Thoughtful Gourmet Blog

Sidehack cocktail at Blue Whale restaurant, San Francisco - resized

My highly curated, semi-monthly round-up of new restaurants, eateries and other food and drink hot spots around the Bay Area and wine country.

a salad that looks like a leaf could also be called a sandwich, at Ditas restaurant Sausalito

Though the vegan tasting menu is no more, most dishes from executive chef John Carney are embracing inclusiveness and can be made vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free.

chefs Amanda Maneesilassan of Chao Krung Thai (Los Angeles) and Susan Kim of Doshi (New York)

My highly curated, semi-monthly round-up of new restaurants, eateries and other food and drink hot spots around the Bay Area and wine country.

A bottle of Activated You Morning Complete citrus flavor bottle and mixed into water

A trial of Activated You’s Morning Complete ticked all of my wellness boxes. Except one.

Thai eggplants -- four fit in my hand

I set out to change eggplant’s bad reputation, using my family as test subjects. Some successes, some failures and a reminder that texture and visuals are, as ever, key.

choco nut shake at San Francisco restaurant PLS on Post

My highly curated, semi-monthly round-up of new restaurants, eateries and other food and drink hot spots around the Bay Area and wine country.

chef Jordy Navarra of Manila's Toyo Eatery

My highly curated, semi-monthly round-up of new restaurants, eateries and other food and drink hot spots around the Bay Area and wine country.

The classic Seven Layer Dip is topped with sliced olives.

My lightened version of seven layer dip is designed for summer season with fresh corn and tomatoes. It makes summer party prep a breeze.