RIP, Choco Taco.

You’ve probably seen the announcement on social media. If not, I'm sorry to break some hearts at this early hour, but after nearly 40 years the ice cream treat with one of the most amusing names is no more. Editors note: I initially wrote "one of the most catchy names..." but just stumbled on a Twitter poll suggesting 25% of the population pronounce(d) it with a long O! (CHOE-CO instead of CHAH-CO) so now my heart is the one broken at this early hour, by humankind, yet again).

What I found curious, and actually quite sweet (no pun intended), was how this news was shared across the various channels - with many tagging friends to alert them to this momentous loss. A central idea here is that, to some, this was their treat. In the same way some might say pistachio is their flavor, the Sidecar is their drink, or Total Eclipse of the Heart is their jam, etc. You get the idea.

We encounter this in the day to day as well. The meaningful connections kept alive, the inherent choice made daily, weekly. One will say "I went to my barber, my butcher...". Theirs. And so simple and so significant: the idea that we are someone's "my" brings immeasurable joy to us. We are proud and honored to be your wine shop. And we hope to continue serving you for years to come. To be a particular treat - or a daily delight.

And though some mourn the end of Choco Taco, take solace - for some discontinued things do return... We are elated to announce that Weekly FLIGHTS are back at OAKLAND YARD beginning this Saturday! We'll have curated flights and guest winemakers and importers pouring dynamic wines (and occasionally spinning records:) here at the bar in the weeks and months ahead.

This Saturday (7/30), Joe Manekin of Mission Wine Merchants & Manekin Wine Co. will be pouring a stellar selection of wines from France, Spain, and Argentina.

Four wines (2 whites and 2 reds):
2020 Athletes du Vin Pineau d'Aunis
2021 Passionate Wines Criolla Grande
2020 Tresbolillo Albariño
2020 Frisach Blanco

Flights Saturday, 7/30 from 2-6pm, $15. Wines available by the glass - tonight - and all weekend too!


See you there,

Daniel