It’s only been a few months since my last California post, and this will not be another super-long retrospective, massive vintage discussion, or anything else that turns into a discourse.

Yes, I have seen those posts showing people tasting newly released California wines, and yes, I reached out to the producers and was told they aren’t ready for tasting. So, while they may be for sale in some stores, I sadly don’t have access to them, even though I live in California! You have to love this game! I hope to taste them eventually, but until then, I have a few new wines to talk about!

San Diego and Liquid Kosher

I was talking with Andrew Breskin, founder and owner of Liquid Kosher, and we agreed it was time for a San Diego trip! But before I made my way to his house for a proper tasting, I made sure to take in much of what San Diego has to offer! So, the plan was to spend the day with my friend Andrew Breskin of Liquid Kosher, taste through a group of California wines, and eat some good food. BUT FIRST, I was going to enjoy some absolutely gorgeous San Diego weather, and generally remember that wine is a lot more enjoyable when you are not treating the entire experience like a military operation. I am trying to keep channeling what I took from the Paris and Israel trip, and I hope to keep it up for as long as I am here on this round blue ball!

Yes, we will get to the wines. But first, there was food and San Diego to enjoy!

Parisien Gourmandises

My first stop was Parisien Gourmandises, a kosher bakery in San Diego. I have talked about this place MANY times; it is worth a trip to San Diego ALL ON ITS own! Throw in the weather and the scenery, and come on! I had never had a kosher cruffin before, so clearly that needed to be fixed.

The cruffin was very good, but the far more dangerous items sitting there were the Nutella Danish/cinnamon-roll-type creations. Those things looked like they were designed specifically to destroy every good intention you had before walking into the store.

I grabbed coffee and pastries, talked with some locals, and generally enjoyed the place. Nothing complicated. Just a nice bakery, nice people, and a very good start to the morning.

Then I took my cruffin and my gemara to where my soul soars!