Walking the Red Carpet at the Sacramento Oscar Gala

Ever dream about walking the red carpet on Oscar night? I have. But because I’m not an actress and currently not dating George Clooney (one can only hope), my chances of this happening any time soon are pretty much non-existence.

I did, however, get to walk the red carpet at the Sacramento Oscar Gala and it was almost as good. Plus, I had to go -- not because it was a station event, but because last year a psychic told me he saw me walking the red carpet at some Hollywood event wearing a fabulous dress.  So when I got the invite, I thought maybe this was the one.

Of course, he said he saw me getting out of a limo, which didn't happen as I arrived in my own little Honda and escorted by a hunky man. I went solo so that didn't happen either.

However, he did get one thing right.  I was wearing a fabulous dress AND I had a great time.

The Sacramento Oscar Gala is the only official Northern California Oscar Watch Party. It was held at Gateway Towers on the 12th floor penthouse, and it was a night filled with fabulous dresses, great food and great entertainment.

But the best part was that the gala raised over $150,000 for the Capital City Aids fund. It was truly a night to remember.

Revolution Wines still evolving?

You just have to say the words “wine tasting” and I’m pretty much there. I love the whole concept of appetizers/small plates and wine. It’s one of the reasons I love going to Napa.

So when Revolution Wines opened at 2831 S Street I was excited. I mean, how could I not be? There was a new wine place in town and they had their own cellar. Plus, they had all the words I love in their name – “wine tasting” and “bistro.” Whoo hoo. They also do winemaker’s dinners, which I also love.

Sadly, going there was not as fabulous as I thought it was going to be.

I’ve been to Revolution Wines twice now since their opening the Fall 2010. While I still love the whole concept and their chicken thai sliders are good, both times I have been disappointed in the wines.

The first time I tried a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Grenache. Both were mediocre. But I didn’t give up. I went back again a few weeks later and tried their Zinfandel. Again, it wasn’t fabulous. But if you want to taste for yourself, they do have $3 happy hour before 6 p.m. Plus, I hear their Chenin Blanc and their port is good – I haven’t tried either, so I can’t tell you what I think.

But it was their service that was the kicker for me. It was crappy. Both times they ignored me even though it wasn’t busy. In fact, the second time I waited 45 minutes for the server to give me a menu while I watched her seat, take orders and serve two other tables who came in after me.

Am I giving up on Revolution Wines? Yes…for the moment. I’ll try them again in a few months – because I really do like the concept of having an urban winery just blocks away from where I live.

So I’m keeping my fingers crossed that as they mature as a wine bar, their service and wine selection will also evolve from average into fabulous.