April 1, 2018

by  on  in Intro Letter

This issue:
— 3 Upscale New Izakayas: Japanese bar food with a touch of elegance — and great cocktails or saké.
— 11 Top Whisk(e)y Cocktails Around the Country: Whether American or Irish whiskey, Scotch or Japanese whisky, these national bars are playing with them in unexpected ways.
— Southern Comfort in Unexpected Places: Southern influence pops-up at a few restaurants that may not have an overt Southern theme.
— What to Eat at Your New Italian Go-Tos: Pasta, pizza, amari and bocci newcomers from Berkeley to SF.
— Top 5 Whiskies at Whiskies of the World 2018

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3 Upscale New Japanese Izakayas

by  on  in The Latest

In my latest Time Out column, izakayas are casual Japanese pubs, gathering places for bites and drinks — and we’ve seen a ton of them open in the Bay Area for well over a decade. But the latest rush of izakayas goes a bit more upscale: still good drinking spots but with elevated food and decor (article here). — Shinmai, Oakland… Read more →

11 Top Whiskey Cocktails Around the US Now

by  on  in Imbiber

Covering the 11 top whisk(e)y cocktails of the month around the US at Liquor.com, here are my top national whisk(e)y drinks now at these bars/restaurants (click on each for the featured cocktail): August 1 Five, San Francisco Revel Cafe & Bar, New Orleans (Chris McMillian) MiniBar, Los Angeles The Violet Hour, Chicago The Saratoga, San Francisco Old Town Tap, Truckee (Lake… Read more →

Southern Comfort in Unexpected Places

by  on  in Top Tastes

In my latest Time Out column, while SF has long had established Southern greats like Brenda’s, there are some restaurants that at first glance may not look Southern but exhibit Southern soul from dish to drink. — With a new chef, Tommy Halvorson, and a remodel, plus Nashville hot chicken and key lime pudding: Serpentine, Dogpatch — Dr. Pepper-braised short ribs… Read more →

March 15, 2018

by  on  in Intro Letter

This issue:
— Top 3 New Openings of the Month: Whether hip Jamaican, an elevated izakaya/cocktail bar or Spanish tapas, here are three new SF standouts.
— 11 Top Cocktails of the Month: Notable drinks on restaurant and bar menus from New Orleans to Portland.
— Visiting Napa Valley Off-Season: My Wine Access guide to hotels, restaurants, wine bars and wineries for a Napa excursion.
— 4 SF Bakeries With New Pastries Worth Gaining Weight For

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What to Eat at Your New Italian Go-Tos

by  on  in Top Tastes

In my latest Time Out column … There is a newer round of Italian openings in Berkeley and North Beach you may have missed… but you shouldn’t. Here is where you’ll find the latest in Bay Area Italian and our recommends for what to order (article here): — Amaro cocktails, amaro desserts, pizza & bocce in a massive Berkeley space: Gio’s… Read more →