If you find yourself craving dim sum in the East Bay, look no further than King Valley Tea House in Pinole. On Saturdays, there's even a local, year-round Farmers' Market right across the street where you can grab fresh produce, kettle corn, pizza, and artisan gifts. Who knew?
King Valley Tea House
795 Fernandez Ave
After revisiting Delarosa recently, I must admit...I'm hooked. It's a great spot to grab a fun and fulfilling lunch or dinner with a good friend. The food is delicious, affordable and best shared family style. I love that they have great vegetarian options to complement the carniverous ones. And although consistently busy, the wait isn't ever usually too crazy. If it is, just grab a cocktail or glass of wine at the bar.
The two dishes above are always on the table when I eat there.
2175 Chestnut Street San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 673-7100
Baby Got Back (Taken with Instagram)
This was the healthiest bag of doughnuts I ever grabbed for. Donut Peaches are a sweet, healthy treat so enjoy them while they're still in season.
If you're looking to satisfy your culinary desires, but don't think you have the budget to attend a fancy food festival, think again. SF Chefs 2012 is holding demos and classes to fulfill the gastronome cravings in all of us and tickets are only $28-$35. From lamb and beer pairings to incorporating seasonal finds at the Farmers' Market into desserts, you'll find it at SF Chefs Demos.
Eye on the Bay's SF Chefs Preview Series: Lamb and Beer Pairings
Date: Saturday, July 14th at 2 PM
Where: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3739990412/eorg
About: Get up close with some of your favorite chefs at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! This series of demos is hosted by Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay (CBS 5) and Foodie Chap (KCBS). Food Network Chef Tom Pizzica will be cooking up outrageous lamb dishes that pair perfectly with Almanac beers. Presented by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)
URL: http://sfchefsfoodwine.com/events/07/14/lamb-beer-pairings/
Eye on the Bay's SF Chefs Preview Series: Sweet Inspiration
Date: Saturday, July 21 at 2 PM
Where: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3739990412/eorg
About: Get up close with some of your favorite chefs at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! This series of demos is hosted by Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay (CBS 5) and Foodie Chap (KCBS). There may be nothing better than finishing a meal with a perfectly ripe peach or plum—but including these gems in a composed dessert takes stone fruits to a higher level. Pastry Chefs Francis Ang (5th floor), and Luis Villazelazquez (La Victoria Bakery) will share how to incorporate these seasonal delights into sweet finales. Presented by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)
URL: http://sfchefsfoodwine.com/events/07/21/sweet-inspiration/
Eye on the Bay's SF Chefs Preview Series:Fickle Pickle
Date: Saturday, July 28 at 2 PM
Where: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3739990412/eorg
About: Get up close with some of your favorite chefs at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market! This series of demos is hosted by Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay (CBS 5) and Foodie Chap (KCBS). Join Wise Sons chefs Evan Bloom and Leo Beckerman and Namu Gaji’s Dennis Lee for an exploration of this affordable technique for preserving and adding pizazz to your Farmers Market finds. Presented by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA)
URL: http://sfchefsfoodwine.com/events/07/28/fickle-pickle/
Warm pita & baked eggplant stuffed with feta cheese, onions, tomatoes and peppers at Mezes Greek Restaurant - a neighborhood gem on Chestnut Street.
Who doesn't like a macaroni and cheese fix once in a while? There may be some of you out there, but you are a rare breed. It's quick, simple, and brings back carefree childhood memories. My health tip for those who love it, but are trying not to consume too much dairy, is to add coconut milk. It's creamy, and adds a touch of sweetness to it. Throw in some of your favorite vegetables and seasonings like mushrooms, brocollis, peas and red chili flakes, and it's a quick and satisfying meal that you and your kids will adore.
My friend was craving a Cheeseburger. I was craving vegetables. We were in the East Bay.
What better way to meet in the middle than a visit to Barney's Gourmet Burgers. He got his spicy chipotle burger special. I got this GIANT montrosity of a vegetarian burger.
