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C is for...cooking
Saturday, 13 May 2006
Connie's Guide to Berkeley's Comfort & Yumminess
These are the specific places & foods that have a special place in my heart & stomach. It's where I have great memories with friends or even where I go when I have a final & I need something familiar & comforting or is just simply delicious. Enjoy!

(not in any particular order)

1. Rivoli - Portobello Mushroom Fritters

It caught my eye one day, while we were driving down Solano Ave. for the first time. It was very hidden & each time we drove down that street we weren't sure if we'd see it again & we joked that it only emerged at night. Then, we saw it on the Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants that year. Chris & I finally went. (I won't repeat the "review.") This appetizer was the most memorable (even though everything was delicious). It was perfectly "crisp/crunch, juicy."

2. Naan & Curry - Chicken Tikka Masala & Naan/Rice

Naan & Curry was my first exposure to Indian food. I had it first on my birthday freshman year with Chanda, Maheen, Audrey, and Farzad. I didn't have the Chicken Tikka Masala until a year later though when we were working long hours at Zee Zee Copy to finish the readers. I remember thinking this was the most creamy and flavorful thing I've ever had & I had to find out what it was. I asked Chanda to find out & have been eating it regularly ever since (though I have expanded since then). I have also yet to have naan that beat Naan & Curry's (even high end ones).

3. Julie's Healthy Cafe - Chili & Cornbread, Sandwiches, Omelettes

I first went here freshman year with the high school gals because they used halal meats meaning Maheen could eat everything. I saw someone get chili & noticed that it came with cornbread. I have been going back just for that cornbread. It has kernels of corn & is not as sweet as other places. The chili also feel healthy. I always go here and crave the chili when I'm stressed out. I used to get the sandwiches on my way home to the dorms and I have shared a few breakfasts especially during tests with Erick and Alex.

4. Yogurt Park - Frozen Yogurt

One of my freshman year roommates used to eat one large one as a meal everyday. I used to check the flavors everyday freshman year because I hoped to try everything at least once. After one taste of Chanda's freshman year with cookie dough topping, it's been one of my topping weaknesses. I also always thought sprinkles were a stupid topping, but I mock no longer. Once Chanda started working there a couple of years ago, Yogurt Park has been a place of laughter & gossiping more than anything. Hours of waiting for customers to clear out so I could talk to her for tem minutes. I also shared many a hilarious chats with Erick here (flirtatious gay guys & milkshake video & those funny songs like "silent e").

5. Asiana Garden, Gomnaru - Spicy Chicken

I've just eaten this so many times. I meet up with Chanda there for a meal, but even more often I buy it to go back to the Etcheverry Lab to eat with my IEOR friends & work on our projects/robots/sanity...

6. Crepevine - Club Sandwich & Dessert Crepe & Macaroon (Porcupine)

The first time I had Crepevine was actually in San Francisco. It was so crowded & I was in awe of it & even though I've had all types of food since then I have to say this is my favorite restaurant/place to eat. It is probably because I have shared with everyone I care about (minus immediate family).
Ken was the one that introduced this little place to me freshman year & I still remember I had the Siena Crepe (nutella w/ strawberries), which I've had sooo many times since then. We brought two back for Chanda & Audrey. We turned the air conditioner on the highest it could go so the ice cream wouldn't melt & I was freezing. I remember playing Cranium that night w/ their floormates, Chanda & Audrey trying to pay Ken back, him running in the elevator, & going down as Audrey tried to throw a $5 at him as the door closed.
The next time I had it was visiting a friend in SF. We went there for lunch. & this whole time I had no idea there was one on the border of Oakland & Berkeley until I looked it up and made it a goal to go there.
Diana came up to visit me when I first moved into the apartment I have now lived in for three years. I had been in math class all day & she was just waiting at home so we could take the bus there to completely pig out. I still remember that she got Tuscany (chicken, pesto, etc savory crepe) & Santorini (mascarpone, pistachio, coconut, walnuts, etc sweet crepe). I got Bari (smoked salmon cream fetuccine) & Jamacian (banana & caramel rum sauce sweet crepe). We could barely walk to the bus after that.
Sophomore year, Audrey & I decided to explore Rockridge. We brought our Zachary's to Crepevine & ate a Siena alongside our pizza. We were overstuffed as we walked into every store in Rockridge.
High school friends took me here for one of my birthday dinners and we also went for Maheen's this year.
I also took Adam here when he visited once.
Chris & I have shared many a dinner/lunches here. We always got a little ultimate cookie porcupine, as we called the huge macaroons. He also finally got the New Orleans (crab cakes & eggs benedict), which we promised to get before we left.
When finals studying, Erick craved a club sandwich & we spent some time people watching here & saw Bay to Breakers runners grabbing food.
Pierre & I ate here after running and scarfed down a horse, or so it felt. We also had brunch here with one of his high school friends, wife, and daughter.
I always said that if I was a local on $40/day, I would tell Rachael Ray to go here.

