Eat in Oakland: Huangcheng Noodle House

Seasoned Beef Shank


Left: Chongqing Street Noodle soup

Right: Cucumber with hot oil sauce


Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic


Chongqing Street Noodle soup

Vegetarian Fried Noodle

Last week, I stopped by Huangcheng Noodle House — a Chinese restaurant known for "knife-shaved" noodles in Swan's Market on Washington and 9th in Old Oakland — for the first time with friends. I previously visited their old location just across Broadway in Oakland Chinatown years ago, so I was excited to see what their new spot had in store.

We shared a few appetizers and entrees. Our meal started with the Seasoned Beef Shank, featuring flavorful, bite-sized pieces of meat and steamed baby bok choy. We then had the Cucumber with hot oil sauce, a wildcard option for me that turned out to be a must-try. The cucumber was cooling and complemented by the spicy sauce nicely. I was glad there was so much of it to share. As is required on any visit to a restaurant in Oakland Chinatown, we then had the Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic, which were perfectly cooked. 

As for entrees, we tried one they're known for: the Chongqing Street Noodle soup, made with ground pork, their famous delicate noodles, baby bok choy, and peanuts in a flavorful broth. It's clear why this is so popular: all the flavors came together perfectly. We also tried the Vegetarian Fried Noodle, with various vegetables like carrots, onions, bok choy, and green onions accompanying the noodles.

I would definitely stop by Huangcheng Noodle House again and order pretty much the same things. (Maybe I'll try their noodles in a different noodle soup.)

Huangcheng Noodle House 

Website | Instagram | Yelp

911 Washington St., Oakland, CA 94607

Open: Wednesday - Monday 10am - 9pm 

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Eat in Oakland: Poppy Bagels

Green Garden bagel sandwich made with jalapeño serrano cream cheese, cucumber, green olives, microcelery, scallion, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper


Seasonal Veg bagel sandwich made with plain cream cheese, avocado, purple radish, micro cilantro, Kuali salsa macha, lemon, and salt flakes

Spicy & Sweet bagel sandwich made with jalapeño serrano cream cheese and local honey

I visited Poppy Bagels, a bagel shop found on Telegraph and 51st in Temescal, for the first time with an old friend about a week ago. After making deliveries and working at farmers' markets for two years, Poppy's first brick & mortar store opened last February in the spot previously occupied by Doña Tomás. 

When we stopped by, I tried the Green Garden bagel sandwich made with jalapeño serrano cream cheese, cucumber, green olives, microcelery, scallion, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It was divine. The bagel was chewy (read: not too dense) and the flavor combinations were impeccable. I also tried half of my friend's Spicy & Sweet bagel sandwich, which had jalapeño serrano cream cheese and local honey — quite a treat. 

Poppy Bagels has a sizable interior and access to the lovely back patio shared by adjoining businesses. I would definitely make my way back for a bagel brunch that I know will feature delicious food at good prices and friendly service.

Poppy Bagels 

Website | Instagram | Yelp

5004 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609

Open: Wednesday - Sunday 7:30am - 1:30pm 

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Eat in Oakland: Doña

Enchiladas made with shredded chicken, cheese, corn tortillas, and mole rojo

Calabaza y kale taco (left) made with roasted butternut squash, ancho chile oil, kale salad, pepitas, and crema. Pescado taco made with chipotle aioli, cabbage, and pickled fresno chiles

I cannot believe I haven't reviewed Doña — a casual Mexican restaurant located on Piedmont and W. MacArthur, right next to Pomella — yet. Doña opened in 2019, after owner Dona Savitsky closed her original restaurant Doña Tomás in Temescal earlier that year. (She also is behind Tacubaya on Fourth Street in West Berkeley. Basically, she knows how to open a restaurant serving delicious Mexican food.) I've been to Doña almost a dozen times since they opened, most recently in late November.

I usually order the fish and veggie tacos. The Pescado (fish) taco is made with chipotle aioli, cabbage, and pickled fresno chiles, while the Calabaza y kale (veggie) taco is made with roasted butternut squash, ancho chile oil, kale salad, pepitas, and crema. (Here's a better photo of the latter.) They use fresh ingredients and pair flavors in dynamic ways. I'm usually not one for chicken, pork, or beef tacos — that's where burritos come into play for me — but I'm impressed when fish or veggie tacos are done well. My dining companion really enjoyed his Enchiladas made with shredded chicken, cheese, corn tortillas, and mole rojo.

