bunnysitter's Profile
Sumo citrus - enormously good to eat
Is Ram Das produce only at Berkeley Farmers Market the the East Bay?
Good Tamales in Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville?
Mary also offers a chicken and maybe hot links or rib plate from the grill. I've not tried. Tamales are premade from the church and warmed to eat or to take home.
Good Tamales in Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville?
Tamales for Jesus http://www.eastbayexpress.com/WhatTheFork/archives/2011/06/17/tamales-for-jesus
2 for $5. not as large as Unicos, but very flavorful. Killer green sauce. Only chicken, pork and cheese
Mary and her teen son man a wood grill/smoker at MacArthur and Martin Luther King
M-F 10-5:00 Extremely thoughtful folks.
2011 - December seasonal specialties
Holiday Stollen at Nabolom Bakery - same dough as the challah, light on currants but with lemon meyer icing. Look forward to this and their pumpkin cheesecake each year.
Stopped at Gaumenkittzel - stollen had a pretty crisp dark bottom, so I opted for their whole wheat loaf.
Looking for Oakland area private Indian cooks
Bengali food made to order
Rekha is from Bangladesh and caters food from her kitchen in El Cerrito as well as when she returns to her homeland. My last dinner included biriyani, chicken rezala, aloo gobi, paneer matter, and paratha. The paratha was light and flaky unlike the usual suspects I've eaten.
Rekha's English is good, but I would speak with her grown daughter Shakila.
Full disclosure: I am her grandson's teacher.
Rekha's Auhentic Bengali Recipe
510 528-8270 El Cerrito
Holiday challah
Nabolom Collective Bakery (College and Russell Sts.) has challah all year round. Sesame, plain and poppyseed. No preservatives so I freeze it after a day or so - perfect for french toast.
Passover Goodies too
Nabolom has that old Berkeley vibe - live music on Saturday morning, filled with neighborhood folks - CAL alumni no doubt. Stepped in to get hot cross buns and challah. The Passover offerings looked enticing. Made without leavening - almond cookies, macaroons, honeycake, cheesecake. They don't pretend to be LaFarine and I've not experienced service problems as others have noted. The danish taste better warmed when taken home or they'll heat it if you're eating in.
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Nabolom Bakery
2708 Russell St, Berkeley, CA 94705
Hot Cross Buns - where do you buy your favorites?
Nabolom Bakery (Russell at College Ave.) offers a seasonal hot cross bun with meyer lemon icing. I look forward to it as they use the same dough as their holiday stollen. I noticed that they have some specialty items for Passover (almond cookies, chocolate dipped macaroons, honeycake, cheesecake...) I'm there for challah and hot cross buns.
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Nabolom Bakery
2708 Russell St, Berkeley, CA 94705
new Oakland lunch place - Uncle Dougie's
The family dinner buffet was advertised as an RSVP event since the place is small. Better to call and find out. Don't expect an heirloom salad and the veggies are steam table. But if you like the hero sandwiches, you'll have a chance to sample all the fillings with pasta or lasagne. Uncle Dougie didn't make any money with my hungry teens. The dinner was a relaxing evening with many neighborhood regulars. We'll be back.
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Uncle Dougie's
362 17th St, Oakland, CA 94612
Hamantaschen
Nabolom Bakery
Russell/College Ave. Berkeley
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Nabolom Bakery
2708 Russell St, Berkeley, CA 94705
Heng Heng Pho / Vietnamese Restaurant
I stopped for takeout at dinnertime and the service was friendly - two ladies very chatty. My deep fried chicken over rice was a large quarter chicken leg. It was tender, 5 spiced with grilled skin over a generous bed of rice. Maybe I'll ask them to cut it up for me next time. Grilled pork bun was also a good choice. Large portion of nicely charred pork pieces. Noodles were not soggy and the cucumber lettuce side crisp. Both dishes $5.75 each and fed three of us. I was given a cup of tea while I waited.
There are only maybe 5-6 small tabletops. I'll definitely come again to try a lunch special.
Pan de Muerto 2010
Mi Tierra (University and San Pablo) sm. rounds, maybe 8" - plain, sugar dusted, sesame, probably more flavors - $1.79
Everyone was very helpful. They encouraged me to come the next day for the freshly baked ones, but these held up two days later. Delicious sweet bread...
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Mi Tierra
2096 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA
New Vietnamese in El Cerrito, Nông Thôn
We went on a Sunday eve and surprisingly the restaurant was almost full. They are definitely benefiting from the post movie crowd from the Rialto. We enjoyed the remodeled room, although it's still cavernous with high ceilings, reminiscent of the furniture store. There was a full page of vegetarian options from a colorful menu with pictures. The beef ball pho was large enough for one of my big eaters. We especially enjoyed the wrap it yourself rolls. It's a tray of the ingredients (basil, sprouts,vermicelli, your choice of meat), a generous supply of tapioca wrappers, and a bowl of boiled hot water. We softened our wrappers and made our own rolls.
