January 1, 2022

“You must habit yourself to the dazzle of the light and of every moment of your life. Long have you timidly waded holding a plank by the shore, Now I will you to be a bold swimmer, To jump off in the midst of the sea, rise again, nod to me, shout, and laughingly dash with your hair.” — Walt Whitman, “Leaves of Grass”

Anomaly’s Beets + Blood Orange foam “Suspension,” tarragon yogurt, nasturtium leaves, crumble

Dear friends ~

Here we are, at the end of another liminal year for the world and the U.S., sweet on many levels as it has been difficult. I cheer each of you into a new year, one I pray will be full of promise, health, reconciliation, healing and working together for the common good.

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 TwitterFacebookInstagram.

THIS ISSUE:

Kona’s Street Market (one of the year’s top new bars)

Best Of — TBI’s Top 12 New Restaurants of 2021: My Bold Italic feature on the top 12 new restaurant openings of the year + top new bars, best of 2020 (the “lost” year) and honorable mention new openings. The Latest — Le Fantastique: Your New Music, Wine & Bites Hangout: My full review of a new Hayes Valley restaurant that marries McIntosh amps, vinyl and a smart team with raw, cured and aged fish, small plates, white Burgundy and Champagne. The Latest5 New Restaurants of the Month Worth Visiting, December 2021: These five notable newcomers cover the gamut, from fine dining pop-ups to Peninsula food halls housing Michelin-starred chefs. Wandering Traveler — Flavors of the Big Screen: Three global bars’ cocktails inspired by film & TV — in Los Angeles, Guadalajara and Hong Kong — my latest feature in Gin Magazine. Imbiber12 Standout Wines (To Suit All Palates) for the Holidays: 12 bottles to suit a range of palates, meals and occasions from low-key, cozy meal to celebratory splurge, champagne to red wines, natural to elegant.

I am also available for consulting, moderating, leading classes and tastings and more (info at virginia-miller.com).

Cheers, Virginia