Been meaning to mention that, as of last week, your humble hack is a national finalist in the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies annual nod to the news racket — in this case in the “Food Writing/Criticism” category for a publication with a circulation greater than 60,000. This would be the North Bay Bohemian for which I penned a wine column when newly loosed in Wine Country and exploring my penchant for plonk on the company dime. I’m flattered, of course, and proud to represent the Boho in this capacity, though it’s to editor Gretchen Giles who deserves the real credit — she reminded me that drinking and writing is a cliche, but writing about drinking is a paycheck. Cheers to that.

View the complete list is here.