“Those two short months in another country and another language had recalibrated my inner compass in ways that lingered with me… I was aware, above all, and at long last, that the world was a broad and grand place and that I was equal to and worthy of my surroundings wherever I went. I was also aware that no one,… Read more →
Author: Virginia Miller
Top Tastes
THREE to WATCH Here’s two new places that just opened, showing a lot of promise… and one that keeps getting better. Sexy, ’70’s foodie lounge: CHAMBERS EAT+DRINK, Tenderloin (601 Eddy Street at Polk, 415-829-2316) The Phoenix Hotel has long exuded rock star hipness. Its prior restaurant was more bar than food destination… and it really wasn’t memorable on the drink… Read more →
7 Themes in Exploring London’s Cocktail Scene
Twenty-five bars across multiple areas, from Notting Hill to Hoxton… I did some serious exploring of London’s famed cocktail scene, from cutting-edge experimentation to divey comfort, legendary classics to just-opened destinations. I sipped with cocktail luminaries like Nick Strangeway over dinner at Hix, and imbibed incognito. As I dig into the scene in any city I travel, here’s my take-aways… Read more →
Dining with Winemakers from Austria & Bordeaux
Intimate and focused, there’s nothing like hearing from and tasting with a winemaker directly. Last issue, I met with three Napa/Sonoma winemakers. This issue, it’s two European ones from the unparalleled regions of Bordeaux and Kamptal. Look (or ask) for these wines in local wine shops. LAURENZ V., Austria – Technically Laurenz, the 5th (but read as Laurenz Five), Laurenz… Read more →
Time for Tea: Burritt Room’s Tea Pop-Up
Ever a fan of a civilized (and delicious) respite for afternoon tea, here are two wildly divergent new options: Gourmands Pop-up Tea: KETTLE WHISTLE at Burritt Room through October, 417 Stockton Street (at Sutter), 415-400-0500 On the last Saturday of every month through October (other dates and locations may happen beyond), Kettle Whistle launched its inaugural tea this past Saturday… Read more →
June 1, 2011
“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.” – Langston Hughes I am off to London, then Ireland, for two weeks of exploring restaurants, distilleries, cocktail havens, pubs, the Irish countryside, theaters, bookshops, and seeing old (and new) friends. As I won’t be back before… Read more →
Talking Sustainable Seafood with Peru’s GASTON ACURIO
There’s not enough knowledge around sustainable fish… just ask anyone who knows anything about it. The majority of Americans eat whatever is on a menu with little to regard to where it’s sourced, its health properties (or lack thereof), unaware if the creature they are eating is endangered. I was privileged to attend a recent intimate round-table discussion with Peru’s… Read more →
Carlo Splendorini Cocktail Creations at Michael Mina
I concur with the Chronicle’s choice of 2011 Bar Stars, calling out the maturity in the craft of these five. You’ve heard me talk about drinks from all five bartenders (like Kevin Diedrich and Alex Smith). This issue, I want to focus on Carlo Splendorini. MICHAEL MINA, 252 California Street between Battery & Front, 415-397-9222 Carlo made beautiful drinks at… Read more →
Affordable Napa, Vegetarian to Dim Sum
After countless weekends in Napa over the years (and at least five excursions lately), I could easily recommend worthy restaurants and hotels. Napa isn’t always the most affordable town, but recent visits north have revealed a number of delightfully reasonable options within the bounds of Napa and Yountville, both new and established. They’ve also uncovered a few unexpected dishes… or… Read more →
Imbiber: Meeting 3 Local Winemakers
It’s been a rich few weeks of winemaker dinners and luncheons. Intimate and focused, there’s nothing like hearing from and tasting with a winemaker directly. This month, we focus on three local winemakers in Napa and Sonoma, who impressed with impeccable wines or gracious (often hilarious) personalities. KAPCSANDY WINES, Yountville – Kapcsandy may not be the easiest name to remember,… Read more →