kmah's Profile
Rockridge/Oak/Berk Area-What is the best taco truck?
My work got the taco truck that parks at the Hotsy Totsy in Albany to come to our work party at the Albany Bowl (albeit only a few blocks away). So tasty! Tacos El Autlense.
where to buy mushroom popcorn?
I'd like to find a place to buy mushroom popcorn, preferably in the east bay.
I don't mean mushroom-flavored popcorn- it's a variety that is supposed to pop into a nice ball shape, perfect for making caramel corn.
Alternately, does anyone know of a brand or source of unpopped popcorn that is good (read: sturdy) for caramel corn? I usually order it online but don't have time to have it shipped this time.
Thanks!
Chez Panisse Family Tree
I remember a magazine article that had a diagram- radiating circles or similar- that showed many of the chefs/restaurants that originated from Chez Panisse.
Can anyone else remember this or know where I might find it??
Thanks!
Dude demands a booth...
Maybe Absinthe? I have (foggy) memories of a cozy dinner for 2 in a comfy mini-booth or banquette corner.
Quince at farmers' markets?
Full Belly Farm (Berkeley Tuesday Farmer's Market) had some last week. If you can still get them they're lovely.
Cheap but tasty passion fruit puree in the Bay
Mi Tierra in Berkeley is a Mexican grocery store- I'm sure you could find it in the Mission in a similar grocery.
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Mi Tierra
2096 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA
Where to get Japanese style bamboo shoots?- "menma"
I just bought some at the Berkeley Bowl (Oregon St.)- they were vacuum packed in the produce section near the chiles.
I also saw them at Tokyo Fish, again in the produce section, on the far left.
At 99 ranch they're in the refrigerated section next to the frozen area, with the lop cheong, fishcake and pickles.
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Berkeley Bowl
2020 Oregon St, Berkeley, CA 94703
Range, Prospect, or elsewhere?
Both are awesome, I especially like the desserts at Range. I would say that Range is more intimate, and perhaps a tiny bit cheaper that Prospect. Prospect is a lovely big modern space, closer to downtown.
Looking for a Chinese banquet restaurant near UC Berkeley.
I believe Great China has an upstairs private room- 20 might fill it in a nice way. Still not the nicest atmosphere, but at least it's private.
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Great China Restaurant
2115 Kittredge St, Berkeley, CA 94704
Need to find a place to get married!
I went to a lovely wedding in an outdoor amphitheater at the UC Berkeley botanical gardens. The reception wasn't there but I know they do have a building there that they rent out. Not sure on the price though.
Vik's Chaat House recommendations?
By tomorrow do you mean Monday or Tuesday? Because I believe they're closed Mondays.
Does Frances take walk-ins?
I've walked in and gotten a seat, but it was a TINY seat at the bar. If I go again I'd definitely get a reservation. Great food though.
Lunch & meeting spot on College Ave, Rockridge
Had a lovely simple and very quiet lunch with a friend at Uzen.
East Bay restaurant supply stores
There's also a new place called Rocket Restaurant Supply in Berkeley near Ashby and 7th. Looks smaller, haven't compared prices to East Bay yet.
Annual birthday dinner dilemma
Frankly I don't get out much, and often don't order dessert (I'm too full or it doesn't interest me). That said, I always love the desserts at Range. I love the caramel pudding with perfect cookies at Flora. I've historically had really nice desserts at A Cote, although their cheese plate often distracts me. Had some lovely profiteroles at Sidebar. (I'm East Bay.) I'd love your dessert suggestions as well. On my short list of desserts to try are Aziza's, one of Emily Lucetti's restaurants, and Plum's (I believe both opening and current pastry chefs looked interesting).
