How is summer treating you? I find the warmest months to be a time when I remember my American self and dig into American foodways and Americana. Lacking American roots (my parents emigrated from Europe after World War II), I spend my days learning about what grows best in NorCal’s unique climates, experiencing the flavors, art, and scenery at the county fair, and visiting more ice cream parlors and bakeries than one person should. What have you been eating this summer? What is “typically American food” as you define it?

1. What’s Hot

Did you know that San Francisco’s Ferry Building is celebrating 125 years young? And Foodwise, the operator of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, is celebrating 30 years of farmers’ market and community? It’s a reminder of the importance of supporting our food shed and local businesses. I’ve written my share of farmers’ market guides and this one takes a look at some of my favorites in San Francisco, including the Saturday market at the Ferry Building and the newest market in the city, Southeast Community Center Farmers’ Market in Bayview. Raspberries and peaches are peaking right now, in case you need motivation.

2. Eating and Drinking in Marin, the Bay Area and Wine Country

In addition to San Francisco, I cover the North Bay, too – you may have seen my byline in Marin Magazine where I scribe the New In Town column, among other things. After a recent meal at Sausalito’s Ditas, I wrote a restaurant review, something I haven’t done in a while.

I was also inspired by a recent wine tasting experience at Bouchaine Vineyards in Napa to write about some of the unique ways Napa wineries are building flavor in wine – cannonball-aged wines, anyone?

Plenty more North Bay goodies coming in the next newsletter.

3. What I’m Reading

Sometimes, other publications beat me to the punch. (I noodle over some ideas longer than I should.) After my briny martini and oyster-infused dessert at Aphotic, I started inquiring about drinks with seafood preparations. Becky Hughes at the New York Times was thinking about martinis, too. Guess the classic cocktail was next in line for a shake-up. And, as announced last night, big congratulations to the Aphotic team for earning a Michelin star!

4. Field Notes

You may recall from my last newsletter that I launched my Field Notes column. It covers food, restaurant and hotel news around the Bay Area and Wine Country. In this week’s edition, there’s news about a new treehouse experience at Clos du Val (starting in August), new restaurants in Napa with late night hours, a new summer menu at Ram’s Gate Winery, a 60th anniversary soirée at Timber Cove with chef Dustin Valette, a restaurant pivot from Nelson Germán in Oakland, and more.

5. About That Image
Dinner at AFICI, the SoMa restaurant and lounge from chef Eric Upper, was a revelation. Each of the 10 dishes was a master class in cheffy techniques. I can’t think of another plate of squab that is so perfectly executed. It is my new ideal. I tasted a few dishes on AFICI’s new vegetarian tasting menu, too. Each one was heaped with seasonal flavor and culinary precision. I mean, look at that Ratatouille Tart! Every dish tasted of Northern California at high summer. I’m excited to see this menu evolve with the seasons.

Plenty more coming down the pipe. But not before I take my family to the East Coast for summer vacation and some East Coast Americana. (Hello, lobster roll, crab cake and clam chowdah!)

Like the good European-American I am, I am taking the month of August off. I look forward to catching up with you again after the Labor Day holiday.

Until then,

Christina