Published December 2020 at Distiller Magazine, my bottle column covers trends and reviews international spirits, with taste ratings:
Fruit & Fire: A CA Winemaker & KY Distiller Pioneer With Smoke Tainted Grapes in Smoked Brandies
In the Winter 2020-2021 print issue of Distiller Magazine, my article and interview of two women in distilling and winemaking —from Kentucky and Napa Valley—who are collaborating on turning around tragedy (the recent years of unprecedented NorCal fires and their damage of smoke-tainted grapes) into spirits innovation… smoked brandies in a range of styles and experimentation.
January 1, 2021
THIS ISSUE:
— December’s 10 SF Bay Area Restaurants for Takeout or Delivery: Notable new restaurants for “real deal” BBQ, Uzbek, Cuban, Colombian, Middle Eastern, Burmese and Vegan Italian food, plus notable greats in Spanish, Japanese, Gastropub and New American (with cocktails) fare. In addition: local gems for spices, sauces and beer delivery.
— Distiller Magazine Top 10 Wine Country (Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino) Bars
— Distiller Magazine Interviews with Charbay’s Marko Karakasevic & Duke’s Spirited Cocktails Bar Managers/Owners in NorCal Wine Country
— Gin (Me) Talking Gin & RTDs at ADI’s 17th Annual Craft Spirits Conference
December’s Top 10 Places to Eat Now
My dining column at print and online magazine, Bob Cut — column details and my philosophy here; last month’s column here — covers standout newcomers and longtimers we want to keep supporting. During pandemic, I’m covering outdoor dining, takeout and delivery restaurants, all of which I’ve vetted, visited or ordered from, choosing the standouts: Read more →
Distiller Magazine: Top 10 Wine Country (Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino) Bars
My article on 10 of Sonoma/Napa and Mendocino Wine Country’s best bars (Duke’s Spirited Cocktails, Fern Bar, Barber Lee Spirits, Mario & John’s, Bird & the Bottle, Fog Eater Cafe, The Charter Oak, Miminashi, La Taberna, Solbar)…
Distiller Magazine: Interviews with Charbay’s Marko Karakasevic & Duke’s Spirited Cocktails Owners
In the Fall 2020 print issue of Distiller Magazine: Read more →
Gin (Me) Talking Gin & RTDs at ADI’s 17th Annual Craft Spirits Conference
In the Fall 2020 print issue of Distiller Magazine: A recap of our first virtual week of ADI (American Distilling Institute)’s 17th annual Craft Spirits Conference, which was to be in my beloved New Orleans in April but went virtual this Summer. You’ll see me here in this story, as I was on a couple international panels, both for gin… Read more →
November’s 10 SF Bay Area Restaurants for Outdoor Dining, Takeout or Delivery
My dining column at print and online magazine, Bob Cut — column details and my philosophy here and last month’s column here— covers standout newcomers and longtimers we want to keep supporting. During pandemic times, I’m covering outdoor dining, takeout and delivery restaurants, all of which I’ve vetted, visited or ordered from, choosing the standouts: Read more →
December 15, 2020
Dear friends ~
Hard to believe this insane year is nearing an end… Trusting more miracles and hope lie just around the bend. We have endured much this brutal year and season and I see how brave and tenacious all of you in our industry have been — and how tough it is to hang on without aid. I am thankful for rich, meaningful relationships far and wide, for health, my home, my city, and a long list of things. Sending love to you, your families and friends/communities for a renewing and hope-filled 2021.
