César Hernández
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Cum tempus sistit, veritas proferri potest.
Articles by César Hernández
This is the Bay Area’s best Caribbean food. Catch it before it’s gone
Each week, we share some favorite recent bites, the dishes and snacks and baked goods that didn’t find their way into a full review. Want the list a few days earlier? Sign up for our free newsletter, Bite Curious. I’m devastated. I had truly some of the finest Caribbean food in the Bay Area at Gold Palm in Oakland, where pop-up Holder’s House by chef Sarah Kirnon (of the now-shuttered Miss Ollie’s) was in residency. By the time you’re reading this, it’s over.
Drone warfare will be won at the operator level Original
We are witnessing modern warfare create a paradox. The battlefield has never had more intelligence, yet the soldier may have less time than ever to use it. A drone can be detected by one system, classified by another, tracked by a third and defeated by yet another. Each system may work as designed. But if those capabilities can’t converge around the person who has seconds to act, technological superiority becomes irrelevant. It poses a fundamental and lethal gap for our warfighters.
I gave SF.'s new Thai restaurant a rave review. I'm grappling with what it means for the future
Recently, I reviewed Saam by celebrity chef Thitid "Ton" Tassanakajohn, which I argue is the Bay Area's best new Thai restaurant. Working on it left me with questions: Why is great Thai food in San Francisco so closely associated with the Michelin Guide? And what role do I, and food media at large, play in that alignment? Part of what makes Saam significant is its chef, who runs a pair of Michelin-starred joints in Bangkok.
I gave S.F.’s new Thai restaurant a rave review. I’m grappling with what it means for the future
Recently, I reviewed Saam by celebrity chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, which I argue is the Bay Area’s best new Thai restaurant. Working on it left me with questions: Why is great Thai food in San Francisco so closely associated with the Michelin Guide? And what role do I, and food media at large, play in that alignment? Part of what makes Saam significant is its chef, who runs a pair of Michelin-starred joints in Bangkok.
SF.'s best new Thai restaurant pushes the boundaries of flavor and the scene to new heights
The past couple years have been fruitful for Thai restaurants in the Bay Area , with numerous high-profile openings , especially in San Francisco. A few were excellent additions to the scene, but they weren't true peers of the establishments that set the region's standard, and which remain the only two Michelin-starred Thai restaurants in America: Pim Techamuanvivit's game-changing Kin Khao and Nari, which trailblazed the Cal-Thai approach. Then Saam arrived earlier this summer.
S.F.’s best new Thai restaurant pushes the boundaries of flavor — and the scene to new heights
1 hour ago For most of our relationship, nobody paid us a second look. Now, a few years into August’s new life, holding hands is a political statement. I wouldn’t have it any other way. A few weeks ago, after we got home from work and the Atlanta weather had cooled off, my husband, August, and I were out for a …
S.F.’s best new Thai restaurant pushes the boundaries of flavor — and the scene to new heights
The past couple years have been fruitful for Thai restaurants in the Bay Area, with numerous high-profile openings, especially in San Francisco. A few were excellent additions to the scene, but they weren’t true peers of the establishments that set the region’s standard, and which remain the only two Michelin-starred Thai restaurants in America: Pim Techamuanvivit’s game-changing Kin Khao and Nari, which trailblazed the Cal-Thai approach. Then Saam arrived earlier this summer.
Was the tomato dish of the summer this Bay Area pop-up’s seasonal ice cream?
Each week, we share some favorite recent bites, the dishes and snacks and baked goods that didn’t find their way into a full review. Want the list a few days earlier? Sign up for our free newsletter, Bite Curious. Every year, I’m on the lookout for the summer’s best tomato dish. This year, I didn’t find it at a restaurant, but at an ice cream shop: De La Creamery released a phenomenal seasonal ice cream enriched with Early Girl tomatoes and a swirl of basil-infused olive oil.
USMNT players are beefing online again: A look at the most memorable, pettiest feuds
Death, taxes, and current/former U.S. men's national team players publicly starting quarrels. It seems as though the American soccer scene can't go through long stretches without a high-profile figure starting a beef, and on Thursday, retired striker Eddie Johnson caused a stir after calling out national team legend Landon Donovan.
USMNT players are beefing online again: A look at the most memorable, pettiest feuds
Death, taxes, and current/former U.S. men's national team players publicly starting quarrels. It seems as though the American soccer scene can't go through long stretches without a high-profile figure starting a beef, and on Thursday, retired striker Eddie Johnson caused a stir after calling out national team legend Landon Donovan.
Mexico's Jiménez set for surgery, out for Nations League quarters
Mexico and Wolves forward Raúl Jiménez will undergo surgery on his knee and is expected to be out until January, his Championship side said Wednesday. Due to the injury, he'll be unavailable for the two legs of Mexico's upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series against Jamaica in mid-November.