7. Ajanta - Portobello Tandoori, Papadum w/ Mint Chutney, anything

Pierre & I celebrated our six month anniversary here. It was probably the best quality Indian food I have had as of yet. We both got the prie fix, which comes with appetizer, papadum, entree, rice, naan, and dessert. We got the Tandoori Portobello by recommendation and they were simply amazing. They were super juicy & flavorful. They almost tasted like slices of tender meat. I also got the cookbook for Christmas last year.

8. Vik Distributors - Papri Chaat, Masala Dosa, Uttapum, Sweets

This was probably my first experience with South Indian food. I first went to this warehouse of a place with Chris. Then, I frequented it with the occasional Aaron and Chanda who introduced me to the sweets in the case. I knew to order the Masala Dosa (only on weekends) by Chowhounds. I went there the most probably with Pierre. We ate there until we could barely walk many a weekends. He introduced me to Uttapam. I like to get the Papri Chaat here too because they come with these chickpea flour balls, but last time I went they didn?t have those chickpea balls anymore. Everything there is still cheap & unique though.

9. Chaat Cafe - Papri Chaat, Tandoori Chicken Wrap

In the summer of sophomore year, Chanda & I both took summer school & decided to explore Berkeley. We began the adventure by walking down University (we walked to San Pablo & back). She saw the chaat menu in the window & just disappeared into what we now know is Chaat Cafe. At this time, I had no idea what chaat was. Chanda ordered Papri Chaat and I just took a bite. It was yogurty & sweet & tangy & crunchy & smooth all in one bite. I was so intrigued. I grew to love papri chaat in particular probably because it was my first taste. We continued to go to Chaat Cafe to study/listen to the Indian music. The wraps are yummy too! This was also one of the first places I ate out at for lunch when I worked at the structural engineering firm.

10. Gelateria Naia, Gelato Milano - anything

I remember when I first entered this place, I was so overwhelmed. So many flavors & I just didn't know what to do. I went for my free scoop on my birthday one year. I took Diana there when she visited. I also introduced it to Pierre. Naia (preveiously Mondo Gelato) was what made my mom's friend say she wanted to open a place like that just so she could eat it all. Milano was a newer addition to Berkeley & it's better than Naia cuz they actually make the gelato in the back. I've gone there w/ Chanda & Chris. It's so refreshing & the people are nice & always looking for convo.

11. Cheeseboard - Pizza, Chocolate Loaf, Cheese Roll, Scones, Chocolate Thing, Experimental Bread #7

I remember my first week at Berkeley. Victor, my brother, came up to give me a walking tour, so I wouldn?t be intimidated by everything. I walked all over campus & then down University for a bit & then down the other side of Shattuck to Safeway. We passed Cheeseboard & he said that one type of pizza was offered a day & it was always vegetarian & people would sit in the median & eat it. I remember thinking that was really weird. But, I have had it many many many times since then. I think I had it first with Chris. I introduced it to Chanda & Pierre. I had it with Erick on the median probably for the last time last weekend. I remember getting a half pizza with potato and eating it in the Target parking lot with Chanda. & I remember bringing it to Physics review and getting many a jealous & curious looks. & I will always love that extra little sliver on top. This will remain my favorite pizza place in Berkeley, which is saying a lot because I?ve had a lot of good pizza here (Pie in the Sky, Arinell?s, Goia, Zachary?s)
I think I had the breads before the pizza with Chris. The Cheese Rolls are especially delicious when warm. I love the scones (& I don?t normally like scones). The shortbread is also delish. We used their baguette pieces for our Fourth of July blue cheese stuffed burgers. Once, Chris brought me a chocolate thing once when I was down and I sent these goodies to him on his birthday while he was in Florida. I got the cookbook from Chanda as a birthday present. We asked for advice on what cheese to use for a recipe Chris & I developed for a Grilled Cheese Contest (we used English Cheddar for our Cheese w/ Apples Grilled Cheese).

