Dear friends ~
After close-to-home press/research trips in Nevada and the ever-restorative Lake Tahoe, Thanksgiving is almost here — I’ll be taking family time and offline time to cook, eat and be grateful to be together. Thankful for each of you and wishing you a rich Thanksgiving if you live in the U.S. (and a sweet rest of November if you don’t).
In addition to my regular articles at The Bold Italic, my weekly dining column reviews one restaurant each week. I welcome those interested to follow me, or even sign up for a membership for my articles at Medium, which partially goes to support us as writers. Follow or support here. I thank you.
Per usual, I’m posting my daily research in dining and drink at @ThePerfectSpot on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
THIS ISSUE:
The Latest — Flour+Water’s New Italian Destination: My full review of the Mission District’s new Penny Roma.
The Latest/Top Tastes — Top 5 Hit List of the Month: Three notable newcomers, one tried-and-true great and one newer restaurant coming into its original vision, including a modern steakhouse, halal birria, affordable Middle Eastern wraps, SF’s top steal of a prix fixe dinner, and a pasta and crudo stop.
Around the Bay — Support Our Beloved Wine Countries, Sonoma Edition: My latest five places to eat now, both classic and new restaurants (plus one bonus bakery) in the town of Sonoma.
Imbiber — DISTILLER Bottle Column: My drink reviews of the month cover maraschino liqueur, Scotch, mezcal, tequila, gin, Japanese whisky, vodka, RTDs (canned cocktails) and cider.
On the Town — 7 Foods From Outside Lands 2021 That We’re Still Craving: And which you can still get around the Bay Area, including Russian/Ukranian, Indian, Cuban, Middle Eastern and Filipino foods, alongside Basque cheesecakes and smashburgers.
I am also available for consulting, moderating, leading classes and tastings and more (info at virginia-miller.com).
Cheers,
Virginia
ThePerfect Spot Founder
The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants’ Academy Chair
Table8 National Editor/VP — ZAGAT SF Editor — SF Bay Guardian Critic
**Judge or Lead Judge at ADI International Craft Spirits, SF World Spirits, Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, IWSC Spirits, Whiskies of World, World Drinks Awards**
Regular Outlets:
Bobcut Dining Column — The Bold Italic — Liquor.com — Food Republic — WhereTraveler — Gin Magazine — Time Out Dining & Drink — Distiller Magazine — Haute Living — Google’s Touringbird — Oakland Magazine — Wine Access
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
Books: Pur in Spirit & Distilled Stories