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Thursday, February 9, 2023

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) Bonde Fine Wine Shop will be hosting a wine tasting featuring special guest Derek Baljeu, Winemaker of Sonoma’s Knights Bridge Winery, during the month of February in honor of Black History Month. The class will take place Tuesday, February 21, at 7:00 pm and will include a variety of Knights Bridge’ flights of wines and light food.

This series is designed to allow enthusiasts to sample a range of wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The course aims to learn about sustainable American wines and to enjoy a unique, intimate eight-person tasting experience. Bonde Fine Wine Shop and Winemaker Derek Baljeu from Knights Bridge Winery are guided by a deep respect for nature, a passion for fine wines, a focus on sustainable wines for the planet's future, and a dedication to family, friends, and consumers.

Derek Baljeu was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA. Wine was always in his house growing up, but food was the primary focus at the table, and he started cooking for himself and his family from a very young age. During his time in college there was a ’96 Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a tomahawk ribeye that ignited his love of wine. He began making regular weekend trips to Napa Valley to get a sense of the region and to develop his palate. 

While in school, he interned at Jessie’s Grove Winery in Lodi and followed up with roles in Napa researching phenolic development in the To Kalon Vineyard, and as Assistant Viticulturist at Silverado Farming. Next, he served as enologist for the luxury portfolio at Trinchero, working with seven different winemakers across ten brands. In 2019, Derek joined Knights Bridge Winery as Assistant Winemaker. He was promoted to Winemaker in 2021. While he has a variety of specific duties, he sees them all as pieces of one larger job: to maintain wine quality.

Tickets are on sale for $120 per person. For more information and to purchase a ticket, go HERE.  

2) For Valentine's Day, check out Karma Asian Fusion, Burlington. They offer sushi platters that are specifically designed for two. Chef’s choice of assorted maki and sashimi makes for a pressure free and original experience for each party. In addition to their wide selection of alcohol and handcrafted drinks, this February brings a limited-time special cocktail to toast with, The Bésame! It’s a blend of silver tequila, heavy cream, egg whites, yuzu, and sparkling rose. The upscale cocktail is crafted with tangerine, raspberry, and chocolate bitters to top it off and end your night on a sweet note.

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