Published in my The Bold Italic (TBI) column, I cover the under-the-radar capitol city of Nevada, its low-key gems, affordability and friendly locals — where to stay, eat, drink, hang and get a feel for the heart of the place.
Mid-Market’s New Slice of Spain Has All the Art Deco Vibes
La Bande’s fried cauliflower — Photo Credit: Virginia Miller For many of my San Franciscan friends and colleagues, Spain is their favorite European country. Given my Sicilian blood and extensive Italy travels, I’m Team Italy forever. But not to worry: I dearly love Spain. Traveling numerous regions of Spain the last 20 years, I am crazy about sherry, Spanish vermouth, Iberico ham, enchanting… Read more →
5 SF Bars (That Have Excellent Food) to Visit Right Now
FRIDAY FIVE 5 SF Bars (That Have Excellent Food) to Visit Now Linden Room’s Johin-cocktail (Photo Credit: Virginia Miller) Each of these five bars are ideal for a holiday sip as they are for imbibing year round (and most serve quality eats, too). Per usual: I’ve vetted, visited, or ordered from each of these spots reviewed. 5 Gloomy Hikes to Take in… Read more →
Female Indian Chef Goes Vegetarian at San Francisco’s Besharam
Besharam’s pav bhaji puff. (Photo Credit: Virginia Miller) Blocks from the Bay in the sleepy-but-standout Dogpatch district, Minnesota Street Project is one of SF’s best art galleries, a multi-room complex of economically sustainable spaces housing museum-worthy exhibits from local artists. I love a walk through its galleries (like Leila Weefur’s powerful Play + Prey), then heading next door to Besharam for… Read more →
DISTILLER Bottle Column: November 2021
My bottle column covers trends and reviews international spirits and RTDs, with taste ratings:
December 1, 2021
THIS ISSUE:
— 5 New Bay Area Restaurants Worth Visiting, November 2021 Edition: From kosher Israeli takeout to a new Korean grocer, sunny Oaxacan neighborhood spot to cozy new restaurant inside a beer store + a new Calistoga (Napa Valley) destination. These five new restaurants are worth dining at now.
— “California Washoku” Modern-Japanese Menus on at Nisei and Japan-style cocktails next door at Bar Iris.
— The Castro’s New Copas: Imparts a festive, collaborative vibe the space hasn’t exuded in a decade.
— San Francisco Top 10 Bars 2021: My Distiller Magazine print feature on 10 of SF’s best bars now, and a history on the city’s pioneering bar scene, both in the 1800s and the past 20-30 years.
5 New Bay Area Restaurants Worth Visiting: November 2021
From kosher Israeli takeout to a new Korean grocer, these five new restaurants are worth dining at now”
The Festive Vibes at San Francisco’s New Castro Eatery Are Not to Miss
Copas’ popsicles. (Photo Credit: Virginia Miller) Nomica was one of the most creative modern Japanese restaurants in SF from the owners of Sausalito’s legendary Sushi Ran. I was so sad when it closed at 2223 Market Street after a short, unimpressive morph into the less exciting Izakaya Sushi Ran. But let’s get this straight: brand new Copas, which opened quietly in… Read more →
‘California Washoku’ Is on Full Display at SF’s Nisei and Bar Iris
Nisei scallop course — Photo Credit: Virginia Miller Our city is—thank God—flush with “real deal” Japanese food, from dozens of Michelin-starred or award-worthy sushi bars to izakayas galore. But there’s nothing quite like Nisei, which opened in August 2021 in the legendary La Folie space. This is, indeed, a fine dining tasting menu format. Dubbed “California Washoku,” it essentially means “harmony of food”… Read more →
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.