Russian Hill is the only neighborhood I’ve called home in San Francisco. Consequently, I take a proprietary interest in the people, the businesses, and even the buildings tha... Read More
If you’ve visited Italy’s Amalfi Coast, you know the azure sea, meandering coastline, and picturesque fishing villages. The Bay Area has its own slice of Italian heaven in Saus... Read More
When it’s not possible to get away for the weekend, don’t miss the fun that’s right outside your door. Grab your partner or good friend and head for the hills — literally. ... Read More
I recently had the opportunity to see one of my favorite rock bands in the world — one that, amazingly, has existed for roughly a half-century. That band is San Francisco’s... Read More
Depending on when you visit, Oregon is dotted with snow-covered mountains, azaleas and rhododendrons, and lush green vineyards. During a recent trip, we experienced all that beauty... Read More
For many years, a chain restaurant used the advertising slogan, “When you’re here, you’re family.” That’s canny salesmanship for a business eager to p... Read More
Spawling Napa Valley offers acres of verdant land, popular wineries, restaurants, and hotels — a lot to take on for a quick visit. Recently I spent time along the Silverado Trail... Read More
I wear a beret. Pretty much all of the time. In fact, it’s become kind of a trademark over the years. Some may think of it as an odd affectation. I mean, who wears a beret? S... Read More
Sacramento is known for its history, the politics, and the river that runs through it. It’s also a great base from which to explore the surrounding region. For this girlfrien... Read More
Those of us who live in San Francisco or Los Angeles (or both) know all too well that we’re flying headlong into tourist season — or we’re already there. Actually, so... Read More
As I write this, I am sitting in my San Francisco office — the Royal Ground coffee shop on Russian Hill. It’s evening, and I’ve got a few hours to crank out a column,... Read More
A weekend getaway should be easy and relaxing. A trip to Sonoma County’s Westside Road is just that. It’s a 12-mile drive between Healdsburg and River Road that is fill... Read More
The cosmopolitan city of Porto, home to the fortified wine named after it, is a popular draw for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can tour old port warehouses on one side of the... Read More
For all of the current lobbying and enthusiasm over public transportation (including taxis and app-enabled car services), automobiles remain an inescapable fact of urban life. And ... Read More
The Douro Valley is a verdant area in northern Portugal that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. One of the oldest wine regions in the world, it wasn’t until th... Read More