Dear Friends ~
It has been a rich and intensive two weeks of spirits judging, as a lead judge at ADI International Craft Spirits Awards and again this week at SF World Spirits Comp. I blind judged hundreds of the world’s best (and under-the-radar) spirits with some of the best palates in the business — and many longtime friends and colleagues from around the globe at both competitions.
While I missed the inaugural year, excited to be part of Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience May 18-21, especially with cocktails at Sonoma County’s best Lo & Behold, a champagne & caviar Seminar, VIP dinner at Michelin-starred Cyrus, The Madrona brunch, etc: www.healdsburgwineandfood.com.
In addition to my regular articles at Medium, 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 Twitter, Facebook (and why I’m boycotting Instagram here).
THIS ISSUE:
The Latest — Juniper & Starter Bakery: Two new bakeries already set to stand among the Bay’s best.
The Latest/Around the Bay — Coho: In sleepy Mill Valley, a surprisingly quality land-to-sea newcomer.
Wandering Traveler — St. Louis Dining Guide: 13 Places to Eat & Drink Now.
Around the Bay — Staycation Palo Alto: A Spanish-themed hotel & two newer restaurants.
Imbiber — DISTILLER Bottle Column: This issue I review rum, sherry, gin, non-alcoholic wines, Australian whiskies, soju, ciders, American single malt and vodka.
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 Spirits, Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, IWSC Spirits, Whiskies of World, New Orleans Spirits Competition, World Gin Awards, World 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 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