Hayes Valley has gone through multiple rebirths, from its pre-’89 quake days under the shadow of freeway ramps, to its age as shoe and boutique shopping destination. The addition of Patricia’s Green in recent years brought a communal gathering place to the neighborhood, tying together north and south of Hayes Street in a cohesive strip of green. For years, Hayes… Read more →
BURRITT ROOM, Downtown/Union Square417 Stockton Street (near Sutter), 415-400-0500 I’ve covered many a Burritt Room cocktail creation since it opened with Kevin Diedrich at the helm (now bar manager at Jasper’s Corner Tap). Under new Burritt bar manager Joel Baker, I likewise expected approachable elegance, which Baker exhibited in his recipes since early days at Bourbon and Branch. It’s no… Read more →
Whether hunting for the latest and unusual spirits as a gift or pour during holiday festivities, these brand new products, a number of them local, are standouts in my incessant sampling. TEMPUS FUGIT CREME de MENTHE & CREME de CACAO Praise be for the arrival (finally) of these game-changing liqueurs! I had the privilege of tasting early prototypes of local… Read more →
In my many jaunts to Wine Country, I never suffer for options. Even after a decade, I am ever experiencing new delights. In addition to recent weekends (Calistoga to family-run wineries), here’s a few more bite-sized fall delights that will be equally pleasing this winter. Coffee goodness … Read more →
“I’m advocating the lifelong investigation of pleasure, and this task requires all five of your senses… Sounds selfish, no? No, it’s not. For true generosity does not occur unless you give from your own surplus.” – Regina Thomashauer Fall rushes on to Thanksgiving and I am happy to stay home for awhile, savoring the tastes and smells of fall that… Read more →
Here are four recent stand-out dishes or meals, from affordable hole-in-the-walls (Grill House and Prime Dip Sandwiches) to upscale creativity (Haven and Aziza): HAVEN Preview Dinner at PLUM, Oakland (Haven will be in Jack London Square; preview dinners are at 2214 Broadway; 510-444-7586) Anticipating the opening of Daniel Patterson’s restaurant (currently slated by year’s end), Haven in Jack London Square,… Read more →
These three bars (or restaurant bars) are all new openings within the last 1-3 weeks. I’ve visited those in SF a couple times each, while catching a sneak peek of the Oakland bar. Tasting through a number of drinks on these menus signifies all three as bars to watch. AQ, SoMa1085 Mission Street (between 6th & 7th), 415-341-9000 New restaurant… Read more →
San Francisco has long been a brunch town. Weekends are packed with brunch attendees staving off Monday. But what about weekday breakfasts? Breakfasting on recent weekdays has yielded three newer options (also open weekends), and one Sunday-only brunch so good I just had to include it. Sunday Brunch Decadence: BAKER & BANKER, 1701 Octavia St. (at Bush), 415-351-2500 Husband/wife duo,… Read more →
DON BUGITO DINNER at HEADLANDS CENTER for the ARTS, Marin Nestled near the ocean in the wilds of the Marin Headlands sits Headlands Center for the Arts, an artists’ haven in a reclaimed military barracks that is inspiring just to be in, as it must be for its artists in residence. Known for the culinary care and special event meals… Read more →
“How can a nation be great if its bread tastes like Kleenex?” – Julia Child Freshly back from Scotland, I am in the midst of glorious October weather. San Francisco’s pristine blue skies and waters and its glowing white skyline are illuminated in 70 degree sunny days… the best time of year. Imbiber considers wine from a few angles: contemplating… Read more →