July 1, 2016

This issue:

— The New Fine Dining: Three fine dining restaurants, one brand new, two modern day classics, that breathe fresh life into fine dining.
— 5 Top Philly Cocktail Bars: Some of the best cocktails in Philadelphia are found at these five.
— Weekending in Healdsburg: From upscale dining in casual settings to a new, destination-worthy cocktail bar, here’s the latest worth eating & drinking in Healdsburg.
— Philly’s Coffee Scene: 7 Top coffee shops around the city.

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Weekending in Healdsburg

This article was first published here at Table8 where I am national editor. Weekending in Sonoma is always a pleasure. In the Bay Area, we are downright blessed to have a region (among California’s endless stunning regions) of such variety and beauty a stone’s throw away. I’ve been weekending there for 15 years and know the towns and villages intimately.… Read more →

Top 5 Philadelphia Bars

Philadelphia is definitely a food lover’s town and my recent explorations just began to scratch the surface. The cocktail scene is smaller, especially compared to other cities of this size, a bit behind or not in keeping with other cities of this size or such a palate for great food. But what is here is strong, vibrant and growing. Unless… Read more →

June 15, 2016

This Issue:
— Top 3 May Openings: Inspired Hawaiian, Spanish and Mexican restaurants are topping my new openings list for May.
— 4 New Brunches… with Drink: Great new brunch options also with excellent drink.
— Decades of Brandy: Tasting through decades of California brandy and Calvados.

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SF: Top 3 May Openings

This article was first published here at Table8 where I am national editor. The 10 key openings of May are Itani Ramen in Oakland, Mac Daddy, Fenix, Homage, Sushi Hashiri, Popsons, Orson’s Belly, Bellota, Sababa and Laszlo’s reopening. While there are strengths at each — all but one of which I’ve visited — here are my top three newcomers… and… Read more →

SF: 4 New Brunches… With Drink

This article was first published here at Table8 where I am national editor. Daytime drinking — in the right setting with excellent food — transports me immediately to Europe, lingering over a Spritz and supplì streetside in Roma or a glass of wine with a long lunch in pretty much any European city. One of the many things I love… Read more →

Decades of Brandy: Tasting Through California Brandy & Calvados

After my recent travels in Cognac, France, my longheld love for brandy deepened even further. I am crazy about all manner of brandy (grape-based spirits), from Armagnac to pisco. I am passionate about Calvados (French apple brandy) and other apple brandies — note here my most unforgettable Calvados experience and tasting in the world, in Kyoto, Japan, of all places.… Read more →

Vintage Romance in LA: Elegant Hotels in Santa Monica & Beverly Hills + Where to Eat & Drink

My May 26th Oakland Magazine feature article ran in both June print issues of Oakland and Alameda Magazines, covering two romantic escapes in Beverly Hills and on the beach in Santa Monica as well as where to eat and drink nearby. My other Oakland and Alameda Magazine articles include going well beyond wine in the Willamette Valley with beer, spirits, ciders,… Read more →