Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1011938
{ SOMMjournal.com } 117 The park is hosting this conversation in conjunction with the Los Angeles Times Food Bowl, a month-long culinary festival responsible for dozens of epicurean- themed soirees held throughout town. Yet this atmosphere is hardly a one-night-on- ly occurrence: Weekly on the hilltop all summer long, Barnsdall's Friday Night Wine Tastings serve as part social gathering and part fundraiser for the park's numerous art programs. The seasonal fete creates a serene scene that's quintessentially Angeleno, effortlessly jettisoning bad thoughts of unending work weeks and traffic bouts that feel even lon - ger. It's precisely the vibe those behind Barnsdall were going for when the wine-kissed shindig launched in 2009. "Barnsdall is known for its sunsets and Los Angeles is known for warm, dry weather," explains Barnsdall Foundation Board President Bill Macomber. "These conditions pair well with wines that are crisp, easy-drinking, and refreshing." Barnsdall's pairing prowess extends to its partnership with L.A. wine shop Silver - lake Wine, which selects a white and a rosé as well as two reds to pour at each get- together. On this particular evening, a quartet of two wines from France and one each from Spain and California echo Macomber's "easy-drinking" sentiment. "Being here is like being at your rich friend's house," says Silverlake Wine co-owner Randy Clement, who assists with the wine curation. "I mean, nothing's cooler than being on a hill with a Frank Lloyd Wright house, drinking wine." This would normally be true, but once Gold and Humm take their seats in front of the crowd, "nothing's cooler" finds a way to up the ante. As the former inter - views the latter for 45 minutes, the ensuing discussions on the architecture of food; the legacy of French chef Paul Bocuse, who died earlier this year ; and two-ingre- dient cooking captivate the crowd. Their insights meld with the wine to create the perfect topping for L.A.'s metaphorical peak—especially considering we were in the presence of a culinary legend gone far too soon. Editor's note: The SOMM Journal team would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Jonathan Gold. We will always hold a great love and appreciation for Gold and all he has done for our hometown of Los Angeles throughout his prolific career. Silverlake Wine curates the wine poured at Barnsdall Art Park's Friday Night Wine Tasting fundraisers. Stemless wine glasses are the perfect accessories for an evening at Barnsdall Art Park.