In December 2014, I wrote this print feature, with Whisky Magazine UK entitled The Orient Expression, on Japan’s distilleries, past and present, and its top whisky bars following my research trip in Japan. Save Save Save Read more →
5 Wine Picks for December
Many wines cross my desk or are tasted at numerous restaurants and bars I visit almost night… For December, here are 5 wines that stood out in the last 4 weeks, whether by the bottle or tasted at a local restaurant/bar. 1. 2012 Margalleau Vouvray Sec Chenin Blanc ($16) Recently at Gitane, I fell for the mineral, citrus notes of… Read more →
December 1, 2014
“Not many years ago, it was access to information and movement that seemed our greatest luxury; nowadays it’s often freedom from information, the chance to sit still, that feels like the ultimate prize. Stillness is not just an indulgence for those with enough resources – it’s a necessity for anyone who wishes to gather less visible resources… Going nowhere …… Read more →
6 New SF Openings, East Bay & Napa Newcomers
From my many articles a week as Zagat Editor, I summarize and link to some coverage highlights here – you can follow along on Twitter @ZagatSF, where I post daily, or on my own @ThePerfectSpot via Twitter or Facebook. New SF Openings Hapa Ramen opens its first brick-and-mortar – with cocktails – in the Mission Crystal Jade opens its first… Read more →
3 New SF Wine Bars; Cocktails at Hapa Ramen, Crystal Jade + La Taberna & The Farmer & The Fox in Napa
From my numerous articles a week as Zagat Editor, I summarize and link to some of this coverage here – you can follow along on Twitter @ZagatSF, where I post daily, or on my own @ThePerfectSpot via Twitter or Facebook. Wine 3 new SF wine bars you should know Cocktails Hapa Ramen opens its first brick-and-mortar – with cocktails –… Read more →
3 Spirits Picks for November: Mezcal, Cacao Spirit, Single Malt Whiskey
Many spirits cross my desk — or are tasted at numerous bars or distilleries — in any given month. For November, here are international spirits — mezcal, a cacao spirit, an agave spirit and a single malt whiskey — that stood out or offer something different. Mezcal Amaras ($49.99) Amaras, also known as Mezcal Amores in Mexico, is a mezcal… Read more →
November 15, 2014
“My meaning simply is, that whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do well; that whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself to completely; that in great aims and in small, I have always been thoroughly in earnest.” ― David Copperfield by Charles Dickens Fall is my favorite… Read more →
Essential Sonoma, Coziest Bay Area Restaurants, Japanese Authenticity in SF, East Bay Brunch
From my many articles a week as Zagat Editor, I summarize and link to some coverage highlights here – you can follow along on Twitter @ZagatSF, where I post daily, or on my own @ThePerfectSpot via Twitter or Facebook. New SF Openings First Look: ALEMBIC’s new kitchen opens – what to eat on the new menu 7 things to order… Read more →
Alembic Cocktails, 3 New Beer Bars, Bluxome Winery
From my numerous articles a week as Zagat Editor, I summarize and link to some of this coverage here – you can follow along on Twitter @ZagatSF, where I post daily, or on my own @ThePerfectSpot via Twitter or Facebook. Wine Bluxome Winery & Les Clos team up for a month of (delicious) sailing on the bay Cocktails New cocktails… Read more →
8 Best Meals in New Orleans in 2014
Back in my beloved New Orleans. During my annual visits, I am able to catch up on my many newcomers since the prior visit. I returned to spots like Sylvain and Café Adelaide, ordered sandwiches for my flight home from St. James Cheese Company, and in coffee, and went daily to my favorite Spitfire Coffee near the ideally-located Omni Royal Hotel,… Read more →