Nestled — or dare I say hidden — along route 41 in Avondale, Pennsylvania, which is a most unlikely place to grow grapes, sits a little known rock star in the arena of new world wines. I say “little known” because Va La is a micro winery that produces limited production wines (rarely more than 300 cases of any wine) that you simply cannot find on the shelves of Wine & Spirit Shops or the “Wine Marts” of the world. But rest assured, Va La is a rock star in the new world wine set with a cult like following of loyal supporters known as the Va La Nation. And yes, I am a card carrying member.
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JoyoftheTable.com® 
“Over a Glass” & “Four and a Bottle” show taping, drinking and eating
Sunday, December 6, 2009
For those of you that remember the ridiculously priced Wine Sessions, 10 glasses for $20, that we had over at Mantra/Bar Amalfi, we’re back, but in a different way. Wine guy Zachary M.C. Harris has brought food guy Chef Al Paris in on two of his television project, and this is our first day taping episodes.
We’re taking over Mission Grill restaurant on December 6th, 2009 and having two seatings, and taping a total of six episodes between both shows. Each seating will compose two episodes of Over a Glass and one episode of Four and a Bottle.
In Over a Glass, Zach will bring wine to which Al will pair the food. All in attendance will be seated and enjoy each course and be interviewed as to their reactions and/or impressions on the wine and the food. Several people will be chosen to sit at the main table and be the focus of the dining experience.
In Four and a Bottle, four chefs will each construct a meal on the fly given a glass of wine to taste. Several audience diners will be chosen to participate, being served both the wine and small plates of all four creations.
The first seating will start at twelve noon and feature five wonderful wines that I was introduced to that come from the country of Chile. These are some vivacious reds that will knock your socks off. The second seating will start at four in the afternoon, and the theme is wine seduction, with the focus being on bubbly (sparkling wine) and dessert wine. We might even throw in some chocolate!
Summarily, all in attendance will enjoy five glasses of wine, three tapas, one entrée and one dessert. The price is $50 per person, and group discounts are available. For those of you that have attended past events, you know that you get your money’s worth, and in this, you’ll also be on our shows (5 glasses of good wine would run you at least $40 not including tax and tip; 3 small plates, an entree and a dessert would easily cost you about the same or more; you do the math and look at the bargain).
For more information, you can call me at 215-474-1911 or contact me at zach@theblackwiner.com. Space is limited to fifty people per seating
Mission Grille
1835 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA 19103-2744
Cost: $50.00
hello I am new to this ,But found this very useful. I will come back regularly.