As I continue to call out OC food gems (more here) from a County I partly grew up in — but one known more for its chain restaurant blandness and mall-mentality than its culinary gems — here are a few more places worth seeking out in the endless, freeway-laced suburbs of LA. PLAYGROUND, Santa Ana Yes, I finally made it… Read more →
Last month, I wrote a Zagat feature article on hot, newer restaurants in Hawaii, including a number of standouts during my fantastic 2 weeks in December on Oahu and Kauai to end 2015. In my Zagat feature, I cover a number of recommended restaurants — The Pig & the Lady (my top choice), Pint + Jigger, Mud Hen Water, Koko… Read more →
Last month, I wrote a Zagat feature on hot, newer restaurants in Hawaii, including a number of standouts during my fantastic 2 weeks in December on Oahu and Kauai to end 2015. Here are some of my favorites this visit in Oahu, while now I dig deeper into coffee, food, restaurants and drink spots in Kauai. Magical Kauai is still… Read more →
This article was first published at Food Republic on February 9, 2016. All photos and article by Virginia Miller. In Hungry Concierge, we travel the world to spot hotels that operate with their guests’ food and drink needs squarely in mind — hotels, both big and small, that are located in neighborhoods rich with bar and restaurant options. Because there’s… Read more →
This article was first published at Zagat on January 25, 2016. Photos and article by Virginia Miller. Whether grabbing excellent sandwiches at brand new Artizen in the Hawaii State Art Museum, third wave coffee at The Curb, dreamy black sesame ice cream at Via Gelato, bean-to-bar local chocolate at Madre Chocolates, or cocktails (with a stunning view) from former SF… Read more →
This article was first published at Tasting Panel Magazine in January 2016. All photos and the article by Virginia Miller. The romance and history of Cognac is unparalleled. As one who has visited distilleries from Japan to Scotland, Oaxaca to Bassano del Grappa, I thought I’d seen it all. True: the rolling vineyards of Cognac more than slightly recall my… Read more →
My Winter 2015-2016 feature for Distiller Magazine on San Diego, with a 10-page print spread, my photos and two articles: My article on 10 of SD’s great bars An interview with Coin-Op Game Room bar manager, Leigh Lacap Both articles here. More of my SD recommends here. ______________________________________ Past issues (top 10 bars, local distiller and bar manager interviews in… Read more →
During my fall return to New York City, which was my shining beacon across the Hudson during my teen years in New Jersey, I stayed with my lifelong best friend who lives on the Upper East Side/Yorkville and caught up on plenty of new – and a few older – bars, restaurants, coffee shops and food markets, like the new… Read more →
I wrote this article for Food Republic, originally published December 10, 2015. Article and all photos are by Virginia Miller. The holiday season is here, and you need a drink. Maybe it’s the stress of travel, visiting family members, gift shopping or a heavy end-of-the-year workload. Or you’re just seeking warmth and a break from the winter cold. You seek… Read more →
A warm welcome, oppressive summer heat, animals skipping across remote dirt roads, heavy German influence and old world architecture, BBQ, wineries and whiskey… just a few of the adventures had in Texas’ wild Hill Country. The Renaissance Man and I took a road trip this August, stayed in one of only two guest rooms at the utterly remote, retreat-like, peaceful… Read more →