Beyond the consistently well-made food, I'm always impressed by the wonderful service and atmosphere. This space is huge with seating on two floors, inside and outside, making it perfect for both small and large groups year-round. Next time I stop by I will most likely order the fish and veggie tacos.

Doña 

Website | Instagram | Yelp

3770 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA 94611

Open: Daily 11am - 9pm 

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Eat in San Francisco: Asian Box

Chicken Curry Box made with six-spice chicken, yellow coconut curry sauce, potatoes, carrots, jasmine rice, herbs, scallion oil, peanuts, and crispy shallots

I visited Asian Box, a casual Vietnamese street food style restaurant located on Chestnut and Fillmore in the Marina, for the first time in mid-November. They serve a variety of boxed lunches that feature proteins like chicken, salmon, and tofu on a base of rice, noodles, or salad, topped with flavorful sauces, curries, and other ingredients like pickled veggies and peanuts.

I tried the Chicken Curry Box made with six-spice chicken, yellow coconut curry sauce, potatoes, carrots, jasmine rice, fresh herbs, scallion oil, peanuts, and crispy shallots. It was incredible. It was made with fresh ingredients, had a nice contrast of textures, and a dynamic curry flavor. I had no exposure to this restaurant before stopping by and I was pleasantly surprised. It is now my go-to spot for an incredible meal in an expensive area. 

Next time, I may try the Chicken & Veggie Green Curry — considering how good their curry is — or Chef Gracie's Grandma's Pho.

Asian Box

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2031 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA 94123

Open: Monday - Saturday 10:30am - 9pm, Sunday 10:30am - 8pm

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Eat in Oakland: Panadería Matilija at Xochi the Dog, Cafe

Pan de Muerto


Olive Oil Cake made with verbena custard, lemon curd, figs, and berries


Flan de Muerto made with marigold and vanilla

In early November, my dining companion and I stopped by the Panadería Matilija pop-up at Xochi the Dog, Cafe, a cafe on E. 21st Street and 11th Avenue in East Oakland. A self-described "vagabond bakery by the bay," Panadería Matilija serves beautiful Mexican pastries, cakes, and other baked goods at pop-ups throughout the East Bay as well as takes cake commissions for weddings and other occasions. This was the first time I was able to visit the pop-up and, given the caliber of pop-ups that the cafe has hosted in the past, I knew this would be a treat.

We ordered three items when we stopped by for breakfast: the Pan de Muerto, the Olive Oil Cake, and the Flan de Muerto. The Pan de Muerto was decorated with a criss-cross pattern reminiscent of bones (we visited the same week as Halloween) and a healthy dusting of sugar. It was the freshest, lightest pan dulce I've had and was complemented by the latte I dipped it in well. The Olive Oil Cake was also delicious; made with verbena custard, lemon curd, figs, and berries, it had a brightness from the lemon and freshness from the fruit on top. While olive oil cakes can be too mellow in flavor, that was not an issue with this one. The Flan de Muerto was made with marigold petals and vanilla. Like the pan and cake, this was probably the best flan I've ever had — it was photogenic, decadent, and seeped in flavor.

I will be on the lookout for the next Panadería Matilija pop-up at Xochi the Dog, Cafe. I hope I can try the Peach Tres Leches cake during stone fruit season.

Panadería Matilija

Website | Instagram

Pop-ups: see Instagram for details

Xochi the Dog, Cafe

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1038 E. 21st St., Oakland, CA 94606

Open: Monday - Saturday 8am - 3pm, Sunday 8am - 1pm

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Eat in Oakland: Edith's Pie (Pt. 2)

Caramel Dutch Apple pie

Crème Brûlée pie

Grandma's Brisket hand pie

Although I previously reviewed Edith's Pie — a pie shop located on 22nd and Broadway in Uptown Oakland — in July, it is quite worth reviewing them again so soon. My dining companion and I stopped by on a Friday afternoon in mid-October for a couple slices as well as a hand pie.

Seeking a balance of the fruity and the custardy, we ordered a slice of the Caramel Dutch Apple and the Crème Brûlée pies. Like everything else we've had there, they were both delicious. The apple pie had layers of apple slices covered in crumbles on top and the flakiest crust. The Crème Brûlée pie had a silky texture and was a creative take on an already well-loved dessert. We also tried a hand pie for the first time: Grandma's Brisket served with a side of chimichurri in a beautiful glass ramekin. Although I don't remember the specifics, I know we enjoyed this too and would definitely try all three again.

