@virginiamiller.bsky.social
1) All in a week's work... the past 2 weeks have been intense and rewarding, working with clients from the Bay Area to Australia. Some of the most hardworking, creative, hospitable people I know with impeccable taste...
November 20, 2025 at 11:50 PM
1) All in a week's work... the past 2 weeks have been intense and rewarding, working with clients from the Bay Area to Australia. Some of the most hardworking, creative, hospitable people I know with impeccable taste...
Made from only two ingredients — organic California Chardonnay verjus (underripe grape juice) and filtered water — the new carbonated non-alcoholic Montara cans are a sunny spin-off from NA wine standout producer Kally.
My review in Distiller Magazine:
distilling.com/distillermag...
My review in Distiller Magazine:
distilling.com/distillermag...
New Release Roundup October 2025 | Distiller Magazine
Looking for a new flavor? Need a little help making your next choice at your local bar or bottle shop? Dining and drinks writer and judge Virginia Miller combs through new craft spirits releases to ta...
distilling.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Made from only two ingredients — organic California Chardonnay verjus (underripe grape juice) and filtered water — the new carbonated non-alcoholic Montara cans are a sunny spin-off from NA wine standout producer Kally.
My review in Distiller Magazine:
distilling.com/distillermag...
My review in Distiller Magazine:
distilling.com/distillermag...
1) What a night in the gorgeous hidden 70s-chic lounge at Ama by Brad Kilgore on Tuesday!
The first of my new dinner series with gifted chef Brad Kilgore, calling on the Sicilian heritage we both share. Sold out with an engaged group of diners...
The first of my new dinner series with gifted chef Brad Kilgore, calling on the Sicilian heritage we both share. Sold out with an engaged group of diners...
November 20, 2025 at 7:13 PM
1) What a night in the gorgeous hidden 70s-chic lounge at Ama by Brad Kilgore on Tuesday!
The first of my new dinner series with gifted chef Brad Kilgore, calling on the Sicilian heritage we both share. Sold out with an engaged group of diners...
The first of my new dinner series with gifted chef Brad Kilgore, calling on the Sicilian heritage we both share. Sold out with an engaged group of diners...
November 19, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Best dishes at San Jose's Eos & Nyx from Greek chef Nikos Moulinos include the mezze platter, kama flour-marinated charred fish collar & play on lemon pie laden with lemon, almond & tarragon under strawberry meringue.
Where to eat in Silicon Valley now: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
Where to eat in Silicon Valley now: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
November 19, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Best dishes at San Jose's Eos & Nyx from Greek chef Nikos Moulinos include the mezze platter, kama flour-marinated charred fish collar & play on lemon pie laden with lemon, almond & tarragon under strawberry meringue.
Where to eat in Silicon Valley now: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
Where to eat in Silicon Valley now: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
Even better with... A classic Pink Squirrel with Tempus Fugit Spirits Cremé de Noyeaux and a 20th Century with their Cremé de Cacao at Horsefeather #SF.
(More on Horsefeather: theperfectspotsf.com/2021/01/01/d...)
(More on Horsefeather: theperfectspotsf.com/2021/01/01/d...)
November 18, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Even better with... A classic Pink Squirrel with Tempus Fugit Spirits Cremé de Noyeaux and a 20th Century with their Cremé de Cacao at Horsefeather #SF.
(More on Horsefeather: theperfectspotsf.com/2021/01/01/d...)
(More on Horsefeather: theperfectspotsf.com/2021/01/01/d...)
1) Yesterday's post-rain morning ramble among the redwoods, after journaling & contemplative time by the fireplace & at this desk overlooking the garden in cozy 1905 Olive's Cottage at Dawn Ranch.
Two decades in, I don't take for granted that my blessed work allows me to taste the world's beauty...
Two decades in, I don't take for granted that my blessed work allows me to taste the world's beauty...
November 18, 2025 at 7:21 PM
1) Yesterday's post-rain morning ramble among the redwoods, after journaling & contemplative time by the fireplace & at this desk overlooking the garden in cozy 1905 Olive's Cottage at Dawn Ranch.
Two decades in, I don't take for granted that my blessed work allows me to taste the world's beauty...
Two decades in, I don't take for granted that my blessed work allows me to taste the world's beauty...
