BREAKFAST Oakland’s brand new Aunt Mary’s serves up soul/Southern food with East Bay flair in their weekend brunches: I liked the “Stuff in the Pepper” Poblanofilled with chorizo cornbread stuffing (with cherries, nuts, pear) over black beans ($10). SAVORY – VEGETARIAN Tropisueno just debuted in Yerba Buena Lane, acting as a super-fresh taqueria for lunch, and a more creative-flair Mexican restaurant and… Read more →
Author: Virginia Miller
What to Eat in Palo Alto Pre-Classic Films at Stanford Theatre
Thanks to my classic film-obsessed Mother, one of my favorite pastimes is watching old movies. I may not know as much as my Mom does about all things classic film, but I do have an in-depth appreciation & knowledge of film in general, and the classics in particular. I feel lucky to be able to partake in the incomparable line-up… Read more →
November 2008
“Variety’s the very spice of life,That gives all its flavor.”– William Cowper As you can see from this month’s Top Tastes (favorite new dishes, drinks and bites), it’s been a rich month of new San Francisco restaurant openings, travel and plenty to get excited about. My excitement grows as I anticipate upcoming trips to New Orleans and Miami… a slew of culinary adventures… Read more →
Top Tastes: From Vegetarian Feasts to Pisco Cocktails
BREAKFAST At The Hungry Cat’s brunch in Santa Barbara,Yellowtail Confit ($14) on rustic bread/toast, topped by a poached egg, with a potato/green bean/peppers salad in buttermilk dill dressing. SAVORY – VEGETARIAN Fresh, flavorful Curried Couscous Edamame Salad ($8) at Lilah Belle’s, the Castro’s cute new take-out serving healthy meals and salads on the go – great concept! Vegetarian master, Millennium wowed me, as usual, with… Read more →
Connecting with Country Roots
Just in time for Fall, when I continue to dive into my beloved classic country albums (my ultimate hero, Cash, but also Hank Williams, Dolly, George Jones, Loretta, Waylon, etc…), I get nostalgic for hearty BBQ and roots music. There are a number of us in a city as diverse as San Francisco who were born or grew up in places like Oklahoma (my birthplace, before… Read more →
Killer Santa Monica Coffee Spot & Cocktails with a View in Malibu
So my gorgeous sister just got married in So Cal and you know even despite the full week of family events and parties, I got in my fair taste of food and drink. Since I planned the bachelorette gathering, finding hip but chill locales was in order… here were the best from this trip: COFFEE Caffe Luxxe: My favorite LA taste… Read more →
Charleston Bars & Island Explorations
We’re back to enchanting Charleston for island eats and drinks with a view. CHARLESTON BARS VENDUE INN: A casual rooftop bar atop a charming, historic Inn. On a warm day, feels like a margaritas (regular or watermelon) and beer rooftop party: casual, relaxed, breezy. PAVILION BAR: On the Market Pavilion Hotel sits this romantic rooftop bar… ideal for taking in the sunset… Read more →
October 2008
“I am tempted to believe that smell and taste are, in fact, but a single composite sense, whose laboratory is the mouth its chimney the nose.” – Brillat-Savarin Despite economic woes, it’s been a month of great eats, food events and new restaurant openings in San Francisco. I’m looking forward to more slated for October. I share my favorite dishes… Read more →
Top Tastes
SAVORY / SWEET Crispy Pork Rinds sprinkled with chile powder, dipped in a dark chocolate sauce (also rich with spice) at a private tasting at Orson. The addictive snack I’ll dream of in my sleep… more! More! SAVORY – VEGETARIAN Elote (traditional Mexican grilled corn-on-the-cob covered in grated Cotija cheese, Mayo, Lime and Arbol Chili powder; $6) at the always pleasant Regalito Rosticeria – though toned down both… Read more →
Outer Richmond, Part Two
Here’s a link to Outer Richmond, Part One. Now let’s hit more of my favorites in the wealth of cheap, tasty Outer Richmond food: BRUNCH Cliff House Bistro: This one isn’t cheap and the location is notoriously touristy as it is historical, perched on the edge of the sea. But since the remodel a couple years ago, when faced with the need… Read more →