12. Zachary's - Mushroom & Spinach Deep Dish

I first had Zachary?s when I was in Berkeley for high school yearbook camp. I had no idea what it was. Sean Bacon just said his parents went there to get pizzas every time they were in the area. It tasted amazing to me even when it was cold the next day. I had it when Audrey & I were exploring Rockridge and many a times with Chris & Pierre & once with his brother. I totally overeat every time.

13. Acme - Herb Slab, anything

I have technically had Acme a lot. Chez Panisse. Saul?s Deli Niman Ranch Roast Beef Sandwich. Bakesale Betty?s Fried Chicken Sandwich. Cesar. But, Chanda & I went to the original store a couple of times & once with Chris. The herb slab is my favorite. I don?t even want to know how many wedges of brie I?ve had in the past 3 years because of the tasty bread in Berkeley. Plus, it doesn?t hurt that the guy who started Acme (& is a Cal grad) went to France to learn about bread making and Alice Waters sponsored him, which is just cool.

14. Hua Hin - Grilled Chicken Skewers w/ Chili Lime Sauce

This place always perfumes the air with BBQ. It's probably the closest restaurant to my apartment. I've spent many a meals here with Chanda & Farzad. We eat here a lot when we want a break from studying.

15. Farmer's Market Thai Stand (Vassani?) - Chicken Satay

I first had this by myself when I went to explore the Farmer's Market by myself. It was the ultimate satay and peanut sauce. I have since had it with Pierre & Diana when she visited before Christmas this year.

16. Tacubaya - Sope Con Chirizo

I read about this place & was curious, especially about the fresh churros on weekends, which I have yet to have. So, I went with Pierre. We went there 2-3 times. The first time, we ate too much for our own good. We ordered 2-3 of these Sope con Chrizo. That first time, we spent hours there doing Sudoku; it was pretty nerdy.

17. Monte Cristo - Chorizo Con Papas Burrito

I first went here with Chris. We were intrigued. I have gone about a dozen times since then. I introduced it to Chanda & Farzad & friends. Chanda was the one that introduced me to the Chorizo Con Papas Burrito. It is the perfect blend of saltiness & crispiness & deliciousness. I have spent multiple nights attempting to study here. It is a ?chain? with other places in Berkeley. Each have a different focus though. Casa Latina is more of a bakery and Montero?s is a restaurant and salsa dancing place.

18. Blue Nile, Ethiopia Restaurant - anything

Chanda?s 21st birthday dinner was at Blue Nile (now closed). This was my first exposure to Ethopian cuisine. It is so unique and fun. It bonds whoever you?re with too. Even though you can?t tell what things are everything is quite flavorful and yummy. Ethiopia Restaurant?s vegetarian lunch buffet is especially worth it and a great way to taste everything at once.

19. Smart Alec's - Turkey Cranberry Mayo Sandwich w/ Corn Chowder

I?ve been to Smart Alec?s so many times I don?t even remember when my first time was. I think I have a weakness for the combo because it comes with cornbread. It isn?t the best cornbread, but I still love it. The sandwiches were just ok until I had the turkey. The cranberry mayo makes this sandwich divine. They also use real white meat turkey (not the cold cuts kind). The corn chowder is chunky and not heavy. The chili is good too.

20. Cafe Intermezzo - Roast Beef Horseradish Sandwich w/ Vinegrette or Poppy Green Salad

I always ate this freshman year. I bought it on the way home from campus. It?s a huge amount of food and super worth it.

