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Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Eat in Berkeley: Guerilla Cafe

Smoked Salmon and Eggs made with two organic poached eggs, smoked salmon, cucumbers, capers, and crème fraîche

Eggs Mediterranean made with two organic poached eggs, tomato, cucumbers, feta, and olives

Latte

I'm not sure why it took me so long but I finally visited Guerilla Cafe for breakfast this past weekend. Located in North Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto on Shattuck between Lincoln and Cedar, this adorable self-described art cafe serves a breakfast selection of mostly toast, poached eggs, waffles, and polenta.

When we visited, I tried the Smoked Salmon and Eggs plate made with two organic poached eggs, smoked salmon, cucumbers, capers, and crème fraîche. My dining companion had the Eggs Mediterranean made with two organic poached eggs, tomato, cucumbers, feta, and olives. We ordered two perfectly prepared lattes with our meals. My dish was very good. I layered my toast with the sliced poached egg, smoked salmon, a few capers, cucumber slices, and some crème fraîche. It was a healthy yet filling breakfast I wouldn't mind repeating.

Guerilla Cafe is also known for their adorable interior reminiscent of a funky diner you might find in Portland or Seattle. They have a diner counter, beautiful wood tables, and art pieces displayed throughout. The clientele dresses the part.

If you've visited Guerilla Cafe recently, what did you try?

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Eat in Los Angeles: Kings Road Cafe

Poached Eggs with black forest ham and mozzarella, served with homemade country sourdough toast and breakfast potatoes

While visiting Los Angeles this past weekend, I tried Kings Road Cafe on Beverly. Being the poached eggs fiend that I am (seriously), I ordered the poached eggs with black forest ham and mozzarella. The whole meal deserved an A+. The eggs were poached to perfection. The sourdough toast was thick and complemented the ham and cheese nicely. The potatoes were great for dipping the gooey insides of the eggs.

The meal was about $9, which for brunch in these parts, doesn't seem so bad. As we were leaving, we spotted Jane Lynch eating outside, which is apparently not that rare an occurrence.

Click here for more photos from Kings Road Cafe.

Kings Road Cafe
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Yelp
8361 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Open: Daily 6 - 6

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Monday, July 7, 2014

Eat in Los Angeles: Blu Jam Café

Norwegian Benedict with smoked salmon, poached eggs, sautéed spinach, tomato, and dill hollandaise, served with potatoes

Breakfast Trio with scrambled eggs, French toast, and chicken apple sausage

Ever since experiencing the perfection that is brunch at Nopa, few (read: no) other brunches have compared. They've raised the bar so high that average brunches will no longer be considered. Sadly, this was true of my visit to Blu Jam Café in June. Although most reviewers raved about this Melrose restaurant on Yelp, I was disappointed with my mediocre meal.

I ordered the Norwegian Benedict, which came with smoked salmon, spinach, tomato, and poached eggs. The dish was fine. It just didn't produce the excitement I expected I would have from ordering three of my favorite things: poached eggs, smoked salmon, and Benedict anything. It tasted like the cooks went through the motions of creating a perfectly adequate Benedict; it was just underwhelming in execution. At $15 a pop, I expected much more. This seems to be a trend of a few places I've tried in LA: the prices are high, while the quality is not always there.

What I also didn't like about my visit was the 45 minute wait time. Of course, I'm used to waiting in lines for brunch. It just comes with the territory, especially at popular brunch spots in San Francisco and Berkeley. What's more frustrating is that the 45 minutes didn't lead to an amazing result. Moreover, we were essentially urged to leave after nearing their 75 minute table limit. I understand that it's a busy place, but dang-it, I was catching up with old friends over brunch. That's what it's all about, right?

If you had a good experience at Blu Jam Café, I'd love to hear about it in the comments. What'd you order?

Want to see more photos from Blu Jam Café? Come one, come all.

Blu Jam Café
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Yelp

7371 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Open: Daily 8 - 4

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Monday, December 4, 2017

Eat in Oakland: Reem's California

Shakshuka made with poached eggs, spiced red pepper tomato sauce, feta, and parsley, served with pita, and Black Mint Tea

This was the second time I stopped by Reem's California, a cafe in East Oakland that serves delicious Arab street food. The first time I came by, it was the final stop on the Savor Oakland food tour of Fruitvale. We tried a variety of their Middle Eastern desserts as well as the iced cardamom coffee, all of which I'd order again in the future.

This time I came by to catch up with a friend over breakfast. I ordered the Shakshuka made with poached eggs, spiced red pepper tomato sauce, feta, and parsley. It was served with a side of freshly baked pita bread. I also warmed up with a cup of Black Mint Tea. Besides being incredibly photogenic, the shakshuka was the perfect breakfast dish. It was served very warm with perfectly poached eggs in the delicious tomato sauce.

