Reviewed this issue:
— Fortaleza Tequila Reposado Winter Blend 2024
— Bacan Guaro Colombian Aguardiente
— OOLA Left Coast Gin
— Tres Tribus Mezcal Artesanal Joven Espadin
… and more Read more →
SF Staycation — Luxury Hotels with New Menus: Luce at Intercontinental SF & MKT at Four Seasons San Francisco
One of many things I adore about living in my beloved San Francisco for 23 years, far above my bi-coastal upbringing in the suburbs of LA and NYC and midwest Oklahoma and Kansas City roots, is the endless layers and beauty of tiny SF. Thus I am ever experiencing my City anew and rarely get “staycations.” I travel so much for dining and drink research, judging and consulting, it’s a gift when I am home, relishing the world class and unique joys abundant all around me.
However, it’s a privilege when I get a media invite to stay overnight to check out a hotel minutes from home after checking out a new menu or chef at said hotel. I recently visited two notable SF hotels offering feasts creative (Luce) or comforting (MKT). What worked (and didn’t) at each: Read more →
SF’s most imaginative, themed dinner parties go big: the new Merchant Roots
Raving about Merchant Roots’ wildly-changing, eight-seat dinners since chef Ryan Shelton launched the first themed menu in January 2019, I’ve felt this magical team and concept should have a Michelin star and more, though they are Michelin-recommended, thankfully. But it’s a whole “new bag” for the clever restaurant as they’ve just moved to a far larger, 4,500-square-foot space in SoMa, debuting August 23, 2024: Read more →
September Eats: 7 Standouts of the Month
IN THIS ARTICLE:
—New Modern Indian Respite Downtown: Bombay Brasserie at Taj Campton Place
—9-Year-Old North African/Tunisian Treasure in the FiDi: Barcha
—All-Day Mexican Food & Rotisserie Haven in Noe Valley: Todo el Dia
—Tyler Florence Classic with NY Vibes: Wayfare Tavern
—Noe Valley Cozy Comfort: Mr. Digby’s
—Reborn Inner Richmond Breakfast “Diner”: Eats
—New Union Square Greek Gem: The Parthenon Read more →
Little Original Joe’s Marina: Italian comfort with a modern touch
Little Original Joe’s in the Marina has been a full house from the get-go in May. This is the latest outpost from siblings John and Elena Duggan, who have carried on the family’s long-standing tradition of Italian-American comfort food with a modern twist. Known for running the iconic Original Joe’s and its spots in North Beach, Daly City and West Portal, the Duggans have turned their focus to this stylish Marina location, bringing the same warmth that’s kept their other spots buzzing. What’s the “secret sauce” making the Duggan’s restaurants beloved? Read more →
Los Angeles Eats: 8 Places to Dine Now
Back again in my old stomping grounds of Los Angeles, I ate sipped and feasted well, as always. Fueled by coffee from special Silver Lake cafes like Coffee Memes and Dayglow (with their creative coffee cocktail-esque drinks), I dug into multiple spots. Highlights from eight LA restaurants, covering the gamut from handroll bar to seafood haven: Read more →
DISTILLER Bottle Column: August 2024
Reviewed this issue:
— Djuce RTD Wines
— Stillweather Spirits American Sunset Gin
— León Y Sol Tequila Blanco
— Pa’Lante Rum
— La Planta Non-Alcoholic Agave Spirit
— Ardbeg Anthology The Unicorn’s Tale
… and more
Read more →
10 Top Baltimore Bars
My article on 10 of Baltimore’s best bars… Read more →
Baltimore Interviews: Brendan Dorr of Dutch Courage + Eli Breitburg-Smith of Baltimore Spirits Company
My Baltimore interviews with Brendan Dorr of Dutch Courage bar and distiller Eli Breitburg-Smith of Baltimore Spirits Company Read more →
SF Brunching: 3 Breakfast Standouts from Donuts to Rooftop Brunch
Published August 19, 2024, in my Medium column: There are few things more comforting than brunch, feasting with friends and cocktails, or bringing home donuts and coffee to devour in bed. Here are three top-notch spots for breakfast. One is an uncommon donut shop, two are beautiful brunch spots with a view or high design. As always, I’ve personally vetted and visited… Read more →