The Vin Vivant


February 2, 2015

Umami Mart Guide to SF Beer Week 2015

by Audrey Luk

It’s time to raise a pint or three! SF Beer Week begins on Friday, February 6, and this is the ultimate guide for the true beer aficionado. This isn’t for people who say they like beer and proceed to order what may as well be carbonated grain-flavored water. This is a special time for folks who […]

August 25, 2014

Ten Top Turkish Eats

by Audrey Luk

Somewhere over the Atlantic, I wondered — do the Turks just call it coffee and delight? Chris and I were winging our way to Turkey for our long-awaited honeymoon, a trip we planned while nibbling on dolmas rolled by our dear friend Özlem; poring over Silvena Rowe’s stunning cookbook Purple Citrus and Sweet Perfume; and […]

April 25, 2014

The Vin Vivant: Spin the Bottle

by Audrey Luk

My #1 tip for how to learn more about wine: spin the bottle around and look at the back label. See the name of the importer? If you liked the wine, you’ll probably like the importer. Find more wines brought into the U.S. (or whatever country you’re in) by the name on the back, and […]

March 14, 2014

The Vin Vivant: Celebrating Pi Day With Bstilla

by Audrey Luk

My first encounter with phyllo roll — Wow. Cinnamon-spiced chicken with raisins, chickpeas and almonds were listed to describe Chicken Cilicia, my favorite on La Méditeranée‘s four-roll platter. My taste buds wondered what I’d been doing all my life before I discovered that poultry, nuts and baking spices compose a stellar trio. It would take […]