Summer 2009 Gift Guide

All your warm-weather gifting needs met.

cherries at my local farmer’s market and wanna be prepared. Any tips on what brandy to use? Other spirits? Do you need to add sugar? I’m guessing they last just about forever, true? But what would be minimum...

I have to give compliments to Taylor's for their awesome lunch that the bf and I just had. The bf had the french dip sandwich made from london broil which was the best we have tasted, ever. I had the skirt steak and mashed...

Hey Tigger, I would recommend Lincoln in Santa Monica ... although it’s not “outrageously priced” it is pretty up there. Very lively (read: trendy). Would work out great for a birthday, I think. I’ll also...

I keep Taylor's Port and Sherry on hand for cooking. Also Martini & Rossi Vermouth and Meyer’s Dark Rum. I don’t keep “cooking” wine, preferring to cook with some that will become table wine with the meal....

for some brandy... another for pineapple juice. What gives? Any thoughts?

over the top. Any suggestions? I don’t drink sherry, but I would prefer something on the sweet(er) side. Can I substitute a brandy or cognac? I feel it’s a matter of taste. Right?

In the SF Bay Area in alphabetical order ... a favorite of these three would be difficult Langiers Arapaho berry jam (Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, SF) Lola’s bergamot marmelade (Lola’s in Albany near Berkeley, CA) June...

Had some ware’s otima 20-year-old tawny at a tasting a while ago and it was great. taylor fladgate’s 20-year-old isn’t bad either. vintage port is probably gonna be outta your price range for good things which...

Brandy, I did muse on whether to add Bukhara to the list. It is certainly a superb restaurant, or was when I was last there about five years ago. The truth is, it’s just too expensive. I know that price is a subjective...

I love Sangria, and it goes over gorgeously at parties. Here’s my (often altered) recipe: 1 bottle red wine 1 cup juice (I like the Tropicana refrigerated mixed berry flavor) 1/2 cup triple sec, Grand Marnier, brandy or cognac...

a bright blue live tropical fish swimming around in a brandy snifter under the sashimi. I’ve heard animal rights people are up in arms over this. I thought nonsense. After all, I’m not EATING the live fish. It sounds...

Last week four of us had dinner at Grand Cafe (SF, corner of Geary and Taylor) — loved it. It’s a big, belle-epoqueish room with several different areas, so it doesn’t feel cavernous but warm and interesting. My...

. Besides, anybody who is a fan of Taylors Refresher in St. Helena CA isn’t all that bad in my book!!

visting E. WALDO WARD a terrific maker of preserves and other conserves. they still own their own orchards. you’ll think you’ve driven into a grove in santa ynez. if you’re a meat eater, TAYLORS OL' FASHIONED...