Thoughtul Gourmet Blog

the bar at La Mar Bar

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.

an array of dishes at Bodega North Beach, including burrata, chicken nuggies, bread, and sweet potato tacos

I write about San Francisco restaurants and the Bay Area food scene. When two restaurants opened with the name Bodega, I sorted things out.

Oyster dessert at Aphotic San Francisco restaurant

There’s something hypnotic about Aphotic, chef Peter Hemsley’s thoughtful ode to seafood and an effort to amplify the discussion around seafood sourcing.

Cana cocktail at cavana

A curated list of new restaurants, changes at established restaurants in San Francisco, the greater Bay Area and Wine Country.

New York Grand Central main hall

I had one day in New York City. Where would I eat? This is my one-day itinerary with plenty of eating and walking. Family not included.

Coho restaurant in Mill Valley has an understated but elegant dining room

The small town of Mill Valley plays host to a seafood-focused restaurant that beckons with a welcoming atmosphere and a welter of intriguing dishes. I did not know what to expect when I first walked into Coho. Run by the second generation of a local family known for their long-running Northern Italian restaurant nearby, the […]

Yebiga rakija or slivovitz, 18-month aged Prva brandy

My idea of plum brandy, a.k.a. rakija or slivovitz, a spirit revered by my Czech ancestors, was due for an update. Yebiga Rakija to the rescue!

prospector gourmet popcorn

What Is It? Gourmet popcorn company, Prospector Popcorn, is on a mission. A 501(c)(3) non-profit, Prospector is dedicated to competitive and integrated employment for people with disabilities through the operation of a first-run movie theater in Ridgefield, Connecticut. I fully support any business who provides opportunities for the differently abled but, more importantly, their popcorn […]