Reviewed this issue:
— Holmes Cay Rums
— Exsto Cognac
— Split Rock Distilling Gin
— Navy Hill Electrolytes Tonic & Club Soda
… and more Read more →
A Modern Russian Oasis in Noe Valley: Birch & Rye
Of all times to open a Russian restaurant… but, of course, Birch & Rye, debuting February 2022, has been in the works long before the current dire events in Russia and Ukraine. Chef/owner Anya El-Wattar dove in head-first to aid Ukraine by way of her upcoming “Dine for Ukraine” April 13 fundraiser dinner with none other than Dominique Crenn. Why Birch & Rye is a special new modern Russian food (and drink) oasis: Read more →
April 1, 2022
— Willy Wonka Wonderland: Merchant Roots’ themed tasting menu releases your inner child.
— March Eats Checklist: From bagels to banh mi, five newcomers (and one seafood classic) to dine at now.
— 5 New Bars & Bar Menus to Drink (and Eat) Now: Whether a gorgeous new bar with heartwarming food or a The World’s 50 Best Discovery Bar reborn after a devastating fire, these five are worth drinking at now.
— Los Angeles Travel: Spring 2022 Restaurant & Food Guide.
— Reinventing Rare Classic Gin Cocktails: At bars in San Francisco, Hong Kong & London.
— Pasta Heaven: Reviewing the newly reborn Flour + Water.
— Distiller Magazine: My Interviews with Redbird bar manager Tobin Shea & The Spirit Guild distiller Miller Duvall in Los Angeles.
March Eats Checklist: From Bagels to Banh Mi, Where to Eat Now
These six spots cover the gamut, from “real deal” New Orleans to Korean fried chicken. Here’s why these six are worth eating at/from now: Read more →
5 New Bars & Bar Menus to Drink (and Eat) Now
Whether a gorgeous new bar with heartwarming food, new —and older— bars launching new menus, or one of The World’s 50 Best Discovery Bars reborn after a devastating fire, these five are worth drinking (and eating) at now. Read more →
Merchant Roots’ Themed Tasting Menu Releases Your Inner Child
In the back of the cozy Merchant Roots wine shop, chef Ryan Shelton launched his first themed tasting menu in January 2019. I’ve raved about these wildly changing, eight-seat dinners ever since. You could call each playful, whimsical, creative, even intellectual, always blessedly delicious.
Yet still too few of you know about it or have dined there. Certainly, it’s Michelin-worthy. But in a spirited, mischievous, smart way, unlike anywhere else. Read more →
Pasta Heaven: Newly Reborn Flour + Water
From 2009 to today, chefs/partners Thomas McNaughton & Ryan Pollnow’s beloved Flour+Water just reopened, remodeled and reborn with new space and menus. And it’s on a whole new level. Read more →
Distiller Magazine: Interviews with Redbird Bar Manager Tobin Shea & The Spirit Guild Distiller Miller Duvall
In the Winter 2021-2022 print issue (Issue 19) of Distiller Magazine:
—My interview with Redbird bar manager Tobin Shea
—My interview with The Spirit Guild owner/distiller Miller Duvall Read more →
March 15, 2022
This Issue:
— Old School Steakhouse Keeps Classic SF Spirit Alive: Harris’ Restaurant.
— 8 Places to Eat & Drink Now: East Bay Edition.
— Los Angeles Travel: Spring 2022 Coffee, Snacks & Drinks Guide.
— Buzzy New Rooftop Spot Transports to Peru: KAIY? Rooftop.
— Beer Restaurant of the Future: Fort Point Valencia Reopens.
— Distiller Magazine: LA Top 10 Bars 2022.
Los Angeles Travel: Spring 2022 Restaurant & Food Guide
My fall 2021 return to Los Angeles, the region I partly grew up in and spent over 12 years of my youth and, later, young adulthood living in was a busy one. I visited over 35 places, from cafes and coffee roasters, to restaurants and eateries — like pre-pandemic times. While the bar scene was clearly struggling on the service end even more than restaurants were, restaurants were coming back to life.
Here’s the good, the bad and the damn delicious: Read more →