“Grace has a grand laughter in it.” ― Marilynne Robinson, Gilead I trust the new year has started off on a hopeful, promising note for each of you. I look forward to sharing more meals, tastes, drink and exploration with you this year. I’ve launched a Perfect Spot Facebook page – please “like”, if so inclined, and keep up with… Read more →
Of Banchan, Ramen & Squid Innards
Authentic Asian cuisine of every category is one of California and the Bay Area’s strengths, with constant new openings from hole-in-the-walls to hipster hotspots. Busy dining at a slew of Asian newcomers, like the Richmond’s mellow Daigo Sushi, or Szechuan outpost Chili House, these three restaurants stand out for one (or a few) reasons. MUGUBOKA, Inner Richmond (401 Balboa St. at… Read more →
Enter Trick Dog, the New Bar from The Bon Vivants
TRICK DOG, 3010 20th Street at Florida, 415-471-2999, open 3pm-2am daily (brunch coming soon) The Bon Vivants (Josh Harris, Scott Baird, Jason Henton) need little introduction in the drink world, from humanitarian work with their Pig & Punch events (they’re featured in the Jan./Feb. 2013 issue of Imbibe magazine) to their unforgettable Bon Vivants’ parties. Last Sunday, I walked through… Read more →
Around the Bay: Island Breezes… Searching for Caribbean Food
ISLAND BREEZES: Searching for Caribbean Photos and article by Virginia Miller Though not an island girl, I crave sorrel, that cinnamon-spiced, rosy-purple juice made from the petals of a sorrel plant, or multi-colored Scotch bonnet peppers, both common in the Caribbean and ideal together, sorrel cooling off the pepper’s scorching heat. One of my closest friends is Jamaican and we’ve… Read more →
January 1, 2013
“I have noticed that people I’ve met who love reading tend to be engaged and more creative.” – Dolly Parton, Dream More Happy New Year! I trust the sweet, sometimes difficult year that was 2012 will give way to the promising days of 2013. I certainly am expectant for new projects and horizons. I will begin working part time with… Read more →
CAPO’S: Deep Dish Better Than in Chicago?
Capo’s, 641 Vallejo Street, 415.986.8998, cash only Tony’s Pizza Napoletana reigns for my best all-around pizza experience because of its range of impeccable pies, from New York to Neapolitan. I’m no stranger to these categories, consuming countless pizzas in my many travels in Italy and years living in a New Jersey suburb of NYC – not to mention living in… Read more →
Ringing in 2013 with Cocktail & Food Pairings + Blowfish Fin Sake
A celebratory or comforting drink is just what we crave at this time of year. With an excellent bite? Even better. Here’s a few of the most noteworthy drinks, winter cocktail menus and dishes in SF as 2012 passes into 2013. AME, SoMa (689 Mission St. at 3rd St. in the St. Regis Hotel, 415-284-4040) It’s not a cocktail, and… Read more →
Sweet Tooth: A Slew of New (& a Few Classic) Sweet Spots
Earthy, savory desserts call out to me. Despite diminishing tolerance for excessive sugar, ice cream/gelato remains my biggest weakness, and I’m as appreciative of baked goods and balanced, unique desserts as I ever was. There are a slew of new and noteworthy Bay Area sweets noteworthy sweets – and a couple older spots worth revisiting. MISO SESAME RICE CRISPIES and… Read more →
New Year Sips: Bitters, Sake, Wine, Whisky, Sangria & Indy Spirits Fest
Ringing in the new year is all about celebratory imbibing, but the sometimes dreary days of January likewise call for a cheering pour. It’s a month of planning towards a new year, reaching out for fresh horizons… good reasons to have something quality in the glass, whatever the category. Here are a few worthy bottles, from sake, wine, whisky, even… Read more →
December 15, 2012
“As you get older, you shouldn’t waste time drinking bad wine.” – Julia Child As the year ends, I round up some of 2012’s best newcomers: Top Tastes highlights the 10 best new restaurant/food openings , and Imbiber covers the top 10 new spirits releases. In The Latest, I review two new comfort food outposts, Jamber and Company. Wandering Traveler… Read more →