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A Cote
5478 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
Annual birthday dinner dilemma
Perhaps Prospect? I went for dinner over the holidays and had a really great meal. Yes it's a little expensive, but portions were good (no you've-got-to-be-kidding-me sized plates), and aside from waiting a little for our reservation, service was excellent. The room is large and spacious with lots of room between tables- it felt luxurious compared to most other places. I think I remember some booths and round tables that would fit a party of five. And I don't remember it being noisy. And even though it was the holidays and still very popular, I had no trouble getting a reservation on Open Table. Also, my boyfriend is a meat and potatoes kind of guy, and he really enjoyed his meal. Their menu is large enough to suit different tastes, very creative and tasty. Everyone in my party was impressed with the food. As for desserts, I thought they were interesting and well-executed. I'm a pastry chef so I'm kind particular and they weren't really my 'thing', but definitely worth tasting, beautiful, and nicely-sized. And for your final question, it's at the foot of the Bay Bridge- we drove over easily and parked down the street (on a weekday night) and would've BARTed if it hadn't been so cold (it's 3 blocks away). Good luck!
Suggestions for food/caterer for BDay party at Oakland zoo
Also there's Rick and Ann's- lots of platters and they deliver.
[cooking] bitter oranges
The juice is so sour it can be used in place of lemon juice, as in to make lemon curd.
I also use them to make Vin D'Orange (white wine and vodka infused with the oranges and spices).
3 Chefs/3 Nights......we need help
Yes, the 'bar' at Frances can fill up- it's very small- more like a corner. I went with no reservations and was able to get a seat there, but it was pretty uncomfortable. Great food and service, though.
Best restaurant desserts?
I've always had lovely desserts at range. Nothing too crazy, but definitely not boring, and beautifully executed.
Christmas in the Bay area for visitors
Range is delicious, but only a few blocks from BART, so there's no need to stay nearby. I'm not sure because I don't live in SF, but I'd say the MIssion is a little on the grittier side of things after dark, and as I recall doesn't have a lot of hotels.
help me pick (Range or Foreign Cinema)
I ate at both last year (?) and thought that while Foreign Cinema is beautiful, the food at Range was better. If you're into desserts, I'd definitely choose Range. Nice cozy atmosphere, slightly better section of the mission, really great food all around. Foreign Cinema's interior is gorgeous, spacious, but I thought the food wasn't as impressive. The movie we saw there looked awesome but was impossible to hear--don't go for the movie if you really want to watch it.
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Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110
New To Bay. Need to find wholesaler of specialty foods
Also Ital foods- specializes in Italian imports but carries nut meals/pastes, vanilla/spices
I use Pacific Gourmet a lot.
Village Imports has similar products.
Can't-miss Bay Area cheese mongers?
The Cowgirl Creamery cheese shop in the ferry building is fun too. Usually has some things I've never seen and I think they let you taste.
Not a cheese shop, but Oliveto often offers obscure Italian cheeses on their menu...
Valentine's Day Dinner in East Bay?
Had a great dinner at Hibiscus last week- definitely give them a try.
Also I'm pretty sure that although usually closed on Sundays, Dona Tomas and Chez Panisse are opening for the holiday.
Brunch in Berkeley/Piedmont area
I haven't been so I don't know about the food, but for convenience, I've heard that Citron on College (Rockridge, pretty close to Piedmont) takes brunch reservations. Nice looking menu, quiet-looking atmosphere.
Birthday Dinner Not Too Expensive - SF, Berk., Oak.
Just went to Hibiscus, which just opened recently, so I guess it's new.
Great food- large portions for the price. Carribean food by the chef from the Front Porch in SF (?). Great fish escaveche, fried chicken, pepperpot stew, grits with spicy crab. Fried plantains with garlic butter. Yum. Had a nice cocktail. Festive upscale atmosphere. I was there for a birthday dinner- might be nice for yours...
Meat Class Itinerary Suggestions
For Tuesday, Betty's Bakesale fried chicken sandwiches (also a great brisket sandwich) are kinda on the way- easy parking, pretty close to the freeway.
Maybe something at Cafe Rouge meat market? Incanto?
Maybe a simple sausage or hot dog joint??
Grocery Outlet - January 2010
Oakland GO today- $1.79 packs of Niman Ranch uncured canadian bacon. Looks good but haven't tried it yet. sell by date of Feb 10th or so.
Didn't see any Ben and Jerry's, boo.
