A visit to the Czech Republic means breweries, beer, more beer, and time for a single cocktail in one of Prague's best bars. Today's post is written by Lou Bustamante. Lou is a contributor to publications including the SF Chronicle, SF Weekly and Wine & Spirits. This past summer I had the opportunity to travel to the Czech Republic to explore the country’s drinking culture. Frankly I knew nothing about the place, so little in fact that I kept calling it Czechoslovakia until I was sternly corrected that the country had split into two 20 years ago. What I learned:... Continue reading

Today's post is written by Lou Bustamante. Lou is a contributor to publications including the SF Chronicle, SF Weekly and Wine & Spirits. A Look at Gitane in San Francisco The bar at Gitane has always been one of the most dramatic in San Francisco, feeling a bit like a bar tucked away inside a nomadic caravan. You half expect a magic cabaret or Iberian characters on a quest to a windmill to waltz through at any moment. The magic at the bar has traditionally come in a glass. With a rich heritage of bar folks that includes Alex Smith,... Continue reading

Today's post is written by Lou Bustamante. Lou is a contributor to publications including the SF Chronicle, SF Weekly and Wine & Spirits. Taking over a funky neighborhood spot known for its kitschy décor, drag shows, and cheap drinks to turn it into sleek bar led by well-known bartenders requires some brass balls. When Brass Tacks, the bar owned by Anthony Healy-London (of Churchill), Josh McAdam, and Matty Conway (Nopa, Absinthe), took over the former Marlena’s space, the trio worked diplomatically. Getting the blessing from former Marlena’s owner Garry McLain helped, but so did keeping most beers at $5 or... Continue reading

Today's post is written by Lou Bustamante. Lou is a contributor to publications including the SF Chronicle, SF Weekly and Wine & Spirits. Anyone who is into whiskies will tell you one thing: it is a rabbit hole of knowledge and bottles. Just like with bread and cheese, a handful of ingredients can produce almost endless variations. There is always something interesting you’ve never tasted or that is historically interesting. It seems like every whisky comes with a story. I recently got a chance to try a very rare flight of Macallans from the 1940’s and was amazed by one... Continue reading