Published November 26, 2021, in my The Bold Italic column, my review of the new Copas at 2223 Market Street in the Castro, bringing back festive vibes and exuding a communal spirit I haven’t seen/felt in the space in over a decade.
‘California Washoku’: On Full Display at Nisei + Next Door at Bar Iris
Published November 19, 2021, in my The Bold Italic column and weekly restaurant reviews, my review of Nisei and its new next door bar, Bar Iris, a modern Japanese-American fine dining play in California Washoku cuisine.
November 15, 2021
This Issue:
— Flour+Water’s New Italian Destination: My full review of the Mission District’s new Penny Roma.
— Top 5 Hit List of the Month: Three notable newcomers, one tried-and-true great and one newer restaurant coming into its original vision, including a modern steakhouse, halal birria, affordable Middle Eastern wraps, SF’s top steal of a prix fixe dinner, and a pasta and crudo stop.
— Support Our Beloved Wine Countries, Sonoma Edition: My latest five places to eat now, both classic and new restaurants (plus one bonus bakery) in the town of Sonoma.
— DISTILLER Bottle Column: My drink reviews of the month cover maraschino liqueur, Scotch, mezcal, tequila, gin, Japanese whisky, vodka, RTDs (canned cocktails) and cider.
— 7 Foods From Outside Lands 2021 That We’re Still Craving: And which you can still get around the Bay Area, including Russian/Ukranian, Indian, Cuban, Middle Eastern and Filipino foods, alongside Basque cheesecakes and smashburgers.
Breakfast for Dinner? Hilda and Jesse Has You Covered
My review of brand new Hilda & Jesse (from the pop-up of the same name), an upscale yet whimsical breakfast for dinner North Beach restaurant from two female chefs with extensive fine dining, Michelin-starred experience.
Flour+Water’s New Italian Destination: Penny Roma
Published November 5, 2021, in my The Bold Italic column and weekly restaurant reviews, my review of Flour+Water’s brand new Italian dining destination featuring regional influences from around Italy, Penny Roma:
Top 5 Hit List of the Month: Newcomers + Neighborhood Favorites
Reviewed in this article… Notable Newcomers
— Modern Steakhouse Done Right: The Vault Steakhouse
— Halal Birria: La Vaca Birria
— Affordable Wraps: Mediterranean Aroma
Neighborhood Favorites:
— Steal of a Prix Fixe: Trestle
— Pasta & Crudo: Itria Read more →
Harvest Season Staycations: Support Our Beloved Wine Countries, Sonoma Edition
Sonoma has long been, for me, the most beautiful town square of all Sonoma County. Visiting Dominique Crenn’s idyllic Bleu Belle Farm in Sonoma (which grows the produce for her restaurants and to feed the hungry), I also visited the town’s latest restaurants — mostly pandemic openings — plus a classic or two. My top nearby hotel recommend would be The Gaige House, but I’ll get into that in my future Glen Ellen edition. Here are five standouts for food and drink in the town of Sonoma proper:
7 Foods From Outside Lands 2021 That We’re Still Craving
Published November 1, 2021 at The Bold Italic, seven foods from Outside Lands 2021 that we’re still craving (and thankfully, you can still eat around the Bay Area):
DISTILLER Bottle Column: October 2021
Published October 31, 2021 at Distiller Magazine, my bottle column covers trends and reviews international spirits and RTDs, with taste ratings
Distiller Magazine: San Francisco Top 10 Bars 2021
In the Fall 2021 print issue (Issue 18) of Distiller Magazine, My article on 10 of San Francisco’s best bars: