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East Bay
Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, Alameda, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Pinole... people have told me I get around (I think they meant it nicely). I do. You benefit.
84 Places
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Tracey’s 5-star review: I might have to move to Berkeley. Mezzo seriously serves up one of the best, most abundant salads I've encountered. Well-priced? Check. Enormous? Check. Fresh? Absolutely. Well-priced? $13.50 and enough food for easily two meals; I'd say that's a steal. Mezzo has been on my radar since I bit into one of their turkey sandwiches with chipotle aioli while spending an afternoon at joined-at-the-hip neighbor, Raleigh's Pub. That sandwich was delicious said this non-sandwich person and after that I couldn't stop eyeballing people coming over with their salads. "Want" is the word that came to mind. It took a while but I got myself into Mezzo this week. I got what they call the Chef Salad which is their Veggie Delight Salad ($10.50) topped with your choice of protein (tuna, was my choice). A giant slab of fresh baked Honey Wheat Berry Bread accompanies this salad and if you consume it all in one sitting you'll be launched groaningly into the "I ate too much" club. I did. I was. Mezzo is a casual order-at-the-counter place but those in the know understand you can take this food into Raleigh's (a much nicer environment) and though Raleigh's is quite pleasant inside, the back patio with bocce ball court is even more so. Raleigh's sweetens the deal with a daily 5-7 p.m. Happy Hour during which all beer and wine is $5. Seriously? Between these two places I could be happy from 5 - 7 p.m. for the rest of my life. During my run through the line, Mezzo was running low on the popular Poppy Seed Dressing. I had mine tossed with a combination of Poppy Seed and Blue Cheese dressings and nothing could've tasted better. Off to Zillow now to check pricing on Berkeley homes. -
Tracey’s 5-star review: Every time I see flattened Amazon boxes piled high on recyclable day... Every time I see another retail store close its doors... Everyone should have some cause that ignites them and here's mine: Support your local art store and resist the urge to buy art supplies online*. There's simply little that's as rewarding as wandering into an art store: The smell, the products, the inspiration, the tips from staff. It's impossible not to walk out with something or have your imagination peaked. Artist & Craftsman Supply is a dream of an art store with seemingly any art supply one could wish for. In addition, a second whole section of the place - sort of a store within a store - is dedicated to crafts and children's art supplies. It's there that I found earring wires for a pittance after a jeweler tried to sell me something similar for a lot more. It's in the front half of the store though that I really fill my shopping basket. I might never have met an art store - or art supply - that I didn't enjoy but some are more inspirational than others. Artist & Craftsman Supply, which is actually an employee-owned chain of stores, is just that; everything an artist or artist-wanna-be could desire, with reasonable prices (but boy can it add up) and a student discount. Check them out and you'll see what I mean. * well, if you can't make it in, I guess you can order online direct from A&CS. -
Tracey’s 3-star review: No doubt, I'm an outlier where The New Parkway is concerned. Heading to The New Parkway for an Oakland A's-sponsored event (the screening of Moneyball, in which I have a cameo) I told my son two things: "It's the kind of movie theater with couches" and "I've read that it's in a dicey neighborhood". The first of those statements was lost on him, having never been to SF's old Red Vic movie theatre. The combination of those two statements though, painted for me a crystal clear picture of where I was headed and entering the theater did less to change my impressions than to confirm them. If there's a movie I wanted to see here I'd not think twice but were that movie being shown in a traditional movie theater (unlikely since films screened here aren't first-run) I'd likely opt for that. But that's just me. The New Parkway is filled with ratty, mismatched furniture. My son and I shared a couch close to the screen and pulled a table up close so that we could lean back and prop our feet up. A more prone position was required to view the screen from this seat. I don't fully understand the "dining at the movies" trend but in-house food was provided for this event and it was decent without changing my impressions that given a choice I'd dine elsewhere. Pizza and salads were offered up; I most enjoyed their version of Brussels Sprouts. Before the film began I heard a fellow patron excitedly announce that The New Parkway features "Saturday morning cartoons and a cereal bar" prompting me to check their web site when I returned home. What I find most interesting here are the free nightly activities which include "karaoke", "drinks and draw", and "team trivia". They seem to be doing a nice job of fostering community. Assuming you're coming for film, your feelings about The New Parkway likely boil down to how you like your viewing experience. I'm best in a clean, traditional theater but props to The New Parkway for keeping indie viewing experiences alive. -
Tracey’s 5-star review: Mid-January: No resolutions made thus none broken. The night before though, I'd been with a friend who'd lost 25 pounds. Her big reveal was that she'd paid for a weight loss service which features appetite suppressants at odds with any claims of heart health. "Any worries?" I asked to which she replied "hey, I've lost 25 pounds". The next day, I rose off my couch and went for a 10+ mile hike. The pounds might not shed off but neither will my heart valves be compromised from dubious peddlers of weight loss services. This is all my way of saying "go take a hike". Wildcat Canyon Regional Park is one of the East Bay's largest parks and I found it to be just wonderful: Free parking (though possibly inadequate; it appears you can also park on surrounding streets), dogs permitted on most trails, and mile upon mile of interesting trails. An observation I've made about East Bay hikes versus those in Marin is most are what I call "meandering". I generally find myself opening cattle gates and hiking on pasture land filled with cows. Wildcat Canyon is no exception to the rule however, here one can actually put together hikes that also feature elevation gain and get the blood pumping. The route I took went from the Wildcat Creek Trail (flat and easy) to the Havey Canyon Trail (muddy, with elevation gain), to Nimitz Way, the San Pablo Ridge Trail, then down to where I started via the Belgum Trail. Best to print off a copy of the trail map here and head on over: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/wildcat. Between the challenge of the hills, the cows so close I could practically pet them, and the two hunting coyotes spotted on a hillside opposite the path I was on I rank Wildcat Canyon high amongst my favorite East Bay parks. Regardless of resolutions, get off your couch and go. -
