Last year, Mother’s Day fell near the start of the pandemic, so virtually all celebrations were, well, virtual. Going out for brunch or dinner was impossible. Now that restau... Read More
This year is worth a special celebration for Mom because many of us weren’t able to see her last year. So if she loves her wine, be sure to check out these to toast her on her d... Read More
While some think that Valentine’s Day is a “throwaway” holiday, true romantics like to shower their sweethearts with chocolate, flowers, and intimate dinners or weekend geta... Read More
Every year for Christmas Eve, I make my mom’s Rhode Island clam chowder and a big crab Louie with fresh, sweet Dungeness crab. This year, however, I served the chowder alongside... Read More
While we brainstormed topics for this month, our film writer, Michael Snyder, commented that there had been precious few good romantic movies in the past four years, musing whethe... Read More
When winter turns cold and blustery, my thoughts turn to hot, hearty soups. One of my favorites is stracciatella, or Italian egg drop soup. The name means “torn apart” or “r... Read More
It’s a huge understatement to say that 2020 was a rough year, and California’s wine industry suffered multiple crises — the pandemic that closed winery tasting rooms, weeks ... Read More
In case you haven’t noticed, I love writing about food. I love eating it, too. This column is about debunking the bunk about food and dining. For some time now I’ve been keepi... Read More
There’s no getting around it; our holidays will look different this year. Celebrations will be smaller and gatherings more intimate — if they happen at all. But regardless of ... Read More
In Southern Italy, where my grandfather was born, they celebrate La Vigilia in anticipation of the midnight birth of the baby Jesus. It was first introduced to America in the late... Read More
I loved Thanksgiving at Papa’s house in Little Rock. Papa was my stepmother’s father, but he once told me, “I couldn’t love you more if you were my own blood kin.” ... Read More
This is my great aunt’s recipe and was sent to me by my cousin who put it together from a couple of pieces of paper my aunt had written on. He said, “As you can see, trying to... Read More
North Beach is the true heart of San Francisco. We have so many essential neighborhoods, but for me they are all planets revolving around the corner of Columbus and Broadway. T... Read More
Times are tough for restaurants. Like trying-to-chew-shoe-leather tough. Industry watchers speculate that more than half of San Francisco’s restaurants may permanently close. I ... Read More
September usually brings the warm weather that San Franciscans crave all summer long, making it the perfect time to pack a picnic and head outside for a casual meal at the park or... Read More