Next time we stop by, I hope to see what winter pies they have on deck.

Edith's Pie

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412 22nd St., Oakland, CA 94612

Open: Wednesday - Thursday 7:30am - 6pm, Friday - Saturday 7:30am - 10pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Gambit Lounge

Left: Espresso Martini made with vodka, cold brew coffee, coffee liqueur, and vanilla

Right: Sazerac made with rye, sugar, bitters, and absinthe rinse

I visited Gambit Lounge, a cocktail bar on Hayes and Laguna in Hayes Valley, for the first time in early October. I had previously seen their sign advertising an $8 Espresso Martini for happy hour, an intriguing offer for an upscale neighborhood. 

During our visit, I ordered one, while my dining companion got a Sazerac. The Espresso Martini was made with vodka, cold brew coffee, coffee liqueur, and vanilla and it was quite a treat. Although it was very well-priced for the city, it was expertly crafted. The Sazerac was made with rye, sugar, bitters, and absinthe rinse and he enjoyed it as well.

I would definitely stop by Gambit Lounge the next time I'm in the area during happy hour looking for excellent drinks and great service.

Gambit Lounge

Website | Instagram | Yelp

581 Hayes St., San Francisco, CA 94102

Open: Tuesday - Thursday 5 - 11pm, Friday - Saturday 4pm - 1am

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Coffee in San Francisco: Blue Bottle Coffee (Pt. 2)

Black Cardamom Latte⁠

I've visited Blue Bottle Coffee, a third wave coffee chain, countless times since I originally reviewed them in 2014. Since then, Nestle has bought a majority stake in the company, resulting in a global expansion of their stores and products across grocery shelves. I visited the original kiosk on Linden and Gough while killing time in Hayes Valley in early October. 

I've been slowly making my way through a gift card I received from there before the pandemic started, which is when I a) would walk by multiple locations on my way to work in SoMa and b) go to work in person. Luckily, I was happy to see this time around that they have added to their menu quite a bit; I was eager to try the Black Cardamom Latte⁠. It was perfectly prepared and had the sweet, dynamic cardamom flavor I love. I've since had it again at one of the two locations on 2nd in SoMa and it also brightened my day.

This will be my go-to drink as long as I have this gift card and I'm within a stone's throw of a Blue Bottle.

Blue Bottle Coffee

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315 Linden St., San Francisco, CA 94102

Open: Monday - Wednesday 6:30am - 6pm, Friday - Sunday 6:30am - 7pm

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Eat in Oakland: Cellarmaker Oakland

Polenta cheese fries with house red sauce

Hot Pickled Okra

Classic Pepperoni Detroit style pizza made with a cheese blend, pepperoni, tomato, and oregano

Divorciado Detroit style pizza made with half red top and half pesto

Fall Bounty bar style pizza made with leeks, lemon chili ricotta, Castelvetrano olives, squash blossom, and house marinated fresh mozzarella

I tried Cellarmaker Oakland, a brewery serving delicious pizza on Webster and 3rd near Jack London Square, for the first time with friends in early October. My dining companion was eager to try this place, which is located in the old Blue Bottle Coffee spot, after hearing about it for a while. 

We tried a few appetizers: the Polenta Fries and the Hot Pickled Okra, both of which were very good. The Polenta Fries were made with cheese, served with a house red sauce, and perfect for dipping, while the okra had a bit of bite I like. Since they're known for their Detroit style pizzas, we ordered two of those: the Classic Pepperoni and Divorciado. The first was made with a cheese blend, pepperoni, tomato, and oregano, while the latter was half pesto and half red sauce. Both were excellent — filled with flavor, made with fresh ingredients, and featuring the perfectly crispy cheese crusts I seek in a Detroit style pizza. We also enjoyed the Fall Bounty, a bar style pizza made with leeks, lemon chili ricotta, Castelvetrano olives, squash blossom, and house marinated fresh mozzarella. It was made with seasonal ingredients that showed off their brilliant flavor pairing skills. We all had our own drinks — I believe mine was a cider — as well as a slice of chocolate cake made with a stout for dessert.

