The other day someone called the shop to arrange for a birthday gift delivery. They were calling from the east coast, but after I inquired about their 323 area code we discovered we were not only from the same part of town but that they once lived on Yosemite Way, a literal stone's throw from my folks' home. I had a similar moment of disbelief after chatting with Sam at States coffee across the street a while back, discovering that our fathers grew up just a few blocks from each other in East L.A. Small world, some would say.
 
If you say that phrase (Small world...) around my mother, there’s a 90% probability that her rejoinder will be: ...but I wouldn’t want to paint it. A phrase and perspective she inherited from her father, and perhaps he from his. Last weekend the large wall in front of our shop was tagged. I was deflated by the disregard and inconvenience of it all, and the mediocrity of the signature somehow made it worse. But I spent a few hours on a quiet Monday repainting the mural, and managed to find some peace in all of it. I have a mind that races nowhere fast and painting has a very calming, almost meditative effect on my brain. A couple hours passed in an instant. Someone honked. A shop regular driving past, offering thumbs up. And a handful of nice neighbors throughout the day offered sympathy and encouragement. Too bad... or Looking good!, they all would say. 

I got enough cheer from that to consider all the crazy connections, and such things that can make our world feel slightly smaller. And I thought about everyone who has been a part of the shop for the past several years, and the many who have left their own unique signatures, their personal and more meaningful tags. Someone who first suggested we offer wines by the glass. Some who requested more vermouth offerings, or more wines from Greece. Or another: more wines from women or BIPOC producers. There was a generous baker years ago who would surprise everyone with a cake on any given Sunday. Regulars past and present who might bring a fresh baguette to share with strangers. Staff putting on a new favorite album. All those and all of you who bring warmth and energy to this space. These graceful signatures that you leave. These indelible marks that say you were here. That you are here.


TONIGHT: Thursday Night Flights... Unusual Varieties Tasting! You know Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot and Cabernet. But what about Liatiko? Gros Manseng? Plavac Mali? Come try some new and dynamic varieties, each with their own unique signature. White & Red Flights $15 from 5-9 and wines by the glass until close!

SATURDAY 4/22: How do you like them Apples? ... Cider and Co-ferments Tasting FLIGHTS. Apple & grape co-ferments from Ashanta Wines and Etteilla Wines (2021 Ashanta Virga Morada, 2021 Etteilla Le Chaos) and a dry Basque cider from Arratzain. ALSO.... PROVECHO Returns! This Saturday, April 22nd from 2-6pm: Locally sourced, seasonal and intentional dishes from chef Eder Ramirez. Oaxaqueño flavor paired with curated flights and wines by the glass from OAKLAND YARD. Bites and FLIGHTS from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 9pm.

SUNDAY 4/23: Daruma Kiosk POP UP at OAKLAND YARD! Cal-Japanese inspired Takoyaki & Izakaya food from @darumakisok! Food Pop Up from 1-6pm. Wines by the glass all day until close and special Sequoia SAKE off-menu Sunday only!


See you,

Daniel