#BookoftheWeek : “Sohn-mat: Flavors of Korean Home Cooking' by Monica Lee, of LA’s Beverly Soon Tofu since 1986. Korean recipes+step-by-step instructions on things like making kimchi, a pantry guide, history of U.S.’ largest Koreatown: LA.

boldforkbooks.com/products/sohn-…

boldforkbooks

Blacklisted Brandy is an exciting new line of fruit brandy. Think authentic Germanic schnaps, Eastern Europe or French eaux de vie, Old World fruit brandies: dry, bracing, elegant, aromatic.

It’s female founded by Draga Culic. My Distiller Mag review:

distilling.com/distillermagaz…

Popping up again now into May, a standout at chef Ollie Walleck's Sister, Mother, Crone at The Midway SF is chocolate cardamom halva. Nutty & gratifying, the Persian dessert’s “secret” is a dusting of lime zest+sea salt.

My 8 places to eat & drink now:
medium.com/@virginiamille…

Weekend goals:

Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Caviar blessedly brought their Caviar Café back to the Ferry Bldg. after an 11 year absence in 2021. Love the counter for a caviar and bubbly break.

What to eat+drink in my SF Ferry Building guide at @TheBoldItalic:

thebolditalic.com/san-francisco-…

My friend, Bricine Mitchell, does photography portraits... we had some fun with her taking shots of me around Glen Ellen, Kenwood and downtown Sonoma last week on our little Sonoma Co. getaway.

Since opening in 2014, I’ve been writing about R&J Lounge and Supper Club, a sign of OKC turning a cocktail corner. Decidedly divey, its wood-paneled, padded bar, astroturf patio & red booths is legit 1960s.

In my Distiller Mag Oklahoma City bars guide:

theperfectspotsf.com/2024/03/22/10-…

Open Sep. 2023 from chef Roland Passot’s Vine Hospitality (behind Left Bank Brasserie restaurants), Rollati is yet another modern Italian-American restaurant. But it’s one that strikes the right notes on multiple levels.

What to eat+drink in my #SanJose guide:

medium.com/@virginiamille…

Ridiculously good & only at new CheFico in Menlo Park (vs. SF original):

Vongole en crosta, or Manila clams in a butter of 'nduja (spicy, spreadable pork sausage) steaming in perfect pizza crust.

(My 2023 Che Fico review: medium.com/@virginiamille…)

youtube.com/watch?v=ak3dh3…

Kicking off my @TheBoldItalic Ferry Plaza guide: OG A16 Restaurant on Chestnut St. just turned an impressive 20 years old, predating the Neapolitan pizza craze.

Owner @ShelleyLindgren opened A16 La Pala in Feb. The focus is pizza al taglio, originally from Rome:
thebolditalic.com/san-francisco-…

A rich Sonoma retreat — in my favorite region of the County, Glen Ellen/Kenwood — with my girl, Bricine.

We laughed, cried, feasted, shared, cranked the tunes with the windows down and lay in fields of flowers.

In homage to the name, blue drinks (and 1930s-50s magic) at Stookey'sClubModerne Club Moderne's brand new Blue Room.

My @TheBoldItalic review:

thebolditalic.com/new-blue-room-…

A conveniently central, walkable location to all the culinary glories of the tiny Napa town of #Yountville (uh, The French Laundry The French Laundry, anyone?)

Overnighting at Hotel Villagio + my guide on where to eat and wine sip:

medium.com/@virginiamille…

Visit Napa Valley yountville

All-you-can-eat Parmigiano Reggiano from the wheel and other glories at the great 3 Michelin-starred Quince Restaurant's 20th anniversary party earlier this month: youtube.com/watch?v=mxk3TH…

(plus my recent review on its dramatic remodel: medium.com/the-bold-itali…)

Dramatically remodeled on its 20th anniversary, SF’s great 3 Michelin-starred Quince Restaurant celebrates with caviar, chef Michael Tusk’s pitch-perfect tortellini, mountains of Parmigiano Reggiano from the wheel & perfect French omelettes.

My latest review: thebolditalic.com/after-20-years…

Tuna belly in olive oil with yuzu kosho? Sign me up. I love Siesta_co’s line of tinned seafood because of their organic, sustainable focus, quality fish & taste, partnering with Yuzu & co.

I also review a new South Asian food brand, Paro: medium.com/@virginiamille…

The more intimate (but still lively, packed) of SF whisk(e)y festivals —Fog City Social by SF Whisky Society— brought together old friends & colleagues from near & far with some beautiful pours. Plus an Oakland dim sum feast the next day to wrap the festivities. #Whiskey #Whisky

Yes, they have pastel de nata from their accompanying Portuguese bakery, but also rare and beloved Portugese dishes at San Jose's Petiscos, a Michelin Bib Gourmand casual restaurant showcasing Portuguese food.

In my latest Medium San Jose guide:

medium.com/@virginiamille…

New, humble, order-at-the-counter Habibi Falafel is my fave new falafel shop for Palestinian falafel and shawarma.

Reviewed in my 8 places to eat & drink now at Medium:

medium.com/@virginiamille…