President Donald Trump’s Trade War Has Already Blasted California Wineries

Yes, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and President Donald Trump met and decided to stay introducing new tariffs on each other’s countries. But the president’s consequential decisions regarding the economic aggression have already impacted winemakers in Northern California. The San Francisco Chronicle reports Ontario and Quebec have not yet rescinded the decision to quit stocking alcohol from the United States, a move set to enter effect on Tuesday, February 4. For Santa Rosa’s Kenny Likitprakong, owner of Hobo Wine Company, that amounts to 10 percent of annual production.

President and CEO of the Wine Institute Robert P. Koch told the paper in a statement that Canada is the “single most important export market for U.S. wines.” The country represents more than $1.1 billion in annual sales for domestic wine. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ), the companies handling those provinces’ alcohol distribution, were ordered to “stop selling and purchasing U.S. alcohol products” on February 4. “We have hundreds of cases of wine in our warehouse already labeled for Canada that aren’t going to be picked up,” Likitprakong told the paper.

Fan-favorite Berkeley cafe returns

Homemade Cafe, a keystone of the city’s dining scene since 1979, looks to reopen during President’s Day weekend. East Bay Nosh reports neighbor and fan Rohit Singh called owner Collin Doran to see if he could help bring the business back to life. Together, they’ve decided to reduce the menu a bit and introduced counter service to cut down on labor costs. “Homemade Cafe is rising from the ashes like a pancake-wielding phoenix,” Doran told Nosh.

Slick Mediterranean restaurant lands in Belmont

Ajay Walia and Reena Miglani, the husband-and-wife team behind Buringame’s Rasa and Saffron, are seeking a hat trick. The Mercury News reports Amara opened on Tuesday, January 21 serving cuisine from Turkey, Morocco, and Greece. Dishes such as branzino and saffron-marinated roast half-chicken are early hits. The food is joined by French and California wines, and a cocktail program from the mind behind New York’s Shinji’s.

Hadeem and Bar Gemini team up

Freshly James Beard-nominated chef Spencer Horovitz is taking his pop-up Hadeem to slam dunk Mission District newcomer Bar Gemini. In an Instagram post, the two let fans know reservations are live for a two-night affair on February 16 and 17. Walk-ins are also available.