You can follow Sally on Instagram.
Spotted at West Coast Craft at Fort Mason Festival Pavilion.
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Friday, March 31, 2023
Work It, San Francisco: Sally
Thursday, March 30, 2023
Work It, San Francisco: Yula and Jiana
Spotted at West Coast Craft at Fort Mason Festival Pavilion.
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Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Work It, San Francisco: Alexandra
You can follow Alexandra on Instagram.
Spotted at West Coast Craft at Fort Mason Festival Pavilion.
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Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Work It, San Francisco: Gem
You can follow Gem on Instagram.
Spotted at West Coast Craft at Fort Mason Festival Pavilion.
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Monday, March 27, 2023
Work It, San Francisco: Julie
Spotted at West Coast Craft at Fort Mason Festival Pavilion.
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Friday, March 24, 2023
Work It, Oakland: Clare Spencer
You can follow Clare on Instagram.
Spotted at the Grand Lake Farmers' Market on Lake Park and Grand.
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Thursday, March 23, 2023
Work It, Oakland: Kathleen
You can follow Kathleen on Instagram.
Spotted on Grand near Lake Park.
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Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Work It, Oakland: Anna Greenberg Gold
Spotted at the Grand Lake Farmers' Market on Grand and Lake Park.
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Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Work It, Oakland: Evelyn
You can follow Evelyn on Instagram.
Spotted on Lakeshore and Hanover.
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Monday, March 20, 2023
Work It, Berk: Alexandra Utiralova
Spotted near Hearst Gymnasium on Bancroft and Bowditch.
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Friday, March 17, 2023
Eat in New York City: Chote Miya
Papdi Chaat made with papdi, potato, chickpeas, yogurt, tamarind chutney, pomegranate, and thin sev
While searching for lunch in Manhattan in late September, we ended up at a casual restaurant specializing in Indian street food called Chote Miya. Located inside Chelsea Market on 9th Avenue between W 15th and W 16th Streets, Chote Miya serves a variety of chaat that reminds of me Vik's Chaat in Berkeley.
Like at Vik's, I opted for the Papdi Chaat, an elaborate Indian snack made with papdi, potato, chickpeas, yogurt, tamarind chutney, pomegranate, and thin sev. It was as tasty as it looks. The ingredients were fresh, the flavors were tangy, and the textures were dynamic. The papdi, potato, and chickpeas provided a nice base for the yogurt and chutney on top. While there was some spice to this dish, the pomegranate and yogurt cooled things down. The thin sev's crispiness contrasted with the pomegranate seeds' more liquidy consistency. Calling this a snack or a street food might not elevate it as much as it deserves — it's complex and meant to be enjoyed in awe with others.
I would definitely stop by Chote Miya if I'm back in the area, perhaps trying their Samosa Chaat, Honey Chili Cauliflower, or Chicken Biryani.
Chote Miya
75 9th Ave., New York, NY 10011
Open: Monday - Sunday 11:30am - 9pm
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Eat in New York City: Win Son Bakery
BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich) made with raclette cheese, heritage bacon, and ginger deluxe on a milk bun
Custard Toast
Fan Tuan made with pork rice roll, egg, and cruller
Left: Nian Gao apple tart and Fan Tuan in its wrapper
Right: Cappuccino
I first heard of Win Son Bakery — a hip Taiwanese-American cafe, bakery, and restaurant located on the corner of Graham and Montrose in East Williamsburg — while watching an episode of Eater's Guide to the World that featured New York restaurants open in the wee hours of the morning. This episode followed pastry chef Danielle Spencer as she gets ready for her day of baking at Win Son. I soon realized that the bakery was only a few blocks away from where we were staying in Brooklyn.
We ended up stopping by a couple times on our trip because it was so close, delicious, and perfect for meeting with friends. The first time we visited we tried a few things: the BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich), the Custard Toast, and a Cappuccino. The BEC was made with eggs, raclette cheese, heritage bacon, and ginger deluxe on a milk bun. It was quite good, my favorite part being the soft milk bun. This was a more delicate version of the BEC we had at Alita Cafe, which was served on a homemade biscuit. I don't remember exactly how the Custard Toast tasted, but I'm sure it was as good as it is photogenic. The coffee was also perfectly prepared.
On our second visit, we ordered two new items to go with a BEC and cappuccino: Fan Tuan and Nian Gao. The Fan Tuan was a rice roll stuffed with pork, egg, and cruller. It was both very flavorful and crunchy on the inside and soft from the rice on the outside. The Nian Gao, an apple tart of sorts, had an amazing flavor and crumbly texture I liked.