If you've visited Reem's California, what do you recommend trying?

Reem's California
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp
3301 E. 12th St., Ste. 133, Oakland, CA 94601
Open: Tuesday - Wednesday 8 - 3, Thursday - Friday 8 - 8, Saturday 9 - 3

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Eat in San Francisco: Nopa

Oven Baked Egg served with creamed lentils, mustard, shaved pantaleo, and toast

Custard French Toast served with caramelized apples, and maple butter

Whiskey Braised Pork served with butter beans, butternut squash, and olive tapenade

Wood Grilled Rosemary Sausage served with orange glazed sweet potatoes, bacon, onions, and poached eggs

I've wanted to try Nopa ever since my old friend, who's a master at brunching in San Francisco, recommended it long ago. I finally ventured out to this Alamo Square fixture on Divisadero between Hayes and Fell this past weekend. Our brunch group included myself, my friend, and his three friends. We opted to share five dishes so we could all try a bit of everything. Considering how rich certain dishes were, I think we made the right choice.

We started with the Date and Walnut Crumb Muffin served with a side of crème fraîche for dipping. Although this is not pictured, just imagine the moistest muffin you've ever had with a good helping of crumbs on top. Nopa took the muffin to another level.

We then had the the Oven Baked Egg, which was surrounded by the most flavorful lentils around, pantaleo cheese, and toast. If you've ever made lentils, you know that they need something extra to give them that kick of flavor. These lentils had that and more. Combine that with a baked egg and you've got a pretty tasty dip for your toast.

Our next course took the eightieth spot on 7x7's The Big Eat 2014, which features a hundred must-try dishes in restaurants across the city. (This list is sure to be my guidebook for what to try this year. Stay tuned.) It's their famous Custard French Toast. Every part of this dish was incredible. The French toast was soaked in custard overnight (or at least for several hours, I believe) and was very moist and rich. After the first bite, I'm pretty sure at least half of our table had to take a moment to just let the French toast melt in our mouth. It's that good. It was topped with perfectly caramelized apples and a healthy serving of maple butter. This dish comes in either a half serving of one slice or a full serving of two. Unless you have a huge sweet tooth, the half serving should be suffice.

We then had more savory dishes that were equally as good. The Whiskey Braised Pork was impossibly tender. It was served with butter beans, butternut squash, olives, and some greens, which gave the dish even more dimension. It was a hands-down favorite for our table.

The final dish was the Wood Grilled Rosemary Sausage served with orange glazed sweet potatoes, bacon, onions, and poached eggs. Although the flavors in this dish didn't complement each other as well as the previous one, it was still pretty good. The sausage was accentuated by the diverse flavors of the poached eggs, sweet potatoes, and bacon. This was certainly one of the best presented and, dare I say, prettiest dishes of the meal.

Overall, I would wholeheartedly recommend trying Nopa. Their food is very high quality and not too heavy, leaving you feeling like you went on a culinary adventure in your seat. The problem is that it can be hard to get a table, especially during weekend brunch. You can either make a reservation weeks or months in advance on their website, or put your name on the list when they open at 10:30 am and, depending on the size of your party, wait to be served an hour (although probably more) later.

Moreover, the restaurant is rather large and great for people-watching. I'd suggest trying to get a table on the second floor where you'll have an excellent view of the kitchen and the patrons below.

Nopa

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Yelp

560 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94117
Open: Monday - Friday 5 - 1, Saturday - Sunday 11 - 1

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Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Eat in Las Vegas: Fleur by Hubert Keller

Carnitas Hash with roasted pork, fingerling potatoes, tomatillo salsa, and poached eggs

Red Velvet Pancakes with cream cheese butter and maple syrup

When we stopped by Fleur at the Mandalay Bay resort for brunch, we ordered the Carnitas Hash and the Red Velvet Pancakes.

The Carnitas Hash came with roasted pork, fingerling potatoes, tomatillo salsa, and poached eggs, while the Red Velvet Pancakes came with cream cheese butter and maple syrup. They were both pretty good. The carnitas was paired well with the potatoes and poached eggs. The dish was enhanced by the tomatillo salsa. The pancakes were sweet but not overtly so. Trying a bit of both dishes was a good balance of sweet and savory.

If you've visited Fleur, what do you recommend trying?

Fleur by Hubert Keller

Website | Yelp

Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Open: Daily Lunch 11 - 4, Dinner 5 - 10:30, Sunday brunch 10 - 3

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Friday, March 2, 2018

Eat in San Francisco: Frjtz

L'accademia: poached eggs with spinach, tomato-basil sauces and Hollandaise sauce on English muffins, served with home-fried potatoes

I tried Frjtz, a brunch and burger spot in the Mission on Valencia between 16th and 17th, for the first time this weekend.