Tracey’s 5-star review: The siren song of ramen has heretofore escaped me. Some can parse out its myriad nuances and proclaim the superiority of one shop over another but mostly I just leave ramen joints feeling like I ordered the wrong thing. The oft-changing menu at the uber-popular Ramen Shop held only 3 ramen choices (one duck-centric, one with ground pork belly, and one completely vegetarian) and each, for personal reasons, held no appeal. I opted instead for a full-sized order of a seafood fried rice (about $17) almost roiling in disbelief; was I really paying that for fried rice? Yes, and I'm actively considering a drive back over the bridge to do it again very soon. That fried rice, with its ample seafood components, crunchy bits, and flavors I'd like to bathe myself in was the best fried rice I've ever tasted. My son couldn't keep his paws off my plate. Turn-about is fair play so it wasn't long before I had my utensils in his ramen (the one with ground pork belly). Suddenly, I understood the fervor. I've no idea whether this ramen was authentic but it was certainly the best ramen I've ever tried. When my son's stomach was full I slid his bowl in front of me and polished it off. With the exception of an $11 pickle plate, overpriced-by-at-least-$6.50, the food at Ramen Shop was fabulous. The pickles were good (though we were't fan-boying on the pickled strawberries) but that price was insane. The rest of the prices seemed fair, given the quality and belly-filling portion size they represented. I still might not quite get the ramen hype but I'm all about Ramen Shop. I'd choose it again in an instant over the myriad of surrounding places. Delicious. -
Tracey’s 3-star review: The SF Chronicle recently featured photos of the latest BAMPFA exhibit and for those suffering from coulrophopia*, it was a doozy. The newest exhibit features rooms full of clowns, not a single one transported from the current White House. These are the clowns (by artist Ugo Rondinone) that haunt you in nightmares and it didn't help that a worker at BAMPFA announced as we entered the exhibit, "there's one real one in the bunch". She was kidding but her joke made the clown experience all the more terrifying as it planted the seed that one of these lethargic clowns could suddenly spring to life. BAMPFA is a nice museum and the people that work there seem very nice. It's not their fault that the overall experience underwhelmed me. They do have some fine, oft-changing exhibits (in addition to the clowns I enjoyed the extensive display of Charles Howard works), just know that the museum is unlikely to hold your interest beyond about 70 minutes which is actually quite adequate for most people (it held my interest for 90, but that's me). What I think of BAMPFA is that it's a great excuse to go to the city of Berkeley. First Thursdays are free and the museum is always free for Cal students. For others, the admission charge runs $10-$12. Plan ahead though, and check the "Discover & Go" feature at your local library and you might find you can get a pass good for free admission for two, as I did; that's a great value. The museum has a very nice, well-curated gift shop. They also have a cafe (Babette, no museum admission required), an art lab which provides time and materials to make your own art, and of course, the Pacific Film Archive. For film buffs, the Pacific Film Archive is a most interesting thing so be certain to wander inside during your visit and ask what they do. You might find they offer something that you didn't know existed and that knowledge might be life changing. Most nearby street parking is metered and limited to 2 hours (most days) which is sort of perfect given the size and scale of BAMPFA. If you're a museum fan or just someone looking for an excuse to go to Berkeley, add BAMPFA to your list. It's a perfectly fine museum experience even if there are plenty of better museum experiences to be had out there in the world. * coulrophobia - persistent and irrational fear of clowns -
Tracey’s 4-star review: Should you be the type of person who dines solo, Berkeley has you covered. Places like Imm straddle a line, feeling much more like a coffeehouse where one might sit for hours with only their laptop for company than a restaurant where one might feel uncomfortable with their "party of one". Surrounded by solo diners, my party of two very much appreciated what Imm offered. The name had led me to believe that I'd find compelling "street food" fare (perhaps more like SF's Kin Khao) but the menu actually looked closer to the more familiar, typical NorCal Thai menu offering. With food this tasty and prices this reasonable, that's just stating facts; it wasn't a problem. Beside me, a solo diner ordered fried rolls (looked just like egg rolls) and a steamy, packed bowl of Thai soup. My table opted for a Spicy Eggplant Rice Plate with Beef (choice of meat, $10) and a well-crafted, prawn-topped Papaya Salad ($9). Even though I want to sample more widely from the menu, these offerings proved ample for lunch and both were spicy and satisfying. As prices everywhere inch up it feels almost retro (but wholly welcome) to find Thai dishes offered in the $10 and under range. Even the tab, when presented, played along: in the "tip guide" at its bottom they presented options not just for 18% and 20% tips but also for a 15% tip. Imm knows its audience - budget conscience diners who like to eat well. The bottom of the tab had a tagline that doubled as a mission statement: "Imm - we love to make you full". Mission accomplished successfully. Solo or paired, if you're looking for good value, good tasting Thai food Imm's got you covered. -
Tracey’s 4-star review: Is it possible to be a fan while holding little desire to return? Put me in that category and here's why: Being up for a lengthy hike I found RSVRP fell short of delivering. That's less their fault than mine, for assuming, not researching. RSVRP, like many East Bay parks, is spread out and pastoral. It's hiking/walking paths are wide and the hills are just that, more hill than mountain. This makes for relatively easy hiking/strolling. Brownie points for dogs being permitted, even off-leash dogs. There's several spur trails here, short, and one leads to a labyrinth which, following a rain, may be 100% underwater. The orchestra of frog songs will make this interesting regardless. I spent about 90 minutes here, making the largest loop I could calculate, and felt less than challenged by the difficulty. This was an easy hike and there's nothing wrong with that except if you're seeking something harder. A small, free parking lot is at the entrance with overflow parking easy to snag on the street. One men's restroom and one women's restroom also, and they could've used more. Free trail maps can be found near the restrooms and they'll help you in getting as much as possible from this park. They'll also be of use in conducting a self-guided tour of the round top volcanos if that's of interest to you. If this preserve was out my back door I'd no doubt head here regularly with my dog, but it's not. Nothing wrong with the place but on my next foray into East Bay nature I'll head elsewhere, feeling like I've already explored most everything on offer at RSVRP. (Note: A portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail crosses through RSVRP and is depicted on the trail maps. This is an option worth pursuing though it'll require you to backtrack in order to return to your point of origin). -
