‘We, mothers…’ begins the ancient Tibetan prayer recited by believers, regardless of gender or age.  A footnote in this Tantric tome explains: through the innumerable cycles of reincarnation, we have all been mothers. A further footnote purports that not only have we all been mothers, but that every sentient being has also been our parents. This is a lot to wrap your head around, but it’s a good place to start when it comes to caring for others. Mother is just an other with an M.

After reading the Buddhist prayer as a student, and discussing the concept with my roommate, Seth, he began referring to everyone we knew as ‘mother’ or just ‘mom’ and I followed suit. It confused people to no end, but it drew us all a bit closer, laughably familiar. My good friend Gita, the architect who designed our shop, still calls me mom.  

The power and significance of the word was not lost on Frank Zappa, who named his band the Mothers of Invention. And inventive mothers they were - in their memorable rendition of Stairway to Heaven at the Rochester War Memorial in 1988, the horn section played the ripping guitar solo. There was also enough pot smoke in the crowd to make one believe that everyone there was in fact one’s mother.

A few months ago, one of our generous customers gifted me a mother - a useful mother, but not a sentient mother - a mother of vinegar. No more dumping old bottles of red, or paying for the commercial stuff; I’m now on my third batch and happy to share the magical, gelatinous goo with you, if you want a mother too.

This Sunday is not just the ‘Hallmark Holiday’ when we acknowledge those who birthed us. It is a celebration of life, love and family, and we will raise a glass of Burgundy to all of us, to all of you, and to all of those crazy, sweaty, long-haired Mothers of Invention. 

TONIGHT: THURSDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS – Spanish Reds & California Whites - $12 from 4-8pm

SATURDAY, May 12th: ROSÉ FLIGHTS around the world – delicious, dry, pink wine from France, Austria and Spain - $15 – from 2-6... to wash down some crispy shrimp Bao Buns or other satisfying delights from the Wezy Cuisine Food Truck serving here from 4-8pm!

SUNDAY, May 13th:  The MOTHER of ALL BURGUNDY TASTINGS: Bourgogne Aligoté, Marsannay Rosé, Passetoutgrain, and Bourgogne Rouge! $15 from 2-6pm


Cheers,

Max