Exploring 10 of the best spots for drams and drinks in the capital of South Korea… Read more →
Category: Wandering Traveler
Oklahoma City Rising: 12 Places to Dine Now
This past year I was back twice: in September 2022 and again over Christmas 2022. Over recent visits, I explore the ins-and-outs of 12 places to eat in and around Oklahoma City. Read more →
Eating Raw Beef Off the Side of a Cow, Ancient Hot-Cold Cooking Techniques & More in Elevated Korean Barbecue in Seoul
You may think you know Korean barbecue. Unless you’re Korean, live in the U.S.’ heaviest Korean communities, namely across California, Honolulu and New York, or have dug into Korean BBQ in Seoul, you likely have just scratched the surface of the category’s range. Read more →
Top 10 Bars Vancouver, B.C.
In the Winter 2022-2023 print issue of Distiller Magazine:
—My article on 10 of Vancouver’s best bars
—My interviews with bar manager Satoshi Yonemori of Grapes & Soda here; Alayne & Jason MacIsaac of Sheringham Distillery
— Bars reviewed: Bar Susu, Grapes & Soda, Bar Chickadee, Published on Main, Laowai, Botanist at Fairmont Pacific Rim, L’Abattoir, Como Taperia, Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim, Acquafarina Read more →
7 Top London Restaurants Now
As I am the W50 Academy Chairperson for W. North America, I was back in London July 2022 for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards, hosted by the one and only Stanley Tucci. In addition to all the special events and meals surrounding W50B awards, I did the usual: packed in a number of restaurants and bars for research. I’ll outline top bars in another publication this year, but here, the 7 restaurant standouts this return to London. Read more →
New Orleans Guide: 18 Places to Dine Now
In 2022 I went to Nola twice a week at a time, to judge in Nola Spirits Competition and Tales of the Cocktail in the blistering, muggy heat of July, and back for a rousing Halloween week.
When it comes to restaurants — and bars (stay tuned for my updated Nola cocktail bar guide in 2023) — there are plenty of new places to love and pandemic survivors that are better than ever. Some restaurants are uneven, but each place here has standout dishes or elements. Journey with me through 18 New Orleans spots that have opened or greatly evolved since pandemic and what stands out (or doesn’t) at each: Read more →
Seoul Guide: Where to Dine & Stay in Korea’s Capital City
In addition to the great Born & Bred and Byeokje Galbi, which I write about in my upcoming article on the not widely understood world of Korean barbecue, here are eight standout Seoul restaurants, fine dining to casual, and two recommended hotels (stay tuned for my Seoul cocktail bar guide in 2023): Read more →
Top 10 Bars Honolulu & Interview with Pint+Jigger Bar Manager Dave Newman
In the Fall 2022 print issue (Vol. 18. Issue 2) of Distiller Magazine:
— My article on 10 of Honolulu’s best bars
— My interview with David Weglarz of StilL 630 Read more →
Gin Magazine: NYC Bar Guide
My latest feature in Gin Magazine, October 2022, is my Bar Guide to 10 top bars in New York City now:
Double Chicken Please, Lullaby, Mister Paradise, Banzarbar, Valerie, The Cabinet, Bar Goto and Bar Goto Niban, Amor y Amargo, Marathi. Read more →
Vancouver Guide: 12 Top Places to Dine Now
After multiple visits to Vancouver the past few years, the city’s majestic water and mountain views make it a Canadian favorite and West Coast sister, down to its rich B.C. wine regions and seasonal ingredient focus. From nearby Whistler to Okanagan Valley, greater Vancouver holds some kindredship to California’s ease of mountains, bay, ocean, vineyards and farmland, all within easy access of a large city, though certainly with much colder climes.
These 12 either remain favorites over multiple visits, are notable newcomers or hold standout tastes. The highs — and, when relevant — lows of 12 Vancouver restaurants: Read more →