Although Scott Davidson rotates beers in and out of production, Vonnie Davidson said the Pink Convertible was an instant hit. They brewed a small batch of the beer flavored with hibiscus, in collaboration with Oaktown Spice Shop. “It was such a delicious beer, we immediately brewed a full batch of it,” she explained.
Ocean View Brew Works, open Thurs to Sat 12–9pm, Sun 12–7pm, Mon 2–8pm. Kitchenette 625, open Thurs to Sat 10am–7pm. 627 San Pablo Ave., Albany.510.280.5127. oceanviewbrews.com
Brock Keeling in Berkeleyside -
Ceasr Hernandez in the SF Chronicle -
Daryoush 2144 Center St., Berkeley. 510-629-2144 Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Noise level: Mild to moderate. Meal for two, without drinks: $50-$60. What to order: Combo koobideh ($15.95), chicken barg ($18.95), khoresht bodemjan ($18.95) Meat-free options: Kashk-e-bademjan ($7.95), aash-e-reshteh ($6.95 for cup), salad-e-shirazi ($7.95), Baghali polo ($7.95), vegan combo koobideh ($20.95), hot tea ($2.50), ice cream ($6.95). Drinks: Beer, wine and tea. Best practices: Order a koobideh combo, kashk-e-bademjan, hot tea and ice cream. Book a reservation for larger parties.
Roosevelt Tamale Parlor in the Mission District has closed after 100 years -
Bay Area gas stations with small markets are becoming very interesting food wise. People still need gasoline despite the pandemic, WFH, inflation and this provides foot traffic, standing in line and looking at the food on the counter. Besides this place, there’s the place (upthread) in Sonoma that sells Argentinian empanadas. Small markets/convenience stores are also something to look out for. Kathmandu Market (formerly Fred’s) on Telegraph/Dwight in Berkeley sells hot dosa and egg rolls. In some ways a gas stations/markets are the perfect “pop up” to test and sell food. It’s not the main business but it can add business, be a draw, flexibility…big upgrade from the 3 week hot dog on the roller, or the heat table burrito.
Located in the heart of Union City, Bar Bay Grill brings the heat with their flavorful Asian fusion bar bites served alongside a wide selection of sake, soju, beer and wine. Then, tucked away in downtown Oakland, Rio California brings tropical vibes to historic Preservation Park, serving up both popular Brazilian street foods and classic Caribbean favorites for lunch. Then, in the South Bay, Flowers Saratoga elevates shareable plates with seasonal ingredients and imaginative twists on New American standbys. Finally, reporter Cecilia Phillips heads to Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood to check out Korner Oakland, a unique commissary kitchen with rotating vendors, a sizable cocktail bar, and an ample outdoor dining space.
Aroma/HK Home Kitchen, which was at 10140 San Pablo Ave. in El Cerrito, has closed.
Chef Sarah Kirnon of Old Oakland’s Miss Ollie’s is closing her shop Forage Kitchen at 478 25th St. in Oakland.
Emilie Raguso, who started the Nosh food column at Berkeleyside, is now striking out on her own with her independent Berkeley Scanner where she covers local street news.
Here is a written interview with her conducted by Rob Arias of E’ville Eye News of Emeryville in which she talks about online hyperlocal news coverage.
From SF Eater, bar Blind Pig opens today, October 6, at the corner of California St and Grant Av.
Blind Pig(718 California Street) debuts Thursday, October 6 and will be open 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Paolo Bicchieri in SF Eater -
Delah Coffee House is set to open another location before the end of the year at 420 West Grand Av. near Broadway Av in Uptown Oakland
Today, Friday October 7, at 9 am and repeated at 8 pm on KQED FM 88.5 radio, host Alex Madrigal and guests discuss California craft beer and its 1100 microbreweries. The audio should be available later today or tomorrow online.
Brew Ha Ha with Harry Duke and Herlinda Heras is a live radio show and podcast all about craft beer and the people who produce it. The show is produced live on Thursday afternoons at 5pm as part of The Drive with Steve Jaxon on KSRO (Mon.-Fri. 3-6pm). With so many large and small craft brewers in the area, Brew Ha Ha is perfectly situated to have access to the most interesting people in the world of craft beer today.
Risa Nye in Oaklandside/Berkeleyside on a photo exhibit about legendary Kaspar’s hot dogs, which is being renovated in order to reopen, at Telegraph and Shattuck in Oakland -
excerpt -
Ryder writes about the transformative element in photography that elevates what one sees; linger over the images in the exhibit and take note of what you see: the background, the shadows, the light, the surroundings — they all change around the building, but the building changes too, with each new splash of color and design.
A photo exhibition that uses images and storytelling
about a boarded-up hot dog stand, to change the way we
view the urban landscapes that surround us.
OCTOBER 15 to JANUARY 15
5205 Telegraph Avenue
Join us at the library
October 15, 2 to 4pm
for an opening and a celebration
of history and community.
Featuring:
Live jazz - Refreshments Hear Here - North Oakland’s community billboard truck
Tales of the Town by Delency Parham & Abbas Muntaqim
A nice bit of local community marketing, playing to strengths. I’ve been to a couple of taquerias in Concord (near the defunct Fry’s) but had no idea there were forty. Hope this becomes an annual thing, as it runs Sept 15 to Oct 15.