21. Sole Restaurant - Vietnamese Sandwiches, Pho

Pierre introduced me to this place. They have cheap Vietnamese Sandwiches that are huge and delicious. I had the Pho whenever I felt like I needed a warming up or felt a cold coming on.

22. La Note - Brunch

Pierre took me to this place. It was the first restaurant checkoff I shared with him. This was where he told me I was a river tooth.

23. Venus - Flapjacks, anything

I had wanted to go to this place for a while & Chanda & Aaron ate there often, so I finally went with them. The flapjacks were sooo addictive, but I haven?t gone back since because it?s definitely somewhere you?d want to go with a friend. Aaron got ricotta pancakes. They were sweeter, but so fluffy & yummy.

24. Bittersweet - Hot Chocolate

It?s like drinking a thick thick chocolate syrup. If it was closer, it would definitely a place I would?ve loved to hang out.

25. Au Coquelet - Pastries, Tea

I have spent sooo many nights studying here with Chanda and sometimes Farzad. I always got the tea because it was simple and cheap, but sometimes I?d get a sweet. The tarts were consistent & good. I had a weakness for their carrot cake. It wasn?t anything special. It was just a standard but moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. I remember getting overwhelmed at work one day & just heading over to take a break and eat a slice of this wonderful carrot cake.

26. Steve's Korean BBQ - Grilled Chicken

I don?t know when I first started eating here. It was one of my favorite places freshman year because it was so worth it. I shared many meals with friends here.

27. Vietnam Village - Lemongrass Beef w/ Rice Rolls & Imperial Roll

Chanda introduced me to this particular dish. I never ate here much until I ordered this. The beef is tender and salty to be perfectly paired with chewy rice rolls.

28. Cafe Durant - Spinach & Mushroom Crepe, French Toast

I first went here to have breakfast with my high school friends. The portions were ginormous. I then went with my brother the next day to have a Spinach and Mushroom Crepe. That was so good too! Sundeck C soon because one of my favorites because of the French Toast. Everyone loves the White Chocolate and Strawberry Pancakes. I took Diana here when she visited and I introduced a friend to French Toast here. We also went for a late lunch the day of my graduation.

29. Joshuya's, TGI Sushi - Lion King

I never loved sashimi and sushi with sashimi much. But, after Berkeley, it?s something I crave from time to time. I first went to Joshuya?s for Ai?s birthday. We were sake bombing. But, I have gone back for food since & they have many creative rolls with sashimi. TGI Sushi was where I?d go in Berkeley when I was addicted to sushi. I first went for Audrey?s birthday. I had gone with Chanda & Pierre since.

30. Bakesale Betty's - Ginger Cookies, Shortcake, Banana Bread, anything

I had heard about this place since it opened. I just didn?t know where it was. I saw this empty looking place on Telegraph with no sign & I turned out to be right. I first went when Chris & I were waiting for our table at Pizzaiolo. We got so many free samples. Once they suck you in though, the samples stop, sadly. But, you?re already addicted, so there?s nothing you can do to resist it. Chris, Chanda, & I went before Zax Tavern and whenever we remember or have the chance. We always say, ?She?s too good!? I haven?t ever been to a bakery at which I liked everything I had. She has Chez Panisse connections, therefore she has to be good! Plus, the blue wig she wears is cool.

31. Soop - Pork & Prune Stew

First had a crouton dipped in Erick?s butternut squash soup. But, it was this Pork & Prune Stew that I had when I went with Chris & Chanda that stood out in my mind. It was so complex. It was slightly sweet, sour, salty, and all delicious.


32. Socca Oven - Pork & Mushroom Socca

I had the chicken version when I first visited Epicurious Gardens, but it was not as addictive as Chris? Pork & Mushroom version. It was a deep earthy mushroom flavor and the prok was incredibly tender.


33. Stonehouse Olive Oil - Silver Medal Extra Virgin, Lime, Blood Orange

On my first visit to the SF Ferry Building with Chris I fell in love with the Blood Orange Olive Oil. Chris loved the Persian Lime. After researching it online I realized that Stonehouse was based in Berkeley. I took Chanda there to get Aaron?s birthday gift. It had just moved to the current Fourth Street location with a tasting room. I splurged and got the Blood Orange & Lime & White Balsamic (made somewhere in Europe). I craved the Silver Medal Extra Virgin. I finally got it the next time I made it back to Fourth Street. The grassy buttery flavor adds to anything I make.


