Though I don’t get to San Jose as much as I wish I could given my nonstop research around endlessly amazing NorCal plus nationally and globally, when I do, I always find treasures. My recent night on the town offered one hit after another at a standout new restaurant and four excellent bars, some of which also serve great food. Read more →
St. Louis featured:
—My interview with Natasha Bahrami of The Gin Room/Salve Osteria
—My interview with David Weglarz of StilL 630 below Read more →
THIS ISSUE:
— Vietnamese Food Haven (with Cocktails): Bodega SF reviewed.
— PDX Guide: Where to Eat, Drink & Stay in Portland, Oregon, now.
— Hayes Valley’s Buzzy New Neighborhood Hang: Joey Altman’s Hazie’s reviewed.
— Distiller Bottle Column: I review aquavit, mezcal, gin, vodka, rum, aperitivo, Irish spirit, tequila, American whiskeys, RTDs (canned/bottled cocktails).
— Weekend-ing: Japanese food, drink & cultural events at new Sunnyvale Hotel, Tetra.
Staying in Sunnyvale in the heart of Silicon Valley surrounded Google offices may not sound like the ideal weekend “getaway.” But when you tell me there is a Bay Area hotel with a Japanese-American chef cooking inspired Japanese-influenced food, a Suntory Toki highball machine in-house and Japanese whiskey focus, I’m intrigued. Read more →
On August 11, 2022, the former Stacks space in Hayes Valley came to life again as Hazie’s from Hat Trick Hospitality team (The Brixton, Rambler). The name is rough, even a bit cheesy, but the space is dramatically reborn via ROY Hospitality Design: uncovered windows and open space make it look far bigger than before. A curved, sweeping bar, colorful artwork in nooks and plenty of spots for couples and groups, make it feel like the large neighborhood hangout Hayes Valley was missing. Gazing over Patricia’s Green, it takes in the bustle outside, feeling like a party inside at peak hours. Read more →
San Francisco’s Tenderloin has long been a key neighborhood for Vietnamese food, its western blocks dubbed Little Saigon. Head out to the entire half of the city that includes the Richmond, Sunset and Parkside districts and you have an array of Vietnamese restaurants, banh mi shops, pho houses and the like. But there’s nothing quite like new Bodega, from its sleek, modern diner decor to cocktails with Vietnamese food… Read more →
I’ve spent many years visiting Portland (PDX), OR, covering its restaurants, bars, distilleries, coffee shops and beyond. This August was my first return since pandemic, with plenty to catch up on, especially over only two short days. Don’t worry: per usual, I packed it in at over 12 spots plus a farmers market.
Here are 10 places to eat and drink in PDX now… what stood out, what to avoid (if anything) and overall highlights: Read more →
Reviewed this issue:
— Aimsir Distilling Co. Vættir Aquavit
— Dos Hombres Mezcal
— Bok Gin
— Holmes Cay Trinidad 2012 10-year Rum
— For Bitter For Worse Canned Cocktails Read more →
— August Eats Checklist: 6 standout newcomers or new menus, from Peruvian vegetarian to a unique juice shop.
— New, Blissful Temple to Seafood in the Mission: Ancora reviewed.
— Upscale Chinese with a View in SF Chinatown: Empress by Boon reviewed, one year in.
— Top 10 St. Louis Bars Now: My Distiller Magazine Summer feature.
— My Belgium Checklist: Where to dine, drink & stay in Brussels & Antwerp.
— Melissa M. Martin’s Lauded Mosquito Supper Club New Orleans in SF: From Louisiana to Jordan, Turntable at Lord Stanley showcases global chefs in SF.
From Peruvian Vegetarian to a Unique Juice Shop…
These six newcomers (or new menus) cover the gamut, from a 43 year vegetarian legend to a unique new juice shop. Alongside this month’s full restaurant reviews, here’s what’s worth ordering at each. Read more →