THE BEST part of working? Leaving the office for happy hour. And one of the great things about happy hour is that because of reduced prices you can finally try some of the more expensive places that are usually beyond your means.

So I decided to try Cin-Cin in Los Gatos. This trendy wine bar is usually out of my budget, but from 4 to 6pm, Tuesday through Saturday, I can afford to give it a shot. And I'm glad I did. I got a bubbly glass of cava and some wild mushroom empenadas, and my friend got a Chilean wine and roasted prosciutto-wrapped medjool dates. The food and wine were both very tasty, and the waitress was superfriendly and gave suggestions, about wines to try and what went well together.

So for about two hours, I got to feel cool with the other beautiful people in the bar. I could pretend that I was a rich Los Gatan, and that my life was actually interesting while laughing over a glass of wine with a friend. It was still pricier than my local pub, but it was a pleasure to change things up and try something new. And while I still love a good beer, good wine definitely has its place.

Cin-Cin

368 Village Lane, Los Gatos; 408.354.8006

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