I would definitely stop by Win Son Bakery in the future, again ordering the Fan Tuan, a few pastries, and another breakfast sandwich.
Win Son Bakery
164 Graham Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11206
Open: Tuesday - Wednesday 9am - 9pm, Thursday - Sunday 9am - 10pm
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Eat in New York City: il laboratorio del gelato
Rosemary and Espresso gelato
After eating Souvlaki Pita sandwiches at Souvlaki GR for dinner one late September evening, we were on the lookout for a dessert spot nearby. This led us to il laboratorio del gelato, a gelato shop located on the corner of Ludlow and Houston on the Lower East Side.
They're not just a sleek, white interior. They mean business — they have 250 flavors of ice cream and sorbet in their repertoire. I tried two flavors I really enjoyed: the Rosemary and the Espresso. I liked how their laboratory theme carries throughout: from the scientific set-up of the huge store space to the dishes your gelato is served in. I also remember their very welcoming service.
The next time I'm on this side of Manhattan, I'll be sure to try one of their hundreds of other flavors, perhaps the Brown Butter, Cheddar Cheese, Chocolate (Thai Chili), or Cucumber, just to name a few from the beginning of their alphabetically ordered list (!).
il laboratorio del gelato
188 Ludlow St., New York, NY 10002
Open: Daily 10:30am - 10pm
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Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Eat in New York City: Souvlaki GR
Souvlaki Pita with chicken, tomato, red onions, fries, and tzatziki sauce
Spanakopita (spinach pie) made with spinach, feta, ricotta, dill, and scallion
While looking for a dinner option in Manhattan one late September day, we stumbled upon Souvlaki GR, a cozy Greek restaurant on Stanton and Essex on the Lower East Side. We ordered the Spanakopita to start: a spinach pie made with spinach, feta, ricotta, dill, and scallion. It was as flaky and warm as desired. We then tried the Souvlaki Pita with chicken, tomato, red onions, fries, and tzatziki sauce. It hit the spot.
A big part of Souvlaki GR's appeal is the ambiance — it feels like you're transported to Greece with their white walls and blue-painted windows and doors. If back in the area, I would try the Kolokithokeftedes (zucchini croquettes), Revithosalata (chickpea salad), or the Kalamaki Garida (shrimp skewers).
Souvlaki GR
116 Stanton St., New York, NY 10002
Open: Daily 11am - 11pm
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Monday, March 13, 2023
Eat in New York City: Alita Cafe
Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich made with honey-glazed Canadian bacon, Sriracha garlic aioli, and homemade biscuits
Along with pizza and bagels, a trip to New York is not complete without a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich (or BEC for short). I tried my first at Alita Cafe, a hip coffee shop found on Grand between Bushwick and Humboldt in East Williamsburg.
Although I'm a neophyte, I suspect that their BEC is not ordinary. It's made with honey-glazed Canadian bacon, scrambled eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and Sriracha garlic aioli and served on a homemade biscuit. It is large in portion and flavor; I may recommend sharing it with a friend if you're not used to such a big, albeit handheld, breakfast. Just the same, it was quite good. The bacon was sweet, while the aioli added some depth and spice. It's a great way to start your day when you're on the go and need to be sated until lunch.
If I'm back in the area, I would order a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, croissant, or Lemon Olive Oil Cake, just a few of the homemade pastries they serve, along with an espresso drink.
Alita Cafe
797 Grand St., Brooklyn, NY 11211
Open: Monday - Friday 7am - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday 8am - 4pm
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Friday, March 10, 2023
Eat in New York City: Vanessa's Dumpling House
Peking Duck Sesame Pancake Sandwich
Chive & Pork Dumplings
Steamed Bun
Sesame & Peanut Noodles
We stopped by Vanessa's Dumpling House, located on Bedford and S 1st Street in Williamsburg, on a rainy late September day. This casual Chinese restaurant is known for their dumplings and sesame pancake sandwiches and it's very clear why it was recommended by friends.
We tried a few of their dishes: the Peking Duck Sesame Pancake Sandwich, the Chive & Pork Dumplings, a Steamed Bun, and the Sesame & Peanut Noodles. Although it's been a while, I remember everything being quite good and affordable to boot. Vanessa's has turned a traditional sesame pancake into a sandwich and then stuffed it with delicious Peking duck. It was as tasty as it was innovative. We also enjoyed the dumplings, which were perfectly pan-fried and crispy on the bottom, and the Steamed Bun, although I cannot recall the filling. The Sesame & Peanut Noodles provided a nice leftover for dinner later that day and then some.
