This past week was particularly nostalgic food-wise since I took a trip to SF for work and got to spend the weekend visiting my favorite places to eat in Berkeley (where I went to school). I’ll try to post these weekly roundups of my dining and cooking experiences more often!
Philz Coffee
Lucky for us, we stayed 3 minutes away from a Philz, which is probably my favorite coffee chain in the whole wide world. The service is impeccable (they always ask you taste the coffee for any adjustments) and the combos are just so darn good.
I’d rank order my top three iced favorites as 1) Mint Mojito 2) Honey Haze and 3) Rosé… all with light cream and no sugar (except for just honey in #2).
NoPa
Californian farm-to-table fare is probably one of my favorite “cuisines” having grown up idolizing Chez Panisse and Alice Waters. NoPa is a beautiful expression of this style…our favorites were the ricotta with mandarin and lamb ribs, both appetizers. Brisket for the main was perfectly cooked, but needed a root veggie puree or creamy sauce of some sort to balance out the meatiness. I was a little disappointed by the Cardamom Tiramisu since there was very little cake to give substance to the cream. Overall I would definitely go back to NoPa (and try the burger that everyone seemed to be ordering!).
Bi-Rite
After dinner, we stopped by what I’d deem the “Erewhon” of SF next door…Bi-Rite. This is one of my favorite spots to find local brands, like Berkeley-based Petite La Fleur (chocolate-covered honeycomb!) and Leaves and Flowers (gorgeous floral teas). They also have an excellent cheese selection with brands like Mount Tam, Cowgirl Creamery, and other local creameries.
Japan Town
Matcha soft-serve from Maruwu Seicha and Okonomiyaki from Kui Shin Bo were delicious afternoon pick-me-ups (I wouldn’t recommend any of the other dishes from Kui Shin Bo).
Abacà
Abacà is tucked away a few blocks off Fisherman’s Wharf and offers a colorful mix of Filipino dishes. The waiter was really trying to push the $85 prix fixe menu that night but we just decided to settle on a couple apps (crab toast and lumpia), the duck breast, and fried rice…all delicious. It’s probably not interesting enough for me to return, but it was definitely worth trying!
Papa Noodle
One night after work I needed something quick and easy for dinner and stumbled upon the newly established Papa Noodle off of Market Street. The concept centers around fast casual noodle bowls and I was immediately impressed by the quality and cleanliness. Everything looked and tasted incredibly fresh…I got the Dan Dan noodles which they packed with some White Rabbit candy as a treat in the to-go bag.
Fava
This has to be my favorite “take-out” place in Berkeley. Founded by two ex-Chez Panisse chefs, Fava offers falafel sandwiches, soups, and salad bowls all of which are always topped with greens so vibrant and fresh you’d think they’re growing them in the back. They are sort of pricy ($20 for one sandwich) but trust me, you will be so impressed by how a little hole in the wall can pull this level of quality off.
Imm Thai
As a college student, Imm Thai was one of my favorite Thai spots near campus and I couldn’t wait to try it again three years later. It still has its cozy street food hustle and bustle. I recommend the Pad Kee Mao and Green Curry.
Back home, in NYC
Restocked on Armra colostrum, the powder that keeps me from getting sick *knock on wood*.
Made myself a luscious cup of frothed almond milk matcha to get back into the groove.
Indulged in the Manhattan Blackout Cake from Claude Bakery (not to be confused with Claud the restaurant who also has a delicious chocolate cake!)
That’s it for the week!
Xo,
Kelly