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Beer Here Sunnyvale's Bob Stoddard takes a silver medal at World Beer Cup Competition By Christina Waters CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VERY OWN Stoddard's Brewhouse and Eatery--that would be the attractive multistory affair in downtown Sunnyvale. It seems that brew master Bob Stoddard (his title is Master Brewer to be precise) has once again covered himself in foamy glory by taking a Silver Medal at the World Beer Cup International Competition, sponsored by the Association of Brewers. Stoddard's medal was awarded in the category of German-style Kölsch--which we must all run right out and sample immediately. The World Beer Cup, established in 1996, is held every two years to celebrate the art and science of brewing by recognizing outstanding brewing achievement. More than 3,500 breweries representing over 100 countries are invited to participate in the event. Stoddard's Brewhouse was the only brewery in the Bay Area to win an award at this event. "Winning this medal is an affirmation to the hours of dedication invested by me and my staff to produce consistent, excellent beers," a justifiably proud Bob Stoddard emailed me last week. Oh, and the award-winning brew master also mentioned that he's busy expanding the empire with a new 250-seat brew house in downtown Campbell (200 E. Campbell Ave.) that will include a huge 600-seat-plus banquet facility. Scheduled to open in 2001, the new facility should make 2001 a very big year for beer in the South Bay. Stop by Stoddard's Brewhouse and Eatery--111 S. Murphy Ave. in Sunnyvale (408.733.7824) and congratulate the sudsmeisters. Eno-Techa On the other hand, if your elixir of choice tends toward vino, you will want to attend the upcoming Society of Wine Educators' 24th Annual Conference in San Jose, July 31-Aug. 5. Scheduled to fill the opulent Fairmont Hotel with hundreds of wine educators, wine makers and wine professionals, the conference includes 40 sessions, during which more than 400 wines will be tasted, discussed and demystified. This year's theme, "The Art & Technology of Wine," is dedicated to getting the word about the latest developments in wine-making out to wine gurus all over the country. Paul Draper (Ridge Vineyards) and Sandro Boscaini (Agricola Masi SpA) among others will get down and serious about the Internet and wine-making techniques, the evolution of wine styles and wine serving, and tons more great stuff having to do with the world of contemporary wine. Find out more on line at www.wine.gurus.com.or by calling 202.347.5677. This conference is right here in downtown San Jose and it's affordable. Check it out. Rhône Ranger Update Turns out that sly ami du vin, Randall Grahm, is now moonlighting one night a week--Wednesdays, according to his latest email--as sommelier at Elka's, 900 Bush St., in San Francisco. Grahm, who's also planning some new winery for himself in the industrial regions of Santa Cruz (and yes, there are a few such regions remaining), single-handedly designed Elka's wine list. Think of it as a liquid MRI of one of the great minds in oenology. Grahm's new Bonny Doon Vineyards Syrah is a study in leathery, peppery, blood-red consciousness. Look for it on a convenient shelf--it provides lusty counterpoint to pork loin, pasta and salmon. At least it does at my house... And while we're on the subject, the folks who gave us Lulu, and the hot new Azie (more on that next column), also give us the new Zibibbo's Cafe, located next door to the hedonistically designed Palo Alto home of un-boring Italianate-Middle Eastern flavors. The Cafe--a casual spin-off in the tradition of, e.g., Stars Cafe--offers a more affordable, accessible, summertime concept. The menu moves in two directions. You've got your tapas, antipasti and meze--small plates a la Mediterranean. And there's another menu of salads, sandwiches, pizzas and pasta specialties--all happening weekdays from 11:30am-2pm. The Cafe at Zibibbo at 431 Waverley Street, PA (650.328.6722). Email me! Readers, restaurateurs, chefs: Please send any news items, tips, menu changes, openings, special events and juicy gossip to [email protected]. [ San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]