Five are new-er, two are celebrating two or twenty years, from killer Laotian food or Italian comfort to Tatarstan Russian food. These seven are worth visiting. Last month’s standouts here. As always, I’ve personally vetted and visited each: Read more →
From an affordable Michelin-starred to top Korean, private dinner parties to fish and game perfection, these five restaurants exemplify why SF remains a wonderland of upscale innovation that is simultaneously soulfully delicious: Read more →
Published in the Summer 2025 print issue of Distiller Magazine:
—My interview with Dan Garrison of Garrison Brothers Distillery
—My interview with beverage director Robert Rodriguez of James Beard-nominated Cured Read more →
Reviewed in this article:
—Cuban Rooftop Party: Cubita, Mission
—Tiny Gem Turns 10 with Steal of a $52 4-Course Menu: Trestle, North Beach
—Tyler Florence’s OG Restaurant Reborn After 14 Years: Wayfare Tavern, FiDi
—Longing for More at Modern Ethiopian-Dominican Meski, TenderNob
—Modern German Beer Hall with a View: Radhaus, Fort Mason
—New Vietnamese Coffee and Bánh Mì Go-To: Angiday, Upper Haight
—Don’t Go Out of Your Way But Fun Finger Foods: Bar Darling, Marina Read more →
Starting in 2010, I’ve been writing about Guadalajara since my first visit with the great Fortaleza tequila when it was a small cult brand and, as founder/distiller Guillermo Sauza tells me, I was one of the first people writing about them. Every time I’m consulting in or on a press trip in the Highlands or Lowlands of Tequila, I get at least a night or two in GDL… and I’ve been smitten with it as the underrated second biggest city in Mexico. Its restaurants, bars, culture and people is the “real” Mexico on so many levels. I’ve been impressed by its steady growth in range and depth over the 15 years I’ve been visiting and working at distilleries where I consult in Arandas. Read on… Read more →
My bottle review column (last month’s edition here) is about what is unique, standout, new and/or trending in spirits with my review ratings on a 1-5 rating scale. My 10 bottle reviews of the month: ARTICLE: https://distilling.com/distillermagazine/new-release-roundup-june-2025/ Reviewed this issue:— Brooklyn Kura Catskills Junmai Daiginjo Sake (Catskills, NY)— The Pathfinder Spritz (Nationwide, USA)— Creative Spirits Gin (Scottsdale, AZ)— Andia Ice… Read more →
Large portions. Midwest comfort food with California freshness. A badass playlist from a co-owner who doubles as DJ. A cozy, packed neighborhood spot that has drawn crowds since it opened. This is husband-wife Caroline and Parker Brown’s new Side A in the beloved (for 27 years!) Universal Café space in San Francisco’s Mission district. And it is special: Read more →
The edible, sensual and spiritual pleasures of Tulum and the Yucatan Peninsula (seven places to eat and stay + cultural highlights)… Read more →
Reviewed this issue:
— Oregon Arak Amporae Selection
— Kelsey Blue and Gold Gin
— El Mexicano Blanco Tequila
— Hakata 12 Year Whisky Sherry Cask
— Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute Sakekasu Shochu
… and more Read more →
These three newer and one longtime restaurant confirm a French renaissance is underway… Read more →