“Many a man is building for himself in imagination a bungalow when he should be building a palace... Very few people bring to life what is rightfully theirs. They live on the outskirts of their heart’s desire. It always seems too good to be true. To the person spiritually awake nothing is too good to be true.” – Florence Scovel Shinn
Sweet baby cows at Straus Family Creamery (see "On the Town")
Here we are at year’s end. It has been an action-packed year on multiple levels… certainly in the continuing pleasures of taste.
This issue, Top Tastes recaps multiple visits to the new AQ, easily one of the year’s best openings and a promising “whole package” for food and drink.
In Imbiber, I share some recommended Scotches for sipping or gift giving, from elegant classics to rowdy youngsters.
On the Town visits with two key dairy farms and cheesemakers in Point Reyes and Petaluma… multiple photos of cows included.
One of the best dishes I've had all year: charred avocado & squid at the new AQ (see "Top Tastes")
Imbiber, part two, recommends holiday wine sipping, from value vino, to American cider, to bubbly for New Year’s Eve.
On the Town, part two, recaps a special Fifth Floor meal in photos with guest chef Brandon Jew of Bar Agricole.
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
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ThePerfectSpot
Follow my “best of” lists on NBC’s The Feast
Recent entries in my Bay Guardian column:
Cream of the Crop – hanging with cows, curds & whey at two local dairy farms
Scotch Winter Delights
Exploring All That’s New In Hayes Valley
**Unless otherwise noted, all photos by Virginia Miller**