LOCANDA DA EVA – It’s interesting to see a food writer open his own restaurant… dining out every night (and often lunch, too) gives you a unique perspective from which to assess what elements create the most magic in atmosphere, while it inevitably imparts harsh comparison standards. Robert Lauriston, who’s all over Chowhound boards and used to write for the… Read more →
These three books (one factual journey, one memoir, one cookbook) have two things in common: they’re all new this year and centered around food. TWAIN’S FEAST – Andrew Beahrs Andrew Beahrs, an East Bay local, displays his affection for the great Mark Twain in this thoroughly researched book. Twain’s Feast explores the history of foods Twain waxed eloquent about that… Read more →
10/3 CUESA Sunday Supper Reception A fundraiser for CUESA‘s many endeavors is a pleasurable cause, especially when a slew of our best chefs and mixologists line the Ferry Building hall for a Sunday Supper reception. The reception included 30 bites, 5 cocktails and a mix of wines, then a move upstairs for a magical dinner under white lights with whole… Read more →
“The Morning Star hangs like a Lamp, beside the crescent, Above the greying horizon. The air warm, perfumed, An unseasonably warm…” – Kenneth Rexroth, “The Silver Swan” Fall… my favorite seasons is upon us. And with it, warm, balmy San Francisco days and nights. Top Tastes hits recent openings: B3, Cafe Des Amis, Ragazza and Plow, while returning to Prospect.… Read more →
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. MID-RANGE RESTAURANTS B3, Mission – B3, which you’ve heard me talk about at a pre-launch test… Read more →
Magical settings, moments and drinks were many in the 4th annual SF Cocktail Week which set the bar high for all future Cocktail Weeks… consider attending next year as its far from being just for drink aficionados. It’s for those who love a memorable party done in true San Francisco style. I have watched it grow from intimate nights out… Read more →
COCKTAILS PROSPECT, SoMa – In the midst of 3.5 star reviews and consistent accolades, Prospect moves forward in its early opening months shining. My first take on it was strong and repeat visits only confirm. This place is the whole package (see Top Tastes for food, below for wine). Enter more supreme cocktails from Brooke Arthur and crew. On the… Read more →
SAN CARLOS THE REFUGE – Much has already been said about the famed pastrami at San Carlos’ Belgian bar and hearty sandwich/burger spot, The Refuge. Jan Newberry of San Francisco magazine rightly lists it as one of the best in her sandwich guide. All I can say, is get there if you haven’t. These are among the best of these… Read more →
Dinner & Cocktails with a View at Luce and Top of the Mark Wednesday through Saturday nights there’s a ready-made date if you want romance without having to think too hard. At $80 a person, it’s a package deal between Luce Restaurant (which I’ve written about more than once) in the Intercontinental Hotel and Top of the Mark. Choose the… Read more →