In my latest Time Out column, I dig through highlights new and old in the laid back West Sonoma town of Sebastopol, a town famed for its wineries and Gravenstein apples, as it is for its antique and vintage shopping (article here): — Killer seafood, tacos & burgers: Handline — Yes, ramen, but even better: modern Japanese izakaya fare & whisky… Read more →
In my latest Time Out column, here are my top five dishes of the month — article here: Beef fat waffles at Nightbird Arctic char in persimmon curry at DOSA on Fillmore Roasted carrots at The Brass Rabbit, Healdsburg Hot dog at Charmaine’s at the Proper Hotel Smoked brisket tots at The Den at Wes Burger ‘N’More Read more →
This article was first published here at Table8 where I am national editor. The notable restaurant and bar openings of December were Flores, Sasaki, Duchess Oakland in Oakland, Single Thread in Napa, Finn Town, Hinata, Dip, Haight Ashbury Slice House by Tony Gemignani and Lucia’s Pizzeria in Berkeley. While I’ve been to all but two (I am about to visit… Read more →
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 →
A weekend in Guerneville always feels like a real “escape”, under towering redwoods, along the Russian River with the Pacific Ocean just over the mountain crest (more on past visits here). A leisurely stroll — or hardcore hike — through the stunning Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve while in the area is a must. Driving the rough, single lane road… Read more →
Sebastopol is a laid-back town famed for Gravenstein apples and wineries. Over the years, many of the apple orchards have been replanted with vineyards, but there are a few left, with a growing number of artisanal hard cider producers preserving and showcasing the area’s apple wealth (see our recent feature on Devoto Cider), with an annual Apple Blossom Festival in… Read more →
From my many articles a week as Zagat Editor, I summarize and link to some coverage highlights here – you can follow along on Twitter @ZagatSF, where I post daily, or on my own @ThePerfectSpot via Twitter or Facebook. New SF Openings First Look: ALEMBIC’s new kitchen opens – what to eat on the new menu 7 things to order… Read more →
From my many articles a week as Zagat Editor, I summarize and link to some coverage highlights here – you can follow along on Twitter @ZagatSF, where I post daily, or on my own @ThePerfectSpot via Twitter or Facebook. New Bay Area Openings BURMESE fare & BRITTANY-style CREPES arrive at Upper Haight’s SECOND ACT MARKETPLACE First Look at HUXLEY in… Read more →
From my numerous articles a week as Zagat Editor, I summarize and link to some of this coverage here – you can follow along on Twitter @ZagatSF, where I post daily, or on my own @ThePerfectSpot via Twitter or Facebook. Whisk(e)y Seminars not to miss and legendary whisk(e)y figures at this year’s WHISKYFEST on October 3 Cocktails 2 new OAKLAND… Read more →
From my 15 articles/posts a week as Zagat Editor, I summarize and link to just some coverage highlights here – you can sign up for Zagat’s weekly newsletter for highlights here and follow along on Twitter @ZagatSF, where I post daily. As I have been for over a decade, I’m on the ground daily looking for early standouts at each… Read more →