine service is the most involved task that I'm required to do with a table. Going from recommending a bottle, presentation, and constant filling of the glasses. Anyone can put a plate of food in front of someone.

Let me tell you how this business works. The servers are required to claim a percentage of their sales as their income tax. If they sell a $1200 bottle of wine, they're being taxed on it. So you're not only shorting them on the tip, but you're making them claim a larger uncompensated income tax. Servers are also required to tip the bar based on their bar sales at the end of the night, you're screwed out of that percentage as well. Oprah, #%$^ you!

On a lighter note, Katie and I returned from our work trip to California. Learned a lot. Kind of think Napa Valley is boring and repetitive. Nothing but the same big cab by every vintner. Then they all have their cute little bordeaux blends. Personally I thought they all tasted the same. The fun vineyards are found on the side road appellations. I recommend everyone check out Howell Mountain on the northwest outskirts of Napa County.

Sonoma had the best stuff. Much more laid back, less corporate. What a lot of people don't get is that these wine makers are nothing but very successful farmers. Half the tastings were done in some barn in the middle of a farm. We came home with some fantastic stuff.

I'll talk about the brewers tomorrow, I got to shower and get ready for work early now so I can watch as much as this spring training game as possible. Rock on!