Food and Wine

Philippe Langner controls all aspects in the creation and production of Hesperian Wines. (Courtesy Karen Norton)

Hesperian Wines express the passion and resiliency of a true vigneron

Despite setbacks due to fire losses, Philippe Langner keeps producing great wine

 

To celebrate a new year, mix up a festive Pear Martini Sparkler. (Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Will we see a second roaring 20s?

Looking forward to ‘epic’ celebration when dry spell is over

 

Wine Spectator named the Bodegas Marques de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2010 as its best of 2020. (Courtesy photo)

A close look at Wine Spectator’s best of 2020

California vintages are well represented on the top 100 list

 

Louis' diner on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019. Perched above the Sutro Baths, the diner closed for good in July 2020 after 83 years in business. (Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)

Remembrance of meals past

San Francisco said goodbye to some classic restaurants in 2020

Louis' diner on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019. Perched above the Sutro Baths, the diner closed for good in July 2020 after 83 years in business. (Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)
Raven Bar SF offers the tequila, lime and cranberry Red Christmas. (Courtesy Raven Bar SF)

The eight shots of Christmas

Attempt for seasonally-themed 12-drink column falls a bit short

Raven Bar SF offers the tequila, lime and cranberry Red Christmas. (Courtesy Raven Bar SF)
Expansive views atop DAOU Mountain add to the enjoyment of the great wines. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to S.F. Examiner)

A plethora of pinot and plenty of pooches in Paso Robles

Getaway offers fine wine, dining and an encounter with dogs

Expansive views atop DAOU Mountain add to the enjoyment of the great wines. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Winemaker Theresa Heredia has been at Gary Farrell Vineyards since 2012. (Courtesy photo)

Russian River Valley Neighborhood wines are notable

Gary Farrell releases are among the area’s most striking offerings

Winemaker Theresa Heredia has been at Gary Farrell Vineyards since 2012. (Courtesy photo)
A party for one at Thanksgiving will be duplicated at Hanukkah during this year of COVID-19. (Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Hanukkah 2020: Eight nights of solitude

My safe celebration will be similar to solo Thanksgiving observances

A party for one at Thanksgiving will be duplicated at Hanukkah during this year of COVID-19. (Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Nicki Jizz has been an outspoken advocate for Black drag performers. (Courtesy photo)

Meet your drag queen: Nicki J.

‘I’m down for everything, I want to do it all,’ says the fearless performer

Nicki Jizz has been an outspoken advocate for Black drag performers. (Courtesy photo)
Judy Jordan, founder of Geodesy and WG Edge, is dedicated to promoting and nurturing women in the wine industry. <ins>(Courtesy photo)</ins>

Judy Jordan’s Geodesy wines are rooted in gift and gratitude

Industry veteran committed to mentoring women in her field

Judy Jordan, founder of Geodesy and WG Edge, is dedicated to promoting and nurturing women in the wine industry. <ins>(Courtesy photo)</ins>
My look, complete with jeweled mask, complements one of Kate Tova’s gorgeous, colorful murals. (Courtesy Saul Sugarman)

San Francisco is not the best place for artists

Creative people stay motivated to eke out a living in our expensive city

My look, complete with jeweled mask, complements one of Kate Tova’s gorgeous, colorful murals. (Courtesy Saul Sugarman)
Chef Reina’s plant forward pancit is a great recipe for using up veggies about to rot in the refrigerator drawer. (Courtesy photo)

Add plant forward dishes to the holiday table

Bay Area chefs tout tasty vegan dishes

Chef Reina’s plant forward pancit is a great recipe for using up veggies about to rot in the refrigerator drawer. (Courtesy photo)
Donum Estate’s pinot noir pairs delightfully with bites by chef Aaron LeRoi. (Courtesy Donum Estate)

Donum Estate deftly blends wine, food and art

Carneros vintner produces award-winning pinot noir and more

Donum Estate’s pinot noir pairs delightfully with bites by chef Aaron LeRoi. (Courtesy Donum Estate)
East Bay Cake artist Mona Marwaha is among the contestants appearing on “Candy Land,” a reality competition based on the famous board game premiering at 9 p.m. Nov. 15. <ins>(Courtesy Food Network)</ins>

Fremont cake painter competes on Food Network

Mona Marwaha enjoyed everything about her ‘Candy Land’ experience

East Bay Cake artist Mona Marwaha is among the contestants appearing on “Candy Land,” a reality competition based on the famous board game premiering at 9 p.m. Nov. 15. <ins>(Courtesy Food Network)</ins>
The Coca-Cola Company decided not to renew the lease on its iconic sign at Fifth and Bryant streets, pictured on Oct. 27, shortly before it was torn down. (Samantha Laurey/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Every good sign has its time

Some of us are sentimental about the Enjoy Coca Cola billboard

The Coca-Cola Company decided not to renew the lease on its iconic sign at Fifth and Bryant streets, pictured on Oct. 27, shortly before it was torn down. (Samantha Laurey/Special to S.F. Examiner)
The pandemic didn’t stop friends from enjoying a seasonal visit to a pumped-up pumpkin patch. <ins>(Courtesy Saul Sugarman)</ins>

This fall with Saul: Pumpkins for everyone

A trip to Half Moon Bay offers one of the best diversions of 2020

The pandemic didn’t stop friends from enjoying a seasonal visit to a pumped-up pumpkin patch. <ins>(Courtesy Saul Sugarman)</ins>
J. Schram and L’Ermitage are among the exceptional sparkling wines in produced in California. (Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Roederer Estate and Schramsberg Vineyards: Legends in the California sparkling wine story

U.S. vintners use traditional Champagne method

J. Schram and L’Ermitage are among the exceptional sparkling wines in produced in California. (Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Oenologist Diane Flamand introduces the Légende Collection. (Courtesy Nick Passmore)

Légende Collection provides an affordable taste of Bordeaux

Wines from Domaines Barons de Rothschild group are created for everyday enjoyment

Oenologist Diane Flamand introduces the Légende Collection. (Courtesy Nick Passmore)
Acquiesce Clairette Blanche, Bokisch Albarino Terra Alta and Markus Nativo are excellent whites from Lodi. (Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Lodi is the new destination to explore distinctive whites

Vintners in appellation creating diverse selection of single-varietal wines

Acquiesce Clairette Blanche, Bokisch Albarino Terra Alta and Markus Nativo are excellent whites from Lodi. (Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Red Pill and Blue Pill cocktails were served at the Fort Mason Flix drive-in screening of “The Matrix.” (Saul Sugarman/ Special to S.F. Examiner)

Enter ‘The Matrix’: Drive-in movies during a pandemic

Though it’s fun to take in a film and drink, I miss watching bartenders make cocktails

Red Pill and Blue Pill cocktails were served at the Fort Mason Flix drive-in screening of “The Matrix.” (Saul Sugarman/ Special to S.F. Examiner)