Tracey’s 4-star review: After a local Uber driver, promoting himself on nextdoor.com, quoted me $65 for a 1-way trip from Marin County to the Oakland Airport I reasoned that I could do better just driving there and parking off-site. I found and advance-booked Fasttrack Parking on Spothero, an app that's good for exactly that. I've had a not great experience with off-site airport parking in Oakland in the past but this time and with Fasttrack? No problems. 9 full days of outdoor parking ran me just $72. The van was quick in picking me up from my parked car and delivering me safely to the airport. On the way back their van arrived promptly and the whole experience was uneventful which is just what I want and expect in off-site airport parking. There's nothing fancy or amazing about Fasttrack but they get the job done efficiently and at a reasonable rate thus this recommendation. If you need off-site airport parking in Oakland, Fasttrack Parking is worthy of your consideration. -
Tracey’s 3-star review: Razan's feels like it's been here forever. Not knowing the date of establishment I can attest that it looks not unlike those places I dined at as a Cal Bear: It's cheap-ish, the menu reads as healthy and natural, the place is crammed into a tiny storefront, and the huge variety of offerings seem designed to satisfy all those in your co-op. Notice I said "co-op", not dorm, sorority, or frat. I lived in a UCB co-op and Razan's food feels quite reminiscent of that right down to the way it's filling and ample without being entirely delicious. After perusing the huge wall-mounted menu until growing weary two of us settled on one Egyptian Wrap ($9.95; Falafel, Hummus, Tomato, Cuke, Lettuce, Tahini) and one Jordanian Wrap ($9.95; Hummus, Falafel, Tomato, Onions, Lettuce, Chili Sauce, Tahini, & Cauliflower). The menu feels like variations on a theme; I could barely discern, reading it, the differences between all of the offerings. The seating inside Razan's is tight teetering on the brink of uncomfortably so. Food came out quickly but inspired little oohing or aching. In fact, both wraps were left only half-consumed before remainders were packaged for later consumption. Neither was enticing enough to merit being polished off in one sitting. Oddly, both wraps benefited from spending the night in the refrigerator before being reheated in the microwave and I'm uncertain what this says about Razan's. There's a lot of dining options in this area, at all price points. Razan's offerings were a complete shoulder-shrug. That is, filling but neither delicious nor bad. These days I prefer my meals to satisfy my yummy-gene but for a lot of current co-op residents Razan's is probably good enough. -
Tracey’s 4-star review: Following a recent surprise party at the Elmwood home of a friend, I left then went for a neighborhood stroll. The sun had just set and the evening was barely upon me and as I toured the area on foot I couldn't stop remarking on how charming the neighborhood was and how easily I could envision living there. Usually those musings are reserved for (insert any major urban city name here) but this area had a little of everything I'd like in the next area I live. That it also has the Elmwood Cafe is just icing on the cake. The Elmwood Cafe has been in existence since 1921 at which time it was but a mere soda fountain. It's evolved since then while retaining its old school charm. There's a popular saying, that goes (I paraphrase) "I might not long remember the words a person said but I'll long remember how those words made me feel". When I think of the Elmwood Cafe this comes to mind. I may forget about my very good lunch here (Summer Green Goddess Salad with Chicken, $13,50 + a Fresh Berry Scone, warmed, and served with lemon curd) but it'll be a while before I forget how that meal made me feel. It made me feel happy. I liked the old-school ambiance, the updated food with its homemade quality, and the sense that this place has a history and a story about the neighborhood in which it sits. There's a lot of interesting places to eat right on this very street but Elmwood Cafe would be my choice for breakfast, lunch, coffee drinks, and even an afternoon wine. They're open for dinner too but a person must spread their wings. I like the way this place made me feel. If I lived nearby I'd be here all of the time. -
Tracey’s 4-star review: There's a reason Paul Prudhomme looked as he did when he burst onto the national radar back in the '80s. He was a large man, one of obviously hearty appetites. If I dined regularly on Cajun/Creole cuisine I too would have a (larger than current) weight problem. Probably some cardio issues as well for the secret ingredient, the ingredient that gives Angeline's food (and many of Mr. Prudhomme's recipes) such a rich and satisfying mouthfeel, is butter. Pure butter. I know that brussels sprouts ($5.99, with sage-garlic brown butter) are healthy, certainly as prepared at home, roast with olive oil. At Angeline's they're sinful. Our table of 4 placed 3 orders for brussels sprouts and I could be found finishing off the bowls of those who had not. I'll probably die an early death from pouring all that butter down my gullet but what a death. They are, most certainly, a don't miss menu item. Fried Cheese Grits with Crawfish Etoufee ($10.99) was listed as a starter but advance reconnaissance told me that this dish accompanied by those brussels sprouts would sate me and I was correct. This dish makes a wonderful entree and gains you a hearty dosage of those weird little crawfish, the poor man's lobster, without having to commit to an entire plateful. Platefuls: Angeline's is not down with any waxing or waning small-plate trend. The entrees here are full-size, old-school portions. The above was enough but I had to sample the Red Beans & Rice ($5.99) which benefitted from a hearty application of Crystal hot sauce. So did the Cheese Grits, come to think of it. The food here is simultaneously less spicy and more buttery than I'd make in my home kitchen and in this way differs from that I've produced following Paul Prudhomme's recipes; his are buttery but also quite perfectly laden with resplendent spice mixtures. Any fan of caramel will be rewarded by a visit to Angeline's for what is caramel but a heavenly mix of butter and sugar? Sliced Granny Smith Apples with an ample tub of house-made caramel ($4.99) was a satisfying nod toward trying to do a body good then we threw that idea out the window. We'd already resigned ourselves to our buttery demise so we went for broke: Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Vanilla Whipped Cream ($8.99). The caramel puddle that accumulated below the bread pudding was a beauteous thing to behold. Less beautiful after it jumped from my lips to my thighs but dang... I love caramel. Just don't try to eat this solo after the rest of your Angeline's meal or you might leave here on a stretcher. Few places are doing Cajun/Creole cuisine these days and perhaps even fewer - regardless of cuisine - are serving anything as rich and buttery as does Angeline's. The line out front moves quickly and the food is satisfying and well priced. If you leave here hungry that's on you. Were someone to lay a couple sticks of butter in front of me I'd be incapable of consuming them; hide it in the food though, as Angeline's did, and... oh crap. I think I just ate a couple sticks of butter. Angeline's food will satisfy you. -
