Published at Liquor.com on March 20, 2018, my article on five notable new bars that have just opened around the US: Article here: www.liquor.com/slideshows/new-american-bars-spring-2018/#gs.UrA1QtU Read more →
Author: Virginia Miller
April 1, 2018
This issue:
— 3 Upscale New Izakayas: Japanese bar food with a touch of elegance — and great cocktails or saké.
— 11 Top Whisk(e)y Cocktails Around the Country: Whether American or Irish whiskey, Scotch or Japanese whisky, these national bars are playing with them in unexpected ways.
— Southern Comfort in Unexpected Places: Southern influence pops-up at a few restaurants that may not have an overt Southern theme.
— What to Eat at Your New Italian Go-Tos: Pasta, pizza, amari and bocci newcomers from Berkeley to SF.
— Top 5 Whiskies at Whiskies of the World 2018
3 Upscale New Japanese Izakayas
In my latest Time Out column, izakayas are casual Japanese pubs, gathering places for bites and drinks — and we’ve seen a ton of them open in the Bay Area for well over a decade. But the latest rush of izakayas goes a bit more upscale: still good drinking spots but with elevated food and decor (article here). — Shinmai, Oakland… Read more →
11 Top Whiskey Cocktails Around the US Now
Covering the 11 top whisk(e)y cocktails of the month around the US at Liquor.com, here are my top national whisk(e)y drinks now at these bars/restaurants (click on each for the featured cocktail): August 1 Five, San Francisco Revel Cafe & Bar, New Orleans (Chris McMillian) MiniBar, Los Angeles The Violet Hour, Chicago The Saratoga, San Francisco Old Town Tap, Truckee (Lake… Read more →
Top 5 Whiskies at Whiskies of the World 2018
March 24th marked the 19th year of Whiskies of the World San Francisco (WoW) held on Hornblower’s San Francisco Belle. What a long way the event has come even in the 9 years I’ve been attending (my review of my first visit back in 2010 here, plus 2017 and years prior here), thanks to Event Director Douglas Smith and team.… Read more →
Southern Comfort in Unexpected Places
In my latest Time Out column, while SF has long had established Southern greats like Brenda’s, there are some restaurants that at first glance may not look Southern but exhibit Southern soul from dish to drink. — With a new chef, Tommy Halvorson, and a remodel, plus Nashville hot chicken and key lime pudding: Serpentine, Dogpatch — Dr. Pepper-braised short ribs… Read more →
March 15, 2018
This issue:
— Top 3 New Openings of the Month: Whether hip Jamaican, an elevated izakaya/cocktail bar or Spanish tapas, here are three new SF standouts.
— 11 Top Cocktails of the Month: Notable drinks on restaurant and bar menus from New Orleans to Portland.
— Visiting Napa Valley Off-Season: My Wine Access guide to hotels, restaurants, wine bars and wineries for a Napa excursion.
— 4 SF Bakeries With New Pastries Worth Gaining Weight For
What to Eat at Your New Italian Go-Tos
In my latest Time Out column … There is a newer round of Italian openings in Berkeley and North Beach you may have missed… but you shouldn’t. Here is where you’ll find the latest in Bay Area Italian and our recommends for what to order (article here): — Amaro cocktails, amaro desserts, pizza & bocce in a massive Berkeley space: Gio’s… Read more →
11 Top Cocktails Around the US Now — March 2018
Covering the 11 hottest cocktails of the month around the US at Liquor.com, you’ll find my top national drinks now at these bars/restaurants (click on each for the featured cocktail): Bars from Santa Barbara to Brooklyn are taking comfort in Tiki on chilly nights, experimenting with sherry or rum and playing with rarities like malort and pommeau. These 11 bars… Read more →
The Top New Openings of the Month: February 2018
In my latest Time Out column, my top three openings of the month join other recent standout newcomers for a top 10 on where to eat now (article here): — Upscale Izakaya & Cocktail Bar: The Bar at Hotel Kabuki A multi-million dollar renovation transformed Joie de Vivre’s Hotel Kabuki in Japantown into a chic, modern destination, including the new Lobby Bar, a sleek… Read more →