“This desire for our own far off country [is] the secret which hurts so much that you take your revenge on it by calling it names like Nostalgia and Romanticism and Adolescence… it is a desire for something that has never actually appeared in our experience… These things — the beauty, the memory of our own past — are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshipers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never visited.” — C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
Dear friends ~
September has been an intense month so far with beautiful local travel and press trips in Half Moon Bay and Lake County, and currently in Oklahoma with family and St. Louis for the ADI Distilling Conference and Gin Summit, where I am speaking on creativity in cocktails and food around the world.
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, Instagram.
THIS ISSUE:
The Latest — Vietnamese Food Haven (with Cocktails): Bodega SF reviewed.
Wandering Traveler — PDX Guide: Where to Eat, Drink & Stay in Portland, Oregon, now.
The Latest — Hayes Valley’s Buzzy New Neighborhood Hang: Joey Altman’s Hazie’s reviewed.
Imbiber — Distiller Bottle Column: I review aquavit, mezcal, gin, vodka, rum, aperitivo, Irish spirit, tequila, American whiskeys, RTDs (canned/bottled cocktails).
Around the Bay — Weekend-ing: Japanese food, drink & cultural events at new Sunnyvale Hotel, Tetra.
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 Gin Awards, 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