I cannot fairly judge the grilled pork bun as it was forgotten and left it sitting for at least ten minutes. Meat was cold and tough. Vermicelli was soggy. We skipped dessert as the waitstaff was overwhelmed.
As we left another family I know was dining and we all agreed that Huong Tra (near Barrett) still continues to be our favorite. But because Huong Tra is closed Sun. evenings, we'll come back to Nong Thon. Prices are reasonable with different offerings and more drink and dessert options. They are still working out service and kitchen issues.
BTW anyone try Heng Heng Pho in the Subway Sandwich stripmall near Stockton/San Pablo?
Also, has Jac's moved into the former Tofu Yu location?
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Huong Tra
12221 San Pablo Ave Ste 8, Richmond, CA 94805
Which foodie walking tour? Culinary school?
No, but it's on my short list. I'm a huge fan of the Three Seasons Restaurant at Contra Costa College in San Pablo. There is a possibility the restaurant won't be running until the school semester is underway just like CCC.
Locanda da Eva Opening Night
I was also there on Tuesday evening. They graciously let the four of us switch to a booth - my apologies to the waitperson who's table we abandoned.
We enjoyed the decor and tried to remember which of us frequented the original Casa da Eva. Bertola's 50 cent well drinks is a faint blur.
Service and pacing were fine. Noise level was perfect for conversation.
The arugula salad with nectarines and the three bean salad were outstanding appetizers.
Spaghetti with white shrimp was favored by our group over the ricotta ravioli.
The rock cod was not as satisfying (liberally salted, slightly overcooked). The meatballs were tender and delicious with the warning that prosciuuto lended to the saltiness of this entree. Our party was especially sensitive to salt. Side veggies of potatoes and romano beans will definitely be revisited next time.
A pleasurable dining experience.
We look forward to coming for late nite snacks and cocktails.
Which foodie walking tour? Culinary school?
SF City College Culinary Studies
Educated Palate Restaurant
http://www.ccsf.edu/Campuses/Downtown/palate/
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Educated Palate
88 4th St, San Francisco, CA
New job in downtown Oakland, looking for lunch places
Funny my takeout heroes were fine. Maybe he grilled the bread longer. It would be helpful to let him know. Someone with a startup would be open to comments.
New job in downtown Oakland, looking for lunch places
My New York friend swears Uncle Dougie's Heroes (17th nr. Franklin) are the real thing. She thought the chicken parmigiana was moist and the batter so light. I personally would have the sausage and red pepper over and over. Only meatloaf and eggplant parmigiana are left to try. I think he just added spaghetti and pizza bread.
Friendly, small start-up.
new Oakland lunch place - Uncle Dougie's
There are a handful of small tables and a long counter for standing.
new Oakland lunch place - Uncle Dougie's
Find out what a "real Italian hero is" says the flyer. This is the second time I've wandered in looking for something substantial to bring home for hungry teens. I have to give props to a new business that makes the place a New York experience - a subway graffiti mural on one wall and a nighttime NY citylights photo on the other.
Friendly Brooklyn born Uncle Dougie is selling only New York Style sandwiches at a spot formerly Fish and Chips. The menu is Sausage & peppers, Italian meatloaf, eggplant parmesan and chicken parmesan sandwiches. Served with a bag of chips - $7.50. I think he's open Mon- Fri from 11-3PM and I just noticed he added spaghetti and pizzabread.
The sausage & peppers were a hit with the meatloaf running close behind. Dougie says the secret is his sauce. He missed the NY hero so much that he had to open his own place. (When I was there they were filling an order of a dozen sandwiches for Pixar.)
Uncle Dougie's Italian Hero Sandwiches
362 17th St.
Oakland
Emeryville: Rotten City Pizza - Sicilian pizza on Thursdays ... sort of
Uncle Dougie's New York Style Italian Heroes just opened downtown Oakland 362 17th St. Open M-Fri 11AM-3PM
This Brooklyn native only makes four sandwiches - Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Sausage & Peppers and Italian Meatloaf. My sons liked the sausage while I favored the eggplant. Sauce is delicious and the sandwiches are huge -$7.50 tax included comes with a bag of chips. This former fish and chips shop is now decorated with a wall of subway graffiti, a NYC night skyline, and some old subway tokens, etc.
Since I'm not a NYC native can't vouch for authenticity. Friendly guy Uncle Dougie.
Oakland Brunch (with baby) - Aunt Mary's now too crowded
Two doors away from Sunnyside Cafe on Solano is Bistro 1451 (formerly Walker's PieShop).
I've enjoyed the organic pear pancakes. eggs benedict and beef short rib hash. It's a sunny, warm room with yellow tones and usually not crowded. It's family friendly and roomy enough for high chairs. The food is solid and the owner/cook pays attention to presentation.
2009 Christmas baked goods – the final countdown
This is the one offering I look forward to every December - Lemon Meyer iced Stollen.
Sweet, bread like and relatively plain. I usually buy the long braid or the individual sized ones are perfect for Christmas morning. $12. for the long and $2. each for the small rounds. At Thanksgiving the pumpkin cheesecake and applecranberry pies were a hit. $15. I think...
