Top Tastes

    Top Tastes is my usual run-down of tastes over the past two weeks. Rather than a list of all-time favorites (another thing altogether), it’s highlights since my last newsletter, often from new openings. Many don’t make the cut, being a revisit written about before or simply not as stand-out as dishes mentioned. SAVORY – SEAFOOD • I’ve long… Read more →

Sam Adams’ Utopias Dinner, Coffee Bar, Indy Spirits Expo, Inspirations of Tuscany Wine Dinner

BEER •  Attending a media-only Sam Adams Utopias dinner was a real treat at Monk’s Kettle on 11/19. Monk’s chef, Kevin Kroger, created a four course dinner of luxurious comfort food, each course paired (and some cooked) with a Sam Adams brew. I must digress to food for a moment: medium rare, ultra-tender Beef Tenderloin Tournedos in classic green peppercorn… Read more →

November 15, 2009

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain I’m giving away a pair of VIP tickets to this Thursday’s (11/19) Indy Spirits Expo at Mighty (6-9pm; 5pm entrance for… Read more →

On the Town

10/24 Loretto Dinner with Phoenix Supper Club Meet at a corner disclosed when making a reservation to Phoenix Supper Club‘s Loretto dinner. A limo awaits with champagne and about 10 other guests all guessing where you’ll be dining. October 24, the first Loretto dinner, brought us to historical Haas-Lilienthal House/Museum, where we were ushered to candlelit tables and entertained by… Read more →

Top Tastes

Top Tastes is my usual run-down of tastes over the past two weeks. Rather than a list of all-time favorites (another thing altogether), it’s highlights since my last newsletter, often from new openings. Many don’t make the cut, being a revisit written about before or simply not as stand-out as dishes mentioned. SAVORY – SEAFOOD • At Circolo, Miso-glazed Sea… Read more →

November 1, 2009

“I write because I want to remember. ” – Isabel Allende In the throes of Fall, SF continues to experience balmy 70 degree days with the invigorating evening crisp of the season. I’m craving pumpkin-spiced tastes, awaiting family visits, and settling into a new home. Top Tastes reflects the best new places  and dishes from my recent culinary explorations, while… Read more →

Top Tastes

Top Tastes is my usual run-down of tastes over the past two weeks. Rather than a list of all-time favorites (another thing altogether), it’s highlights since my last newsletter, often from new openings. Many don’t make the cut, being a revisit written about before or simply not as stand-out as dishes mentioned. SAVORY – SEAFOOD • Bar Tartine is getting… Read more →

WhiskyFest 2009; Joaquin Simo & Toby Maloney at Cantina; Wine & Spirits Top 100 Event

“Alcohol may be man’s worst enemy, but the Bible says love your enemy.” – Frank Sinatra COCKTAILS It’s a special night (10/21) at Cantina (a worthy destination any night) when New York City’s Joaquin Simo, of Death & Co, and Toby Maloney (formerly of Milk & Honey, now running culinary cocktail bars around the country, including Chicago’s one-and-only Violet Hour)… Read more →