I would definitely return to Vanessa's Dumpling House in the future, perhaps visiting one of their other locations in Manhattan. Next time I might try some of their dumplings boiled in soup or a Red Bean Steamed Bun for dessert.
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Coffee in New York City: Copper Mug Coffee
Cappuccinos
We stopped by Copper Mug Coffee, a hip coffee shop located on N 4th St between Berry and Bedford in Williamsburg, for a warm drink on a rainy day in late September. I enjoyed my perfectly made cappuccino in their large patio space outside. This seems like a great spot for catching up with friends or having some downtime in a busy city.
I'd definitely stop by the next time I'm in Brooklyn, potentially opting for the Avocado Toast or a Wild Tuna Sandwich to go along with an espresso drink.
Copper Mug Coffee
131 N 4th St., Brooklyn, NY 11249
Open: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 6:30pm, Saturday - Sunday 9am - 6:30pm
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Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Eat in New York City: Simply Nova
Everything Bagel with lox cream cheese
As is required on any trip to New York, we were on the lookout for a lox bagel. We visited Simply Nova, a sleek bagel shop located on Metropolitan and Graham in East Williamsburg.
We ordered the Everything Bagel with lox cream cheese. Although I'm no bagel expert — I'm a fan of most — I do remember enjoying this one. I was also quite impressed by the care in which they put into their work. (They wrapped the bagels in wax paper and placed them in a paper bag, like presents from a department store!)
Along with bagels, they have all the deli dishes you're looking for, from prepared latkes and pastrami or corned beef sandwiches on rye to other varieties of fish and caviar. Next time I'm in the area, I may opt for a bagel topped with one of their many types of smoked salmon.
Simply Nova
754 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
Open: Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday - Sunday 8am - 6pm
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Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Eat in New York City: Williamsburg Pizza
Sophia Loren made with mozzarella, tomatoes, garlic, and basil
Cup & Char Grandma made with mozzarella, Cup & Char pepperoni, tomato sauce, basil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano
Apple Bacon made with smoked mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, bacon, walnuts, gorgonzola, and apples
In late September, I spent some time in New York City where we tried a lot of good food. After arriving in Brooklyn late at night, we stopped by Williamsburg Pizza for a quick dinner. Located on Union Avenue and S 3rd Street in Williamsburg, this pizza spot serves a sophisticated selection of pizzas, either as a "Brooklyn round" or "Grandma square."
We tried three slices we really enjoyed: the Sophia Loren, the Cup & Char Grandma, and the Apple Bacon. The Sophia Loren, made with mozzarella, tomatoes, garlic, and basil, had the big pieces of melted mozzarella I like and the slice was much bigger than expected. The Cup & Char Grandma had mozzarella, Cup & Char pepperoni, tomato sauce, basil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, filling the pepperoni craving on our pizza checklist. The Apple Bacon — made with smoked mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, bacon, walnuts, gorgonzola, and apples — reminded me of the funky flavors you might find at The Cheese Board Collective or Sliver in Berkeley, where they combine fresh ingredients in dynamic ways.
If I'm back in the area looking for a quick bite, I would definitely stop by Williamsburg Pizza's location on Union — or one of the four others in the city. I may opt for the Paesano (mushrooms, Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and tomato sauce) or the Bianco (mozzarella, ricotta, pecorino, and Parmigiano-Reggiano).
Williamsburg Pizza
265 Union Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
Open: Monday - Wednesday 11:30am - 9:30pm, Thursday 11:30am - 11pm, Friday - Saturday 11:30am - 2am, Sunday 11:30am - 11pm
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Monday, March 6, 2023
Eat in Oakland: Spices 3
Dry Braised Green Beans
Scallion Pancake
Shanghai Style Stir-Fried Fat Noodles with Pork
Crispy Duck
Located on 12th between Webster and Franklin in Oakland Chinatown, Spices 3 is a low-key restaurant that serves numbingly spicy Sichuan, Taiwanese, and Chinese food. I've visited a handful of times over the years; these photos are from a visit with friends in late September.
I've often ordered a combination of the above: Dry Braised Green Beans, Scallion Pancakes, Shanghai Style Stir-Fried Fat Noodles with Pork, and Crispy Duck. The green beans are a must-order; they're just the right amount of spicy and tender. The Scallion Pancakes weren't as exciting as anticipated; I would recommend Shandong's instead. The noodles were a hit: they were thick, well-seasoned and made with delicious pork to boot. The Crispy Duck was also interesting. I'd only ever had Peking Duck, which is roasted, sliced, and eaten in a thin rice wrapper with scallions and a hearty sauce. I'm not sure how this duck was prepared, but it was served with the bone in, making it easier to dip into the accompanying sauce.
