Nothing is harder to find in Southern California that a true underground cellar, and this is especially true if it involves a restaurant.  So when The Federal in Long Beach unveiled its new underground entertainment venue earlier this year it was really news.
We got our first view of it yesterday when we attended the "Let's Do Launch" event which celebrated Long Beach's first restaurant week.
This took place at The Federal's new Underground located at First and Pine Street.  Taking part was a live broadcast of the SoCal Restaurant Show on Angels Radio AM 830.
Then there were the culinary tasties provided by The Federal, La Strada Italiano, US Foods, and Choctal.
And of course we spent some time talking with Kara P:otthast, sales exec of Kiwi Distributing Co., importers of some very exciting wines.  We particularly liked the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from New Zealand.  The grapes were from Wairau Valley known for producing excellent white wines.
We also were impressed with Robertson Winery 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon.  We already knew that South Africa makes outstanding wines and this vintage proved that once again.
The International Food, Wine & Travel Writers were well represented at this event with Linda Kissam, IFW vice president, Roger Paige, IFW Executive Secretary.  and members Andrew Harris, who was one of the trio broadcasting live on Angels Radio AM 830, and this Writer