Che Fico’s Ode to Judy Rodgers pizza. Photo Virginia Miller. Opening March 2018 and my #3 opening of the year in 2018, Che Fico has been a special pizza, pasta and house charcuterie haven in a city silly with the best in the nation in each of those categories. But despite our plethora of world-class pizza and pasta in San Francisco… Read more →
My latest feature in Gin Magazine, Summer 2023 (from the publishers of Whisky Magazine), is my Bar Guide to 10 top bars in New Orleans now (below in print layout): Bars featured: Revel Cafe & Bar, Loa, Dovetail, Jewel of the South, Cure, Four Seasons New Orleans: Miss River & Chemin a la Mer, The Elysian Bar, Palm & Pine, The Bower… Read more →
Truth be told, I’ve always been about chefs Thomas McNaughton and Ryan Pollnow’s Italy-worthy pastas at Flour + Water even more than the pizza at Flour + Water Pizzeria, which closed in the Mission last summer 2022. I still am most devoted to that original 2009 spot that started it all as a pasta-pizza combo restaurant, reborn early 2022, better-than-ever as a pasta haven deserving of a Michelin star. But Flour + Water Hospitality Group’s new Flour + Water Pizzeria just opened June 28, 2023, in North Beach in the former Rose Pistola space, an Italian favorite since I moved here in 2001, and of so many San Francisco longtimers. It’s heartwarming to see life in the 4,000 square foot space again after six years… Read more →
THIS ISSUE:
— Charleston Dining Guide: Where to eat and stay now in South Carolina’s Holy City.
— SF’s New Gambit Lounge: A wine bar with rare Central & Eastern European eats.
— Brand New Flour+Water Pizzeria Hits North Beach in the Old Rose Pistola Space: And it’s packed from day one!
— Is the $100 Pho Worth it at Inner Sunset’s New Gao Viet Kitchen? We’re not sure, but many other Vietnamese dishes here are worth going in for (and far more affordable).
— Distiller Bottle Column: This issue I review rum, aperitifs, gin, Scotch whisky, tequila, awamori, American whiskies, and more. Read more →
Chasing Sage‘s hummus olive oil tart. Photo by Virginia Miller. Charleston’s Colonial-era architecture with colorful Caribbean influence in soothing blues, pinks and yellows is one-of-a-kind. The small, walkable city has grown greatly in notable restaurants and bars the 16 years I’ve been visiting, far beyond its size in terms of the quality-to-size ratio. Its palmetto-lined streets are like stepping back in… Read more →
Let’s establish two things first: there isn’t enough Central and Eastern European food around. And there is something to be said for industry vets who were part of establishing San Francisco’s dining scene back in the 1990s.
You’ll find both factors behind Gambit Lounge, a new Hayes Valley spot that quietly opened November 2022 to strong user reviews but under-the-radar buzz, in the former Noir Lounge wine bar. Gambit continues the wine bar vibes, backed by two industry vets… Read more →
Gao Viet Kitchen’s bo tai chanh (beef carpaccio). Photo by Virginia Miller. Since 2018, Gao Viet Kitchen & Bar has been a San Mateo Vietnamese favorite with long waitlists, no reservations and a 90 minute table limit during peak times. It’s also home to arguably the most expensive bowl of pho: $100 Phozilla with the cheeky menu tagline of “Nobody should… Read more →
THIS ISSUE:
— Mexican Brunch to Upscale Indian Food: 7 SF restaurant standouts now.
— Cocktails to Eat By: Three standout bars with food in San Francisco, both new and establish.
— A Pizza Master Opens Her First Place in Berkeley: Pizzeria da Laura + Original Joe’s North Beach reviewed.
— Minimalist-But-Lush Fine Dining at SF’s New Kiln
— Interviewing Robert Dawson of Kō Hana Distillers, Oahu: My Distiller Magazine interview with Hawaii distiller.
— 12 Summer Sips: Wines to suit every palate. Read more →
Reviewed this issue:
— Veso Bitter Citrus and Alpine Aperitif
— Ology Distilling Co. Single Barrel Golden Rum
— Alma Del Jaguar Tequila Blanco )
— Ryukyu Awamori Zanpa White
— StilL 630 Confluence American Gin
— Mahala Botanical Non-Alcoholic Spirit
… and more Read more →
These newcomers or new menus cover the gamut, from upscale Indian to casual Mexican food. Alongside this month’s full restaurant reviews, these seven are also worth visiting, with last month’s standouts here:
—Better-Than-Nola Muffalettas at Sandy’s, Haight-Ashbury
—Non-Alcoholic Pairing with Fine Dining Creativity: Sons & Daughters
—Fab Mexican Food & Cocktails with a View: Barrio
—1940’s Supperclub Live Jazz Dream: Dawn Club
—Unexpected Modern Indian Tasting Menu: Blue Mermaid Restaurant
—Low-Gluten Pizza Alternative from Rome: Pinsa Rossa
—Hearty Mexican Food 7 Days a Week: Tacos del Barrio Read more →