34. Phoenix Pastificio - Olive Bread, Chocolate Pecan Chewies, Almond Macaroons (The Shattuck location is closed.)

I did not know this place existed until I had to walk to pick up food for my cooking decal lab. I saw a huge clock & was very interested in what was inside. I came home & immediately started researching this mysterious place. I then found they were always the last stall on the right at the farmer?s market. I tried their chocolate pecan chewy & best ever almond macaroon & their olive bread here. When I get the chance I make it to their store too. I had lunch at Phoenix Next Door with Chanda & Ellen when she was visiting one day in the summer. It was perfect and a great price. I also shared a lunch there with Erick, Doug, Prashant, and Abinav the last week of their serving lunch ever. It was so clean tasting & fresh. Too bad they will no longer have lunch after the move.


35. T.K. Garden ? Grilled Beef & Pepper Skewers w/ Fried Rice & Chicken Salad (Combo #3)

I know this is the typical Chinese greasy joint. But, there?s something about the family and staff being so sweet here that make it special. I feel like they remember me & they talk to me in Chinese even though I never say it back. I think my brother often ate here when he was a student too because it is ridiculously cheap. I always got the Grilled Beef Skewers w/ Fried Rice & Chicken Salad. The beef is crispy soft and their salad has a hoison based dressing. Their sweet & sour sauce is yummy though & come with Combos #1 & #2. I remember having a craving for Beef Noodle Soup & it just hit the spot when I got it here. I also got Pork & Taro before. This is definitely a comfort spot for me.

36. Great Harvest Bread - Popeye, Fat Free Cinnamon Bun

I was first introduced to this place by my freshmen year roommate. She was on crew and her teammates who all watched their weight raved about this place?s Fat Free Cinnamon Bun. I didn?t care about the weight part, but the cinnamon buns were so delish that I didn?t care. I grew to love their breads too. They offer free sample slices. I remember getting a loaf of the cheddar jalepeno and eating half of it while waiting for the bus and the other half while studying for finals (no exaggeration there). My favorite was the Popeye though. It was spinach swirled with cheese and red bell peppers. I remember wanting to work there for a while too. I even asked for the info. I also took Ranwei here when she visited freshmen year and she bought like 3 loaves.

37. Ruen Pair - Sauteed Morning Glory, Pineapple Fried Rice, anything

I first went here in a series of 3 dinners that Chris & I had to pay him back for paying for Chez Panisse. I read about the Morning Glory & was so curious that we ordered it. I thought it was the flower, but it turned out to be the shoots. They were perfectly sauteed. I also got Duck Curry, BBQ Ribs, and Thai Golden Green Mussels that night. Everything was consistently amazing. I went back with Pierre and he introduced me to the Pineapple Fried Rice. It was amazing. It was different from the other Pineapple Fried Rices I?ve had. The Thai Sausage and Green Curry were good too.

38. Petit Le Cheval - three item combo

I remember freshmen year our Chemistry GSI told us that this place was a great place to eat for cheap. I didn?t really think about it much until Chris & I went during finals. The 3-iten combo is $5 flat. It is sooo worth it. When you get soupy items like curry and stew, they even put it in a separate bowl. If they don?t have an item you want, they will make it fresh just for you if you ask.

39. Eat-a-Pita - Chicken Platter w/ lots of Garlic Sauce (Grilled Chicken, Pita, Rice, Salad, Hummus)

I think I always went here either by myself or with my high school girls. The lean chicken breast is just perfect with the plump & flavorful rice. The first time I ever got it I got a tub of garlic sauce & I?ve been addicted to the stuff since then. I always ask for it because I found out it doesn?t come with it normally. I remember Audrey thinking I was stupid because I said there was this garlicky sauce, which she never got before, but once she tried it she makes fun no longer.