At 3 Michelin Jordanaer in Copenhagen, I fell for husband-wife Tina & Eric Kragh Vildgaard, for chef Eric's artfully delicious food, the soothing space, classic rock vinyl soundtrack+my cozy chef's table surrounded by Champagne fridges.
In my CPH guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
In my CPH guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
November 18, 2025 at 6:44 PM
At 3 Michelin Jordanaer in Copenhagen, I fell for husband-wife Tina & Eric Kragh Vildgaard, for chef Eric's artfully delicious food, the soothing space, classic rock vinyl soundtrack+my cozy chef's table surrounded by Champagne fridges.
In my CPH guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
In my CPH guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
At Friuliani food+wine event Ein Prosit last month I discovered Liquoreria Friulana, tasting with distiller Gabriele Bot. I appreciate the gin, nocino, bitter & amaro but was especially smitten with Vermut Opificium vermouth.
Here's why, in my Distiller Mag column:
distilling.com/distillermag...
Here's why, in my Distiller Mag column:
distilling.com/distillermag...
November 18, 2025 at 12:44 AM
At Friuliani food+wine event Ein Prosit last month I discovered Liquoreria Friulana, tasting with distiller Gabriele Bot. I appreciate the gin, nocino, bitter & amaro but was especially smitten with Vermut Opificium vermouth.
Here's why, in my Distiller Mag column:
distilling.com/distillermag...
Here's why, in my Distiller Mag column:
distilling.com/distillermag...
An overnight under the mystical redwoods of Guerneville along the Russian River. The pouring rain set the mood yesterday, clearing today.
A walk in Armstrong Redwoods State Park under majestic trees that could only be my dear NorCal... centers everything & reminds me who I am.
A walk in Armstrong Redwoods State Park under majestic trees that could only be my dear NorCal... centers everything & reminds me who I am.
November 17, 2025 at 7:47 PM
An overnight under the mystical redwoods of Guerneville along the Russian River. The pouring rain set the mood yesterday, clearing today.
A walk in Armstrong Redwoods State Park under majestic trees that could only be my dear NorCal... centers everything & reminds me who I am.
A walk in Armstrong Redwoods State Park under majestic trees that could only be my dear NorCal... centers everything & reminds me who I am.
A short stroll from Copenhagen’s famed Nyhavn, hip @25hourshotels.bsky.social Paper Island has tiny rooms but is cozy & colorful. Best elements are sweetheart staff+one of the city’s best bars, Victory Bar, on the top floor with canal views.
My CPH guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
My CPH guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
November 17, 2025 at 2:22 AM
A short stroll from Copenhagen’s famed Nyhavn, hip @25hourshotels.bsky.social Paper Island has tiny rooms but is cozy & colorful. Best elements are sweetheart staff+one of the city’s best bars, Victory Bar, on the top floor with canal views.
My CPH guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
My CPH guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
1) As San Jose’s dramatic 2-story, tree-filled Eos & Nyx turns 1 year old 11/20, I recall this summer’s visit to the latest from MO Hospitality Group, which rules in SJ, (Paper Plane, MINIBOSS, Alter Ego Cocktail Club, Still O.G.) There's an open air bar upstairs & rotating conveyor belt back bars.
November 17, 2025 at 1:32 AM
1) As San Jose’s dramatic 2-story, tree-filled Eos & Nyx turns 1 year old 11/20, I recall this summer’s visit to the latest from MO Hospitality Group, which rules in SJ, (Paper Plane, MINIBOSS, Alter Ego Cocktail Club, Still O.G.) There's an open air bar upstairs & rotating conveyor belt back bars.
As I drive into my Haight-Ashbury 'hood, I thrill to the St. Ignatius & Marin Headlands view. Where am I? Spain? Italy? No: their Mediterranean climate & soil kin, NorCal.
I never tire of SF's beauty & the rich life I'm blessed to live here 24yrs. More than ever, I don't take it for granted.
I never tire of SF's beauty & the rich life I'm blessed to live here 24yrs. More than ever, I don't take it for granted.
November 16, 2025 at 1:26 AM
As I drive into my Haight-Ashbury 'hood, I thrill to the St. Ignatius & Marin Headlands view. Where am I? Spain? Italy? No: their Mediterranean climate & soil kin, NorCal.
I never tire of SF's beauty & the rich life I'm blessed to live here 24yrs. More than ever, I don't take it for granted.