Tracey’s 4-star review: Driving on 880 past the Oakland Coliseum then the Oakland Airport is, for me, akin to entering no man's land. I find myself here only once every 4 years, if that, and am immediately reminded of why I'm not here more frequently. On a late afternoon which stretched into late evening Saffron Persian Grill was a tasty detour, successful at satisfying my love of Mediterranean fare while killing time. Saffron Persian Grill is aiming to impress no one with their absent ambiance. They sit in a strip mall (easy parking), have an unelegant, wall mounted menu, and you pass by a handful of tables and chairs as you make your way to the cash register to order. The place isn't messy or dirty but it fails to convey a high degree of cleanliness. Still, I was encouraged to see the attractive plates of food being delivered to the table of a Hispanic party of 3 as well as the bags of to-go orders being carried out by a Persian family. While waiting for the meal to be delivered to my table I remarked that "this isn't fast food". Soon after, I was rewarded and understood the (not intolerable) wait. This was food prepared to order, ample and tasty and served piping hot. A side of hummus ($4) had an off-putting consistency, as if someone had spilled water atop it, but it was served with steaming pita and a side of tangy cheese and it all went together deliciously. I still don't know what created the watery top but opted to just stir it up and - voila - problem solved. A Koobideh Kabob Platter (about $10) was served with a perfect array of accompaniments adding up to a lot of food: Saffron Basmati Rice, Pita, and a Salad and creamy, pepper-filled sauce were the perfect match. As I enjoyed this platter, visions danced in my head of a possible new menu item for Saffron: A Mediterranean Salad composed of these vegetables and peppers in this sauce with that cheese and some of that meat. I'd buy it. There's nothing that would take me to these parts more frequently than my current visitation schedule but if you find yourself here, like this sort of fare, and aren't put off by a place that looks like a bit of an afterthought you can be rewarded with a very tasty meal. -
Tracey’s 4-star review: Duende enchants. With a menu that straddles the line between things I know and things that sound exotic and tempting, it's like time-travelling back to Madrid. There, there was an equally charming spot that I slipped into one evening then tried, without success, to return to three times. It became dream-like, this place that called like a siren-song and then became unattainable. To the best of my knowledge, Duende remains attainable. As long as you've got the cash. Duende is a golden-lit place where you'll sip fine Tempranillo ($15/glass) from a wooden table while deciding which pinxtos and tapas to choose from. Each sounds worthy of attention but with the average price running about $14 apiece and the serving size working, ideally, for 2-people maximum, you won't get as far into this menu as you would in Spain. Coming with a party of 6 I sampled well but not heartily. Everything in this section is quite good though 6 people is an unruly number to dine with so I can't tell you what I tried, only that you'll not be disappointed. The middle section of the menu, the "Raciones", is small and not as fun as the starters. The chef/owner, formerly of Olivetti, has been quoted as saying that he doesn't find entrees very exciting. It shows. There were only two "raciones" ($20 - $28) on the night of my visit and neither was as satisfying as the food with which I surrounded it. Thankfully, there remained more alluring menu prospects; the rice or pasta-based paellas ($40 for 2, $78 for 4) were excellent. A seafood, rice-based version was black, with inky, sea-salted rice and a sort of sticky, murky consistency that played well on its theme. The meat-based version was a classic, saffron-spiked dish replete with crunchy rice nuggets. Both were exquisitely on-point. A 2-4 person party seems right-numbered for Duende. The menu changes regularly and inspires some desire to study it well before ordering, something I find difficult to do in large parties. A more intimate gathering also seems to work well with the warm-glow of the surroundings. Like that place in Madrid, Duende is a spot to which I'd welcome a return. I trust they'd be open. -
Tracey’s 4-star review: Ippuku is that rent boy you wound up with: boozy, exotic, and fun even if he picked your wallet clean and left you wanting more. Four of us dined here on a Monday night dropping $250 and leaving liquored up and hungry again within the hour. Ippuku is a traditional izakaya with groovy private booths that require you to take off your shoes and climb a platform in order to sit down. The waitress does the same, settling on a pillow at your table as she repeatedly takes your orders and tries to explain that menu. It's a doozy. The multi-page menu is a bit overwhelming and once the sake hits all bets are off. The waitress recommended we order one or two items per page which is probably what we did but 4 - 6 items per page wouldn't have been unwelcome. The menu is large, the portions are small. Splitting plates amongst 4 people was comical. Monday and Tuesday are supposed to be Teuchi Soba nights where focus is on handmade noodles and only a limited yakitori menu is offered. On this Monday night though, an emergency had prevented the noodle prep so the full menu was offered. Without regaling you with details of everything I ate, suffice to say that all was good but I'd have been game for more "all". I'd really enjoy going whole hog on that menu, damn the final expense. This is pretty much the approach Michael Bauer (SF Chronicle Restaurant Critic) took when he reviewed the place in 2010 and if you can afford it I'd recommend you take the same approach. In addition to the many little goodie-filled plates much sake was consumed as well as a shot of their cheapest soju which our waitress dubbed "student soju". Parents, if your students are at Ippuku you're clearly giving them too much allowance. Word. Ippuku has gone all in on the "all in" concept with a standing tip of $7 per person automatically added in. Tax has been added into the prices you see on the menu. This can make your bill somewhat of a shocker until you remember that no further tip is needed. Forget that and you'll be smacking your head in the a.m. I'd love to return to Ippuku on someone else's dime. For my money though, I'll probably head somewhere else where a solid financial investment yields me a hearty plateful of vittles.
