Food and Wine

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)
Philippe Rolet is the estate manager of Bodegas CARO, a 20-year-old project joining Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and the Nicolás Catena family. (Courtesy photo)

On the Vine: Bodegas CARO partnership blends iconic families, cultures and grapes

French, Argentine winemakers join forces successfully

Philippe Rolet is the estate manager of Bodegas CARO, a 20-year-old project joining Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and the Nicolás Catena family. (Courtesy photo)
This version of the classic Tequila Sunrise is served in a highball glass. (Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Last Call with Saul: When life gives you orange skies, make orange cocktails

Alien atmosphere gives rise to color-themed drinks

This version of the classic Tequila Sunrise is served in a highball glass. (Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Matt Dees is The Hilt’s winemaker. (Courtesy photo)

On the Vine: The ‘electric acidity’ of Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

The Hilt creates delicious wine from Santa Barbara County vineyards

Matt Dees is The Hilt’s winemaker. (Courtesy photo)
Early during shelter-in-place, Lookout in the Castro offered margarita mixes in buckets, from the balcony. (Courtesy Chris Hastings/Lookout)

Last Call with Saul: The virtues and perils of at-home drinking

To-go cocktails helping some bars as they struggle to survive during ongoing uncertainty

Early during shelter-in-place, Lookout in the Castro offered margarita mixes in buckets, from the balcony. (Courtesy Chris Hastings/Lookout)
From left, Aaron and Jesse Inman, who are siblings, head up Lucky Rock Wine Co. (Courtesy photo)

Lucky Rock speaks to a new generation

Brothers Aaron and Jesse Inman have a modern take on the wine business

From left, Aaron and Jesse Inman, who are siblings, head up Lucky Rock Wine Co. (Courtesy photo)
Eateries in The City, including 1428 Haight Patio & Crepery, are open for what seems to pass as outdoor dining. (Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Last Call with Saul: Feeling alone in a pandemic

People must make their own decisions about risks of gathering outdoors

Eateries in The City, including 1428 Haight Patio & Crepery, are open for what seems to pass as outdoor dining. (Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)