I am a total foodie! I was raised on brown rice, tofu and carob and tasteless healthy meals. Back in the 1970's health food was not chic or delicious. My kids joke about me because most of my childhood memories are of my dad taking me to eat regular food, burgers, pizza or a burrito. In fact if I had a father daughter date, he would ask me what I wanted to do and I would reply, "eat something good". At the age of 19 I enrolled at the California Culinary Academy and worked in restaurants for the following 14 years. I was trained to makepâté and marzipan, but find my favorite foods to be simple clean food with full flavor. I am so impressed with the Oakland restaurant renaissance. Here are a few of my favorite picks in both Oakland and Berkeley. Keep in mind some menus are seasonal and may not be available at all times.
chopped salad @ Hawker Fare
Fritto platter @ Trattoria La Siciliana
poached egg and bacon salad @ Southie
Cafe 15
frozen chocolate pot de creme @ Boot and Shoe
pork and grits @ FIVE
mussels @ Hawker Fare
