In the back of the cozy Merchant Roots wine shop, chef Ryan Shelton launched his first themed tasting menu in January 2019. I’ve raved about these wildly changing, eight-seat dinners ever since. You could call each playful, whimsical, creative, even intellectual, always blessedly delicious.
Yet still too few of you know about it or have dined there. Certainly, it’s Michelin-worthy. But in a spirited, mischievous, smart way, unlike anywhere else. Read more →
A major new fine dining, 100% live fire cooking restaurant two years in the works just opened from chef Seth Stowaway. Read more →
Published January 7, 2022, in my The Bold Italic column and weekly restaurant reviews: 10 years old this month, I revisit one of the world’s best restaurants (and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants), Atelier Crenn.
Published December 31, 2021, in my The Bold Italic column and weekly restaurant reviews: These five notable newcomers cover the gamut, from fine dining pop-ups to Peninsula food halls housing Michelin-starred chefs:
Published November 19, 2021, in my The Bold Italic column and weekly restaurant reviews, my review of Nisei and its new next door bar, Bar Iris, a modern Japanese-American fine dining play in California Washoku cuisine.
My latest article for The Bold Italic, published August 13, 2021 (my regular Bold Italic articles here), covers six neighborhood restaurants — from fine dining Chinese splurge to vegan sushi destination — worth feasting at and supporting now.
My latest article for The Bold Italic, published August 6, 2021 (my regular Bold Italic articles here), covers seven of the top new Bay Area restaurants worth visiting now. Article here:
My latest article for The Bold Italic, published February 5, 2021, covers 5 of SF’s best for takeout, meal kits or outdoor dining Valentine’s (or other celebratory dinners) in pandemic: Read more →
Paris… adored by millions but a struggle for me since my first visit in 1999. With high girlhood, romantic dreamer expectations, I FELT the idea of Paris in my bones. But in my first weeks there, this was no Années Folles, or artistic 1920s heyday I dreamed of. Beautiful, yes. But it felt cold, caustic, arrogant and unflinching. Certainly cynical.… Read more →
I cover 5 standout upscale restaurants, many of The World’s 50 Best/Michelin-starred level, who are doing special or more casual takeout and delivery in pandemic times. Some offer cheese and champagne tastings, or nigiri sushi feasts or upscale but “real deal” BBQ. Each is stellar and ideal for those celebratory moments that still keep coming in our lives even while sheltering in — or when we need a pampering splurge: