I’ve stopped in to take a break at this coffee shop a number of times now, on my way to some errand or another downtown. The interior is sparse, a simple collection of tables and white walls, though the entrance and coffee counter greet customers with soft, mint-chip green. It opens early (6 am) and
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Lay of the Land Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon blanc can be a hard sell for me, as I often find it to have broth-like qualities interfering with the crisp acidity that I crave. No such problem with winemaker Mike Paterson’s Lay of the Land, which came to me through my NakedWines.com order.
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When Bonny Doon Vineyards offered up a sample of the four rosés they debuted this spring, I had to say yes — and yes, sample means they were free to me (obligatory disclaimer complete!). The opportunity to compare four entirely unique blush wines was an offer I couldn’t refuse. I called in some friends to
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In Albany, the Ivy Room is enjoying a rebirth after having undergone many transformations over its six decades of existence. The venue, with a makeover and new owners, re-opened its doors three months ago. A sign of what may come can be seen in the retention of the sign itself, a classic one that’s earned
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Serpent’s Bite Apple Cider Flavored Whisky Alberta, Canada 35% ABV I picked up this bottle when the husband requested whisky but said, “It doesn’t have to be the good stuff.” Being as this was on sale for $14, I figured it would work. And hey, I like apple cider. My family makes excellent hot apple
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It can be difficult to create a new — and successful — coffee cocktail. Recently, I came across an attempt at San Diego’s Neighborhood in the Gaslamp Quarter. Neighborhood is an appealing, hipsterish pub with dark wood tables, a well-thought-out spirits and tap list, and plenty of classed up American comfort foods. It’s casual enough
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Pinky’s Pizza Parlor is a neighborhood joint worth leaving your neighborhood for. Two of our good friends are regulars, drawn in by the amazing bar specials Pinky’s runs, and we’ve joined them a number of times. On a Sunday, go for the $2 bloody marys. On a Thursday, get any draft beer for the same
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Scotto Cellars is a family-owned winemaking company based in California with vineyards in Amador County, Lodi, and Napa Valley. I received sample bottles of two wines in their Heavyweight line: the petite sirah and the cabernet sauvignon, both sourced from the greater Central Valley. Obligatory disclaimer: Sample means these wines were free to me, but
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Santosha Chocolate is raw, fair-trade, humanity-committed chocolate made in Asheville, NC. I met, or re-met, rather, founder Don Rowe at the Santa Cruz, CA, home of one of my best friends. Her husband happens to be Don’s step-brother, and I happened to be down for a visit the same time he was this past December.
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  Phat Matt’s BBQ is an Oakland favorite for the quality and variety of smoked barbecue served. It’s a family-run restaurant, the type where the owners are happy to guide you through the menu of six standard meat preparations. A rotating special appears every week — it’s smoked pastrami according to their website right now,
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