“For the world is in a bad state, but everything will become still worse unless each of us does his best.” – Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning As mentioned last issue, instead of the usual 1st (and 15th) of the month arrival of my newsletter, it’s a couple days early as I’m off to Guadalajara and Tequila, Mexico,… Read more →
Month: October 2010
In conversation with David Wondrich about his new book, PUNCH
When drink historian and Esquire columnist David Wondrich speaks about drink, you listen… or read, as the case may be. His latest book Punch, which releases on 11/2, is the first of its kind on the glories and history of the punch bowl. I had the privilege of speaking with Dave over the phone from his home in NY. He… Read more →
Del Maguey & the glories of Mezcal
There’s mezcal… and there’s Del Maguey. You may have heard me talk about Del Maguey mezcals and the line’s founder, Ron Cooper, in the past. A session with the gentle yet passionate Ron (like his mezcal seminar at 2010 Tales of the Cocktail) is forever memorable. Even the way he describes fermentation stays with you: “[Fermentation is like] wild creatures… Read more →
October Sips: Armagnac, Vermouth Class, Wine at Press Club
ARMAGNAC Bas-Armagnac Delord, 25-year – At a recent visit to my neighborhood haunt, The Alembic, Daniel Hyatt offered a pour of recently acquired Maison Delord’s 25 year Bas-Armagnac (“Bas” signifying the western region of Armagnac where grapes to make this armagnac are grown). I love the elegant simplicity of the label and seal – what’s inside the bottle is anything… Read more →
Top Tastes
Top Tastes, rather than a list of all-time favorites (another thing altogether), are among the best eats since my last newsletter, often from new openings. Many don’t make the cut, being a revisit previously written about or simply not as stand-out as dishes mentioned. CHEAP EATS DELI BOARD, SoMa – You’ll do a double take when arriving at the address… Read more →
Retro Fun in Newport & Yorba Linda’s Best Sandwiches
A RESTAURANT, Newport Beach – PCH-situated A Restaurant in Newport Beach oozes 1970’s, from its shingled roof, red and white exterior, and neon lighting, to its wood-paneled, red-boothed interior. But what shocks is its gourmet inclinations, and heartwarming, retro spirit sans kitsch. Salads like Fig+Burratta ($13) showcase those two beauties over arugula with Marcona almond duck prosciutto and balsamic drizzle.… Read more →
On the Town: “Deep South” Showdown at FIVE in Berkeley
With more than a little Iron Chef-themed influence, FIVE‘s elegant, spacious dining room was transformed into communal seating party for their second Seasonal Showdown Dinner on October 21 ($62 without beer pairings; $70 with beer pairings from Drake’s Brewing in San Leandro – appreciated the grapefruit brightness of the 1500 Pale Ale and malty bitter of their Amber Ale). Diners… Read more →
October 15, 2010
“[On San Francisco]: I fell in love with the most cordial and sociable city in the Union… after the sage-brush and alkali deserts of Washoe, San Francisco was Paradise to me.” – Mark Twain In the throes of a warm, gorgeous San Francisco Fall, I want to let you know my next issue (out twice a month, on the 1st… Read more →
Top Tastes: Alexander’s Steakhouse, Wayfare Tavern, 25 Lusk & Cowgirl Creamery’s Sidekick
Top Tastes, rather than a list of all-time favorites (another thing altogether), are among the best eats since my last newsletter, often from new openings. Many don’t make the cut, being a revisit previously written about or simply not as stand-out as dishes mentioned. EXPENSIVE RESTAURANTS ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE, SoMa – No matter how long I’ve tried to get to Cupertino… Read more →
2010 WHISKYFEST 2010: Hanging with Whisk(e)y Legends
“[Whisky] feels appropriately intellectual: a drink you can wrestle with, linger over, and appreciate with all its nooks and crannies.” — Victoria Moore, “How to Drink“ WhiskyFest turns into Whisky Week with many of the world’s great master distillers and brand ambassadors in town from the reaches of Scotland and Kentucky. I had the privilege of meeting with seven different… Read more →