Some days are diamonds Free Rangers,
Some days are rocks. This last Saturday broke a record for feet through the door per purchase made. So many indoor window shoppers and irl scollers. A 30-40 minute drone ensued in which we were consistently packed, and the register rang but twice. Seldom an eye was met, fewer still an earbud or headphone removed. At one point, a full seven bro squadron descended- profoundly out of formation- to buy a single bottle of $27 whiskey. So many pair(s) and little clusters of tourists walking lazy clumsy circles around us, sniffling and coughing, just killing (our) time. But the numbers were solid, and as always our collective constitution was buoyed substantially by the steady tide of our loyal neighborhood friends, and your furry four legged bringers of joy. When the gates were finally pulled for the evening, I collected myself and a couple of nice bottles and moseyed across the Ave to French Louie for last seating, hid in my usual corner and absolutely crushed three of the new menu items, amongst their newly elevated small plates game. But let’s get down to the business of the day, and we’ll talk about the details of that life-giving meal below.
This week’s FREE in-store tasting is the last of this year’s series. And so returns our long-standing annual Schrampagne event! Schramsberg, one of the oldest vineyards in California, produces some of the most reliable Méthode Champenoise bubbles in our land, which easily compete with their French counterparts at similar pricing. This Thursday, December 19th (5-7pm), please join us and our dear friend, Allie, to taste Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut, Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, and the legendary Schramsberg J. Schram (Blanc de) Noirs 2013. The last of which is something that very rarely pours for free anywhere on Earth. You absolutely don’t have to buy any (it’s pricey), but since the bottle will be chilled and open anyway, might as well come taste with us. As always, these are all 10% off in-store on tasting day only!
Now, next in our Roll Back the Clock pricing series is EH Taylor Small Batch Bourbon! Thanks to all who clicked through and snagged their deeply discounted Eagle Rare last week. For those that missed, Derek put a link at the bottom of the EH Taylor page to access the Eagle Rare deal.
Here’s how it works:
Buy any bottle from the page linked below to get 1 EH Taylor Small Batch Bourbon 750ml @ $75 (usually $129).
* limit 2 per customer
(!) Click here for EH Taylor sale page (!)
We now return you to our previously scheduled story of last Saturday:
I rolled into French Louie, the place was packed like old times, an electric excitement seemed to be friscalating like dusk light, delicately illuminating every corner of the long angular room. Three new menu items- which immediately drew these hungry eyes- have completely elevated the menu. The leeks vinaigrette w/ crispy jammy egg & bottarga is a stark play in contrasts that finds a lovely balance between the tang of the marinated leaks and the richness of suspended animation egg yolk. The luscious and lovely (head-on) smoked paprika prawns hardly needed the intriguing almond “aioli”, but I wasn’t mad at it. And finally, I was rocked by the whimsy and execution of the duck ragu cavatelli, a genuine surprise with its finely shredded horseradish visually mimicking what would’ve been a more predictable parm topping. This last dish was one and a third turns of a pepper grinder from absolute perfection. … holy hell, the savory was so deep that I’ve almost forgotten the new citrus olive oil cake! If you have never been, or have not been in some time, once again, I cannot recommend French Louie highly enough. Thanks, Doug, Ryan, and Team! You folks are great at what you do.
Cheers,
Jack
Proprietor
Free Range Wine & Spirits
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