I ordered L'accademia: poached eggs with spinach, tomato-basil sauces and Hollandaise sauce on English muffins, served with home-fried potatoes. This was a solid brunch dish with the perfectly poached eggs being the main event. I also had a delicious latte.

The next time I stop by I want to try one of their Belgian waffles. If you've visited Frjtz recently, what do you recommend trying?

Frjtz
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Yelp

590 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110
Open: Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9am - 10pm, Friday - Saturday 9am - 11pm

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Monday, September 28, 2015

Eat in Berkeley: Elmwood Cafe (Pt. 4)

Poached Egg Sandwich with Early Girl tomato, Niman Ranch bacon, poached egg, herbed mayonnaise, and arugula on Acme roll

Poached Organic Eggs, served with Acme levain toast

Frittata with kale, cauliflower, peas, zucchini, onion, and cheddar

Yesterday, I visited Elmwood Cafe for brunch with a few friends. (I've covered this neighborhood favorite three times previously.)

I ordered the Poached Egg Sandwich, which was as good as the first time I had it. Instead of sliced bread, they now use a fresh Acme roll. Like last time, the yolk of the perfectly poached egg bursts at first bite. My friend ordered the Poached Organic Eggs and the daily Frittata. The Frittata was made with kale, cauliflower, peas, zucchini, onion, and cheddar. It was very flavorful. The poached eggs seemed to be a hit as well.

If you've visited Elmwood Cafe recently, what did you try?

Friday, February 14, 2014

Eat in Oakland: Grand Lake Kitchen

Savory French Toast made with rye bread, two poached eggs, wild mushrooms, Parmesan, arugula, herb oil, and prosciutto di Parma

Chilaquiles made with tortilla chips, salsa roja, black beans, two eggs sunny, avocado, queso fresco, sour cream, and pickled red onions

I think I found my new brunch spot. Located right near Lake Merritt on Grand at El Embarcadero, Grand Lake Kitchen is a hip restaurant and deli that serves tasty New American cuisine any brunch fiend would enjoy. This was my first time visiting and I can confirm that my love affair has begun. Their brunch menu has about eight entrees on it, all of which I'd like to try at some point. After using process of elimination to figure of which item was today's lucky winner while making sure to get something different from my brunch buddy, I ordered the chilaquiles.

I've never had chilaquiles before, but since reading the list of ingredients made me salivate a little, I knew it was a good pick. The chilaquiles were made of tortilla chips covered in a tasty salsa and then topped with everything myself and the internet daydream about, namely sunny-side up eggs, slices of avocado, and green onions. It was also served with pickled red onions that were made in-house. From what I can tell from the display case that's a part of the counter I was eating on, they make a variety of pickled vegetables, including beets, carrots, onions, and well, pickles. Needless to say, this was the most delicious breakfast nachos-type dish I've had.

I also tried a bit of the savory French toast, which was French toast minus the syrup and plus prosciutto, poached eggs, arugula, and Parmesan. It was as good as it sounds. I would encourage someone to try it which some maple syrup to see if that adds to the experience.

All in all, I would recommend trying Grand Lake Kitchen ASAP. If you're visiting on the weekend, come early as it seems pretty popular and they only have about twenty seats in total. They do have outdoor seating, so maybe come in on a sunny day and enjoy a view of the lake (somewhat) nearby. Their very nice and helpful employees make waiting not so bad. If there is a line, stop by Walden Pond Books just up the way.

Grand Lake Kitchen

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp

576 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610
Open: Daily 9am - 10pm

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Monday, December 17, 2012

Eat in Berkeley: Bette's Oceanview Diner

Smoked salmon omelette with avocado and sour cream, served with toast and a side salad

Grilled bockwurst served with potato pancakes and house-made applesauce

Banana rum soufflé pancake

The Daily Special: Salmon and toast with poached eggs

California Breakfast with poached eggs on ham & toast with a lemon-herb butter sauce, served with home fries and grilled tomatoes

Hot chocolate

Bette's Oceanview Diner is a fixture on Fourth Street, a quaint shopping district in Northwest Berkeley. I've visited the restaurant three times and I've always left with the slight food coma that I long for after consuming a solid brunch. On my most recent trip, I tried the bockwurst and potato pancakes served with applesauce and sour cream (what a surprise) as well as the banana rum soufflé pancake.

I would recommend the sausage and potato dish to anyone looking for some good German food. Likewise, the soufflé pancake was an instant favorite and unlike anything I've ever tried. Despite being over an inch thick, it has a light and fluffy texture. It also comes in four different flavor combinations. If you're looking for a good weekend brunch spot, make sure to put your name in ahead of time and explore the local shops while you wait for your table.

