“People love to have lived a great story, but few people like the work it takes to make it happen.” – Don Miller, “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” Hold on… we’re going to run a wide gamut this issue – there’s something for everyone. The Latest visits new waterside wonder, Lafitte. Around the Bay highlights the best pizza… Read more →
Author: Virginia Miller
Dissident Chef Russell Jackson’s Lafitte
You may have been hearing about this brand new Embarcadero restaurant (I went opening week: 4/5) from Dissident Chef Russell Jackson, whose underground dinners have amassed a loyal following over the years. His long awaited restaurant is already getting buzz about the lack of an official menu (the chef changes menus and direction each day, not only depending on what… Read more →
Neapolitan Pizza in Santa Rosa & Upscale Dining in Guerneville
“I imagine heaven to be a lot like spring in Sonoma.” – Herb Caen SANTA ROSA Rosso Pizzeria – Let’s just get right to it: this is some of the best pizza in the Bay Area, and certainly my favorite north of the city. And we are blessed with an array of incredible pizza. From the moment you sit down… Read more →
Cocktails at Nopa, 15 Romolo, Range, The Alembic; Tequila at Tommy’s; Kilchoman’s Release; Wines of Portugal
COCKTAILS • 15 Romolo really is one of the best bars in SF (drinks, atmosphere, staff). Mellow and soothing, I love to linger here with good friends. I’ve written about Track 42 ($12) before – but it bears repeating. If you want a nuanced, refreshing garden of a drink, this one is always a pleasant surprise: 42 Below Manuka Honey… Read more →
Modern & Old School Italian + Cheesesteaks & Burgers
Top Tastes, rather than a list of all-time favorites (another thing altogether), are among the best eats since my last newsletter, often from new openings. Many don’t make the cut, being a revisit previously written about or simply not as stand-out as dishes mentioned. MID-RANGE RESTAURANTS BARBACCO – This is one of those special places that reminds me of great… Read more →
Jose Andres’ The Bazaar in LA
I’ve been privileged to savor the wonder that is molecular gastronomy done right, whether it be at Alinea, Baume or even the creativity of Coi. In visiting The Bazaar at the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel, I arrived with tempered expectations but left wowed. From DC/Spanish chef genius, Jose Andres, the meal is a wonderland of inventiveness that never commits the… Read more →
La Chouffe Beer Dinner at Monk’s Kettle on April 7
The last beer dinner I attended at Monk’s Kettle was a media-only event showcasing Sam Adams’ Utopias (and then some), but this is a regular series at Monk’s: five course, beer-paired feasts paired with either the brewmaster or a rep from the featured distillery walking you through each beer. The next one is May 5th with none other than Allagash… Read more →
Highlights from Whiskies of the World 2010
WHISKIES OF THE WORLD – MARCH 27 • Whiskies of the World (aka WoW)- Smaller in scope and selection than Whiskyfest, I expected a little more focus and ease at this event in the Hotel Nikko. It ended up being obnoxiously over-crowded, with only slightly more breathing room during the VIP hour. Bagpipes from Bushmills Pipe & Drum Band were… Read more →
April 1, 2010
“The discovery of a new dish confers more happiness on humanity, than the discovery of a new star… all ranks and grades are forgotten together in the great manufacture of life.” – Brillat-Savarin I’m blissfully exhausted… and couldn’t even fit in all I want to share with you. This issue my focus is more heavily around the Bay area, from… Read more →
Top Tastes
Top Tastes, rather than a list of all-time favorites (another thing altogether), are among the best eats since my last newsletter, often from new openings. Many don’t make the cut, being a revisit previously written about or simply not as stand-out as dishes mentioned. CHEAP EATS • You don’t go to an Irish pub for Indian Samosas ($7)… or do… Read more →