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A New Wine Bar Brings Even More Wine To Lodi

Lodi has a new wine business—well, kind of. Lodi Crush has long been operating in the Central Valley’s premier wine destination, offering services to local wineries including destemming, pressing, filtration, storage, branding, and more. And now Winemaker Gerardo Espinosa and his team have found a new way to promote the wineries they work with, and the wines they help to create.

Enter The Lounge at Lodi Crush. Opened in November 2022, the laidback wine bar offers a casual lounge atmosphere to gather with friends and family as well as a full bar. The grand opening was held January 21.

The wines provided at The Lounge all have ties to Winemaker Gerardo Espinosa, whether it is bottling, crushing, blending, or managing vineyards. “Our mission is

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

to provide a platform for up to 12 different artisan wine brands from regions around California,” Gerardo says, including the labels they already work with such as Anaya Vineyards, Jenner Family Estates, Campos Family Vineyards, and Grace Vineyards. “The Lounge’s concept is a place to gather with friends and family and enjoy artisan boutique wines you can’t get at another winery,” Gerardo says.

While wines are available by the glass and the bottle, the flights are Gerardo’s personal favorite because they allow guests to sip wines from four different wineries. The cheeseboards are also worth a try, curated from items provided by local producers, a practice they deploy with their nut and olive boards, as well. “We pride ourselves on promoting local small businesses,” he says.

While The Lounge opened in the winter months, highlighting its warm and inviting interior, warmer weather brings with it a new way to enjoy by sipping hand-selected vinos on the front patio with a view of downtown Lodi.

In February, the Lounge will also offer some exciting extras in line with the Lodi Wine and Chocolate event, with plans for dinner pairings and special happenings in addition to the release of the company’s wine club.

Celebrating their 14th year in the Historic Tracy Inn, the chefs at Tracy Thai Restaurant have produced countless satisfied customers, with their wonderfully inventive dishes. The chef makes classics dishes like ‘Pad Thai’ and ‘Tom Kar Gai’ that leave the diner feeling that they have been transported to a street in Thailand. Many of the dishes such as Eggplant prawns, or Garlic Pork reflect a homestyle feel. The Menu is a delight and there are always Lunch and Dinner Specials. The wood panels and decors at Tracy Thai will bring you to a classic home style in Thailand. With a warm, cozy ambiance and delicious food, you would enjoy your meal at Tracy Thai.

Tracy Thai

1035 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 833-9703

Owners Harry and Susan Yu have been a major part of the local economy since 2007 when Mikasa opened its location in Lathrop. Cooking with local produce and only using the freshest fish right from the Bay has always been key to their success. Fortunately the Yu’s chose Tracy for their newest location stocking the full bar with the most extensive liquor, sake, wine and beer selection around. Plus, with happy hour 7 days a week you’ll be sure to get your fill!

Mikasa also offers off site catering and a separate banquet room for all your rehearsal dinners, large parties or business needs. Try the special SJM Roll (pictured)

Mikasa Japanese Bistro

2610 S. Tracy Blvd. Ste. 110 Tracy, (209) 830-8288

15138 S Harlan Rd., Lathrop, (209) 858-1818

Hailed as one of the most authentic powerhouses of Japanese cuisine in the San Joaquin valley, Komachi offers a diverse array of exquisite dishes, ranging from the freshest sashimi to mouth-watering sushi rolls. “Come as a customer, leave as our family.” Hours: MonThur 11AM to 9PM, Fri - Sat 11AM to 9:30PM, Sun closed

Komachi Sushi

307 S. Lower Sacramento Rd. Lodi, (209) 334-3131 SushiKomachi.com

Nestled on the Brickwalk in Lincoln Center Midgley’s Public House specializes in steaks and seafood, with an extensive appetizer menu and unique desserts. Our bar menu consist of several unique cocktails, fine wines and spirits. We have several dining options including our extensive patio, dining room with floor to ceiling open windows, and a large bar area. We offer several dining options for large parties and do catering of all sizes, including our own food truck, Midgley's Public Truck, that can be rented for private and public events.

MIDGLEY’S PUBLIC HOUSE

296 Lincoln Center Stockton, (209) 474-7700 MidgleysPublicHouse.com