Bette's Oceanview Diner
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Yelp

1807 4th St., Berkeley, CA 94710

Open: Monday - Friday 6:30am - 2:30pm, Saturday - Sunday 6:30am - 4pm

Monday, June 24, 2013

Kia at the Vans Warped Tour

I'll preface this post with the following statement: Although the following events seem surreal, they did in fact happen and were amazing.

This past weekend, I was invited by the good folks at Kia Motors America to enjoy a weekend of great food, music, and general merriment. On Friday morning, Kia dropped off a brand-new 2014 Kia Sorento for me and my guest to use for the weekend. As a frequent user of public transportation, I'm always excited to travel in the comfort of a car. I don't have to fight for a seat, shiver, or avoid eye contact. This car is special. It has so many features I didn't even know should exist. (Fortunately they do and they're fantastic.) My favorites are the heated seats; the huge multipurpose screen used for GPS, a camera for when you're in reverse, and SiriusXM radio; and the side view mirrors that notify you when someone's in your blind spot and automatically fold in when you park.

Latte

Breakfast cookies

Market Fruit Salad with vanilla and honey Straus yogurt

Biscuit with Trace rooftop honey

Even the condiments are presented adorably

Trace Breakfast with two organic fried eggs, bacon, Yukon Gold potatoes, and toast

Poached Eggs & La Quercia Prosciutto with arugula, Leadbetter's English muffin, and hollandaise

The moment of truth

French Toast made with bourbon, roasted banana, toasted pecans, and caramelized white chocolate

Roasted Kale Pizza with tomato, roasted onions, house-made pancetta, and ricotta salata

The view from our room on the 25th floor

After work, we bid Berkeley adieu and made our way over the Bay Bridge to the W San Francisco in SOMA. It's safe to say that this is the best hotel experience I've ever had. The interior has the sleek yet inviting modernity in which the W is known. As you enter the lobby, you see a huge topographical map of the city with lights running along its major streets. Our room on the 25th floor has a view of the city I could never even have dreamed of living across the bay. What really made our experience in the hotel special was brunch at the in-house restaurant, Trace. We tried everything from poached and fried eggs to French toast and kale pizza. Each dish was as delicious than the last.

After breakfast on Saturday, we met up with the other bloggers. I was happy to see such friendly faces as Jennie Lodge from Going West and Chandamheer Stacker from Pancake Stacker. I also met the lovely Fabio Periera from the men's lifestyle guide, Rundown. In true TV commercial fashion, we headed down to the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View in our caravan of Kia Sorentos to attend the Vans Warped Tour. (I can only imagine what nearby drivers thought being surrounded by so many identical cars.) I admit that the last time I heard about this music festival was on KROQ when I was in middle school. It's a primarily punk music festival geared towards teens. While many of the bands were fairly new, there were a few must-see shows by bands from the generation before. I really enjoyed seeing the Aquabats whose upbeat energy matched the brightness of their famous superhero costumes.

I feel special. Yes, I do. #princess

With Kia as our gracious hosts, we spent some time at their tent seeing all they had to offer. First, we got airbrushed tattoos. They had a hot air balloon, nautical anchor, skull with a mohawk, and more. Being the princess I think I am, I opted for the diamond one. They also had two clear booths where concertgoers danced their little hearts out and were made into GIF's in the process. With our exclusive press wristbands affixed, we went backstage to meet the members of We Came As Romans, a six-piece melodic metalcore band from Troy, Michigan. Being the ~fashion~ blogger that I am, I appreciated their attention to maintaining their distinct looks and, most importantly, hairdos.

Panda Bear (left) and Kozlov Stout

Patatas Bravas with garlic, spicy brava sauce and aioli for dipping

Shrimp platter

Chocolate, blackberry, and vanilla cream puffs

After the festival, we headed back to the city for dinner at the ThirstyBear Restaurant & Brewing right across the street from our hotel. We started off our evening with a tasting of several of their organic beers. I enjoyed the Panda Bear's sweetness that was derived from the vanilla. We then took a tour of the brewery, seeing everything from the core ingredients in their purest forms to the huge vats of beer. We then sat down for a delicious tapas-style meal with garlic potatoes, grilled veggies, chicken, carne asada, shrimp, and finally cream puffs.

All in all, this was a wonderful experience and I couldn't be more grateful for being included.

Special thanks to Kia Motors America, W San Francisco, and Vans Warped Tour for the great weekend. Thanks to Emily Grannis and Matias Cavallin of the Zeno Group for inviting me. You're the best!

Check out more posts from San Francisco and music festivals.

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Tuesday, May 17, 2016

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Monday, July 7, 2014

Monday, December 4, 2017

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Friday, March 2, 2018

Monday, September 28, 2015

Friday, February 14, 2014

Monday, December 17, 2012

Monday, June 24, 2013