Wine accessories

As long as I’m having a fashion-focused look around the Valley They Call Silicon, let’s talk a bit about foodies and fashionistas.

I occasionally go to a small market in Palo Alto called Piazza’s. They tend to have better produce than Whole Foods, at a slightly lower price (mostly), and it reminds me of the little grocery I used to go to when I lived in Van Nuys; the one in which you could occasionally run into James Doohan.

Piazza’s is larger and more comprehensive, and I like it that they have an actual meat counter, and fish counter and cheese counter—all staffed with people who know their meat, fish and cheese. You can also get Panettone pretty much year round, although of course a better selection in December.

It’s kind of a homely place, where I’m sure they recognize the regulars, without a lot of the trendoid crapola you can find at other upscale grocery stores, especially in this area.

However, they do have their moments, because Piazza’s is the only place I have ever seen…the Wine Purse.

Yes, froofy $20 plastic fake leopard and lame bags with zippers and trim to schlep your bottle of wine to that dinner party in Los Altos or Cupertino.

I suppose you could use it to disguise your Two-buck Chuck. Or, in a pinch, transport your teacup poodle to a play date.

If I ever see someone in the act of carrying one of these, I assure you I’ll do my best to get a shot. Although I may be laughing too hard to steady the camera.