Category: Intro Letter

May 15, 2022

— Ideal New Neighborhood Hang: Cole Valley Tavern serves 99 Flake, heartwarming food & cocktails.
— Retro-Chic Lounge with Secret Cocktails & Stellar Food: The Madrigal (also your pre-and-post show hang).
— Restaurant Review: Buzzy (yet hit-or-miss) Marina Italian at Norcina.
— Low-Key Molecular: Talking science of cocktails with Ted Kilgore of St. Louis’ Planter’s House.

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May 1, 2022

— April Eats Checklist: From tortas to Salvadoran food, six under-the-radar restaurants, cafes and eateries.
— Turkish Time at Taksim: Reviewing SF’s new modern Turkish (and raki) newcomer.
— Sustainability in California’s Distilleries: My Edible LA magazine feature talking to craft distillers across the state.
— Unexpected Tasting Menu Delights in Petaluma: Table Culture Provisions reviewed.

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April 15, 2022

THIS ISSUE:
— Tributing Thai Cuisine, Women, Culture & Bold Deliciousness: One-of-a-kind Thai restaurant, Nari, from Pim Techamuanvivit and team, the full review.
— Modern Indian Food (Still) Inspires: At ROOH SF, the full review.
— Distiller Bottle Column: I review rum, Cognac, gin, liqueurs, tequila, Irish whiskey, bourbon, vodka, RTDs (canned/bottled cocktails, tonics, syrups).
— A Modern Russian Oasis in Noe Valley: My full review of the new Birch & Rye.

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April 1, 2022

— Willy Wonka Wonderland: Merchant Roots’ themed tasting menu releases your inner child.
— March Eats Checklist: From bagels to banh mi, five newcomers (and one seafood classic) to dine at now.
— 5 New Bars & Bar Menus to Drink (and Eat) Now: Whether a gorgeous new bar with heartwarming food or a The World’s 50 Best Discovery Bar reborn after a devastating fire, these five are worth drinking at now.
— Los Angeles Travel: Spring 2022 Restaurant & Food Guide.
— Reinventing Rare Classic Gin Cocktails: At bars in San Francisco, Hong Kong & London.
— Pasta Heaven: Reviewing the newly reborn Flour + Water.
— Distiller Magazine: My Interviews with Redbird bar manager Tobin Shea & The Spirit Guild distiller Miller Duvall in Los Angeles.

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March 15, 2022

This Issue:
— Old School Steakhouse Keeps Classic SF Spirit Alive: Harris’ Restaurant.
— 8 Places to Eat & Drink Now: East Bay Edition.
— Los Angeles Travel: Spring 2022 Coffee, Snacks & Drinks Guide.
— Buzzy New Rooftop Spot Transports to Peru: KAIY? Rooftop.
— Beer Restaurant of the Future: Fort Point Valencia Reopens.
— Distiller Magazine: LA Top 10 Bars 2022.

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March 1, 2022

— 6 New Restaurants Worth Visiting This Month: These six newcomers cover the gamut, from Mexican pizza and Jewish deli pop-ups, to a food hall nailing cuisine from Africa to the Middle East.
— Vietnamese Chef Legend Charles Phan’s New SF Sandwich Shop: Chuck’s Takeaway.
— Support Our Beloved Wine Countries: Guerneville Edition.
— 6 New Spots Worth Visiting, Cafe, Bar & Food Truck Edition: These six newer spots include two Brazilian go-tos, a winning bottle shop and arcade/game bar with food.
— Distiller Bottle Column: I review aquavit, Japanese whisky, Cognac, tequila, non-alcoholic aperitif, aperitivo, gin, Irish and American whiskies, RTDs (canned/bottled cocktails, hard kombucha, non-alcoholic beer).

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February 15, 2022

THIS ISSUE:
— Tropical Rooftop Vibes & A Team Centered Around Core Values: Good Good Culture Club from Liholiho team.
— Newly-opened Automat combines childhood whimsy and gourmet goodness from 2 Michelin-starred Lazy Bear team.
— 5 New Restaurants Worth Visiting This Month Around the Bay Area: These five notable, mid-range newcomers cover the gamut, from sushi whiskey lounge to a Salvadoran family spot, from SF to Petaluma.
— Distiller Bottle Column Reviews: This month I review pommeau, amaro, non-alcoholic aperitifs, gin, bitters, tequila, vodka, Irish and American whiskies.

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February 1, 2022

— This Japanese Restaurant Casually Schools Patrons on Sake & Sushi: Pabu.
— Staycations, Santa Cruz Edition: Where to Eat, Stay & Drink Now.
— Forget Dry January: 7 Standout Non-Alcoholic Cocktails & Wines Worth Drinking All Year.
— When Two Michelin Italian Masters Open A Casual Italian Spot: My Sorella review from Acquerello owners.
— Support Our Beloved Wine Countries, Healdsburg Edition: The latest to eat, drink and stay in Sonoma County’s most chic town.

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January 15, 2022

THIS ISSUE:

— Atelier Crenn: One of the world’s best restaurants turns 11 years old.
— Live-Fire Cooking Like You’ve Never Experienced Before: At brand new Osito.
— Distiller Bottle Column: This month I review vermouth, Cognac, gin, rum, tequila, Irish and American whiskies, RTDs (canned, ready-to-drink cocktails, soju, cider).
— South Lake Tahoe: Where to eat, drink and stay now.
— Bluestem Brasserie Is a Slice of Comfort in Downtown SF: Reimagined a decade since opening.

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January 1, 2022

THIS ISSUE:
— TBI’s Top 12 New Restaurants of 2021: My Bold Italic feature on the top 12 new restaurant openings of the year + top new bars, best of 2020 (the “lost” year) and honorable mention new openings.
— Le Fantastique: Your New Music, Wine & Bites Hangout: My full review of a new Hayes Valley restaurant that marries McIntosh amps, vinyl and a smart team with raw, cured and aged fish, small plates, white Burgundy and Champagne.
— 5 New Restaurants of the Month Worth Visiting, December 2021: These five notable newcomers cover the gamut, from fine dining pop-ups to Peninsula food halls housing Michelin-starred chefs.
— Flavors of the Big Screen: Three global bars’ cocktails inspired by film & TV — in Los Angeles, Guadalajara and Hong Kong — my latest feature in Gin Magazine.
— 12 Standout Wines (To Suit All Palates) for the Holidays: 12 bottles to suit a range of palates, meals and occasions from low-key, cozy meal to celebratory splurge, champagne to red wines, natural to elegant.

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