Tag Archives: portugal wine

Show 630, June 7, 2025: Portuguese Wine Week with Sandra Gomes Rocha, Producer

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Sandra Gomes Rocha of Diniz Cellars

“Renowned for its diverse terroirs and unique grape varietals, Portugal has emerged as a rising star in the global wine scene. Premiering in Los Angeles June 7th through 14th, the 2nd Annual Portuguese Wine Week offers an unparalleled opportunity for wine lovers to explore the depth and complexity of Portuguese wines right here in the heart of Hollywood and environs.”

“Hosted by Diniz Cellars, importer of fine Portuguese wines, this week-long celebration promises to captivate wine enthusiasts with a series of enticing events, including wine tastings, dinners, and other immersive experiences.”

Diniz Cellars’ Sandra Gomes Rocha joins us to uncork all this is Portuguese Wine Week.

Show 164, March 19, 2016: Brian Cousins, General Manager, Café Del Rey

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Brian CousinsHow do you keep a fine-dining establishment with an incredible Marina-view fresh after 25 years? We’ll chat with Brian Cousins, the seasoned General Manager of Café Del Rey, about how he has accomplished this impressive feat at a well-known, wine-centric destination restaurant in Marina del Rey.

Executive Chef David Vilchez is new to the kitchen at Café Del Rey. He moved South to the Marina from sister establishment, Napa Valley Grille in Westwood.

Fortunately, this contemporary, marina-view establishment defies the convention that having a great view is an excuse for serving mediocre food. Although owned by a restaurant group based in Florida their fine-dining restaurants are run autonomously. The feel is that Café Del Rey is locally owned by hands-on management.

“Cuisine inspired by the coastal towns of the Mediterranean. Intuitive service and a beautiful seaside setting. The food is about discovery: the freshest fish, fire grilled steaks, roasted free-range poultry, citrus, olives and market fresh vegetables all bursting with flavor. The luscious desserts, sophisticated cocktails and wine complete your journey.”

Their wine dinners are out of the ordinary. Coming in April is an unusual salute to the wines of Portugal.