1601 BAR & KITCHEN, SoMa (1601 Howard St. at 12th, 415-552-1601) In my book, extra points go to one attempting something different or filling in a vacant gap. Of course, it has to taste great, too. 1601 Bar & Kitchen succeeds on all fronts. Chef-owner Brian Fernando brings the flavors of his Sri Lankan heritage (his father is from Sri… Read more →
DOGPATCH SALOON, Dogpatch First opening in 1912, the new ownership (83 Proof crew) of dive bar Dogpatch Saloon restored it to turn-of-the-century glory, reopening on July 22nd after a five month remodel. The overhaul of the saloon features pressed tin ceilings, wood benches, old fashioned gas fireplace, piano set back on a mini-stage that will hopefully host live music, and… Read more →
Farm-Fresh Dining FARMSHOP, Larkspur (2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415-755-6700) A modern day farmshop… the beloved LA restaurant, Farmshop, opened in 2010, and then, to be closer to the farmers from which they meticulously source much of their produce in Northern California, they opened a Larkspur location in May 2013. It’s suburban-chic, set in an open air, upscale shopping mall with outdoor… Read more →
“California has always been as much of a state of mind as a state of the Union… California promises something more: transformation. The state is the repository of America’s frontier spirit, the notion that a better life is possible for anyone who wants it regardless of the circumstances of her birth. You can leave your past at the border and… Read more →
So you have to meet up downtown. Whether dining with a visiting friend or colleague or needing a meal pre or post downtown event, here are five newcomers and longtimers serving worthwhile dishes near meetup central, Union Square. THE CAVALIER, SoMa (360 Jessie Street between 5th & 4th, 415-321-6000) A fox hunting mural, riding artwork, red and black banquettes, taxidermied… Read more →
Génépi (in Italian) or Genepy (in French)… have you met? This herbal liqueur is set to hit your favorite craft cocktail bar soon, if it hasn’t already. Besides the liqueur, the word also refers to alpine Artemisia plants (in the wormwood family), common to mountainous regions of France, Switzerland and Italy, rumored to have been used in fellow herbal liqueurs,… Read more →
PARALLEL 37, Nob Hill (600 Stockton St. between California & Pine, 415-773-6168) When Parallel 37 first opened at the end of 2011, it looked rather corporate for the Ritz-Carlton on Nob Hill, though touches of orange, comfy couches in the bar/lounge, and elegant black and white photography of trees on the back wall warmed up the space. Closing the celebrated… Read more →
AMAWELE’S SOUTH AFRICAN KITCHEN, SoMa (Rincon Center, 101 Spear St. between Mission & Howard, 415-536-5900) There’s no “sit down” at Amawele’s South African Kitchen. In fact, it’s a counter in the Rincon Center open only during the week for lunch so unless your office is nearby, order a few items to go. Amawele is the Zulu word for “twins”, chosen… Read more →
My first feature for Distiller Magazine was on Chicago with a multi-page print spread, my photos and three articles:
—My article on 10 of Chicago’s great bars as of July 2013 here
—An interview with Charles Joly, beverage director at The Aviary here
An interview with Few Spirits founder/distiller, Paul Hletko here
Here are some of the best or noteworthy drink books released this year so far, with one (Whiskey Women) out in October 2013. THE COCKTAIL LAB – Tony Conigliaro ($29.99) London’s experimental cocktail genius, Sicilian Tony Conigliaro, blessed drink aficionados with his book, Drinks, last year in the UK, just released this summer in the US under the name, The… Read more →