A few months ago a wayward charter bus became familiar with my old Honda Accord. A gentle grazing mostly, but an all too intimate shave along the driver's side from bumper to bumper. Thankfully the driver left a note and their insurance sent me a check a few weeks ago, allowing me to upgrade my wheels to a used CR-V. 

Enter Kate. I found a 2010 for sale on Craigslist and drove out to Lafayette to meet her. For the record, the universe enjoys frequently connecting me with older women. Kate is just a hair past 70. She reminded me of my mother in some ways, immediately talking at length about her children, this crazy world, being at the wrong place at the wrong time, the dangers of strangers, coupons. A self-identified Irish Catholic with an East Coast earnestness and a youthful, if electric, appearance - her hair died a vermillion red and brows pencilled to match. 

I spent what would be an unusual amount of time in a parked car with her, listening to her stories. Most of the recent ones were sad. Her husband passing. Her neck surgeries. Through some DMV hiccups we'd have to meet up again, recently in Oakland, near the Cathedral (Safeway on Grand is not a shopping center, FYI) and a third time at the AAA in Walnut Creek. She talked about an upcoming trip to Ireland she is planning, and about the 'bells and whistles' of her new car. And like my own mom, with all her talking she is an exceptionally good listener too: I drove all the way home before spotting a gift she left for my one year old daughter on the back seat, a connecting plastic chain of colorful animal silhouettes. You can even put it in the dishwasher, Kate just texted me. With a smiley face blowing a kiss emoji and another with a sun, wearing sun glasses. We both agree the latter is peculiar. What a crazy world...


TONIGHT: Thursday Night Flights. Greek Reds & Italian Whites. Come explore and connect with us this evening! I promise to have some exciting coupons for the first few lucky guests. Flights $12 from 4-8pm and wines by the glass as always. Tacos Oscar open next door too, slinging tasty tacos and other treats all night. You are most welcome to bring in anytime!

SATURDAY (1/12): Grenache Tasting. Four wines from France, Spain, and California. Flights $15 from 2-6 and new wines by the glass until 9pm.

SUNDAY (1/13): RIOJA! From light, refreshing expression to bold and structured Crianzas. Dynamic and delicious Spanish Tempranillo tasting from 2-6pm and wines by the glass until 8pm.


See you soon, 

Daniel