“The Morning Star hangs like a Lamp, beside the crescent, Above the greying horizon. The air warm, perfumed, An unseasonably warm…” – Kenneth Rexroth, “The Silver Swan” Fall… my favorite seasons is upon us. And with it, warm, balmy San Francisco days and nights. Top Tastes hits recent openings: B3, Cafe Des Amis, Ragazza and Plow, while returning to Prospect.… Read more →
Top Tastes: Killer Burgers with Wine, Potrero Hill Brunch, Pizza Perfection & More
Top Tastes, rather than a list of all-time favorites (another thing altogether), are among the best eats since my last newsletter, often from new openings. Many don’t make the cut, being a revisit previously written about or simply not as stand-out as dishes mentioned. MID-RANGE RESTAURANTS B3, Mission – B3, which you’ve heard me talk about at a pre-launch test… Read more →
Highlights of SF COCKTAIL WEEK 2010
Magical settings, moments and drinks were many in the 4th annual SF Cocktail Week which set the bar high for all future Cocktail Weeks… consider attending next year as its far from being just for drink aficionados. It’s for those who love a memorable party done in true San Francisco style. I have watched it grow from intimate nights out… Read more →
Drinking Bourbon with Jim Rutledge & Karlsson’s Vodka with Borje Karlsson + Grappa Galore at Bar 888 + Drinks at Prospect
COCKTAILS PROSPECT, SoMa – In the midst of 3.5 star reviews and consistent accolades, Prospect moves forward in its early opening months shining. My first take on it was strong and repeat visits only confirm. This place is the whole package (see Top Tastes for food, below for wine). Enter more supreme cocktails from Brooke Arthur and crew. On the… Read more →
Killer Pastrami & Roast Beef… in San Carlos
SAN CARLOS THE REFUGE – Much has already been said about the famed pastrami at San Carlos’ Belgian bar and hearty sandwich/burger spot, The Refuge. Jan Newberry of San Francisco magazine rightly lists it as one of the best in her sandwich guide. All I can say, is get there if you haven’t. These are among the best of these… Read more →
On the Town
Dinner & Cocktails with a View at Luce and Top of the Mark Wednesday through Saturday nights there’s a ready-made date if you want romance without having to think too hard. At $80 a person, it’s a package deal between Luce Restaurant (which I’ve written about more than once) in the Intercontinental Hotel and Top of the Mark. Choose the… Read more →
September 15, 2010
“Childhood is the kingdom where nobody dies. Nobody that matters, that is.” – Edna St. Vincent Millay Summer ends and San Francisco’s “summer” begins with pristine days and balmy nights spent sipping scotch on my front stoop with good friends (and the occasional cigar). Concerts in the park give way to SF Cocktail Week (9/21-9/27), while the truly awesome Hardly… Read more →
Top Tastes
Top Tastes, rather than a list of all-time favorites (another thing altogether), are among the best eats since my last newsletter, often from new openings. Many don’t make the cut, being a revisit previously written about or simply not as stand-out as dishes mentioned. Cheap Eats HRD COFFEE SHOP, SoMa – I’ve had Korean-style burritos before (like the ones at… Read more →
Cocktails at Rose Pistola & Tasting Harlem & Fair Spirits
ROSE PISTOLA, North Beach – Lovely bar manager Aurora Siegel maintains a fine cocktail menu at Rose Pistola that could be easy to miss in North Beach’s tourist bustle. Finely-wrought takes on classics like Rose’s Manhattan ($10 – Bulleit Bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, Amarena cherry juice, essence of orange) mingle with bright refreshers like The Q ($11 – Hendrick’s Gin,… Read more →
Dining & Cocktails in Nola’s CBD District
“In New Orleans, gluttony is a way of life.” – Morton J. Horwitz I’m getting those Basin Street Blues again. I’ve done articles on the Uptown, Carollton and Garden District, more Uptown & Bywater, on French Quarter food and drink, and the Fauborg Marigny and Treme neighborhoods. Now I cover the more commercial, high-rise-littered CBD, where some of Nola’s best… Read more →