Spices 3 is great for when you're in the mood for Chinese food, especially spicy dishes you won't find elsewhere, in a relaxed environment where you can catch up with friends or family without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Next time I stop by, I'll definitely order the green beans as well as a noodle and rice dish. If I'm brave enough, I may try the Explosive Tofu, which I remember being very tasty the first time I visited.
Spices 3
370 12th St., Oakland, CA 94607
Open: Monday - Friday 11am - 9pm, Saturday - Sunday 11:30am - 9pm
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Friday, March 3, 2023
Eat in Oakland: Pho Huong Que
Bun Ga Nuong: grilled chicken over vermicelli noodles
In mid-September, I visited what has become one of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants in Oakland, Pho Huong Que, located on International and 2nd Avenue in East Oakland. In the few times since, I've often ordered one of my favorite Vietnamese dishes: the Bun Ga Nuong, which is grilled chicken over vermicelli noodles. The grilled chicken is always prepared perfectly, while the egg rolls provide a flavorful crunch. The noodles are a nice base for the fresh salad of carrots, cucumbers, and lettuce.
Pho Huong Que is filling the vermicelli hole that Thanh Tam II in the Mission used to fill for me. Next time I stop by, I'll order a vermicelli dish or pho with meatballs if it's cold out.
Pho Huong Que
200 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 94606
Open: Daily 9am - 8:30pm
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Thursday, March 2, 2023
Eat in San Francisco: Breadbelly
Fig-Honey Danish made with figs, honey cream, dark summer jam, and toasted sesame
Breakfast Sandwich made with a fried egg, smoked ham, gruyere, sweet and sour kale, and fermented chili paste on a pandesal bun
Right: Blueberry Violet Lassis
In early September, I visited Breadbelly, a popular bakery and cafe serving pastries balancing Asian and Californian influences, with friends for the first time. Located on Clement and 15th Avenue in the Inner Richmond, Breadbelly is known for their impressive selection of exquisite pastries, sandwiches, and signature drinks.
We tried a few things when we visited: the Fig-Honey Danish, the Breakfast Sandwich, and the Blueberry Violet Lassis. The danish — made with figs, honey cream, dark summer jam, and toasted sesame – was as delicious as it is photogenic. Although I can't remember what it tasted like exactly so many months later, it's clear that it has a flakey crust, reminiscent of a kouign-amann, perfectly prepared figs, and so many sesame seeds to boot. The Breakfast Sandwich was made with a fried egg, smoked ham, gruyere, sweet and sour kale, and fermented chili paste on a pandesal bun — more sophisticated than your traditional morning sandwich. My friend seemed to enjoy his Blueberry Violet Lassis as well.
While quite a trek from Oakland, if I visited Breadbelly in the future, I would try the Kaya Toast, Curry Bun, Sesame Horchata, or one of the other delectable pastries or drinks they serve.
Breadbelly
1408 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118
Open: Thursday - Monday 9am - 2pm
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Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Eat in Oakland: Cam Huong Cafe
Xíu Mại (pork meatball) bánh mì
Xá Xíu (BBQ pork) bánh mì
Like Abba's Hummus, Cam Huong Cafe is another one of those local spots I visit often but have never reviewed. Located on International between 7th and 8th Avenues in East Oakland, Cam Huong is a Vietnamese cafe and deli that serves bánh mì sandwiches, vermicelli dishes, and other takeaway options, along with an expansive selection of chips from various countries, canned beverages, and Vietnamese bean and jelly based desserts.
Being the creature of habit that I am, I've mostly tried the two sandwiches seen here: the Xíu Mại (pork meatball) and Xá Xíu (BBQ pork) bánh mì. They're served on a soft baguette, dressed with a buttery mayo spread, featuring your filling of choice, along with sliced carrots, jicama, cucumbers, jalapeños, and cilantro. The meatball is tender and flavorful, while the BBQ pork is always tasty. We've also taken home some spam musubi, vermicelli dishes, chips, and a sugary beverage like Thai tea for later.
Next time I stop by for lunch, I will probably order the same sandwiches and a vermicelli dish.
Cam Huong Cafe
702 International Blvd., Ste. A, Oakland, CA 94606
Open: Daily 7am - 6pm
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