“I have thrown away my lantern, and I can see in the dark.” — Wendell Berry, A Native Hill
What a beautiful three weeks home catching up on 30 local newcomers, special events like Lucky Rice’s Nightmarket of the Future and 1 Michelin-starred Birdsong‘s dinner cooked with James Beard-nominated chef Garrett Lipar of Albena in Detroit. I’ve also been revisiting established spots with new menus and spent an idyllic few days of research in Tomales Bay, Boonville (Anderson Valley) and Mendocino (more on all that in upcoming articles).
Off to a retreat in New Mexico, I return home again then on to Ontario, Canada, mid-August.
THIS ISSUE:
The Latest — 8 Affordable New SF Openings: My article on eight standout San Francisco newcomers that are all casual, order-at-the-counter meals — with excellent food.
Wandering Traveler — Top 10 London Bars + My interviews with Sacred Spirits Distiller Ian Hart and with Every Cloud Bar Manager Felix Cohen.
Imbiber — 7 Bars Serving Standout Frozen Cocktails Across the US from SF to Nola, Denver to Huntington Beach.
As your personal concierge who tells it like a good friend would, I create personalized itineraries; provide food and drink consulting for restaurants and bars; and classes at companies for the layperson wanting to dig deeper in food and drink (more info here).
Virginia
ThePerfect Spot, Founder — The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants Academy Chair
Table8 National Editor/VP — ZAGAT SF Editor — SF Bay Guardian Critic — IWSC Spirits Judge
Regular Outlets/Columns:
Liquor.com — Time Out Dining & Drink — Distiller Magazine — Google’s Touringbird — Food Republic — Where Magazine — Gin Magazine — Wine Access — Books Pur in Spirit & Distilled Stories
Freelance:
Alaska Airlines Magazine,Whisky Magazine UK, Thrillist, The Times London, Liquor.com Drinkwire, Paste Magazine Travel, Eater, Tasting Panel, PureWow, Drink Me Magazine, Spoonwiz, Citysearch, NBC’s The Feast, Blackboard Eats, Tasting Table, Grubstreet