I’ve been in the Bay Area for over 11 years now. And though I spent most of my life near the 2 and 5 freeway interchange in Los Angeles, I found myself missing the old Brooklyn neighborhood where I lived before moving back to CA. At the little shop where Max hired me and where he would later hire Glenny, who is now my wife. And it’s no surprise to me that last night I was reminiscing, because Wednesday nights there were always a particular delight, a weekly routine of food and drink and free music.

The evening sequence started at the wine shop where we worked on Smith Street and then walking a bottle over to Lucali on Henry. Lucali Pizza was always busy, but this was before Jay-Z and Beyoncé made it their (eventually not so) secret weeknight date spot - and before things got next level crazy and the neighborhood pizzaiolo would achieve celebrity status. Back then, when it was just 'regular busy', the crew there would always take care of the neighborhood folks. They would tease my California accent and my recognizable voice - when I'd call from the shop or from the apartment on Sackett to inquire about the wait, Alex there would say Is this Daaaniel? ... I got you, hon, get on down here.

From there, with happy hearts and full bellies we’d walk over the BQE at Summit bridge and descend into Red Hook for the weekly variety show that was Roots & Ruckus at Jalopy Theater. Old-time music all night... gritty folk and bluegrass, clanky swing trios, gypsy jazz and the like. Feral Foster, Wiilly Gantrim, and Jesse Carolina and the Hot Mess. Sometimes traveling acts coming through like the Petrovic Blasting Company or seasoned stalwarts, like Stephane Wrembel thrilling us on guitar, the ghost of Django Reinhardt among us. And one singular moment remains: Jessie Carolina belting the blues and transitioning to a sweet and slow standard, "Moonglow". Bartenders and a few musicians, a couple lovers and friends, and some new guests in the audience with cocktailed courage, stepping out of the reclaimed church pews and slow dancing in the aisle. And me sitting there, next to my then-friend, Glenny, stealing a glance at her, wondering if we might be something more someday.

THIS SUNDAY JUNE 4th, URELIO'S Pizza will be here from 1-5 pm (or until sold out!). Former Chez Panisse cook, Sam Cicarreli, brings his roving pizza oven to our lot for an afternoon of pizza and wine. Oyster bar and outdoor beer and wine bar too! Scoops and sweet treats from De La Creamery and LIVE JAZZ from Samuél Gonzalez Trio! I can't promise Jay or Bae will be there, or that you'll find true love. But anything is possible. And I can promise everything else from my favorite routine. Next-level wood-fired pizza. Excellent wine and FREE MUSIC. Pizzas sold individually from Urelio's truck and Shuckbuudy Oyster Bar - and wine and beer by the glass from us at our outdoor bar. Event will be in the back lot. Enter through OAKLAND YARD. All are welcome! See you there!!!

FLIGHTS TONIGHT: Southern French whites and reds...
2021 Domaine de la Patience Vin Rouge
2021 Domaine de Sulauze "Cochon"
2021 Domaine Rimbert Cousin Oscar 
2021 Vincent & Alexandre Cluzel Roussanne
2021 Domaine La Cabotte Cotes Du Rhone Blanc
2021 Canorgue Viognier 
Flights $15 from 5-9 and wines by the glass until close

SATURDAY FLIGHTS: California Rosé
Pink delights from  Broc Cellars, B. Kosuge, Horse & Plow, and Phantome Cellars
Flights $15 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until close


We got you, get on down here....

Daniel