“It seems a pity that the world should throw away so many good things merely because they are unwholesome. I doubt if God has given us any refreshment which, taken in moderation, is unwholesome… Yet there are people who strictly deprive themselves of each and every eatable, drinkable and smokable which has in any way acquired a shady reputation. They pay this price for health. And health is all they get for it… it is like paying out your whole fortune for a cow that has gone dry.“ – Mark Twain, “The Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume 1”
A recent weekend in Half Moon Bay at the Ritz Carlton
Here’s to moderation, per the ever-eloquent Mark Twain… and to the remaining days of Spring.
Top Tastes returns to a traditional Russian favorite, shares small plates in North Beach, sushi and tequila in the Financial District, and delights in that SF rarity: authentic Jewish food.
Imbiber part one visits Bourbon & Branch’s new sibling bar, one where three-course cocktail menus and one-on-one bartender attention are de rigueur.
Wandering Traveler shares more Hawaii favorites, this time best food and drink in Honolulu.
Dessert at Sausalito's Plate Shop
Imbiber part two sips a food-friendly sake, a cocktail with flaming peanut shell, and affordable, everyday wines.
Around the Bay visits Sausalito’s hot new Plate Shop and Bar Bocce.
I’d love your feedback on any spots visited from my site. As your personal concierge who tells it to you like a good friend would, I also create personalized itineraries: trips, meals, explorations (under “Services“).
Let me guide you to the perfect spot,
Virginia
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Recent entries in my Bay Guardian column:
Jewish food with heart
Island Bites, Hawaii part one
3 Reasons to Drink Don Pilar Tequila
**Unless otherwise noted, all photos by Virginia Miller**