40. A Cote - Mussels w/ Extra Bread

Chris & I only went to this place recently for his birthday. The mussels and extra bread we asked for was the most memorable of the dishes we ordered. The pomme frites were crispy and not oily though and the cashew tart came with a banana ice cream and rum sauce like a deconstructed banana's foster.

41. California Pizza Kitchen - Club Pizza

I know I will get yelled at about this one. Not only is it a chain, it?s not even in Berkeley. But, I have shared so many memorable meals at this chain that I have grown to like it. I used to think the food was very regular & I guess it still is, but the convo & company makes it worth it. I shared a few meals with Erick in LA & Emeryville and one with him & Doug after a tough midterm.

42. Bread Workshop - Vahlorna Brownie

Chanda & I went for sandwiches, but it that portion closed so she got a cheese straw & I a brownie. It remains the best brownie I?ve ever had. I?ve had the Cuban Sandwich with Erick & Alex since. Erick had gotten the turkey or chicken(?) with guac & Alex a mini apple pie that was divine. I?ve also shared a Turkey Meatball Sub and brownies with Pierre. The sub is pricy, but so juicy & wonderful.

43. Flacos - Tamal Plate & Taquitos

I think I?ve eaten this quite a few times with Pierre. The creamy green salsa that comes with both the tamal and taquitos is what makes it great. You would never realize that this stand is vegan. The tamal is in a banana leaf and not corn husk and I looked forward to the one olive hidden in each tamal. Diana also got the tamale plate when visiting in December.

44. Great China - Duck, Dumplings

I had my birthday lunch here. I had heard so many things about their great food. I was so surprised because it?s a tucked away tiny storefront. I ate there with my parents. We had half a Tea-Smoked Duck, Double Skin (transparent noodles mixed with seafood, veggies, hot mustard, and sauce), Honey Walnut Prawns, and Handmade Dumplings. I could definitely crave those dumplings. I made reservations here for my graduation dinner, so I can finally try the whole Peking Duck! Basically anything you order here will be excellently made. We had a tofu that was super crispy and tender. The Peking Duck was amazing. The skin was crispy and defatted. The meat was deboned and defatted as well. It was the best duck I've had. We decided if I would make duck like that I would do nothing else.

45. Cafe Gratitude - I am magical (Stuffed Mushrooms)

Diana, Chris, & I went the day Diana came recently. It is a new age restaurant that focuses on vegan and raw foods. This appetizer blew us away. We didn?t know vegan things could be so good. The mushrooms were juicy and the walnut pate was nutty & dense & flavorful. We shared the live nachos (the bean part was soo good), enchilada with quinoa & red rice, live mahalo pizza (avocado & pineapple & marinara). The Coconut Cream Pie was so creamy & not vegan tasting. You have to be in a certain mood when you visit this place. But, it was nice to be told I was so many wonderful things, surrounded by just positive thoughts, and to eat & sit on the comfortable leather couch.

46. Thai Temple - Coconut Pancakey things, Taro Fritters, Mango & Sticky Rice, Combo, Roti, everything

I read a review that best described this experience as stepping into a foreign country. You are surrounded by people and signs you don?t understand and you need to change your money into the local currency. I had wanted to go for a while, but it was Erick who finally took me. We both had the Thai Ice Tea, Roti (Roti smeared with condensed milk and sugar & rolled up like a sweet layered donut), Taro Pudding-ish things and Yellow Curry. I have since introduced it to Chanda, Aaron, Audrey, and Diana. I?ve also had the noodle soup, which is so complex in flavor. Since the first time, I?ve had a taste of most of the combo items, Rice Rolls, Yellow Curry wrapped in Roti, Papaya Salad, and BBQ Chicken. The past 3 times I?ve gone, they?ve brought back the Coconut Pancakey things and Taro Fritters on the side. The Taro Fritters are like biting into crispy honey disks. It is just so unique to Berkeley and novel.


There are so many yummy and novel places in Berkeley. This list could never do it justice. I didn't even finish my to do eating list though I came very very close. This will always be the place of my first loves of food of all kinds. Even though some of these places will come and go, my memories and the comfort they gave me will always stay with me.

Posted by blog/c_is_for at 3:41 PM EDT
Updated: Saturday, 27 May 2006 4:52 AM EDT
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