Happy New Year, everyone. I'm excited to see you. I just returned from visiting family in Southern California. We lost almost two days at the beginning of trip, stuck for countless hours in our car, trying to find a safe route down there. A historic snow storm closed the Grapevine on Interstate 5 for nearly 36 hours - and snow and ice blocked nearly every other route in (or out) as well. The 101 was a parking lot, and the detour too far for an attempt with a two year old in tow.
It was dark and late and in Bakersfield, the nearest city, all hotels were booked. It was looking likely to be the worst night of my year. We ended up in a motel a stone's throw from the highway. The cement floors and bright halogen lights in the room offered little warmth. While my wife attempted to get our daughter down for the night, I walked out in the cold to find something for us to eat, grateful (at very least) to see that Taste of India was still open, across the adjacent lot. I was surprised to discover the massive, brightly painted room loud and lively inside, chairs scattered and tables rearranged in odd patterns - the space full with Indian families in animated post-meal conversations. I rushed to put in an order before they closed.
As I waited for food and and for new information about the next day's forecast, I heard a ruckus from across the room and noticed a line of children against one wall. Two men were taking turns lifting toddlers to the top of a weathered, white faux leather sofa. The little ones screamed and giggled, sliding down the sofa to the pillows and the white blanket on the floor below- giving whole scene a beautiful and absurd illusion of a tiny snow bank.
Again! Again! they hollered, on what was quite likely their favorite night of the year.
I don't know what the road ahead in the new year looks like - but we are here for the ride. Whatever the forecast, however the skies look, whatever surprises lay ahead, OAKLAND YARD is here for you. A place of warmth and joy. A bright station on your journey. We are here with a smile, with a laugh. Here to do whatever we can to make things better. Happy New Year indeed. Let's do this.
TONIGHT: Thursday Night Flights... All wines of Spain for the line up this evening. White and Red Flights $12 from 5-9pm and wines by the glass until close.
SATURDAY: Italian Flights! Four wines. Exploring classic regions and varieties, from Piedmont to Sicily. New arrivals and staff favorites. Flights $15 from 2-6pm and wines by the glass until 9pm.
SUNDAY: Loire Valley Flights and Wine Club pick up party. Stop in on the early side to get a table, these can get a bit busy:) Drop on in, all are most welcome! Flights are $15 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 8pm.
See you soon,
Daniel