"This is not just another wine bar," explains Don Davis, co-owner of Bin 38, a new Marina hot spot that boasts an outdoor back patio with a fire pit that's an attractive option these days considering that temps are still in the '50s. But the best part about this new bar? They serve over 40 rare wines by the glass from lesser known, small production wineries in South Africa, Argentina, Oregon and Washington, alongside a variety of exotic beers courtesy of local hand-crafted breweries.

We asked Don to school us on some of his favorite food and drink pairings from the delicious menu; read on, and when you go, take our advice and be sure to save some room for the chocolate pudding!

1. Warm Chanterelle Mushroom Bruschetta with herbed ricotta and lemon vinaigrette + Gramona Grand Cuvee Cava 2002
"Sparkling wine, particularly a dry cava, is a very versatile food wine that's able to cut through the creamy ricotta cheese and stand up to the lemon vinaigrette. Plus, any excuse for more bubbly is a good one!"

2. Seared Sablefish with brown butter, black-eyed peas, wilted cabbage, and fennel + Burgans Albarino Rias-Baixas 2006
"Albarino hails from the Rias-Baixas region in the Northwest corner of Spain and is the perfect match for shellfish. The oily quality of the fish is complemented by the slightly viscous quality of this wine. A hint of honey and lemon brings the Sablefish to life and makes it really sing."

3. Grilled Beef Tenderloin Kabobs with Brussels sprouts and potato hash bearnaise + Edge Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004
"A classic combination of a hearty, full-bodied cab with grilled beef. The tannins in the wine are tempered beautifully by the meat while the black currant and cedar edge brings the combination into a decadent balance."

4. Kara's Cupcakes Trio + Rosenblum 'Rosie Rabbit' Late Harvest Zinfandel Russian River 2004
"It takes just the perfect dessert wine to marry with chocolate, vanilla and lemon cupcakes, and Rosenblum's late-harvest Zin complements perfectly on all three fronts. The deep, jammy and berry-filled explosion of goodness of this addictive wine almost makes you forget you're eating Kara's little wonders—almost."

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