barra di vino CAMPBELL Food gets extra attention at this lively wine bar in the city’s popular downtown, with Tessora’s even serving homemade ice cream. Despite this establishment’s Italian name, the wines offered are from all over the world and pulled together into some intriguing flights like “cigar-box reds” and “citrus & stonefruit whites.” Brunch is becoming a big hit but the daily menu is large enough that anyone could assemble a pleasing repast, from a snack to a filling dinner. Included are lots of nibbles, soups and salads, flatbreads, “bistro plates” and enticing desserts. Tessora’s also hosts quite a few events like trivia nights, winemaker dinners and more. Musical groups perform frequently inside and on the patio, with some guests complaining about the decibels while others are happy to rock out. PAIRINGS ON THE PATIO Munch on pulled-chicken sliders with blue cheese paired with a spicy Alicats Winery syrah or Asian pork tacos amped up with fire-roasted scallions matching a jammy old-vine zinfandel from Michael Martella. DETAILS 234 E. Campbell Ave., 408/626-7711; tessoras.com August/September 2016 89 tessora's Summer sipping is better surrounded by great decor and plentiful people watching, which makes this wine bar—run by a chichi wine merchant on the Row—a home run with guests. It’s quite gorgeous, fronted by stonework from an old French church, and located smack dab in the middle of the Row with its strolling visitors. The patio with its low wall and happy lights is both friendly and romantic. Meanwhile, the edibles are somewhat vintage wine bar SANTANA ROW, SAN JO SE limited but well chosen and the sipping features about 25 by-the-glass choices culled from the wine shop’s wide assortment. The wine flights here are plentiful and fun, like “pinot paradise,” some international “white crispies” (dry yummies great in summer) and some different-varietal reds, all in sets of three. Those wanting more can “upgrade your flight” with an extra wine. PAIRINGS ON THE PATIO How about triple-cream brie and honey served with bread pairing a plummy Skyfall merlot or a Vosges chocolate bar (how European!) munched along with a glass of heady Fonseca port? DETAILS 368 Santana Row, Suite 1040, 408/985-9463; vintagewinemerchants.com/wine-bar FROM TOP: MARIA KEAYS; COURTESY OF TESSORA'S BARRA DI VINO; OPPOSITE: COURTESY OF ROOTSTOCK WINE BAR
South Bay Accent - AugSep 2016
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