May 1, 2022

“There is a pervasive form of contemporary violence to which the idealist most easily succumbs: activism and overwork. The rush and pressure of modern life are a form, perhaps the most common form, of its innate violence. To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to violence. The frenzy of our activism neutralizes our work for peace. It destroys our own inner capacity for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of our own work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes work fruitful.” —  Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander by Thomas Merton

Hey Neighbor Cafe

Dear friends ~

Back from beloved Hawaii and kicking straight back into work, friends, family and city life, I am grateful for all of it. It has been another rich couple of weeks of research, retreat and celebrating the glories of Spring.

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.

Manitas Cafe chilaquiles

THIS ISSUE:

Top Tastes — April Eats Checklist: From tortas to Salvadoran food, six under-the-radar restaurants, cafes and eateries.
The LatestTurkish Time at Taksim: Reviewing SF’s new modern Turkish (and raki) newcomer.
Imbiber — Sustainability in California’s Distilleries: My Edible LA magazine feature talking to craft distillers across the state.
Around the Bay — Unexpected Tasting Menu Delights in Petaluma: Table Culture Provisions reviewed.

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 SpiritsTales of the Cocktail Spirited AwardsIWSC Spirits, Whiskies of World, World Gin AwardsWorld 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 UKThrillistThe Times LondonLiquor.com DrinkwirePaste Magazine TravelEaterTasting Panel, PureWow, Drink Me MagazineSpoonwizCitysearch, NBC’s The Feast, Blackboard Eats, Tasting Table, Grubstreet

Books: Pur in Spirit & Distilled Stories

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