Wineries that give back 100 percent … and more

It’s heartening to know in these tumultuous times of conflicting values that there are producers of our favorite elixir who want to make a direct, positive contribution. Here... Read More

Appetites and Afterthoughts

Curry for Christmas: An ancient Indian culinary mystique

By Ernest Beyl

Yes, I know, food writers in December issues are supposed to write about turkey and roast beef for those year-end holiday dinners. But I’m going to write about curry. I’... Read More

New & Notable

The Dorian: Victorian meets modern in a bar

By Julie Mitchell

When Oscar Wilde wrote his famous philosophical novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, its protagonist was perhaps both indecent and immoral, at least at the time. Chestnut Street̵... Read More

The Tablehopper

Smell that spaghetti and garlic bread in the Marina?

By Marcia Gagliardi

MARINA/COW HOLLOW Now open is Spaghetti Bros. (3213 Scott Street, 415-400-8500), the new project we mentioned last month from former Bix and Fog City chefs Erik Lowe and Aaron Toen... Read More

New & Notable

Stop by Sessions in the Presidio for a pint and a bite

By Julie Mitchell

Michael Bilger and Evin Gelleri didn’t plan to open a restaurant when they started tinkering around brewing their own beer as a hobby. But that’s what chef Bilger and g... Read More

Recipes

On the chef’s table

By Eileen Mitchell

Hearty appetites always accompany heightened expectations when professional chefs invite guests to their homes, and especially for a food-laden holiday like Thanksgiving. Ordinary ... Read More

The Tablehopper

New Marina openings; new owners for Alfred’s Steakhouse — times, they are a-changin’

MARINA/COW HOLLOW There is quite the swanky new spot to come to Chestnut Street, in the former Circa space: The Dorian (2001 Chestnut Street, 415-814-2671). The project is from And... Read More

La Deliziosa Vita

Rhode Island ‘clear broth chowda’ a perfect base for clam chowder three ways

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

When the weath-er gets crisp in the fall, I crave my mother’s clam chowder. The rivalry on the East Coast is fierce over the proper way to make clam chowder; so fierce, in fa... Read More

La Deliziosa Vita

Fine small-batch cask-aged spirits now at Vom Fass specialty food store

For the past two years in its Ghirardelli Square location, Vom Fass has offered its award-winning natural and organic olive oils, nut and seed oils, and old-world cask-aged vinegar... Read More

New & Notable

Seeking comfort? Try these new spots for ‘homemade’ takeout

By Julie Mitchell

Convenience can be king, especially on those evenings when everyone seems to have a different schedule, and there’s no time to cook. Now Marina and Cow Hollow residents have ... Read More

The Tablehopper

Beer lovers unite: It’s time for a session at Sessions

By Marcia Gagliardi and Dana Eastland

PRESIDIO The large new project in the Presidio, Sessions (1 Letterman Drive, 415-655-9413), officially opened its doors last month. The bar and restaurant comes from partners Micha... Read More

Dining

The real inside scoop on why the beloved Italian-French Baking Co. in North Beach shut down

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

On Aug. 20, San Francisco Chronicle Inside Scoop columnist Paolo Lucchesi reported on “swirling rumors” about the historic Italian-French Baking Co. in North Beach (150... Read More

La Deliziosa Vita

Pasta alla Norma

Sicilian-style pasta with eggplant and tomatoes

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

The sleepy, hill-surrounded area of South San Jose where my stepmother Kickie lives is suddenly hot property — thousands of new apartments surrounded by shiny shopping centers, C... Read More

Short Bites

Palm House adds fun and flare to tropical flavors

By Susan Dyer Reynolds

I’ve always loved 2032 Union Street, the site of the original 1854 dairy farmhouse where Cow Hollow got its name. I remember sitting in the airy atrium upfront with my boyfri... Read More

New & Notable

Pop in to the Michael Mina Test Kitchen for a Mediterranean feast

By Julie Mitchell

Pop-ups are literally popping up all over the city. These temporary establishments are a great way for retailers, chefs, and other entrepreneurs to test new concepts and gauge cust... Read More

Dining