Latest & Greatest

With a legendary reputation as one of San Francisco’s original gastropubs, Magnolia Brewing Company has withstood the test of time. Owner Dave McLean opened his brewery/eatery more than 15 years ago when IPAs and Imperial Stouts were foreign to the casual beer drinker. My, how things have changed. Yet Magnolia …

New York’s Hudson Valley may just be the Napa Valley of the Spirits World. Thanks to helpful legislation, a few brave pioneers, and a cooperative Distiller’s Guild, the area has flourished producing innovative spirits. Grab the overnight bags, turn off your cell phone, and ready your palate…because you’re going on …

It’s November! Which means it’s once again that time of year when men from all corners of the world come together to participate in Movember: The month of growing ridiculous beards and mustaches all in the name of charitable goodness! But you can’t go to all the effort of participating …

In 1842, Salvador Vallejo, brother to General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo of Mexico’s Commandante Générale of the northern territory (which at that time included Sonoma), built an adobe home just off downtown Sonoma’s square. On November 5, 2014, after two years of historical preservation and renovation of the home, vintners Bill …

Although the full name of this annual small batch release is quite a mouthful, it is exquisitely light on the tongue. Beginning with her barrel-aged Reposado, Master Distiller Maria Theresa Lara utilizes wet Scotch casks to finish her tequila for the final two months of the aging process. What emerges …

The Warwick’s new costume change is a serious nod to its ‘hood. The new interior design is a contemporary adaptation of old Hollywood glamour; and, yes, the cocktails are seasonal. Come snag a sweet from the roaming candy girl and sip a Black Dahlia, with Blackwell rum, housemade blackberry puree, …

The Orphan Barrel Distilling Company is sort of like the Indiana Jones of the spirits world, which may just be the coolest job description ever. Their mission is simple: to find long forgotten barrels of rare and delicious whiskey and share them with the rest of us. Well, lucky us, …

The Hotel Paracas is a Starwood property. Your friends will assume you’re talking about Caracas, Venezuela. Just tell them, “No–Paracas with a ‘P’ as in Peru.” And since one of the best things to do when you’re in Lima, let’s face it, is to leave Lima, you hop aboard a super …

There are few things more luxurious than a delicious meal of scallops, wild mushrooms, and pasta in a cream sauce…and having the time to enjoy it, because it’s so easy to make. Adding Cognac to the sauce provides depth of flavor, plus it makes for a nice sipping spirit during …

When you arrive at the airport, a staff member from the Sheraton Full Moon Resort Maldives will be waiting to tote your bags to the end of the runway and onto a speedboat where you’ll be whisked off to the private island resort situated near 40 spectacular dive sites. Daytimes are for …

The British have long had a taste for Champagne and were among the first nations to understand that bubbly isn’t just for celebrations. In fact, in England Champagne is often one of the cheaper drinks on the menu simply because it is ordered so frequently. U.S. prices would incur outrage! …

The straightforward menu at Bar Crudo means you know what you’re getting at this go-to bistro on the “it” stretch of Divisadero Street: oysters, raw fish specials, a bowl of chowder. The beer list is more involved, running to some four-dozen varieties, chosen by Tim Silvera who owns the place …

Bear Republic Brewing Company, located in scenic downtown Healdsburg, CA, and just a few miles from the Russian River, brews and pours their famed Racer 5 IPA and Red Rocket Ale along with seasonal brews from Brewmaster and COO Richard “Ricardo” Norgrove. Open since 1996, the brewpub, which has a sister …