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Tracey’s 4-star review: The way that Westbrae Biergarten patrons flock to, spread out, and take ownership of this space is testament to the way they feel about it: they've claimed it as their own. On a Thursday night, just after the sun had set, the place was full and I had to ask someone to scoot over to make room for me, my beer, and my Brazilian Vegetable Salad at their picnic table. Even the tables that were swarming with small children - tables in which I had no interest - had no space at them. Once seated and engaged in conversation with the local beside me he and his friend inquired how I, not being a local, knew of this place. He explained that he was constantly surprised at its popularity and couldn't imagine how people landed upon it. I'd passed it many times, during alternate routes to North Berkeley BART but he's right, it seems like a place that'd be inhabited largely by neighborhood folks. So, welcome to the neighborhood. I think they're all here. Westbrae Biergarten is an outdoor, fence-surrounded lot outfitted with picnic tables, heat lamps, food (Brazilian, always, and BBQ on the night I visited), and drink (beer, wine, sangria). It's an inviting space when the weather is warm and semi made up for my not being able to visit an outdoor biergarten in Berlin last October (closed due to cold weather). The selection of beer on tap (tap wine too) was wide and good and I appreciated them letting me sample before ordering. The Brazilian Vegetable Salad ($9.50, from Pedro's Brazil Cafe) was something else: really interesting and completely unlike any salad I've ever before sampled. It was filled with warm parts and cool parts, green olives, sauteed onions, and other things I couldn't identify in the dim lighting. It seemed more saute than salad but maybe that's a Brazilian thing. Whatever it was, I ate every last bit. 'Twas delicious. When my kids were small, friends and I confined our meals to kid-friendly/adult-tolerable sites like Chevy's and Fresh Choice. Berkeley parents have a far nicer option and seem to have embraced it. Even those without kids could be found (over)imbibing and stumbling back on foot to their nearby home. It'd be nice if this place had a section for kids vs no kids and nicer too if everyone scooted down a bit rather than spread out and assume the whole table is theirs but these are small complaints. If you want to get to know the people in this quaint Berkeley neighborhood (and their dogs, which are allowed), Westbrae Biergarten is a great place to start. -
Tracey’s 4-star review: I think there must be a faux Bar Cesar around these parts. How else to account for the lack of love Yelpers have heaped upon this place of which I'm a new fan? The real Bar Cesar proved a perfect place from which to watch the Warriors playoff game. Recommended to me by a trusted regular, I read the reviews with trepidation trying to square what I was reading with the recognition that someone I know and trust has been here upwards of 40 times. I'll go with that person. Perhaps the lack of Yelp love accounts for the reason why the place wasn't at all crowded come game time. Moments before start time I was able to grab two seats at the bar where I ordered up (over the next several hours) 2 of the most deceivingly strong Margaritas ($7) I've ever encountered. If you want a stiff one, meet Bar Cesar. The food menu proved to be satisfying as well. Beginning with an order of chips, salsa, and guacamole ($7) and ending with carne asada nachos (it was that sort of night, don't judge) I achieved nirvana. Those perfectly oily, salty, fresh made chips and the bad boys with which they kept company couldn't have sated me more fully. I'd read complaints that some food is bland but about this food I had no such complaints. Even when the game was in full swing - a game which would possibly secure the hometown Warriors a place in the Championships - Bar Cesar had a good crowd but stopped far short of being crowded. If you're seeking strong drinks, perfect food accompaniments, and a bar/restaurant at which you can grab a seat close to the start time of an important game I'd bee-line to Bar Cesar. -
Tracey’s 3-star review: Whoever is in charge of this event called Mother's Day ought to consider tweaking it a bit. A single day on which everyone feels obligated to take their mother out for a meal has proven a dining disaster. The last time I had a Mother's Day brunch it was at a place that was serving a "special menu" and they weren't allowing any substitutes, even for mothers. What the day has turned into is one of packed restaurants with put-upon servers putting out joyless meals and just trying to make it through the all-day rush. That's what it felt like in 2010 - 2014 and again last night in 2015. Ajanta may very well be a wonderful restaurant but the service experienced on Mother's Day, even with a 7:30 p.m. reservation and probably no subsequent diners was so impersonal that it left me wondering why Mother's Day isn't extended into Mother's Week so that everyone could just enjoy themselves a bit more. Dishes were practically thrown onto my table with little to no explanation, service was hurried, the table was crowded, and I left with the impression that this day, from a service standpoint, was just one to get through. Making any mother - or even any guest - feel valued and welcome wasn't part of the equation on this night. So there's that. Ajanta has some interesting things going on: 1. The restaurant is supposedly a favorite of Alice Waters; 2. They offer a multi-course chef's tasting menu ($28.50; $25.50 for vegetarian); and 3. Items are rotated off the menu monthly to make room for new menu items. The tasting menu is a wonderful way to sample a lot of good Indian food. It's served only for parties of 2 or more and if selected, must be the choice of all of the diners at your table. Although you get to choose the overall level of desired spiciness that choice applies to all of the food served to the whole table. If some like highly spiced food and others do not - the situation at my table - best not to order the tasting menu. On several dishes the suggested "Medium spice" proved to be excessively hot for one member of my party. The tasting menu includes 3 appetizers, 4 main dishes, an assortment of accompaniments (rice, chutney, pickles), and a choice of 4 desserts. It represents good value even though the portions may be less than they'd be if ordered individually. You won't leave hungry and you won't be dissatisfied with the food. With the exception of the desserts (which were quite mediocre) I really enjoyed everything on that menu. Had I come to Ajanta on any day other than Mother's Day I imagine my dining experience would have been more leisurely and pleasurable and I would've departed with a better overall impression. The tasting menu deserves to be a bit spread out so that one feels they are getting a true succession of dishes rather than a table buffet. Regardless, the meal still set us back considerably and for that I expect warmer, less hurried service. If that's your thing too, come here for Mother's Week, not Mother's Day and I imagine you'll leave with a far better impression. * Corkage is a reasonable $13.