I never tire of SF's beauty & the rich life I'm blessed to live here 24yrs. More than ever, I don't take it for granted.
1) Danny Elfman's music from the films of Tim Burton at
San Francisco Symphony last night: youtu.be/ATysWEdGQSs.
I was a Burton/Elfman fan my whole youth, thrilled by the choir's added layers, an unexpected "wow" moment being "Sleepy Hollow" & stunning vocals by a boy with a pristine voice.
San Francisco Symphony last night: youtu.be/ATysWEdGQSs.
I was a Burton/Elfman fan my whole youth, thrilled by the choir's added layers, an unexpected "wow" moment being "Sleepy Hollow" & stunning vocals by a boy with a pristine voice.
November 15, 2025 at 6:01 PM
1) Danny Elfman's music from the films of Tim Burton at
San Francisco Symphony last night: youtu.be/ATysWEdGQSs.
I was a Burton/Elfman fan my whole youth, thrilled by the choir's added layers, an unexpected "wow" moment being "Sleepy Hollow" & stunning vocals by a boy with a pristine voice.
San Francisco Symphony last night: youtu.be/ATysWEdGQSs.
I was a Burton/Elfman fan my whole youth, thrilled by the choir's added layers, an unexpected "wow" moment being "Sleepy Hollow" & stunning vocals by a boy with a pristine voice.
Congruent with Westland Whiskey’s 10th Garryana American Single Malt launch came news that rocked the whiskey world: theft of $1 million worth of the 10 year whiskey. An unprecedented liquor heist, yes, but how about that whiskey?
My Distiller Mag review:
distilling.com/distillermag...
My Distiller Mag review:
distilling.com/distillermag...
November 14, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Congruent with Westland Whiskey’s 10th Garryana American Single Malt launch came news that rocked the whiskey world: theft of $1 million worth of the 10 year whiskey. An unprecedented liquor heist, yes, but how about that whiskey?
My Distiller Mag review:
distilling.com/distillermag...
My Distiller Mag review:
distilling.com/distillermag...
1) It was one of those epic SF nights... warm, shimmering, North Beach perfection. Post-SF World Spirits awards downtown, industry colleagues I love (many I've called "friend" for nearly 20 years) headed to legendary 1968 dive bar Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe.
#ILeftMyHeartinSanFrancisco
#ILeftMyHeartinSanFrancisco
November 13, 2025 at 7:44 PM
1) It was one of those epic SF nights... warm, shimmering, North Beach perfection. Post-SF World Spirits awards downtown, industry colleagues I love (many I've called "friend" for nearly 20 years) headed to legendary 1968 dive bar Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe.
#ILeftMyHeartinSanFrancisco
#ILeftMyHeartinSanFrancisco
I've eaten many bugs. Fascinated w/ Rasmus Munk's Alchemist lab, where I tasted fried bumble bees in chile mayo, ant cocktails, silkworm cocoon meringue + rooster testicles in chicken broth & black currant oil.
There's nothing like Copenhagen's Alchemist: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
There's nothing like Copenhagen's Alchemist: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
November 13, 2025 at 5:59 PM
I've eaten many bugs. Fascinated w/ Rasmus Munk's Alchemist lab, where I tasted fried bumble bees in chile mayo, ant cocktails, silkworm cocoon meringue + rooster testicles in chicken broth & black currant oil.
There's nothing like Copenhagen's Alchemist: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
There's nothing like Copenhagen's Alchemist: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
My pal & fellow Jersey-ite: Andrew Freeman is a legend in the restaurant industry & a dear human being. Loved celebrating 20 years of @afandco business with his incredible team & hospitality industry friends I hadn’t seen in years … plus late night cabaret & sips at Martuni’s.
November 13, 2025 at 6:21 AM
My pal & fellow Jersey-ite: Andrew Freeman is a legend in the restaurant industry & a dear human being. Loved celebrating 20 years of @afandco business with his incredible team & hospitality industry friends I hadn’t seen in years … plus late night cabaret & sips at Martuni’s.
1) Three of my greatest loves (music, food, drink) collide with my core —community— around a new quarterly dinner party I'm hosting & curating with the magical new ama by Brad Kilgore in their hidden, intimate, 70s-chic, vinyl-lined lounge.
November 12, 2025 at 8:21 PM
1) Three of my greatest loves (music, food, drink) collide with my core —community— around a new quarterly dinner party I'm hosting & curating with the magical new ama by Brad Kilgore in their hidden, intimate, 70s-chic, vinyl-lined lounge.