Player ratings: Sanchez, Swanson get 9s in USWNT’s comeback draw with Spain
A second-half rally against Spain, led by Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson, will give USWNT coach Emma Hayes plenty to build on — especially with the 2027 Women’s World Cup on the horizon.
Player ratings: Sanchez, Swanson get 9s in USWNT's comeback draw with Spain
The United States women's national team earned a comeback friendly draw against world No. 1 Spain at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday. After Saturday's loss to the reigning world champions, the U.S. initially found itself in a similar scenario after giving up two goals before halftime. Capitalizing on defensive lapses, the visitors took an early lead after opportunities from Alexia Putellas in the 27th minute and Salma Paralluelo in the 32nd.
I’ve only had a better version of this hard-to-find Bay Area dish in the Caribbean
The best wedding I’ve ever been to was in Trinidad and Tobago. Invitees that stayed late were treated to doubles, the country’s quintessential street food. The handheld dish starts with water-resistant paper stacked with twin pieces of overlapping, chewy fried bread called bara. That gets a scoop of channa (stewed chickpeas), followed by your choice of sauces and condiments: sweet tamarind, neutral cucumber strips, chadon beni (also known as culantro or bandania) and scotch bonnet “peppa” sauce.
I’ve only had a better version of this hard-to-find Bay Area dish in the Caribbean
Oakland corruption case: What to know as former Mayor Sheng Thao’s trial begins OAKLAND — In the most dramatic chapter yet of a corruption case that has rocked the East Bay’s political scene for years, a former mayor will walk …
This California city has flour tortillas that surpass any in the Bay Area
Cesar Hernandez Mon, October 12, 2026 at 8:00 AM EDT 7 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google The flour tortilla from Nena's Mexican Cuisine in Sacramento is one of the best in the state. (Cesar Hernandez/S.F. Chronicle) On a recent visit to the state capital, I encountered some of the best flour tortillas in California. They arrived hot, like a basket of laundry fresh out of the dryer.
What the Bay Area could learn from this California city’s astounding tortilla culture
4 hours ago When Elysse Morris decided to become a dental hygienist, it seemed like a natural fit. She was a fairly "sciencey" student in high school and generally liked going to the dentist. Plus, she'd always been a talker. Eleven years into her career, Morris, now 34, knows she could probably be making more …
What the Bay Area could learn from this California city’s astounding tortilla culture
On a recent visit to the state capital, I encountered some of the best flour tortillas in California. They arrived hot, like a basket of laundry fresh out of the dryer. They had a creamy translucence, and were so soft and flowy that in order to fit in the warmer, they had to be folded into a cone. Unraveled, the tortillas were the size of a placemat, with a constellation of char spots on each side, some as small as beads, others as large as a comet in the sky.
USWNT player ratings: Wilson's 8/10 a bright spot in Americans' frantic loss to Spain
The U.S. women's national team stumbled to a 2-0 loss to No. 1 ranked Spain in a friendly at Washington D.C.'s Audi Field on Saturday. Quickly on the back foot after allowing a goal in the third minute by Patri Guijarro , and then in the 14th minute by Eva Navarro , the U.S. struggled with halting an efficient Spanish side that held onto 57% possession in the first half.
USWNT player ratings: Wilson’s 8/10 a bright spot in Americans’ frantic loss to Spain
The USWNT made mistakes against Spain, who ruthlessly capitalized in their 2-0 win, although Sophia Wilson nearly changed the complexion of the game.
SF.'s most famous burrito remains the standard-bearer for the city - and country
Many believe that sourdough is the definitive San Francisco food. Some suggest that it's Dungeness crab. Others might argue that it's garlic noodles or cioppino. They're all wrong. It's the burrito. The city's answer to New York pizza, Philly cheesesteaks and Nashville hot chicken, the burrito inspires tribalism in the Bay Area like no other, fueling infinite bickering about the biggest, the cheapest, the most tightly rolled.
Winless under Márquez, how patient should Mexico be with the legend-turned-coach?
When new Mexico coach Rafael Márquez took charge this summer, he made one thing clear: He was ready to hit the ground running. "I'm not starting from zero. Having worked with [former coach] Javier [Aguirre] from start to finish gives me great confidence in continuing this process," said Márquez, who was promoted from assistant to head coach, in September.
S.F.'s most famous burrito remains the standard-bearer for the city - and country
Many believe that sourdough is the definitive San Francisco food. Some suggest that it's Dungeness crab. Others might argue that it's garlic noodles or cioppino. They're all wrong. It's the burrito. The city's answer to New York pizza, Philly cheesesteaks and Nashville hot chicken, the burrito inspires tribalism in the Bay Area like no other, fueling infinite bickering about the biggest, the cheapest, the most tightly rolled.
