Food and Wine

A bottle of 2015 Center of Effort Chardonnay is pictured with samples from aging vessels.<ins>(Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>

Insight into aging techniques of California chardonnay

Unique processes produce complex, rich wines

A bottle of 2015 Center of Effort Chardonnay is pictured with samples from aging vessels.<ins>(Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>
Before the pandemic, Outer Orbit bar and Hawaiian restaurant in San Francisco hosted monthly pinball tournaments. (Courtesy of Outer Orbit)

The plight of the barcades: How three gaming bars are surviving the pandemic

By Charles Lewis III Bay City News Foundation One year into the…

Before the pandemic, Outer Orbit bar and Hawaiian restaurant in San Francisco hosted monthly pinball tournaments. (Courtesy of Outer Orbit)
National School Breakfast Week can be observed from the safety of students’ homes. (Shutterstock)

SFUSD celebrates National School Breakfast Week

District families can get breakfasts free at Grab & Go sites on Tuesdays and Thursdays

National School Breakfast Week can be observed from the safety of students’ homes. (Shutterstock)
Christopher Gee bakes sourdough two days each week for satisfied customers who pre-order the bread.<ins> (Courtesy William Gee)</ins>

SF teens start successful pandemic-era businesses

Richmond kids sell homemade sourdough, wash cars

Christopher Gee bakes sourdough two days each week for satisfied customers who pre-order the bread.<ins> (Courtesy William Gee)</ins>
Notable pink wines are, from left, 2019 Bruliam Rosé of Pinot Noir, 2019 Balverne Rosé of Pinot Noir, 2020 Malene Rosé and 2019 La Bernarde Cotes de Provence Rosé.<ins> (Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>

Warmer weather forecasts rosé days ahead

California is producing exclusively grown, high-quality pink wine

Notable pink wines are, from left, 2019 Bruliam Rosé of Pinot Noir, 2019 Balverne Rosé of Pinot Noir, 2020 Malene Rosé and 2019 La Bernarde Cotes de Provence Rosé.<ins> (Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>
Blondie’s Bar owner Nikki DeWald says she thinks that when pandemic ends, “It is going to be a party like no one has seen before.” <ins>(Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>

Meet your bar owner: Nicole ‘Nikki’ DeWald

Blondie’s proprietor recalls glory days in the ’90s

Blondie’s Bar owner Nikki DeWald says she thinks that when pandemic ends, “It is going to be a party like no one has seen before.” <ins>(Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>
Descended from an Italian immigrant, the Battuello family has been growing wine grapes in the Napa Valley for more than a century.<ins> (Courtesy photo)</ins>

Family farmed since 1909, Battuello Vineyards is creating new Napa Valley wines

Historic estate supports boutique St. Helena winery

Descended from an Italian immigrant, the Battuello family has been growing wine grapes in the Napa Valley for more than a century.<ins> (Courtesy photo)</ins>
Tequila is the main ingredient in Unrequited Lover. (Courtesy photo)

Love potions and loneliness

Valentine’s Day isn’t necessarily celebratory

Tequila is the main ingredient in Unrequited Lover. (Courtesy photo)
Erich Sattler Zweigelt 2018 and Triebaumer Blaufrankisch Rust 2018 are notable Austrian reds. <ins>(Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>

Look to Austria for good value in reds and whites

Four major growing regions in country with ancient winemaking tradition

Erich Sattler Zweigelt 2018 and Triebaumer Blaufrankisch Rust 2018 are notable Austrian reds. <ins>(Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>
Valentine’s Day is good time for indulgences both simple and extravagant. (Courtesy photo)

Valentine’s Day gifts with international flair

A roundup of items to delight your friends and loved ones

Valentine’s Day is good time for indulgences both simple and extravagant. (Courtesy photo)
The owner of Blondie’s Bar in the Mission says she won’t let COVID end her legacy. (Courtesy Blondie’s Bar)

Post-lockdown bar openings: too little, too late?

Business owners are jaded, struggling

The owner of Blondie’s Bar in the Mission says she won’t let COVID end her legacy. (Courtesy Blondie’s Bar)
Brown Sugar Kitchen restaurateur Tanya Holland has begun the second season of her podcast. (Courtesy Smeeta Mahanti)

Tanya Holland takes her kitchen table conversations online

Brown Sugar Kitchen chef chats with varied lineup of guests

  • Jan 30, 2021
Brown Sugar Kitchen restaurateur Tanya Holland has begun the second season of her podcast. (Courtesy Smeeta Mahanti)
Chateau de Cosse Sauternes 2017, Blason de L’Evangile 2014 and Moulin de DuHart 2017 were served at a tasting led by Olivier Trégoat. (Courtesy Lyle Norton)

Second label French wines yield value and access

Bordeaux vintages created for drinking presently

Chateau de Cosse Sauternes 2017, Blason de L’Evangile 2014 and Moulin de DuHart 2017 were served at a tasting led by Olivier Trégoat. (Courtesy Lyle Norton)
In recognition of recent news surrounding Donald Trump, here are two peach drinks: Frozy Navel, left, and Peach Gin Fizz. (Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Impeached twice? Try these two peach cocktails

Mix these up and toast in hopes of more laughs, lighter times in 2021

In recognition of recent news surrounding Donald Trump, here are two peach drinks: Frozy Navel, left, and Peach Gin Fizz. (Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)
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

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

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

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