Solano Grill & Bar Newsletter MARCH 1998

MARCH 1998

Solano Grill & Bar Celebrates Third Anniversary

On February 25^th, 1998 Solano Grill & Bar officially celebrated its Third Anniversary. The story of Solano Grill & Bar begins in 1994 when Chef Sam Chen decided to leave his position as Chef Tournant at La Folie in San Francisco to open his own restaurant. He wanted to do a cuisine which reflected his background and upbringing in his own community. With his brother Phil, also a Chef who had been in the restaurant business for 9 years, they decided to open their restaurant on Solano Avenue. The restaurant was remodeled in January and February 1995 and opened as the Solano Grill & Bar on February 25^th, 1995.

Sam had created a menu which reflected his personal tastes. He decided to use nothing but fresh and local produce which reflected the seasons and the diversity which the Bay Area has to offer. Now, three years later, we continue to hand select our produce daily at Monterey Market and the local farmer=s markets. The cuisine which Sam presents employs French the techniques and traditions which he learned at the California Culinary Academy and practiced at La Folie but integrates the flavors of Asia from his childhood in China.

Phil Chen was responsible for the wine program which has since won acclaim including two "Awards of Excellence" from Wine Spectator Magazine in 1996 and 1997. Phil attributes the success of his Wine Program to not only the quantity and quality of wines offered but to the accessibility of wine at Solano Grill & Bar. Solano Grill & Bar offers 25 wines by the glass, 15 - 20 wines in the half bottle, and over 400 selections on the regular wine list. The focus of the Wine Program is California Cabernet Sauvignon and French Bordeaux which complement Chef Sam Chen=s cuisine.

Sam, Phil, and I wanted to thank you for the support you have shown us during the last three years. We can honestly say that it has been a pleasure serving you during that time and will continue to be a pleasure in the coming future.

Sincerely,

Michael Stajer,

General Manager

Inaugural Winemaker Dinner with Robert Mondavi

Solano Grill & Bar will host our inaugural Wine Pairing Dinner featuring Robert Mondavi Winery on Thursday March 26, 1998. As many are already aware Solano Grill & Bar=s wine program is central to the restaurant experience and we are continually seeking methods of improving offering to guests. A series of Wine Pairing and Winemaker Dinners featuring premier local wineries has been planned beginning with Robert Mondavi Winery in March.

Wine, as a beverage, has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years. This is in no small part due to the exceptional quality and relatively low prices of California wines which have opened the world of wine drinking to countless people. For the most part a great deal of the focus upon wine has centered upon the drinking of wine for its own sake but it cannot be forgotten that wine and food are the perfect complements. The perfect matching of Varietal and vintage with the flavors of a dish and sauce can immeasurably improve the taste of both the food and wine. To this end Solano Grill & Bar has created a special part of the wine program.

This dinner will feature a unique Five Course menu created and executed by Chef Sam Chen. Specifically tailored and designed to pair with the dishes which will be served, the wine list for the evening will accentuate the flavors of the dishes and allow the relationship between wine and food to be examined. Representatives from the Robert Mondavi Winery will discuss the characteristics of each wine and will explain the pairings. This Wine Pairing Dinner with Robert Mondavi promises to be an exciting way to taste new and interesting wines and explore the relationship between food and wine.

Appetizers and mingling will begin at 6:00pm with the entire dinner estimated to take around two hours. The dinner will be limited to forty people and will be available through invitation and reservations only. To receive an invitation please contact Michael Stajer at (510) 525 - 8686.

Construction on Solano Avenue Postponed

The February Newsletter reported that the City of Albany was to begin a remodeling construction on Solano Avenue in March. This construction has since been postponed and will now begin in April. During this first weeks of April the city is warning that parking will be very limited on Solano and there may be minor traffic disruptions. Construction is only planned during the daytime and there will be full unrestricted access to Solano Avenue after 5pm. During the day, however, while it will be possible to visit Solano Grill & Bar we are recommending using the side streets for parking and access for the least amount of inconvenience.

If you would like to know more about the best method of access and street parking please call (510) 525 - 8686.

Notes & Miscellaneous

All of our menus, news of special events, biographies, and other information are available on the internet at www.solanogrillandbar.com. Solano Grill & Bar Online has been designed to offer our current guests continually updated information on the latest events, happenings, and specials at the restaurant. The site also aims to give those who have never been to Solano Grill & Bar a preview of what goes on behind the front doors. Take a guest to Solano Grill & Bar without leaving your home with our Virtual Tour at www.solanogrillandbar.com.

On Sunday May 3^rd, 1998 Solano Grill & Bar will be presenting at A CHEF=S DELIGHT food and wine tasting festival in Oakland. This food show will be hosted by Narsai David, Food and Wine Editor of KCBS radio, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society is a leader in the worldwide effort to treat and cure cancer and to increase public awareness of cancer prevention measures and early detection. This festival will feature delicious food, wine, and beer provided by some of the leading Bay Area restaurants, caterers, wineries, and breweries. For further information please contact Mabel Chong of the Wa Sung Service Club at (510) 482 - 0389.

On Saturday April 11^th, 1998 Chef Sam Chen will be presenting a cooking demonstration at the Albany Beverages & More on San Pablo. The demonstration will take place from 12 - 2:00pm and will also focus upon wine and food pairing. Further details will be provided in the April newsletter.

Our new Dinner menu for March & April 1998 has just been released. As with all of our seasonal menus this new menu highlights the produce and seafood which the variety of the Bay Area has to offer. Read the menu online at our website at www.solanogrillandbar.com or call us today for more information at (510) 525 - 8686.

Please feel free to call us if you have any questions regarding anything in this letter. If you would like to add a friend or would like to have yourself removed from our mailing list please call us at your convenience. We can be reached at (510) 525 - 8686. Thank you.