Is San Francisco’s most famous burrito still one of its best?
Many believe that sourdough is the definitive San Francisco food. Some suggest that it’s Dungeness crab. Others might argue that it’s garlic noodles or cioppino. They’re all wrong. It’s the burrito. The city’s answer to New York pizza, Philly cheesesteaks and Nashville hot chicken, the burrito inspires tribalism in the Bay Area like no other, fueling infinite bickering about the biggest, the cheapest, the most tightly rolled.
Gilberto Mora 'could fit in with any team' - Mexico's Rafael Marquez
Mexico men's coach Rafael Marquez praised teen phenom Gilberto Mora and his ability to "succeed" abroad, amid reports of an expected move to a big European club this winter. Earlier on Monday, ESPN reported that there will likely be an announcement made on Oct. 14 regarding a move to a "major European club" for the Club Tijuana player, who could break a Liga MX transfer record. On Oct. 14, Mora will turn 18, thereby making him eligible for a transfer abroad.
USMNT player ratings: Freeman's two-way play earns him 8/10 in win over Canada
The U.S. men's national team earned a 1-0 win against Concacaf rival Canada in a friendly at St. Paul, Minnesota's Allianz Field on Tuesday. Off to a scrappy start that included a total of nine fouls from Canada in the first 18 minutes, the U.S. eventually took the lead when 19-year-old Justin Ellis found the back of the net in the first half.
USMNT player ratings: Freeman’s two-way play earns him 8/10 in win over Canada
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USMNT player ratings: Freeman’s two-way play earns him 8/10 in win over Canada
Alex Freeman delivered an assist and solidified a back line that kept a second straight clean sheet in the USMNT’s 1-0 win over Canada on Tuesday.
USMNT player ratings: Sullivan, Hall 9/10 in big win vs. Mexico
Cavan Sullivan proved that the youngsters are all right as he and Julian Hall scored in a 3-0 win over 10-man Mexico on Saturday night.
USMNT player ratings: Sullivan, Hall 9/10 in big win vs. Mexico
The U.S. men's national team earned a 3-0 win against Concacaf rivals Mexico in a friendly at Glendale, Arizona's State Farm Stadium stadium on Saturday. Up 1-0 midway through the first half thanks to a goal from 18-year-old Julian Hall, the USMNT did well to hold back their regional opposition that collected a total of 61% possession in the first half.
Mexico coach Marquez says Gil Mora eligible for rivalry clash against US
Mexico coach Rafael Márquez said teen phenom Gilberto Mora is fit and "eligible" to take on the United States this Saturday after the star player dealt with ankle pain earlier this week. "Gil was undergoing some routine tests, he was experiencing slight discomfort, but he is recovering quite well," said Márquez ahead of Saturday's friendly in Glendale, Arizona.
USA’s youth vs. Mexico’s veterans: Who is better off for 2030 World Cup cycle?
Mexico and the U.S. have taken drastically different approaches since the World Cup. Their meeting Saturday will provide the first clues about which has the upper hand.
Mexico coach Marquez says Gil Mora 'eligible' for rivalry clash against U.S.
Mexico coach Rafael Márquez said teen phenom Gilberto Mora is fit and "eligible" to take on the United States this Saturday after the star player dealt with ankle pain earlier this week. "Gil was undergoing some routine tests, he was experiencing slight discomfort, but he is recovering quite well," said Márquez ahead of Saturday's friendly in Glendale, Arizona.
Who is better prepared for 2030 World Cup cycle: USA or Mexico?
With the 2026 World Cup in the rearview window, preparations for the new cycle are now fully underway for Concacaf giants Mexico and the United States Ahead of their meeting in Phoenix on Saturday in what should once again be an electric clash, it has been noteworthy to see the two different strategies they have deployed in the first international break since the latest World Cup. For the U.S. and returning coach Mauricio Pochettino, youth is the key.
Who is better prepared for 2030 World Cup cycle: USA or Mexico?
With the 2026 World Cup in the rearview window, preparations for the new cycle are now fully underway for Concacaf giants Mexico and the United States. Ahead of their meeting in Phoenix on Saturday in what should once again be an electric clash, it has been noteworthy to see the two different strategies they have deployed in the first international break since the latest World Cup. For the U.S. and returning coach Mauricio Pochettino, youth is the key.
Overshadowed by USMNT's talented teens, Berhalter is stealing the spotlight
What a four months it's been for U.S. men's national team midfielder Sebastian Berhalter In June, there was the 25-year-old appearing in his first FIFA World Cup and providing two goal contributions. By August, following a move from MLS to the English Championship , the former Vancouver Whitecaps player then provided an assist in his debut with Middlesbrough . In his first 10 games in all competitions for the club, Berhalter has made an immediate impact with two goals and two assists.