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Nabolom Bakery
2708 Russell St, Berkeley, CA 94705
Old-school sourdough bread?
If you're in the City - biscotti by the pound too.
French Italian Bakery
1501 Grant Ave
(between Nobles Aly & Union St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 421-3796
El Cerrito: L & L Chinese Seafood Restaurant - Dim Sum, congee and sliced pumpkin in plum sauce
I went in for an early 5:30 dinner last night with two starving, grumpy teens. We ordered their favorites; WestLake Soup not overly vinagery, beef chow fun dry with only a sprinkling of bean sprouts, stirfry beef with broccoli definitely a light touch, nice presentation with veggies still crunchy and half a roast duck generous portion not fatty, but a lean, "skinny" duck. The beef in both dishes was tender, but could be more flavorful. They ran out of Chinese broccoli so be sure to ask. Overall, the food was light and the veggies were crunchy. The bill came to $34. and they are giving an introductory 10% off. I didn't have time to ask if this discount was for all meals. We'll be back to try the dim sum lunch. Waitress said the owners previously had a restaurant in Oakland Chinatown. L & L has promise for solid Cantonese fare in El Cerrito.
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L & L Chinese Seafood Restaurant
10140 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530
brunch at la strada, dead fish, or other east bay location?
I agree that after 5 months, a restaurant should have worked out the kinks. (i.e. Zaki Kebob House finally hired experienced waitstaff.) Having frequented the BroilerHouse almost a dozen times I'll defend the service issues with a comparison to Zaki's - success. The waitstaff is constantly changing and in-training. Most of the times I've visited the service is fine. But I have also experienced the opposite. The kitchen has been fairly consistent with a more stable menu. I prefer to go here than Salute. Lovely view, parking (if you remember to enter a gated lot) and kid-friendly.
Richmond's Marina District: The BoilerHouse Restaurant ~ good food and a view
I've been here once for lunch and once for dinner. Both times a healthy crowd, local folks and families who work or live in the area it seems. The sleek modern warehouse look is attractive and the recycled glass tabletops are from the green business next door (Terazzo ?) Dinner is full service and lunch is order up at the counter and take a number. I agree service is sincere and friendly, but not polished.
"Specials" are listed at the front.. For dinner we had sweet potato fries ($4.5) with honey/mustard dipping sauce. Perfect with our cocktails. We shared a green salad ($6.5) and a fettucine special with asparagus and four cheeses.($8.5) Our server was the bartender filling in so he didn't mention the specials and our neighbors were quite envious. At lunch we had a cobb salad with chicken ($7.5) and a tri tip sandwich special served with bbq potato chips ($9.). Salad was generous, a tad salty. Sandwich was on a soft grilled torpedo roll, but the meat lacked flavor with too much gristle.
Prices are reasonable (sorry I may be off on the exact prices) and the location perfect for an after meal walk along the Bay Trail. I will be back to try more. Important to remember - you need to pass through a gated parking lot and register with the guard unless you walk or bike from the marina.
And so it starts … Hot cross bun tour 2009
Nabolom Bakery still has fans. I particularly favor their challah and hot cross buns. The buns are made from the same recipe as their holiday stollen with a mouth-watering meyer lemon icing. They also serve McLaughlin coffee.
Berkeley breakfast and lunch on a Friday
Buttercream is cozy for coffee and pastries. They only offer two eggs or a toasted bagel, but their lunch panini sandwiches are substantial and garnished with a hearty side salad.
I was just at Sushi Solano and had a very reasonable $10.50 lunch combination. Choice of two (shrimp tempura, grilled sea bass or mackerel, chicken teri or karraage, mixed sashimi and more) and comes with rice and salad. Beautiful presentation, fresh food, service was accomodating. My previous visit I thought the California roll was premade and the rice too wet.
I also enjoy the rotisserie chicken at Zaki Kebob and I crave the naan and curry at Indus. The Yellow Brick Cafe Cambodian BBQ is run by very sweet folks and the skewer plate is worth every penny. The spring rolls sell out early. It is a donut shop with few tables and a small outdoor patio.
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Sushi Solano
1373 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706
Indus Village Restaurant
1920 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
Buttercream Bakery & Cafe
841 San Pablo Ave, Albany 94706
Yellow Brick Cafe (Formerly All Star Donut)
1255 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
Zaki Kabob House
1101 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706
Loard's Ice Cream, El Cerrito
Four of us dropped in for ice cream after a satisfying meal at the newly re-modeled La Bamba (brand new kitchen, new paint, prices are slightly higher, same folks are pleasant, but slow service - )
Loard's is a wonderful addition the the Plaza. We had the halo halo, mocha chip, burgundy cherry and walnut after numerous free tastings. The owners are very personable (Berkeley High alumnis). We mentioned that no advertising was evident and he stressed that they're taking time to properly train the staff. I didn't see their bubble tea menu as it was on the opposite wall from the ice cream, but I will definitely try it next.
