Published February 1, 2022 at Distiller Magazine, my bottle column covers trends and reviews international spirits and RTDs, with taste ratings (last month’s column here):
February 1, 2022
— This Japanese Restaurant Casually Schools Patrons on Sake & Sushi: Pabu.
— Staycations, Santa Cruz Edition: Where to Eat, Stay & Drink Now.
— Forget Dry January: 7 Standout Non-Alcoholic Cocktails & Wines Worth Drinking All Year.
— When Two Michelin Italian Masters Open A Casual Italian Spot: My Sorella review from Acquerello owners.
— Support Our Beloved Wine Countries, Healdsburg Edition: The latest to eat, drink and stay in Sonoma County’s most chic town.
Forget Dry January: 7 Standout Non-Alcoholic Cocktails & Wines Worth Drinking All Year
I was never into the Dry January concept — or “feast or famine,” all-or-nothing habits in general…
As I see mental health experts… recommend “mindful drinking” all year round instead of Dry January for longterm health and balance, I feel confirmed.
… In the last two years, there has been a massive jump forward in non-alcoholic wines, spirits and cocktails. Here are 7 of the very best out of many dozens tasted this past year.
This Japanese Restaurant Casually Schools Patrons on Sake & Sushi: Pabu
Roughly eight years later, why Pabu remains one of our great “whole package” Japanese restaurants, complete with a (rare) master of sake, robatayaki, sushi bar and multi-room space offering a range of options from casual bar visit to full sushi, Japanese feast or robata dinners.
Support Our Beloved Wine Countries, Healdsburg Edition
Over the past 20 years, I’ve spent countless hours in the popular Sonoma town of Healdsburg, whether overnights or stops when passing through (past recommends here and here). I have dear friends based in the town and numerous favorite spots in what is one of the best towns to eat and drink in expansive Sonoma County. I’m here to tell you about some notable newcomers, old faves and a lovely hotel — and with three Michelin-starred /The World’s 50 Best SingleThread’s new plant-based restaurant, cafe and wine shop, Little Saint, coming this Spring, there will be even more reasons to return. Here’s your latest Healdsburg checklist.
When Two Michelin Italian Masters Open A Casual Italian Spot: Sorella
Relaxed yet excellent Italian goodness from the two Michelin star team behind Acquerello… enter, Sorella. Read more →
January 15, 2022
THIS ISSUE:
— Atelier Crenn: One of the world’s best restaurants turns 11 years old.
— Live-Fire Cooking Like You’ve Never Experienced Before: At brand new Osito.
— Distiller Bottle Column: This month I review vermouth, Cognac, gin, rum, tequila, Irish and American whiskies, RTDs (canned, ready-to-drink cocktails, soju, cider).
— South Lake Tahoe: Where to eat, drink and stay now.
— Bluestem Brasserie Is a Slice of Comfort in Downtown SF: Reimagined a decade since opening.
Live-Fire Cooking Like You’ve Never Experienced Before at New Osito
A major new fine dining, 100% live fire cooking restaurant two years in the works just opened from chef Seth Stowaway. Read more →
Staycations, Santa Cruz Edition: Where to Eat, Stay & Drink Now
As COVID rages on, local trips and overnights beckon for easy, close-to-home getaways that don’t require flights. It was 2011 when I last wrote about Santa Cruz highlights, though I’ve stayed there and passed through numerous times in between, including visiting the chill town of Aptos, eight miles down the road. Here is my guide to a few highlights in the laid back, surfer city of Santa Cruz (SC), a brief 70 miles south of San Francisco.
Atelier Crenn, One of the World’s Best Restaurants, Turns 11 Years Old
Published January 7, 2022, in my The Bold Italic column and weekly restaurant reviews: 10 years old this month, I revisit one of the world’s best restaurants (and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants), Atelier Crenn.