8 Reasons to Pick Paso Robles for Wine Tasting

rows of large wooden wine barrels in the cellars of Eberle Winery in Paso Robles, California

And a Spotlight on Four Fantastic Paso Robles Wineries As the world’s fourth-largest wine producer, California has no shortage of destinations promising a world-class wine-tasting experience. The state boasts 142 AVAs, federally recognized American Viticultural Areas. Claiming no fewer than 12 of them (the acclaimed Paso Robles AVA along with 11 sub-AVAs) is Paso Robles, […]

Experience Your EVOOlution

closeup of an olive branch with leaves and olives, an out-of-focus countryside scene is the background

By Jon Bogart Wasn’t it just yesterday that we brought in the New Year, 2020, with resolutions to make positive changes for our bodies and mind? Little did we know that we were in store for changes beyond our wildest expectations. And now, more than a year later, we are finally working our way out […]

This Best-in-Show Ginger Elixir Will Awaken Your Taste Buds

rows of green ginger plants stretch to the horizon at the Elixir G ginger plantation in Hawaii
The Elixir G ginger plantation in Hawaii (Photo courtesy of Bill Tocantins)

Introducing an award-winning ginger-extract cocktail mix that’s delicious in cocktails, mocktails, many tasty dishes and desserts By Jon Bogart The changing landscape of the dining and drinking experience that characterizes life in 2020 has people searching for something different to drink. Perhaps even a magical potion to add some spice to their lives – and […]

It’s Dungeness Crab Season in California

The sign at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco featuring a ship's wheel design and Dungeness crab motif

Dungeness crab season in California is officially underway. The season usually begins in December, but 2020 saw a delay to protect migrating whales and some drawn-out negotiations over wholesale prices. An industry agreement earlier this month brought the official start of the Dungeness crab season. Crabbing boats are hauling in these delicious crustaceans from Fisherman’s […]

The San Francisco Story of Green Goddess Dressing

a plate with fresh herbs, mayonnaise, tarragon vinegar and anchovies, ingredients fora green goddess dressing recipe

Green goddess dressing might seem like a contemporary creation, given trending desires for photogenic fresh foods packed with a full herb garden’s worth of greenery. It’s actually almost 100 years since the sauce was invented and given its evocative name by a chef at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel. The original recipe is quite straightforward, blending […]

These are Southern California’s Most Beloved Burger Chains

Two double double cheeseburgers wrapped in paper from In N Out, one of Southern California's best burger chains

The mid-20th century was a boomtime for burgers, with Southern California emerging as an epicenter of fast-food innovation. In concert with the region’s car culture, hamburger joints featuring drive-thrus, speedy walk-up windows, and drive-in service from roller-skated carhops sprang up all across the Southland. A handful of these vintage restaurants have not only survived into […]

The Story of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company

Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, California

How an Italian chocolatier created the sweetest San Francisco icon By J.C. Thomas Ghirardelli, the third-oldest chocolatier in the United States, is today a beloved international brand. Contemporary consumers can’t get enough of the company’s filled chocolate squares, brownie mix and many other chocolate products. In San Francisco, Ghirardelli holds iconic status as a company, […]