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La Tasca Talks About Sangria Ban
An in-depth and Pulitzer worthy interview with La Tasca Managing Partner, Shana McKillop on the Sangria Saga
The Vino Vixen: What are your expectations about your appeal of your citation (for serving authentic Sangria in Virginia)?
Shana McKillop: Our expectations regarding the result of our appeal remain optimistic. Our hope is that we have the violations reduced to warnings, and all fines are dropped.
One one hand, We realize that while the violations stem from a somewhat old and obscure law, the ABC agents have a job to do. There are consequences when any law or code is violated. On the other hand, We have never received any violations whatsoever in any of our locations, liquor related or otherwise, and feel that this history should be taken into consideration when those consequences are determined.
Our reaction was immediate in all VA locations after the violations were issued and would have been just as instantaneous if there had been a warning. We are professionals and believe that our responsibilities to VAABC, and responsibility to our customers go hand in hand. We would never compromise that.
VV: How do you feel about an authentic Spanish restaurant serving "fake" Sangria?
SM: Our feelings about the sangria we are currently serving are "mixed". (at least we can mix those LOL)
VV: Good one. Keep that sense of humor!
SM: Obviously our only goal is to bring our customers "a Taste of Spain" as we say. We have offered that you will find nothing better in Spain. We are anticipating a big change in legislature in Virginia by July so that we can resume making good on that promise as far as the Sangria is concerned... Its unfortunate that we cannot provide this traditional Spanish beverage in its true form here in VA, especially in a state as rich with tradition as Virginia is. Imagine having a Margarita at Los Tios (one of my favorite Mexican restaurants) with no tequila!
VV: Horrors!
SM: We are still offering all 11 kinds of Sangria, with adjustments made to comply with Virginia's alcohol laws. There have been no complaints so far and our guests report that they are enjoying the modified sangria and there have been no issues.
VV: What has been the reaction of your guests?
SM: There have been no complaints whatsoever from our guests in the Old Town location about the sangria. The law has ruffled a few feathers though. (VV- Like mine...) Our customers are very supportive and loyal and we are grateful for that. They seem as disheartened by this law as we are! Our guests have stuck by us every step of the way, and like us, cant wait to have a Sangria party if the legislature changes.
VV: Didn't ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) at least give you a warning first that you were violating this archaic law?
SM: We received no warning about the Sangria. We had another location open in Virginia for almost 3 years serving Sangria, which passed every routine inspection. As I mentioned in the 1st answer, we would have taken the same
immediate action if a warning was issued. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, but a warning would have sent us in the right direction. Our sangria menus were reworded within weeks of this violation and all mixed batches were disposed of the same day. 40 Liters in Old Town alone.
VV: Hey Shana, can I come to your Sangria party when the law is repealed and bring all my readers?
(waiting response..)
Cheers!
VV
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