Twenty-five bars across multiple areas, from Notting Hill to Hoxton… I did some serious exploring of London’s famed cocktail scene, from cutting-edge experimentation to divey comfort, legendary classics to just-opened destinations. I sipped with cocktail luminaries like Nick Strangeway over dinner at Hix, and imbibed incognito. As I dig into the scene in any city I travel, here’s my take-aways… Read more →
I concur with the Chronicle’s choice of 2011 Bar Stars, calling out the maturity in the craft of these five. You’ve heard me talk about drinks from all five bartenders (like Kevin Diedrich and Alex Smith). This issue, I want to focus on Carlo Splendorini. MICHAEL MINA, 252 California Street between Battery & Front, 415-397-9222 Carlo made beautiful drinks at… Read more →
I sample dozens of spirits, wines, beers and beyond in any given month. If there are tasting events (and there are), then multiply that a few times. Here are the ones that rose above, recommends for everyday sipping (and beyond): COCKTAILS LOCANDA, 557 Valencia Street between 16th & 17th, 415-863-6800 I am sad not to see the talented Brian MacGregor… Read more →
SHIMO, 241 Healdsburg Avenue at Matheson, 707.433.6000, dinner only Not even weeks after I dined there, Shimo changed from its high-priced steakhouse menu to a noodle house. For the sake of (recent) history, here’s my recap and photos of my steak experience. Though I think the casual space is better suited to a noodle house, there are dishes I’d love… Read more →
Drink A couple recent Oakland nights included drinks at the relaxed, new Dogwood (with decent but not stand-out cocktails or atmosphere), and the following return visits: ADESSO, OAKLAND (4395 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, 94611, 510-601-0305) – You last heard me talk about Adesso in the Guardian and here in 2009. It has been one of Oakland’s best bars since opening with… Read more →
THE WILSON, aka Wilson & Wilson Private Detective Agency 505 Jones Street (between O’Farrell & Geary) On the same shady Tenderloin block as Bourbon & Branch, is its latest sibling. Look for a barred window labeled “Wilson & Wilson Private Detective Agency” next to a wood door sporting a peek hole. Do not enter here. Rather, you go through Bourbon… Read more →
COCKTAILS ZERO ZERO, SoMa (826 Folsom, between 4th & 5th, 415-348-8800) – Zero Zero’s gracious bar manager, Joel Teitelbaum, recently integrated new Spring cocktails on his menu and there are a number of highlights. For those who think they don’t like cognac, here is a ‘gateway’ cocktail: Purple Chandelier ($10), featuring VS cognac from one of my favorite cognac houses,… Read more →
My January jaunt to LA yielded a number of discoveries from mediocre to delightful – here’s a rundown: Latest & Hottest A-FRAME, Culver City – I hit A-Frame, Roy Choi’s (of Kogi Korean taco truck fame) latest restaurant, just a few weeks after it opened. How could I not love the converted IHOP with a-frame shape and outdoor patio punctuated… Read more →
There continues to be a proliferation of memorable cocktails around town this Winter… THE HIDEOUT, Mission – I regretfully write about The Hideout at all – though it has been written up a couple times, it has, by-and-large, remained well under the radar. I hate to contribute to any increase of crowds but wanted to share of its joys. Open… Read more →
Not to be confused with downtown LA’s Library Bar (a pleasantly casual, book-lined hang-out, though not memorable on the drink front), the Library Bar, hidden in the back of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel‘s lobby, makes about the best cocktails I’ve ever had in LA (alongside the New York classicism of The Varnish and molecular creativity of The Bazaar). And that… Read more →