One of the most enchanting lodging options literally a stone’s throw from San Francisco is Cavallo Point, tucked into Fort Baker cove at the base of the hills right off Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, gazing out at SF, the Bay and the Bridge. Besides its breathtaking views, it could almost be a part of the city, it’s so close. Yet it’s worlds away. Read more →
As I am the W50 Academy Chairperson for W. North America, I was back in London July 2022 for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards, hosted by the one and only Stanley Tucci. In addition to all the special events and meals surrounding W50B awards, I did the usual: packed in a number of restaurants and bars for research. I’ll outline top bars in another publication this year, but here, the 7 restaurant standouts this return to London. Read more →
Osito’s amuse bouche (Photo Credit: Virginia Miller) COME SEE OUR NEW HOME — The Bold Italic has a new home online, and this story has moved! Read it here: https://www.thebolditalic.com/top-14-new-restaurants-10-new-bars-of-2022 It’s that time of year again: I sift through the hundreds of new local restaurants I’ve visited this year (plus a few hundred more national and international restaurants), namely those opened… Read more →
My December bottle column covers trends and reviews international spirits and RTDs. This month includes:
— Boulard Grand Solage V.S.O.P. Pays d’Auge Calvados
— Carta de Amor Mezcal (Oaxaca, Mexico)
— Honkaku Spirits’ Shochu (Japan)
— Nikka Yoichi & Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast 2022 Discovery Series Whiskies (Japan)
— ARC Archipelago Botanical Gin & Barrel Reserve Gin (Phillippines)
— Lili Non-Alcoholic Sparklers (Portola Valley, California)
… and more Read more →
THIS ISSUE:
— December Eats Checklist: 7 standout restaurants & newcomers of the month.
— New Orleans Guide: 18 places to dine now.
— San Francisco’s Delfina: Reborn & as it was meant to be.
— 10-Year-Old Capo’s Makes Deep Dish To Top Chicago’s Best: And kills It with Detroit-style pizza, too.
— Lyon & Swan: New live entertainment supper club with quality food & drink.
— 15 Wines to Celebrate the Holidays: Vino to suit every palate. Read more →
Capo’s (Photo Courtesy of Capo’s) COME SEE OUR NEW HOME — The Bold Italic has a new home online, and this story has moved! Read it here: https://www.thebolditalic.com/10-year-old-capos-makes-deep-dish-to-top-chicago-s-best-kills-it-with-detroit-style-pizza-too Since 2009, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana has been the best all-around pizza restaurant in the U.S. I’d even say world, in terms of the place that perfects all major (and some minor) styles of… Read more →
These newcomers or new menus cover the gamut, from Sebastopol (Sonoma County) treasures in Thai and pizza to SF gems in Creole/Cajun, Japanese and elevated bar food. Alongside this month’s full restaurant reviews of these exceptional spots, these seven are also worth visiting, with last month’s standouts here (as always, I’ve vetted, visited or ordered from each place reviewed): Read more →
Lyon & Swan supper club (Photo Credit: Virginia Miller) COME SEE OUR NEW HOME — The Bold Italic has a new home online, and this story has moved! Read it here: https://www.thebolditalic.com/lyon-swan-new-live-entertainment-supper-club-with-quality-food-drink I’ve long dreamed of 1930s-40s-era supperclubs returning. I know they won’t: who can afford a large restaurant/bar space with a dance floor, for starters, much less nightly musicians? Even… Read more →
In 2022 I went to Nola twice a week at a time, to judge in Nola Spirits Competition and Tales of the Cocktail in the blistering, muggy heat of July, and back for a rousing Halloween week.
When it comes to restaurants — and bars (stay tuned for my updated Nola cocktail bar guide in 2023) — there are plenty of new places to love and pandemic survivors that are better than ever. Some restaurants are uneven, but each place here has standout dishes or elements. Journey with me through 18 New Orleans spots that have opened or greatly evolved since pandemic and what stands out (or doesn’t) at each: Read more →
Delfina’s truffle gnocchi (Photo Credit: Virginia Miller) COME SEE OUR NEW HOME — The Bold Italic has a new home online, and this story has moved! Read it here: https://www.thebolditalic.com/san-franciscos-delfina-reborn-as-it-was-meant-to-be What a difference nearly 25 years makes! Closed since March 2020, Mission District longtimer Delfina just reopened October 26, 2022, completely remodeled, refreshed, and, I’d say, reborn. I know I’ve dubbed… Read more →