Thoughtful Gourmet Blog

raclette seasoning spices in a white dish

Raclette seasoning is sprinkled onto the melted cheese to enliven its flavor. Finding none in the US, I figured out how to make it from scratch.

thalassa dish at Luce restaurant San Francisco

I eat out a lot. These are the 14 dishes that made the cut to land on my Best Bites list of 2023.

roast chicken

Re-use leftover roast chicken and mashed potatoes in a reimagined chicken pot pie that is 100% gluten-free and delicious.

Corollary Wines of Oregon label for the 2017 Extended Tirage Cuvée

Pop a cork on a delightful sparkling wine or champagne before the calendar flips to 2024

Rintaro cookbook cover

15 cookbooks published in 2023 that inspire me and, I hope, you.

klatch coffee advent calendar

My list is not long, just eight foodie gift ideas for 2023. It’s a concise look at what’s fun and fresh and delicious, lovely gifts for saveurs, savants and anyone else who enjoys eating.

Yes Cocktails bitters-infused sugar cubes

A whiskey advent calendar tops my list of holiday gift ideas with alcohol in 2023.

truffles in hand at Sorrel restaurant San Francisco

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.