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Tracey’s 4-star review: After penning a 3-star review of their Noe Street (SF) location owing entirely to the unpleasant aroma of dishwater in the dining room, I still couldn't escape the siren call of this place. They've endured for a reason: well-priced, good food. The Berkeley location is sweeter than the Noe Street outpost. Little white lights twinkled inside and the place was filled with people. What I had there was tasty and there were no off-putting scents to kill my enjoyment. With this in mind, I called upon La Med for catering services when recently hosting a party of 11. Their web site makes options very clear and their pricing makes me question the wisdom of bothering to cook a homemade meal. Because I'm physically incapable of serving people anything other than "too much" I opted for the "The Mediterranean Meza" ($18.50/per person). Days later, I'm still serving leftovers. I plated the meal for my guests and as they took their seats here's some of what I heard: "La Mediterranee? How did you know that's my favorite place?" "Oh my God, this looks delicious" "There's so much food. I can't eat all of this" "Oh, it's so good. I love this food" Though they offer delivery for a price (and servers also, if desired), I personally picked up the food a few hours before serving it. The warmed items stayed warm enough (this food doesn't need to be hot) and a couple of the cold bowlfuls benefited by keeping them refrigerated until shortly before serving time. Interestingly, two of the big stainless bowls supplied for hummos/tabuleh and Baba Ghanoush/Armenian Potato Salad were mine to keep. Those things are worth a few bucks each I reckon. I could probably have gotten away with 50% less catered food than I ordered making La Med's already reasonable catering pricing an even greater value. If you're looking for really good, well priced Mediterranean fare in the restaurant or in your home, don't look any further. La Med is a really good value. -
Tracey’s 4-star review: Usually wandering far and wide then down an unlit road for miles then coming upon a single main street one block long is a recipe for culinary disaster. More so I'd say, if one was doing so in the deep East Bay across from the un-loveliness that generally defines the city of Vallejo. But I had hopes for this place, originally started by Slanted Door alum, and was justly rewarded for the trek. In movie production, the "golden hour" refers to the perfect time at which to roll film. Arriving in the evening, just after the sun had set, Bull Valley felt like it was experiencing its golden hour. The old wood interior, the wall of vintage photos, the Victorian settees - everything was bathed in a cinematic light reminiscent of some enchanting film. It felt naturally occurring, not manufactured, perhaps a byproduct of all of its history (the tiny town of Port Costa was once the world's largest wheat port). Authentic to its ambiance, Bull Valley specializes in pre-Prohibition cocktails with an entire menu dedicated solely to such. On Wednesday nights they feature "the dram shop", with guest bartenders mixing up old time spirit concoctions. It wasn't Wednesday, but the lure of the 1880's was strong inspiring two at my table to indulge in brown liquor concoctions. Vintage cocktail recipes are certain to kick your evening into "high" gear. The food menu here is a wonderfully eclectic mash-up of cuisines, sourced locally , and designed to be shared amongst table-mates. This often inspires in me the desire to sample everything so it was smart that I'd come with a party of 4. The culinary stars of the evening were the Grilled Caesar ($13), the Pork Stew ($28), and the Lemon Risotto ($27). Runners up were everything else: Chile-Honey Chicken Wings, Salt Cod Brandade ($16), Kale with Garlic & Chiles, and Roasted Macaroni Gratin. Oven-roasted Bone Marrow ($18) was the only dish lacking and only because the bones seemed to have a dearth of actual marrow. Regardless, my dog found lots to enjoy about those bones after the fact. For dessert, a couple of scoops of delectable honey ice cream (made by local bees, natch) arrived accompanied by a silver spoon etched with the word "INDULGE". With its enchanting mix of old-timey, locavore/farm-to-table, and San Francisco pedigree, BVR is a really magical place at which to do just that. Other stuff: * With main courses running from $27 - $41 BVR can get a bit spendy but it's great for a special occasion splurge. * Since courses are served to the center of the table and designed to be shared, a party of 4 will allow you to sample most widely from the menu. * The evening closed out with old-time postcards delivered to the table and the understanding that the restaurant would stamp and send them if we would write them. We did, but disappointingly no postcards ever arrived. Oh well... -
Tracey’s 5-star review: Long ago I discovered Berkeley's Yogurtland and damned it. I mistakenly assumed it would be the reason I'd never experience Ici. But then one evening, after exiting a place a few doors down, I peered south and wondered aloud, "Is Ici closed?" There was no line. THERE WAS NO LINE. I waltzed in and waited while the few people in front of me got their samples (limit 3 per person) on silver spoons. I was up, ordered my samples, then turned towards the plate glass windows fronting the shop. A 15-person deep line stretched down the sidewalk. Clearly, I was meant to try Ici. Tangerine Vanilla (or Vanilla Tangerine) was littered with candied pieces of tangerine skin and when I say littered I mean that in the best way possible. This ice cream (other flavors equally magnificent) is marvelous. I find almost any ice cream to be quite good and a handful to be stunning. Ici is stunning, as the ubiquitous line testifies. I may never get back to Yogurtland. -
Tracey’s 5-star review: Break out your gluttony-pants: Eat Real returns to Jack London Square this weekend. Eat Real is the big, fat fundraiser for Oakland's Food Craft Institute. I downed some delicious food/drink there last year but the highlight was sitting on a grassy expanse as the sun set over the Oakland estuary. DJ Odiaka was spinning vintage MJ and every shape and color of the Oaktown rainbow coalition was grooving on the beats. Yeah, good afternoon though a different review entirely. This one's about the people who brought you that party. Food Craft Institute offers up classes in artisan food production to food professionals and wanna-bes or may-bes. Currently underway is a 12-week, $2,750 class on "Pickles, Krauts, and Ferments" If you're not yet ready to let fermenting overtake your life, they have way more accessible classes like the one I attended: a 2-hour class with fermentation guru, Sandor Katz (about $30). If the intensive 12-week class seems like way too much $$$ just to learn about pickling and fermenting, think again. You leave the class not just with the knowledge to make the artisan products but with a business plan based on the expertise of people who've preceded you. I assure you, this is much more than my son (attending a private college at a cost waaaay more than $3/K) will be leaving college with. I should've sent him to Pickle U. Classes are held in a light-filled, high-ceiling, sparkling clean space in Jack London Square. Check it out; you might find yourself a new career or passion. -