And... my industry girls. The Fur Squad, Martin Cate called us. 😍 We didn't plan that at all.
Just showed up at SF World Spirits Competition Top Shelf awards, vintage & faux furs in hand, despite the days and nights too warm this week for it.
Just showed up at SF World Spirits Competition Top Shelf awards, vintage & faux furs in hand, despite the days and nights too warm this week for it.
November 11, 2025 at 10:36 PM
And... my industry girls. The Fur Squad, Martin Cate called us. 😍 We didn't plan that at all.
Just showed up at SF World Spirits Competition Top Shelf awards, vintage & faux furs in hand, despite the days and nights too warm this week for it.
Just showed up at SF World Spirits Competition Top Shelf awards, vintage & faux furs in hand, despite the days and nights too warm this week for it.
My fellow San Francisco Wworld Spirits Competition judges on stage at Sunday night's awards gala... and beloved colleagues from around the world. Congrats to all winners and noms!
thetastingalliance.com/events/judge...
thetastingalliance.com/events/judge...
November 11, 2025 at 9:08 PM
My fellow San Francisco Wworld Spirits Competition judges on stage at Sunday night's awards gala... and beloved colleagues from around the world. Congrats to all winners and noms!
thetastingalliance.com/events/judge...
thetastingalliance.com/events/judge...
Smørrebrød & aquavit, the ultimate Danish duo. Palægade does it right: creative & traditional open-faced sandwiches to house aquavits. My fave smørrebrød? Smoked Danish eel on toasted rye w/ potato rösti, ramson & browned butter sauce.
My Copenhagen guide
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
My Copenhagen guide
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
November 11, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Smørrebrød & aquavit, the ultimate Danish duo. Palægade does it right: creative & traditional open-faced sandwiches to house aquavits. My fave smørrebrød? Smoked Danish eel on toasted rye w/ potato rösti, ramson & browned butter sauce.
My Copenhagen guide
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
My Copenhagen guide
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
An honor to present awards to double gold & "best in class" colleagues in the spirits industry last night at SF World Spirits Competition, the biggest global spirits awards.
As a lead judge, it's always a joy+surprise for us to see what wins from blind judging.
thetastingalliance.com/contributors
As a lead judge, it's always a joy+surprise for us to see what wins from blind judging.
thetastingalliance.com/contributors
November 10, 2025 at 6:20 PM
An honor to present awards to double gold & "best in class" colleagues in the spirits industry last night at SF World Spirits Competition, the biggest global spirits awards.
As a lead judge, it's always a joy+surprise for us to see what wins from blind judging.
thetastingalliance.com/contributors
As a lead judge, it's always a joy+surprise for us to see what wins from blind judging.
thetastingalliance.com/contributors
I hadn't dined at Donato Enoteca in Redwood City since it opened in 2009. Charming chef-owner Donato Scotti recently gave the place a makeover, a new Venice-style happy hour (aperitivo/cicchetti) + new chef Marco Bertoldo...
in my Peninsula guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
in my Peninsula guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
November 8, 2025 at 8:54 PM
I hadn't dined at Donato Enoteca in Redwood City since it opened in 2009. Charming chef-owner Donato Scotti recently gave the place a makeover, a new Venice-style happy hour (aperitivo/cicchetti) + new chef Marco Bertoldo...
in my Peninsula guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
in my Peninsula guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
#EvenBetterWith: Delarosa Marina's longtime house Midnight in Oaxaca cocktail (mezcal, Meletti amaro, cacao, orange bitters) made with Tempus Fugit Spirits' Creme de Cacao + classic 20th Century cocktail (one of my faves! lemon & chocolate!) with TS Cacao & Kina.
theperfectspotsf.com/2015/12/01/t...
theperfectspotsf.com/2015/12/01/t...
November 8, 2025 at 12:34 AM
#EvenBetterWith: Delarosa Marina's longtime house Midnight in Oaxaca cocktail (mezcal, Meletti amaro, cacao, orange bitters) made with Tempus Fugit Spirits' Creme de Cacao + classic 20th Century cocktail (one of my faves! lemon & chocolate!) with TS Cacao & Kina.
theperfectspotsf.com/2015/12/01/t...
theperfectspotsf.com/2015/12/01/t...