Category: Intro Letter

“Everything contains some silence… An hour of city holds maybe a minute of these remnants of a time when silence reigned, compact and dangerous as a shark. Sometimes a bit of a tail or fin can still be sensed in parks.” – “Sharks’ Teeth” poem by Kay Ryan Bracing the cold of Chicago for memorable food, drink and times with… Read more →

“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” – Simon Weil A lovely January it’s been with balmy, warm days and dear friends and family visiting from near and far. I’m readying for the Chicago cold in a few days, though thrilled to return for more Chi-town treasures, the latest being from my Fall visit. Check out my Perfect… Read more →

“Grace has a grand laughter in it.” ? Marilynne Robinson, Gilead I trust the new year has started off on a hopeful, promising note for each of you. I look forward to sharing more meals, tastes, drink and exploration with you this year. I’ve launched a Perfect Spot Facebook page – please “like”, if so inclined, and keep up with… Read more →

“I have noticed that people I’ve met who love reading tend to be engaged and more creative.” – Dolly Parton, Dream More Happy New Year! I trust the sweet, sometimes difficult year that was 2012 will give way to the promising days of 2013. I certainly am expectant for new projects and horizons. I will begin working part time with… Read more →

“As you get older, you shouldn’t waste time drinking bad wine.” – Julia Child As the year ends, I round up some of 2012’s best newcomers: Top Tastes highlights the 10 best new restaurant/food openings, and Imbiber covers the top 10 new spirits releases. In The Latest, I review two new comfort food outposts, Jamber and Company. Wandering Traveler recaps… Read more →

“The affinity comes before the bottle, but the wine amplifies the affinity. Is it just the alcohol? That feeling of well-being inherent in a glass or two of wine? Nobody likes to talk about the buzz factor, but clearly that’s a part of the wine experience. I don’t mean intoxication, inebriation or drunkenness. But alcohol is an essential part of… Read more →

“Crackling is the voice of the thunder, Crackling within the shining black cloud, Broken are the mountain springs below, The god returns and dwells in the clefts; The god returns and dwells in obscurity…” – Fornander’s Collection of Hawaiian Antiquities and Folklore Just back from ten amazing days in Hawaii (articles and recommendations forthcoming), and now off to Flavor! Napa,… Read more →

“… Renaissance means “rebirth”, a rebirth of faith in our potential, a belief that what we do matters. For cultures, as for individuals, when we reach out courageously to express our ideals, our lives blossom into new possibilities.” – Diane Dreher, Your Personal Renaissance As this goes out, I am flying to Hawaii for the first half of November –… Read more →

“My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends – it gives a lovely light!” – Edna St. Vincent Millay Fall is full with tastes and exploration as I journey on a few press trips not far from the Bay Area – to the Diestel family turkey farm near… Read more →

 “I am a staunch defender of moderation in all things. But I fully intend to continue to eat. And drink. And be as blissfully merry  as my old bones will allow. I count eating and drinking among the chief pleasures of life and without pleasure who wants to live to 102.” – Craig Claiborne It’s my favorite season… the time… Read more →