Tracey’s 5-star review: Few things bring me more joy than revisiting a 5-star place four years later and finding that it's still a 5-star place. Paco Collars is that place. Were my dog the type to sport a collar I'd likely spring for one of Paco's. Even then though, I'd be adding a worry to my day: in addition to fearing someone might steal my dog I'd feel added angst worrying that they'd also steal her collar. These gorgeous collars are theft-worthy though I don't endorse such behavior. What brought me back to Paco's was the same thing that brought me there to begin with: a leather belt or rather, 2 leather belts. Four years hence and one belt had lost some of its bling and what remained was destroying the waistband of my jeans. The other belt had a different issue, completely leather-related. Both of these concerns were resolved on the spot, in about 20 minutes for what I found to be a reasonable charge but anyone can do that in theory. It was the way it was done that speaks to the attitude of the place and the service level of its staff. If I look up "best in class service" somewhere I'd expect to see there the woman who helped me on this visit. For a price, Paco's Collars can custom make your dog a collar that will make her the envy of all. They can also make a beautiful belt. Basically, if it's leather and studded, they can make it to your specifications and they'll do so with the most charming of attitudes. It's such a pleasure to handle hand-crafted leatherwork that I'm sorry I can't think of anything else to have the Paco's staff make for me. I can't think of anything, but perhaps you can and now you know where to go to get it done. Five stars again, four years later? Indeed. -
Tracey’s 5-star review: Late on a sunny weekend day I found myself wandering the paths of this park with that deja vu feeling. "Does this remind you of anyplace?" I asked, wanting to confirm what I was feeling. "Yeah. It reminds me a bit of Central Park". My thoughts exactly. The wonderful thing about great places that remind you of other great places is that they're reminders, not replicas. Amsterdam, for instance, reminded me of San Francisco even though it was entirely unique. Maybe it was just the feeling I got when I was there; an "I love this place" feeling. And so it was with Codornices Park. This park seemed to have a little bit of everything: sprawling green fields, paths leading around and up and over and back, grills reeking of lighter fluid, small children toddling away from their parents, people practicing guitar, dogs retrieving balls, group singing, children's parties. And then there's that concrete slide which brings out the kid in everyone even if it shouldn't. There's cardboard all around for the taking and finding the two together is irresistibly alluring. Damn that slide is zoomy. With the sun overhead, a cool bay breeze, and all the aforementioned assets, this park is perfect. I can't put my finger on why I was reminded of Central Park and you might not feel the same but that doesn't mean you won't like it just the same. * Easy, free street parking * Dogs allowed * Across the street from (and surrounding) the Berkeley Rose Garden * Wear closed toed shoes on that slide or be like me and break your toe. -
Tracey’s 5-star review: What to do with half the things in this place I know not. What to do with the other half? Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. * Green tea flavored rice (mochi) cakes filled with bean paste * Sashimi grade seafood (from behind the fish counter for large amounts) * Sashimi grade seafood pre-cut and ready to eat (smaller amounts in the case at the very back of the store). * Wasabi peas. * Prepared sushi. * Onigiri * Sake * And in the separate building up front, wonderful earthenware dishes and bowls and other random gift items. There's a small free parking lot wrapping around the front building. A larger free parking area can be found by following the signs that lead you around the corner. The sashimi is wonderful enough that, should you have something else going on in the East bay all day, pack a cooler in advance and stock up for later. All day long you can look forward to your sashimi dinner. A perk of having gone to the East Bay twice each week now for more than a year has been the opportunity to fulfill my sashimi jones at TFM. For fresh sashimi-grade fish/seafood it gets no better than this. -
Tracey’s 5-star review: Has anyone ever read your mind? It happened in the produce section here, 2 guys stocking up for a healthy Super Bowl party when one announces :"I wish we had this market in San Francisco". Replace "SF" with "Marin" and he'd read my mind. That's the sort of jaw-dropping awe inspired by the huge and immaculate produce department here. I was palming 2 pomegranates, rounded an aisle and discovered more, different pomegranates, at a different price point. Same thing with pineapples and cherry tomatoes: A multitude of choices at varying price points, with signage that specifies their origin. I know I'm not supposed to buy cherry tomatoes or strawberries in winter but for 99 cents (from Mexico), why not? Then I got to the honey department which I describe that way because it truly felt like one. Not just the honey in the plastic see-through bear plus a jarred brand and some spun honey. No, this was a whole section of honey including the one I came home with: a small, hand labelled jar filled with thick, milky white honey from "Montana Yellow Bee's". This is definitely not stocked at Safeway. Unloading my bag at home, J could see from my purchases that this was a market that makes product purchase fun: pomegranates, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, Montana yellow bee clover honey, spiced almonds, sesame sweetened pecans, organic fruit scented face soap, salmon candy, prepared Kale Salad, green chili tortillas... a whole bag full of interesting products that inspire me to eat and eat well. The fact that they had every line open and staffed with both a checker and a bagger, that those lines seemed to have no more than 2 people waiting at any time, and that the employees actually looked happy sealed the deal. This is a destination market, a place you should go out of your way to visit, and then you should return home and lobby for a place like this to come to your community. -
Tracey’s 5-star review: I'm gonna venture a guess that this is the most FREE FUN that can be had in Oakland on a Friday night. What is it? Oakland Art Murmur is a hybrid: street fair (spanning multiple streets), gallery stroll, classic car rally, bar crawl, food trucking, DYI crafting, live music, performance art, and street art venue happening on the first Friday of every month starting at 6 p.m. Got that? We arrived close to 7 p.m. to see hordes of people making their way down Telegraph (between, roughly 20th - 27th). J suggested we look for street parking on a side street but I felt most comfortable paying for parking ($10) at the lot on Telegraph just behind the Paramount Theatre. From the parking place we wandered towards the crowds and here's some of the things we did: * Watched 6 aerial performers as they hung suspended from ropes off the side of a building, doing things I'd be hard pressed to replicate on solid ground * Ate pork shoulder pizza from Fist of Flour Pizza truck ($4 slice) * Ate authentic Peruvian street food from Kiwicha ($6 apiece) * Sipped strong, cheap red wine ($3 glass) while perusing cool art at Johansson Projects * Purchased "Obama Again" bumper stickers ($1 each) from a street vendor * Marvelled at the Sharpie-on-styrofoam-cup drawings created by Boey * Stood in the middle of the street to listen to some great music and see some inspired dancing * Caught the tail end of a fashion show * Ate Thai street food (from Harley Richter Catering) outdoors, beside a giant metal flower that was blasting music * Saw some cars with wheels jacked up higher than my neck. Around 10:30 p.m., things started to close up but the scene on the street was still building: More local color, more growling pit bulls on thick chains, more, more, more... For a vibrantly unique expressive art experience, you've got to check out Art Murmur. Go early, leave early, and be prepared to be packed in with hordes of people almost the entire time. Quite a scene! -
