Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

LIFE tickles me at times, especially when I come across people with whom I share a common interest. Over the years, I’ve developed a taste for fine wine. Not just wine per se but also its collateral trappings --good company and meaningful conversations.Over good wine, I recently spent some quality time with a remarkable couple, Dr. Santos Uy and his wife Edel, whose love for this celebrated, fermented beverage has taken them to different parts of the world.

Dr. and Mrs. Uy were so gracious to invite yours truly for some wine-tasting at a restaurant co-owned by their son, Santos.

With my interior designer friend Katrina Nable-Villa, I made my way to the USC area in Downtown LA to a restaurant called Bacaro.

If you are coming from the west side of LA, be prepared for a dramatic change of scenery. I myself was wondering if I was treading on the right path as I immedately found myself transported from a very bustling, crowded area into a chic, bohemian pocket of Downtown LA.

There’s something about this corner of Union and 23rd Sts. that is cozy and inviting. We did not expect to encounter this old-world-charm in this part of town.

So Katrina and I made our way inside Bacaro LA (located on 2308 S Union Ave LA) where a quaint, intimate but very trendy space awaited us.

I was impressed. Katrina, a pro interior designer, was also quite pleased with the surroundings.

We were first greeted by restaurant co-owner Santos Uy, a 26-yearold USC grad who, based on that first impression, seems to be very passionate about all things wine. And for good reason since he is also the wine director of Bacaro LA!

For dinner, we were joined by Santos’ parents, Dr .Uy and Edel, who engaged us in an evening of fascinating conversation and great food.

Hearing Dr. Uy and his wife relate their travels all over the world is like being there with them. They are very charming storytellers. As you may have guessed, the doctor and his wife are quite the food and wine connoisseurs.

From the time they met in 1978, they have celebrated milestones in their relationship and their family with good food and wine.