What: Roederer Estate Brut Rosé, $28 Why: A gorgeous salmon pink hue greets you, bursting with robust, tiny bubbles. Aromas of dried roses, citrus, late summer strawberry, peach, and cherry translate to the tongue. Fresh almond and minerality intertwining with yeasty, honeyed no... Read More
While the sign still hangs in front of the Marina staple, La Barca, the longtime Mexican restaurant is no more. Instead the space on Lombard Street is home to Stock in Trade, a brand-new tavern with seating for 140 that opened in February. And, on a recent Friday night, every cor... Read More
I first discovered Sushi Sam’s over two decades ago, and I still try to make a trip there at least once a month because I think it’s the best sushi in the Bay Area. I’m not alone: Ask top chefs like Thomas Keller, Laurent Manrique, and Ron Siegel where they go f... Read More
When you can’t get to Sausalito but you still want a sizzling platter of garlicky Dungeness crab, check out The Old Clam House, which is owned by the same folks as Salito’s. Much of the menu is similar (and equally consistent in quality), but you’ll also find th... Read More
If you want fun in the sun with great views, food and cocktails, Salito’s is the place. A quick trip by ferry or by car, Salito’s once housed swinging singles’ spots like Zack’s, Margaritaville and Paradise Bay. The dark, dreary interior has been revamped ... Read More
Over on the waterfront, celebrity chef Michael Chiarello (Bottega) has opened Coqueta (Pier 5, 415-704-8866), his Spanish project in the former Lafitte. The 84-seat space features an open kitchen, a rustic-chic look (complete with cowhide rugs), views of the water, and an outdoor... Read More
The humble deviled egg is enjoying quite a renaissance these days, finding itself on trendy restaurant menus across the country. I have fond memories of my mother’s classic version — mayo, a little mustard, a little Worcestershire sauce, and some cracked pepper — and wh... Read More
What: Monastero Suore Cistercensi, “Coenobium Rusticum” (45 percent Trebbiano, 35 percent Malvasia, 20 percent Verdicchio) When: 2010 Where: Vitorchiano, Italy (30 miles north of Rome) Who: Sisters of the Cistercian, under the guidance of Giampiero Bea, son and proté... Read More
Someone recently asked me me what my three favorite comfort foods were, and I had no problem rattling them off: Grandpa Lorenzo’s aglio e olio (spaghetti with olive oil and garlic), Kickie’s fried chicken, and my French-style mashed potatoes. I say “French-style... Read More
I never thought I’d see the day a Tommy’s Joynt open-faced roast beef sandwich would rate as the worst in town. The beef at Tommy’s has always been, as my dad used to say, “tough but tasty;” however, on a recent visit it was so chewy that the sandwic... Read More