A Slice of My Life – Week 9

March 5, 2013

A couple of Sundays ago, I got to go on another Edible Excursions tour, this time in the incredibly exciting Temescal neighborhood of Oakland.  I was thrilled to be invited because I am still learning so much about this part of town and new places are opening all the time.

We met at the farmers’ market, which is in the DMV parking lot!, and right away ate two amazing things.  From the Cholita Linda booth, we got fish tacos (tofu for me) that were a terrific first bite.  I was excited to hear that they are opening a permanent location along Telegraph Avenue, where most of the action is happening.

Next up was a kouign-amann, a French pastry that I have somehow made it 42.5 years without tasting.  In all my many travels to France, I can’t believe that I never had the pleasure.  I remember seeing them in the better pastry shops in Seattle, but being nervous about how to pronounce it and what it actually was, I went for something more familiar.  The shame!!  Maybe it is a good thing because the one I tasted, here in Oakland, was so exquisite – I’m not sure the ones in Seattle would have set me off on the right foot.  I do not have a picture of it, probably because I was too busy stuffing it in my mouth (it was warm!), but above you will see the other offerings from Starter Bakery.

We got a sneak peek (and taste) of the then soon-to-open Juhu Beach Club which is operated by former Top Chef contestant Preeti Mistry.  Indian food is one of my favorite cuisines and I am thrilled to have a place so nearby that serves Indian street food.  The menu is super exciting and even offers the kids food in tiffins.  We got to taste an amazing fried potato puff sandwich, putting an end to any thought that potato and bread is too many carbs in one bite.  The surprisingly salty mango lassi, called the Sassy Lassi, was awesome.

Having thoroughly enjoyed myself on the Gourmet Ghetto tour last fall, I knew enough to pace myself.  Three hours of almost constant eating can be a bit much.  I took small appreciate bites of a grilled cheese and tomato soup at Sacred Wheel Cheese Shop, I took the doughnut from Doughnut Dolly to go, and went whole hog at Scream Sorbet.

Scream’s incredibly passionate owner came out from behind the counter and introduced us to Cranberry Tangerine, Coffee Hazelnut, Lime Mint, and three or four other amazing flavors.  I had enjoyed their surprisingly creamy sorbet on several occasions and it was a true treat to taste so many flavors at once.  Alas, once we had all fallen love with a flavor or two (or three), he informed us that Scream would be closing their doors due to high expenses.

Our tour ended with tofu stew, with a table full of delicious condiments, at Sura Korean Cuisine.  I have walked by this place plenty of times and was so glad to have a chance to try the food.

As if spending the day touring Temescal eateries and enjoying tacos, French pastries, potato sandwiches, and sorbet wasn’t a great enough Sunday, I got to go to an Oscar party with some of the moms from our school.  I can tell you, this is the first time I have watched the Oscars outside.

I met a friend for lunch in San Francisco and saw Bakerella.

At the same place (Marlowe) I had my new favorite lunch.  From left to right: artichoke purée, broccoli rabe pesto, burrata topped with olive oil and chile flakes, and grilled bread.

Dinner for one.

My parents came to visit.  Me and mom at the Ferry Building.

I never ever tire of seeing this beautiful bridge.  (That is the Bay Bridge, which connects San Francisco to Oakland and Berkeley.)

On the crazy long pier at the Berkeley Marina.  My dad just celebrated his 70th birthday.

Graham ordered hot chocolate and this is what came out.  Coolest thing I have ever seen.

Waiting for our Saturday night dinner guests to arrive.

Spencer’s future bride.



6 Comments »

  1. Your edible excursion sounds amazing!! A day full of seriously awesome eats…though I did cry a little inside when you said the sorbet place was closing. I was adding it to my list to try the next time I’m in SF!

    Comment by Joanne — March 6, 2013 @ 1:48 am

  2. My favorite: Spencer and his future bride…

    Too cute for words! (although your parents form a gorgeous couple and fought hard for first place in the photo competition)

    Comment by sallybr — March 6, 2013 @ 8:15 pm

  3. Dana, next time you’re in Seattle, you’ve gotta check out Crumble and Flake, and you *must* get their kouign amonn. No excuses; they even show you how to pronounce it on their website: .

    Comment by Kaley — March 7, 2013 @ 3:01 am

  4. Great photos and fun to see your parents – they look great! Tell them “hello”.

    Comment by Kirsten — March 7, 2013 @ 3:10 am

  5. Hot chocolate is incredible. Your parents look incredible.

    Comment by AG — March 8, 2013 @ 6:28 pm

  6. I love your website! The pictures are awesome and I will have to try Juhu Beach Club next time I am in the area. Keep up the great work:)

    Comment by Vegetarian Tourist — March 13, 2013 @ 8:51 pm



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