Whether it's straight up and chilled, or on ice with orange, any excuse to drink Dubonnet is a good one. I feel like it could be 1925 and I'm drinking at a bar in Lyon with Ernest Hemingway. With its notes of clove and sweet spice, Dubonnet Rouge is an ideal match for Summer's ripe red fruit. My new favorite way to enjoy it is in a cocktail with muddled Bing cherries, brandy, and bitters; the Read more

Recently, I met with bartender and English Gins brand ambassador Erick Castro. Over a couple of gin drinks, Castro and I talked about making cocktails at home. I asked him what's the best way for a cocktail enthusiast to stock their home bar. He not only shared the spirits he recommends, but he also provided some helpful tips. If you're into making and enjoying libations, from classic cocktails Read more

To me, Berkeley Bowl is a sacred place worthy of a weekly pilgrimage. Perhaps the ultimate food-lover's grocery store, this massive Berkeley, CA, food emporium carries a huge selection of goods from around the world, and at great prices. I consider it a must stop for friends visiting the Bay Area, so why not share my adventures? The most remarkable part of the store is probably the produce, Read more

You eat carrots regularly — but how much do you know about them? Although they can be grown year-round, all root vegetables thrive during the Winter season, protected from cooler temperatures by the earth. Carrots are known for their vibrant orange color, but there are also purple, red, yellow, and white varieties — mostly grown as novelty crops. The root itself is crunchy and sweet, while Read more

People tend to be rather opinionated about cauliflower. Quite a few people completely abhor it, and some are crazy for it. Either way, there's no denying that cauliflower has a rich and interesting history. Cauliflower belongs to the same species as cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and collard greens. Though white is most common, cauliflower also comes in orange, green, and purple; all Read more

Gone are the days of taking a few basic ingredients and throwing them into a blender. Bananas, strawberries, and yogurt? So last year. Now that you've discovered the wonderful world of kale, chia seeds, and spinach, it's time to expand your smoothie-making skills even more. The following five food items are guaranteed to increase the nutrient (and flavor) quotient of your smoothies. Avocado: Read more

I'm the first to admit it: while I'll enjoy the occasional shot of tequila, it's not usually the first thing I'll order when I saddle up to the bar. But at a San Francisco Cocktail Week seminar, I learned a good bit about the basics of tequila — and just how awesome the Mexican spirit can be. Here are four legit reasons why tequila is seriously underappreciated. Read more

Sugar may be able to make something that tastes bitter seem delicious, but aside from that, it can wreak havoc on our bodies. Many people put spoonfuls of sugar into their morning cups of tea and coffee each day, without even knowing the health risks. There are lots of tips and tricks for decreasing your sugar intake, but one simple solution I've come across is swapping out your normal tea for a Read more