February 15, 2023

Dear Friends ~

Al Carajo cochinita pibil tacos

Just back from Portugal, on to a couple days’ local retreat and other self care needs in the midst of an ever rich but nonstop work schedule, I am reveling in pristine Bay Area winter beauty before heading on for a brief research trip in Las Vegas for some up coming articles.

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. I thank you.

Per usual, I’m posting my daily research in dining and drink at @ThePerfectSpot on TwitterFacebook (and why I’m boycotting Instagram here).

Original Joe’s Westlake Martini and Manhattan

THIS ISSUE:
Top Tastes — Anchovy Bar Reviewed: Tiny fish heaven… With vermouth, wine and sherry.
ImbiberDrink Pairing Inspiration from California’s Endless Produce & Grape-Growing AVAs: My interview with Lazy Bear beverage director Jacob Brown.
Top Tastes — Original Joe’s Westlake: Red sauce Italian legend south of SF in Daly City.
Top Tastes — January Eats Checklist: Four Standouts of the Month, from a nature-rich tribute to California’s majestic trees in edible form, to healthy, chic, nuanced at-home delivery food.
Imbiber — DISTILLER Bottle Column: This month I review amaro, vermouth, tequila, gin, bourbon, non-alcoholic spirits, RTDs (ready-to-drink/canned) and cocktail mixers.

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

Cheers,
Virginia
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ThePerfect Spot Founder
The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants’ Academy Chair
Table8 National Editor/VP — ZAGAT SF Editor — SF Bay Guardian Critic
The Bold Italic Weekly Restaurant Reviews & Travel Column

**Judge or Lead Judge at ADI International Craft Spirits, SF World SpiritsTales of the Cocktail Spirited AwardsIWSC Spirits, Whiskies of World, New Orleans Spirits CompetitionWorld Gin AwardsWorld Drinks Awards**

Regular Outlets:
— 
The Bold Italic — Liquor.com — Food Republic — WhereTraveler — Gin Magazine — Time Out Dining & Drink — Distiller Magazine — Bobcut Dining Column — 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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