Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/518118
june 2015 / the tasting panel / 59 And so it began. Now you have A16 here in San Francisco and one in Oakland. And SPQR as well. Anything on the horizon? Oh, you never know. As much as we love food and wine, there are always interesting ideas and opportunities. I really love walking into A16. I'm going to give you a compliment: I think you may have the best "door" in the city. The reception here has always been special even when you're incredibly busy. It's great to hear you say that. I think the door and the pizzaiolo are the two most difficult positions in the restau- rant. Things are constantly changing and you just have to embrace it. We work really hard and that first impression as guests walk in the door is so important. We're sitting here sipping this superb Ferrari Perlé. What a great way to start a day! We have been pouring Ferrari since the day we opened. It's our favorite premium sparkling wine pour. Italians love eating and drinking and they love sparkling wine. So do we! Does sparkling wine go with pizza? Of course it does! Now you have me thinking about it. Right now we have these wonderful little clams and I'm thinking of a clam pizza. You have that briny flavor with the wonderful acidity and rich flavors. I'm all in. Sold . . . I eat pizza every day. The yeast, the crust, the fresh ingredients make it unique every day. And then along comes pasta. A16 has great pasta. Do you make all your own? We make the majority of it. But certain shapes are better dried and we get those from Italy. We really love it for wine pairing, we change the menu every day, but we do keep a few house favorites. Let me put you on the spot. What is your favorite part, the wine or the food? The wine. I love it when a guest comes in and orders the wine first before the food. We are ambassadors for regions that are lesser known and we are constantly seeking out the best examples. What percentage of the list is Italy? About 80 percent. When we make a change it's a twofold decision. We consider value and quality so we have a good range of price points and also the education factor for the staff to keep them interested and involved. Our carafe program really lets the team offer a large number of choices. It's a significant part of our wine sales. So, the Italian God of Wine comes down from the mount and gives you a wish. What do you do? Oh, and you can only use your powers for good. I would like all winemakers to make wine from their heart and not their pocketbooks. You put wine in your body and you feel great when you have the winemaker's best effort. So, with the Ferrari, instead of the fizz you hear the heartbeat. Absolutely! Fred Dame, MS, VP of Prestige Accounts for American Wine & Spirits (a division of SW&S CA).