Press Release

Solano Grill & Bar

(510) 525 - 8686

(510) 525 - 0675 fax

For Immediate Release:

REPEAT!! - Solano Grill & Bar Wins Acclaim from Wine Spectator

"Award of Excellence" for Second Year in a Row

September 22, 1997

Albany, Calif - Solano Grill & Bar has received the "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator Magazine for 1997. The award, announced in the Sept 30th, 1997 issue of Wine Spectator Magazine, is the second in two years which Solano Grill & Bar has received for their Wine Program. Wine Spectator Magazine awards restaurants with exceptional wine lists and programs unparalleled elsewhere. The awards are given to restaurants across the world. Only a few select restaurants received this award in the Bay Area.

Philip Chen, Director of Beverages at Solano Grill & Bar, 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. Mr. Chen offers 25 wines by the glass, 15 - 20 wines in the half bottle, and over 400 selections on the regular wine list. He places great emphasis on low to moderate priced wines to ensure that any guest can enjoy an exceptional wine for less than $35.

Mr. Chen believes the success of the Wine Program is also the result of a wine knowledgeable staff who help guests select the appropriate wine from the expansive list. When asked about the staff Philip Chen said, "The staff mediates the Wine Program to the guests. Every staff member drinks wine themselves and they often recommend their favorites to our guests. Everyday they have more questions about wine...sometimes they have more questions than I have answers. It is easy for me because the staff is so motivated and enjoys wine so much."

In the future Philip Chen hopes to incorporate flights of wine and regular pairings with the menus as part of the Wine Program.

For more information please contact Michael Stajer at (510) 525 - 8686 or email: stajer@ix.netcom.com.