April 15, 2023

Dear Friends ~

Coho’s pea shoots salad

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 TwitterFacebook (and why I’m boycotting Instagram here).

Yellowbelly’s Nashville hot chicken fried oysters in St. Louis

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
__________________________________________________

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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