Magazine selects Suzanne's for wine honor
By Jesse Phelps

Ojai gourmet restaurant Suzanne's Cuisine has been honored this year by Wine Spectator magazine for the first time with its Award of Excellence.

Each year, "Wine Spectator" honors a small selection of restaurants with its Award of Excellence or its Grand Award, both of which signify a major coup for the restaurateurs. The Award of Excellence, specifically, signifies that the award-winner has "one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world."

Jennifer Cliff, assistant manager and wine buyer, said she believes Suzanne's received the award for "the depth of the list" and her commitment to "put effort into offering wines to the consumer at good prices," as well as "taking into account our menu and my ability to pair."

Cliff says she likes to be somewhat creative with her pairing, taking into account the palate of the consumer in addition to the food selection. She doesn't necessarily believe, for instance, that fish must be paired with a white. "There's not a rock-solid rule and I think that it's kind of dated to say there is," she said.

Cliff says she not only takes into account the customer's previous wine experience and preferences but that her approach is not to have a terribly expensive list.

"It's fine dining, but it is a casual atmosphere," she said. "I want people to come in here and try things that they wouldn't normally be able to try."

The wine list at Suzanne's, according to Cliff, features selections from all over the world, with a focus on California.
"I find smaller producers, things you wouldn't find in retail a lot," said Cliff. "I take a very creative approach."

Suzanne's differs from some other area eateries because of the availability of cocktails, though the award does not take that into account. "I have an extensive martini list I've created," she said. "We do both sides of it. I do have a lot of fu
n drinks. Some are not my own recipes, but predominantly they are.""
These recipes often include seasonal offerings. "I don't want to say they're martinis for novices, but a lot of them are fun," says Cliff. "I have summertime martinis during this moment in time, and in winter, peppery, more warming kind of drinks."
Cliff has a blast coming up with offerings. "It's what I enjoy doing," she said. "It's my passion."

The Aug. 31, 2003 issue of Wine Spectator featuring the award listings has already been sent to subscribers and, according to Cliff, will hit magazine shelves soon.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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