Although service was a bit wonky, I did enjoy snapping pics and shortly thereafter, consuming this meaty fungi sandwich all to myself. If you are wondering how it was done, I cut it in half and squished it down. Yes, it did ooze out of the bun, but that's okay. That's what the knife and fork were there for. Splashes of tabasco and squirts of ketchup kept it extra tangy.
on Instagram
Roasted Chicken w/pine nut cranberry panzanella, garlic chips, arugula
Since opening last August, Local Cafe has become a popular, family-friendly, go-to spot for brunch and lunch on Piedmont Avenue. Evident by the consistent, loyal following packing the 30-seat restaurant week after week, Local Cafe has now decided to open its doors for an afternoon happy hour and weekend dinner service. We think that's a smart idea.
Chilled blended spinach soup w/lemon foam
Started by first-time business owner, Megan Burke, this creative home cook, occasional caterer and insatiable restaurant-goer had a dream and passion of opening up a "welcoming, non-pretentious neighborhood gathering place with honest, nurturing food." One visit to Local Cafe, and you'll feel the vibe of the close-knit staff with a focus on community. The community effort was very vital to the success of Burke's vision and she "wanted to give people work that hadn't worked in a while". As a mother of two young girls, Burke envisioned a "good place with good food where kids can get loose." And speaking of kids, there's a chalkboard in the middle of the dining space where everyone can doodle and explore their creativity. Proving that talent starts at a young age in this family, the contemporary paintings adorning the walls are the works of Burke's 10-year old daughter, Natalie.
Little gem salad w/apple, walnuts, black river blue cheese
Now on to the food. The kitchen, from day one has been run by Executive Chef Jhon Gomez (Oliveto, A Cote') and Consulting Chef Colin Etezadi (Boot & Shoe Service, Camino, Pizzaiolo). From jams and pastries, to cheeses and wines, you'll find the persistent use of local purveyors (Inna Jam, Straus Family Creamery, Graffeo Coffee, Queen of Sheba Honey Farms, Donkey & Goat Wines, Tara's Organic Ice Cream) on the Local Cafe menu. Gomez has already built a fan base for his delectable daytime dishes such as the B.L.A. Sandwich with apple smoked bacon, lettuce, pickled shallots, and avocado ($9) and his Eggs Benedict with parma prosciutto and savoy spinach ($10). And starting just this past weekend, he debuted his dinner service.
Crispy pan-seared halibut, fava puree, dandelion greens
Expect to find a consistent, seasonally-inspired menu with a few daily specials. Local Cafe understands that customers fall in love with particular dishes and come back for their favorites. I can appreciate that. There's nothing like craving a dish you just tried, only to find out that you will never be able to order it again. Dinner items will include comforting, affordable plates such as the Pork and Beef Meatballs with crostini and red sauce ($11), Salads ($8-12) and entrees including a crispy Half-Roasted Chicken with seasonal vegetables ($15), and a Flat Iron Steak with grilled aspragus, celery root mash, and garlic drizzle ($16).
Chef Jhon Gomez cranking out high-quality goods in his modest kitchen
A California-centric wine list, and beer by the bottle from several local breweries (Linden Street, Sudwerk, Bear Republic Breweries) were chosen to pair well with the food. If you are in need, the staff will be happy to suggest items or pairings. There's also a walk-up counter for those looking for food on the go. Wherever you may be visiting from, a visit to Local Cafe' will have you too feeling just like one of their preferred locals.
Starter Bakery chocolate tartlettes w/strawberries & crushed hazelnuts
4395 Piedmont Ave
(between Brandon St & Pleasant Valley Ave)
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 922-8249
Ask and you shall receive. A pepperoncini request, turned into a full-on pepperoncini sandwich at Specialty's Cafe & Bakery in San Francisco. Lately, this is one of my preferred lunch spots to grab a vegetarian sandwich on the go. At a mere $6.79, the portion is generous and the price is unbeatable. I got it on whole wheat with avocado, mushrooms, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, italian vinaigrette, black pepper, bell peppers, cucumber, sprouts, stone ground mustard, ranch, mayo, provolone, and yes...pepperoncini.
I ordered mine with cheese and mayo, but if you want it strictly vegetarian, you can ask for yours without the dairy.
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