Published in my The Bold Italic (TBI) column, I cover the under-the-radar capitol city of Nevada, its low-key gems, affordability and friendly locals — where to stay, eat, drink, hang and get a feel for the heart of the place.
Author: Virginia Miller
La Bande: Mid-Market’s New Tapas Slice of Spain With Art Deco Vibes
My review of La Bande at the SF Proper Hotel from chef Jason Fox and team — think “real deal” Spanish tapas, pinxtos and more but with sleek Art Deco vibes.
Friday Five: 5 SF Bars to Visit Now
Each of these five bars are ideal for a holiday sip as they are for imbibing year round (and most serve quality eats, too). Per usual: I’ve vetted, visited, or ordered from each of these spots reviewed: Read more →
Female Indian Chef Goes Vegetarian at Besharam
Published December 3, 2021, in my The Bold Italic weekly restaurant reviews, my review of Besharam, from one of our great Indian chefs who has boldly moved to full vegetarian mode in her Dogpatch restaurant (spoiler: you won’t miss the meat).
DISTILLER Bottle Column: November 2021
My bottle column covers trends and reviews international spirits and RTDs, with taste ratings:
December 1, 2021
THIS ISSUE:
— 5 New Bay Area Restaurants Worth Visiting, November 2021 Edition: From kosher Israeli takeout to a new Korean grocer, sunny Oaxacan neighborhood spot to cozy new restaurant inside a beer store + a new Calistoga (Napa Valley) destination. These five new restaurants are worth dining at now.
— “California Washoku” Modern-Japanese Menus on at Nisei and Japan-style cocktails next door at Bar Iris.
— The Castro’s New Copas: Imparts a festive, collaborative vibe the space hasn’t exuded in a decade.
— San Francisco Top 10 Bars 2021: My Distiller Magazine print feature on 10 of SF’s best bars now, and a history on the city’s pioneering bar scene, both in the 1800s and the past 20-30 years.
5 New Bay Area Restaurants Worth Visiting: November 2021
From kosher Israeli takeout to a new Korean grocer, these five new restaurants are worth dining at now”
The Castro’s New Copas Imparts a Festive, Collaborative Vibe The Space Hasn’t Exuded in a Decade
Published November 26, 2021, in my The Bold Italic column, my review of the new Copas at 2223 Market Street in the Castro, bringing back festive vibes and exuding a communal spirit I haven’t seen/felt in the space in over a decade.
‘California Washoku’: On Full Display at Nisei + Next Door at Bar Iris
Published November 19, 2021, in my The Bold Italic column and weekly restaurant reviews, my review of Nisei and its new next door bar, Bar Iris, a modern Japanese-American fine dining play in California Washoku cuisine.
November 15, 2021
This Issue:
— Flour+Water’s New Italian Destination: My full review of the Mission District’s new Penny Roma.
— Top 5 Hit List of the Month: Three notable newcomers, one tried-and-true great and one newer restaurant coming into its original vision, including a modern steakhouse, halal birria, affordable Middle Eastern wraps, SF’s top steal of a prix fixe dinner, and a pasta and crudo stop.
— Support Our Beloved Wine Countries, Sonoma Edition: My latest five places to eat now, both classic and new restaurants (plus one bonus bakery) in the town of Sonoma.
— DISTILLER Bottle Column: My drink reviews of the month cover maraschino liqueur, Scotch, mezcal, tequila, gin, Japanese whisky, vodka, RTDs (canned cocktails) and cider.
— 7 Foods From Outside Lands 2021 That We’re Still Craving: And which you can still get around the Bay Area, including Russian/Ukranian, Indian, Cuban, Middle Eastern and Filipino foods, alongside Basque cheesecakes and smashburgers.