Celeb-Rated: Maynard James Keenan

by Pierce Martin - Citysearch Contributor - 8 Reviews - 2 Lists

Updated: October 03, 2008

While Maynard James Keenan may be best known for his guitar and vocal stylings as the fierce frontman for Tool, it turns out there is more to this three-time Grammy winner than lead solos and throaty vocals. This hardcore musician knows his wine, and is turning into quite the connossieur. With his own label--Arizona Stronghold Vineyards--and an extensive bottle-signing tour this season, we decided to catch up with this rocker-turned-wine guy and see what he had to say about his favorite places to grab a glass of a great vintage.

On this page:Los Angeles, On The Road.

Los Angeles

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Mission Wines
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    1114 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 91030 (map)

    "This place has a great diverse selection. They clearly hand-select their wines here. Trust them to help make a solid choice not for you, but with you. Very good at figuring out what you like."

  2. 2 Intelligentsia Coffee
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    823 N La Fayette Park Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

    "The coffee is so good it makes up for the name. Beyond good. True artists at work here. And they have a trophy to prove it. Two, in fact."

  3. 3 3 Star Rating: Average Cha Cha Lounge
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    2375 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (map)

    "The vending machine is where I spend most of my time while sipping my 'Zagama Beach.' Planet of the Apes trading cards, Cha Cha T-shirts, Pez dispensers, candy cigarettes ... no dress code per se, but you will need a clever hat."

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average Gingergrass
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    2396 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (map)

    "Vietnamese Cuisine done Silver Lake style. I've never been a big fan of pork chops until I had them here. Gave up my religion even. Now I can't get enough. And it's right across the street from Silver Lake Wine. Everyone wins!"

On The Road

  1. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Tarbell's
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    3213 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018 (map)

    "Like a speakeasy for winos. Several thousand wines for you to mispronounce. And there's live music. If David Lynch hasn't been here, I'd be surprised. They have delicious flatbread, too. (Don't be scared ... it's just Egyptian speak for pizza.)"

  2. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Sushi Ota
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    4529 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    "I don't get to San Diego too often, but knowing how much I appreciate good sushi I was told to make time to eat at Sushi Ota and was not disappointed."

  3. 7 2 Star Rating: Below Average Hard Rock Hotel - Body English
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    4455 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (map)

    "Cozy and intimate, and sometimes Vegas-style chaotic. Perfect late night out. Always a treat, but never the same."

  4. 8 3 Star Rating: Average Penske-Wynn Ferrari Maserati
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    3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (map)

    "Fantastic handmade tortellini. The brick oven pizzas are gone before they hit the table. Solid wine list as well."

  5. 9 4 Star Rating: Recommended Osteria Panevino
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    722 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    "A solid wine list is as important as the menu offerings and Panevino seems to put as much importance on a good balance of food and wine as I do."