Overshadowed by USMNT’s talented teens, Berhalter is stealing the spotlight
In Tuesday’s 4-2 win over Chile, Sebastian Berhalter registered a goal and an assists — the second straight match the USMNT midfielder has done so.
Overshadowed by USMNT’s talented teens, Berhalter is stealing the spotlight
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Overshadowed by USMNT's talented teens, Berhalter is stealing the spotlight
What a four months it's been for U.S. men's national team midfielder Sebastian Berhalter. In June, there was the 25-year-old appearing in his first FIFA World Cup and providing two goal contributions. By August, following a move from MLS to the English Championship, the former Vancouver Whitecaps player then provided an assist in his debut with Middlesbrough. In his first 10 games in all competitions for the club, Berhalter has made an immediate impact with two goals and two assists.
Top Diners in the Bay Area
Half of Butter Cream is a doughnut shop and bakery; the other half is an old-school diner. Pancakes here have an attractive lift and can be ordered individually or by the stack. The bacon is crackly, as are the potato pancakes, coin-size spuds with a latke-like crunch. The bright, pink-and-white space is a favorite of locals and seniors in Napa Valley. Make sure to check out the doughnut selection.
If FIFA expands the World Cup again, how would a 64-team tournament work?
The 2026 World Cup was the first to feature 48 teams, and 2030 could see the field swell to 64, but just how feasible is a tournament that size?
If FIFA expands the World Cup again, how would a 64-team tournament work?
A year before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with a record 48 participants, those in charge of the sport were already dreaming about how the tournament could expand even further. In March 2025, the idea of once again increasing the size of the competition -- which was at just 24 teams in the mid-1990s -- was proposed by South American confederation CONMEBOL for 2030.
USMNT player ratings: Ellis gets 9, Berhalter 10 in Peru rout
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USMNT player ratings: Ellis gets 9, Berhalter 10 in Peru rout
Justin Ellis and Sebastian Berhalter shone as Mauricio Pochettino wheeled out a new-look USMNT in the Americans’ first game since the 2026 World Cup.
USMNT player ratings: Ellis gets 9, Berhalter 10 in Peru rout
The United States men's national team earned a win over Peru in a friendly at Orlando's Inter.co Stadium on Saturday. Following an early goal from Justin Ellis in the fourth minute for the U.S., Peru then responded with an equalizer thanks to a Gianluca Lapadula strike in the first half. After the half-time break, the Americans took charge with additional opportunities that found the back of the net from a Malik Tillman penalty, and Julian Hall through open play.
One of San Francisco's best chocolate chip cookies comes from a tiny bakery in the Mission
Cesar Hernandez Updated Sat, September 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM EDT 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google The chocolate chip cookie from Christine's in San Francisco is made with 66% chocolate. (Cesar Hernandez/S.F. Chronicle) Each week, we share some favorite recent bites, the dishes and snacks and baked goods that didn't find their way into a full review. Want the list a few days earlier? Sign up for our free newsletter, Bite Curious.
One of the San Francisco’s best chocolate chip cookies comes from a tiny bakery in the Mission
Each week, we share some favorite recent bites, the dishes and snacks and baked goods that didn’t find their way into a full review. Want the list a few days earlier? Sign up for our free newsletter, Bite Curious. Christine’s, a micro bakery in the Mission District, makes a hell of a chocolate chip cookie. It’s pudgy, crisp around the edges and chewy in the center. The dough courses with 66% chocolate from Guittard, and the top of each cookie is festooned with a coin.
Márquez: Returning 'Chucky' Lozano still 'difference-maker' for Mexico
Mexico coach Rafael Márquez has defended the return of Hirving "Chucky" Lozano , insisting that the LA Galaxy veteran can once again be a "difference-maker" for the national team. Lozano has not played for Mexico since a friendly with Uruguay in November 2025 and was left out of the roster for this summer's World Cup. "The reason I'm bringing Hirving in is that I believe he can still offer us something more.
Spicy Mexican seafood has never been better in the Bay Area - but you'll have to go here to find it
Aguachile is ceviche's spicier cousin, not for the faint of heart. It punishes, overwhelms, torments. The tongue blazes, the lips sting, the mouth pulses. And the pain is exactly why its fans love it. Unlike ceviche, which is marinated for a long period, a credible aguachile is made à la minute.
Chris Richards: USMNT success in England reflects our talent
United States men's national team and Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards praised the latest wave of Americans moving to the Premier League and the Championship, noting that the leagues are tapping "into our [American] pipeline." Over the summer, 19-year-old Real Salt Lake midfielder Zavier Gozo joined Richards in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, meanwhile the likes of Max Arfsten, Jack McGlynn, Sebastian Berhalter, Luca Bombino and Rokas Pukstas moved to the Championship.
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