Japan is a land that perfects each native dish with restaurants entirely devoted to one item, from comforting okonomiyaki to delicately fried tempura. And often at a handful of seats in a tiny space. Enter Sobakatsu, a closet-sized restaurant with a max of 11 seats, no reservations and a sole focus on cold and hot soba, Japan’s silky, thin buckwheat noodles that are friendly to all gluten-free-ers. Read more →
Reviewed this issue:
— Fortaleza Tequila Reposado Winter Blend 2024
— Bacan Guaro Colombian Aguardiente
— OOLA Left Coast Gin
— Tres Tribus Mezcal Artesanal Joven Espadin
… and more Read more →
One of many things I adore about living in my beloved San Francisco for 23 years, far above my bi-coastal upbringing in the suburbs of LA and NYC and midwest Oklahoma and Kansas City roots, is the endless layers and beauty of tiny SF. Thus I am ever experiencing my City anew and rarely get “staycations.” I travel so much for dining and drink research, judging and consulting, it’s a gift when I am home, relishing the world class and unique joys abundant all around me.
However, it’s a privilege when I get a media invite to stay overnight to check out a hotel minutes from home after checking out a new menu or chef at said hotel. I recently visited two notable SF hotels offering feasts creative (Luce) or comforting (MKT). What worked (and didn’t) at each: Read more →
IN THIS ARTICLE:
—New Modern Indian Respite Downtown: Bombay Brasserie at Taj Campton Place
—9-Year-Old North African/Tunisian Treasure in the FiDi: Barcha
—All-Day Mexican Food & Rotisserie Haven in Noe Valley: Todo el Dia
—Tyler Florence Classic with NY Vibes: Wayfare Tavern
—Noe Valley Cozy Comfort: Mr. Digby’s
—Reborn Inner Richmond Breakfast “Diner”: Eats
—New Union Square Greek Gem: The Parthenon Read more →
Little Original Joe’s in the Marina has been a full house from the get-go in May. This is the latest outpost from siblings John and Elena Duggan, who have carried on the family’s long-standing tradition of Italian-American comfort food with a modern twist. Known for running the iconic Original Joe’s and its spots in North Beach, Daly City and West Portal, the Duggans have turned their focus to this stylish Marina location, bringing the same warmth that’s kept their other spots buzzing. What’s the “secret sauce” making the Duggan’s restaurants beloved? Read more →
Back again in my old stomping grounds of Los Angeles, I ate sipped and feasted well, as always. Fueled by coffee from special Silver Lake cafes like Coffee Memes and Dayglow (with their creative coffee cocktail-esque drinks), I dug into multiple spots. Highlights from eight LA restaurants, covering the gamut from handroll bar to seafood haven: Read more →
Reviewed this issue:
— Djuce RTD Wines
— Stillweather Spirits American Sunset Gin
— León Y Sol Tequila Blanco
— Pa’Lante Rum
— La Planta Non-Alcoholic Agave Spirit
— Ardbeg Anthology The Unicorn’s Tale
… and more
Read more →
My article on 10 of Baltimore’s best bars… Read more →
My Baltimore interviews with Brendan Dorr of Dutch Courage bar and distiller Eli Breitburg-Smith of Baltimore Spirits Company Read more →
Published August 19, 2024, in my Medium column: There are few things more comforting than brunch, feasting with friends and cocktails, or bringing home donuts and coffee to devour in bed. Here are three top-notch spots for breakfast. One is an uncommon donut shop, two are beautiful brunch spots with a view or high design. As always, I’ve personally vetted and visited… Read more →