Tracey’s 3-star review: THE GOOD * You can now walk (or bike or run) halfway across the new span of the Bay Bridge. * The views as you walk are unique and photo-worthy. I kept feeling like I was someplace other than the Bay Area (New York? Seattle?). There's a point at which you see Yerba Buena Island, the old unused span of the Bay Bridge, the old in-use span, the new span, and San Francisco. It's trippy and cool and worth viewing. * Free, easy parking beside the Bay Trail path in Oakland (Burma Street). Follow this trail straight to the bridge entrance (1.25 miles). * Benches, should you wish to sit a while. THE NOT SO GOOD * The path is LOUD. There's a ton of cars racing by and you won't forget it. You might even get a splitting headache as a result. Oddly, the sound level seems more manageable when you reach the portion of the span with the bridge cables. It's much nicer once that happens. * The path isn't very wide. There's a lane for inbound bikers, a lane for outbound bikers, and a lane for all pedestrians. The pedestrian lane is just big enough for 2 people to walk in side by side but not if you both walk with your hands on your hips and not if your dog wants to walk beside you both. * There's no restrooms on the path. There's some port-a-potties on the trail before you reach the bridge. Use them. * Your dog might not adore this path. There's the noise thing but also no trees, bushes, or plants. * No skating, no skateboarding, no motorized bikes. * The path has a closing time. Plan accordingly. You can be ticketed if you're not off the path by closing time. * No suicide barrier. I honestly don't know which category this observation belongs in. ACCESS The Bay Bridge Trail is accessible via the Bay Trail from Emeryville and Oakland. Beginning in Emeryville adds one mile each way to your journey, resulting in an 8+ mile round-trip hike. Parking in Oakland shaves off 2 miles. There's a designated "Bay Trail Parking" area beside the Bay Trail on Burma Road in Oakland. The parking area is easy to get to, free, and seemed safe. Signs directing you to the bridge are well placed and clearly marked. The path stops short of Yerba Buena Island and, from there, you turn around and retrace your steps. Signs posted at the beginning of the path say it's 2.4 miles in each direction and takes about 2 hours to walk to the end and back. Those signs proved accurate. MISCELLANY As you walk, ponder all of the possible uses for the old Bay Bridge span: A bay area High Line perhaps? For me, this is a 1&done journey. It's interesting and worth doing but I won't be doing it again, on foot, until I can walk the length of the bridge into the City. When it goes all the way into SF I imagine it'll have a horde of bicycle commuters. Here's hoping they widen the next portion of the path they open. -
Tracey’s 4-star review: Into the category of "things I never knew existed" falls Narain's. Into the category of "things I never thought I'd have a need for once I knew they existed" also falls Narain's. A few months back my youngest son persuaded me to purchase him a new pack for backpacking. Then, before you could say "happy non-birthday", his brother borrowed that pack and took it on a backpacking trip of his own. When he returned, the pack sported a large hole. Who knew that squirrels would eat through backpacks and sealed wrappers to get at a Cliff Bar? Narain's didn't have the fabric which the pack was made of. Nor did they have another fabric of a matching color. They suggested I contact the manufacturer (to see if they could repair the hole or to supply me directly with a matching fabric swatch). Those efforts came to naught. A contrasting color was selected at Narain's and the now very distinctively unique backpack is fully repaired and I think my younger son likes it even more due to its 1-of-a-kind look. Cost: A reasonable $44, paid for by older brother. Narain's has all sorts of appropriate fabrics and parts for repairing outdoor gear (fabric, zippers) as well as the talent to make those repairs look good and operate functionally. If you have outdoor gear which needs repairs it's good to know about Narain's. And now you do. -
Tracey’s 4-star review: If you've ever tried to enjoy live theatre from a balcony seat you may think that you're not a fan. You might be wrong. It's not that you hate on live theatre but rather that you can't engage in a story when you can't even make out the actor's facial features or expressions. To you, I present the Aurora, where every seat in the house is within 8 steps of the stage. Sometimes going to an uber-tiny theatre is a recipe for disaster. The kind of shows normally staged in a space so intimate are often those that can't attract an audience to fill a larger space. The quality of the acting and directing may suffer as well. Not so at the Aurora. Judging from the show I saw (Gidion's Knot) and the write-ups of others, it seems accurate to say that the Aurora stages sharp, first-class, and thought-provoking yet relatable plays. You can't help but get into the drama when the storyline is accessible and the actors are so close at hand. I sat in what some might consider the worst seat in the house but that's a misnomer: there are zero bad seats at the Aurora. And then there's this: The day of the show I gained a surprise weekend houseguest. I phoned the Aurora to check on ticket availability and price and was told that tickets were available, and priced at $50 plus a $6 service charge. I was then told about "Rush". Rush begins thirty minutes before showtime, when unsold tickets are sold at a cost of $20 per ticket. Rush was once available only to students and seniors; it's now open for all takers. I was told that it was likely there'd be available rush tickets as long as we were there 30 minutes ahead of time (we were and there were). $20 is an amazing price for excellent seats at live theatre. Additional info about this great theatre: * Clean, well-run space also includes a snack bar. * Parking at Allston Way Garage is validated by the theatre and will run you $3. * Full-time college students can purchase tickets for $15; high school students for $10. * 20 minute post-show facilitated discussion with audience members who choose to stay is interesting. It's amazing to see how people have watched and heard the same thing yet arrive at such differing conclusions. * The web site lists many nearby (and excellent) restaurants which offer discounts to season ticket holders. Many will offer the same discount to holders of single tickets. Check before you go.
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