From my weekly Time Out column, published September 5, 2017: I share four low proof bar greats around the Bay Area — Oakland to SF — that are not so much about cocktails. These four are standout bars pouring the likes of unusual, natural wines, sherry, vermouth, fortified wines, Champagne and sparkling wine. —Horsies Saloon at Royal Cuckoo Market, Mission… Read more →
The first print edition of Time Out Magazine San Francisco is here. Time Out has long been my #1 go-to for what’s happening in NYC and one of a few key sources I reference when narrowing down my eat and drink “hit lists” around the globe. In SF’s print edition, the Eating and Drinking sections are written by yours truly.… Read more →
Here is my Food Republic on Portugal’s dreamy Duoro wine region, published on December 2, 2016. I explore the region from the fantastic home base of the one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly Monverde Wine Experience Hotel set in the middle of Vinho Verde vineyards. Then I talk about a few key and diverse wineries of the region (well beyond alvarinho!), the fine dining… Read more →
This article was first published here at Table8 where I am national editor. Whether a wine shop serving food with areas to hang out and linger or a wine bar with food menus, these 4 spots, most of them brand new, have informed staff, serve quality wines and sometimes even good food. Wine Down, SoMa Gracious founders/co-owners Sarah Garand & Jaime… Read more →
This article was first published here at Table8 where I am national editor. California pioneered the ethos of “come as you are”, though the trend has taken over the country in recent years. Especially in SF, LA and Napa, fine dining has leaned towards the casual for decades, even at its most refined. Whether movie stars or Silicon Valley moguls,… Read more →
This article was first published here at Table8 where I am national editor. Hidden Gems: Here we highlight some of the best under-the-radar restaurants we find often get missed by the press or restaurants with notable changes (like new chef, menu or concept) that warrant a revisit. Since opening in 2009, RN74 has been a stellar wine destination with a… Read more →
Almost daily, I’m tasting a wide range of spirits, wines and beers, whether at restaurants, bars, distilleries, wineries, breweries or as samples crossing my desk. This Summer, here are 10 memorable wines I tasted on menus around the Bay Area, best for different purposes from value to uniqueness. 2013 Terlan Quarz Sauvignon Blanc at Michael Mina The wine list at… Read more →
Partners Mark Nevin and April Sack opened Tofino Wines this March, which made our 10 Hottest Bars Now list for its unique setting, strong wine selection and notable emphasis as wine hangout/bar as much as it is a retail wine merchant. Alongside an ever-changing, stellar by-the-glass wine list and bottle selection, sherry lovers will delight in the growing sherry section… Read more →
With high altitude (around 8000 feet) and an onslaught of activity, Aspen Food & Wine is a dizzying, long weekend of tastings, seminars, parties and events held in the idyllic mountain town of Aspen every June. This summer I went with a drink focus in mind, even as I ate my way through the weekend. In fact, drink — namely… Read more →
Almost daily, I’m tasting a wide range of spirits, wines and beers, whether at restaurants, bars, distilleries, wineries, breweries or as samples crossing my desk. This Spring, here are my top 10 wines tasted. 1. O. Lemasson Pineau D’Aunis “Poivre et Sel” at Tofino Wines O. Lemasson Pineau D’Aunis Poivre et Sel — translating to “pepper and salt” ($14 by… Read more →