Known in Mexico as El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is an annual day of celebration commemorating the Mexican army’s victory over the French on May 5th, 1862. The battle helped preserve freedom and democracy within the country and helped promote unity and national identity. Here in the United States there is perhaps no more popular way to honor the heritage and pride of this holiday than by drinking…heavily. And although you’ll find bars throughout the country offering up Cinco de Mayo specials, there are a few cities that seem to take it more seriously than most. Here’s a list, fittingly, of cinco:   1.) Los Angeles, CA When it comes to celebrating Mexican culture, the West is the best. And nowhere else demonstrates this better than the City of Angels, whose population is nearly half hispanic. As you’d expect, LA likes to have a grand [...]

It’s a big week for imbibing—which is why you’re getting an extra recipe to tide you through the week. The Kentucky Derby is upon us, so put on your most ostentatious hat and mix up some mint juleps! Please note that this ‘perfect’ recipe includes some overnight preparations, so plan ahead. The Perfect Mint Julep (Serves 14-16) Ingredients: 1 liter Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Lots of fresh spearmint Distilled water Granulated sugar Powdered sugar 1. To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then, gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside. 2. To prepare the simple [...]

There is a new trend in cocktails. I’m not sure if it’s due to the rebirth of the classic cocktail itself, or that everyone is hitting up flea markets more, but an abundance of vintage cocktail glasses is everywhere. From Comstock Saloon and Wo Hing General Store in San Francisco to Pegu Club and Prime Meats in New York, bar masters are setting the mood with a collection of vintage mix-to-match sets. It allows the bar to choose the right glass for the cocktail but, perhaps most importantly, vintage glasses set the tone for an ever changing yet decidedly classic list of cocktails on the menu. I’m loving the curved sides of the Nick & Nora glasses being used for martinis. They seem a bit smaller but oh, how they keep the drink in the glass. The triangular versions, brought to the bar in the twentieth century, can be a [...]

Wente Vineyards (5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore CA) in Northern California’s Bay Area is the oldest continually running, family-owned winery in the country.  Renowned for their exquisite selection of sustainably-grown Cabernets and Chardonnays, the vineyard is also home to a four-star restaurant and—once summer finally arrives—hosts a unique concert experience at their very own terraced amphitheater.  The event center is surrounded by lush gardens and slopping hillsides, backdropped by the tile-roofed winery buildings that typify old Californian architecture.  The musical acts that headline this annual series are world-class, and after recently announcing the 2012 lineup, this is bound to be one of the best years yet: An Evening with Foreigner Wednesday 7/11   Earth, Wind & Fire Guiding Lights Tour Monday 7/16   Sheryl Crow Monday 7/23   An Evening with John Fogerty Wednesday 8/1   Diana Krall Summer Nights US Tour Wednesday 8/15   Steve Martin And the Steep Canyon Rangers Wednesday, 8/29 Tickets will [...]

Ahhh beer, the smooth hoppy liquid that keeps our engines greased and makes sporting events even more exciting. Drinking a good pint of beer is not just about the beer itself, it’s about the experience, it’s about the bartender serving you, it’s about the glass it’s served in, and in SF it’s about the (presence or lack of) flat screens! Not all bars and pubs understand that formula. Those that do are true treasures. Here’s our list of the top 5 beer bars in San Francisco. Each place is known for their excellent beer selection and unique atmosphere. 21st Amendment (563 2nd St) This charming brewery right off Willie Mays Plaza (or King Street) was specially crafted for beer lovers, Giants fans and SoMa business people alike. Basically, the vibe and products (beers and high quality pub food) of 21st Amendment make it attractive for lunch, happy hour, or before [...]

The City by the Bay is known throughout the world for so many of its magical characteristics.  Being inexpensive, however, is not one of them.  But San Francisco is also a place that caters to all walks of life, including those that don’t want to plop down $15 per drink at a fancy lounge or club.  You can save those places for the tourist, because any local will tell you that there are a bevy of dive bars and cozy cafes in town to serve you crafty cocktails or magnificent microbrews at bargain basement prices.  Yet the following establishments all have a certain je ne sais quoi–so you can pour like a prince(ss) for the price of a pauper… Toronado (547 Haight Street) The Bay Area’s proudest dive bar is also home to the most extensive collection of craft brews you’re likely to find anywhere.  And best of all, they’re all [...]

Do you have a friend who seems to know everyone? They walk into a spot and it’s head nods, handshakes, and double sided cheek kisses all around. You love this person because they’re your friend, and you get to benefit from their connections. A free first round when you walk into a new bar isn’t bad, right? However, you also envy this person because well, you want what they have. So how do we become this social connector with an endless supply of swag and comped drinks? Truth is, anyone can be this person without having to commit to a life of binge drinking. Here are some helpful tips for accumulating influence and connections on the inside of San Francisco’s hottest spots. Who are you connected with now? With one in ten people now working in the food and beverage industry you can almost guarantee you have a Facebook friend [...]

March Madness is shifting into full gear this week, as the annual NCAA Basketball tournament is set to begin with a round of 32 games between Thursday and Friday.  If you’re in the Bay Area and want to catch all the action, here’s a list of some of the best sports bars in the city: Pete’s Tavern (128 King Street): This upscale SoMa sports hall shows all the games on flat and projection screen televisions, and also serves up some damn tasty bar food too. Their sliders are awesome, curly fries are crave-worthy  and the mini corn-dogs are fried bites of perfection.  This is a good place to duck out for lunch and check up on all your brackets. Greens Sports Bar (2239 Polk Street): Polk Street is one of the best bar areas in all of San Francisco. But when it comes to watching sports in this neck of the woods, few places [...]