Hong Kong is a fascinating city — one showcasing Chinese culture in a sophisticated, worldly way that often feels more international than it does expressly Chinese. It’s an easy city to get around in, both in terms language (English is widely spoken) and in navigation, from Hong Kong Island and Central to the short distance across the Bay to the… Read more →
Hong Kong’s coffee scene was a welcome surprise. While the third wave coffee having swept most cities of note around the globe — especially any with a strong food scene — it is not always the case that these coffee renaissances are anywhere near as strong as what has been a decades-long staple of (and has in fact come from)… Read more →
Published at Food Republic on June 11, 2015: ARTICLE: www.foodrepublic.com/2015/04/22/st-george-spirits-is-americas-craftiest-distillery Read more →
This issue:
– My Top 10 Dishes & New Openings of May: From ancient Roman pinsa to Belgian/German food, impeccable seafood to boozy doughnuts, here are some of the best bites and openings now.
– 5 New Take-Out Options: Talking Korean, Dim Sum, Burmese, rotisserie and Vietnamese take-out newcomers.
– Top 10 Spring Wines: From Italy to France, California to Austria, my top 10 wines tasted this Spring.
Here are my top 10 dishes for May, from new openings and established spots. 1. Montesacro’s Margherita Pinsa Open in April, the new Montesacro is like a quick flight to Italy, transported to Rome itself from the moment one walks through the door off of rough-and-tumble Stevenson Street and is greeted by the Italian owner and staff. As I detail… Read more →
These 5 spots are new or under-the-radar and though you can sit down/eat-in at all of them — and Burma Love, in particular, has a cool dining room and bar — they have all been doing me right for take-out. 1. Korean: Jin Mi Korean Near Civic Center on a rough-and-tumble block of Golden Gate Ave., Jin Mi Korean is… Read more →
Almost daily, I’m tasting a wide range of spirits, wines and beers, whether at restaurants, bars, distilleries, wineries, breweries or as samples crossing my desk. This Spring, here are my top 10 wines tasted. 1. O. Lemasson Pineau D’Aunis “Poivre et Sel” at Tofino Wines O. Lemasson Pineau D’Aunis Poivre et Sel — translating to “pepper and salt” ($14 by… Read more →
– My Top 5 Cocktails of the Month in SF
– Edible Kyoto: Exploring the canals, temples, gardens, markets, coffee, restaurants and cafes of this magical Japanese city.
– Drinking in Kyoto: Cocktails, sake and spirits, including a couple of the most memorable bar experiences in the world.
From mid-April to mid-May, here are the standout cocktails and new menus I’ve been tasting around the Bay Area. 1. Alembic’s SF Confidential A newcomer on the menu at the excellent-for-a-decade Alembic is bar manager Larry Piaskowy’s new SF Confidential ($13), on the chalkboard. What makes it special is the harmony and balance of the ingredients and its easy drinkability.… Read more →
Where Tokyo is expanse, towers, lights and endless depth, Kyoto is the stillness of gardens and temples bearing a silence unlike anywhere else, encompassing and lush. It’s the charm of an ancient village, shockingly intact, yet with the offerings or range of a mid-size city. Amsterdam meets Japan in Kyoto’s canals (particularly magical at night) and its temples, gardens and… Read more →