Why BYO's Rock, Expensive Wine You're On Notice

I'm sure we've all been there, whether it be a special occasion or you're looking to impress your date... You're at dinner and if the restaurant has one, the waiter brings over the wine list. First of all, having worked as a "server", the politically correct version of Waiter or Waitress, I'll tell you that alcohol is the number one source of profits for the restaurant, hands down. Food is just a low margin vessel for which to get alcohol down your throat and the wallet out of your neatly pressed pants. The wine costs vary from restaurant to restaurant based on a variety of factors, most notably the cost of the liquor license. In Philadelphia they cost upwards of a million dollars, so you better be sure the patrons are paying for that in some shape or form. As a general rule however figure that the actual price of the bottle is what the restaurant is charging for one glass. I resent this for numerous reasons, notably, I have no choice of the wine choices I'm given or why they were chosen and they are bloody expensive!

If you're feeling very daring and have some money burning a hole in your pocket, you might dine at an establishment with a professional Sommelierwho can help you navigate the wine list. Lucky me I was at such an establishment over the weekend, and let me tell you, I'm not impressed and my wallet hurts a little. After looking through the wine list for a few minutes I was struck with the sheer number of bottles, 750+. Surely a professional can help me find a wine I like?

A stuffy French man appears (Sommelier), nice but a little full of himself. I give him the flavor profile and region I want, for which is skillfully navigates the menu to several wines I might enjoy. I must have been high on the atmosphere or just a little intimidated by the guy in the tuxedo but I took his suggestion, quite sure this was going to be the best bottle of my life... particularly at that price! If you're following the sarcasm in the post I probably don't need to tell you, I was VERY disappointed. Was it a bad wine? No. Was it worth the price I paid? No! Was it even CLOSE to the price I paid? NO!!

Case in point here, have a cocktail before and after dinner and avoid the wine list. Alternatively visit your local BYO restaurant and bring your own bottle. At least if you're disappointed with the wine, you'll only be out $10.