I would definitely return to Cellarmaker Oakland when I'm looking for an incredible meal and excellent service. I will probably order a Detroit style pizza and the seasonal bar style pizza too.

Cellarmaker Oakland

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300 Webster St., Oakland, CA 94607

Open: Monday - Thursday 5 - 9pm, Friday - Sunday 12 - 9pm

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Eat in Honolulu: Kona Coffee Purveyors

Black Sesame Kouign Amann and Apple Tart




Ham & Cheese Croissant


Right: Latte and Flat White

My dining companion and I shared an incredible breakfast at Kona Coffee Purveyors, an upscale coffee shop on Kalakaua and Nahua in Waikiki, in late September. They serve expertly-made coffee and pastries from San Francisco's own French bakery, b. patisserie. 

Along with our usual latte and flat white — both of which were delicious — we tried a few pastries: the Black Sesame Kouign Amann, the Apple Tart, and the Ham & Cheese Croissant. Although I've had versions of each of these from b. patisserie's Lower Pacific Heights location, they were even more special on this visit. (Was it getting to order after waiting in a long line? Was it that we were in Hawaii? Maybe both.) Although I've had their Kouign Amann before, this one prominently featured the black sesame flavor I love, bringing it to a whole new level. The Apple Tart had a little more oomph and the crumbly bits that make the dessert than I remember. The Ham & Cheese Croissant was topped with an extra crunchiness, giving it a nice texture. 

I would definitely stop by Kona Coffee Purveyors the next time I'm looking for a delightful meal of coffee and pastries.

Kona Coffee Purveyors 

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2330 Kalakaua Ave., Ste 160, Honolulu, HI 96815

Open: Daily 7am - 4pm 

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Coffee in Honolulu: SurfJack Shop

 
Latte (left) and Flat White (right)

I didn't realize this would be a goodbye post when I started it. According to Yelp, SurfJack Shop — a combined coffee shop and clothing store located on Lewers and Manukai inside the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Waikiki — is now closed. 

When my dining companion and I stopped by for coffee in late September, we tried our usual latte and flat white. Both were impeccably made; the barista was clearly an expert. Along with the stellar coffee, this shop sold a variety of sleek, design-forward clothing and other things worth perusing while waiting for your coffee. 

I would have made it a point to visit again the next time I'm in the area. Dang!

SurfJack Shop

Website | Instagram | Yelp

412 Lewers St., Honolulu, HI 96815

Open: Closed 

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Eat in Honolulu: Sam's Kitchen

Chicken with teriyaki-garlic sauce and Extra Jumbo Shrimp, served with Japanese sticky rice, spring mix salad, and potato / macaroni salad

On a mission to eat as much Hawaiian food as possible, my dining companion and I stopped by Sam's Kitchen, a casual Hawaiian restaurant on Royal Hawaiian Avenue and Waikolu in Waikiki, for a plate lunch in late September. This is truly a foodie spot: a hole-in-the-wall serving food so packed with flavor that you'll want to work your way through the menu.

We were moderately hungry so we shared a plate lunch with two mains and the usual sides of Japanese sticky rice, spring mix salad, and potato / macaroni salad. Like before, I ordered garlic shrimp — theirs was the "Extra Jumbo Shrimp" — while my dining companion got the chicken in a combined teriyaki and garlic sauce. As with our visit to South Shore Grill, this place was recommended and everything turned out to be incredible. I've never seen shrimp so big and wonderfully seasoned; it really was a thing of beauty. The chicken and the sides were delicious too. 

Next time we're in the area, we'll be sure to stop by Sam's Kitchen. I'll have the garlic shrimp. 

Sam's Kitchen

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353 Royal Hawaiian Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

Open: Daily 10am - 1am

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Eat in Honolulu: Surf Bar Waikiki

Left: Maui Lavandula made with Empress gin, crème de mûre, citrus, lychee, rosemary, and lavender

Right: Mauna Kea Mai Tai made with Mahina rum, Agave de Cortes mezcal, curaçao, orgeat, pineapple, and citrus, smoked with flavored wood chips

On the lookout for a good cocktail, my dining companion and I found our way to Surf Bar Waikiki, an upscale cocktail bar on Koa and Liliʻuokalani in Waikiki. Located inside of Waikiki Resort Hotel, they serve a variety of signature cocktails that are worth writing home about.

In search of a Mai Tai, my dining companion ordered the Mauna Kea Mai Tai made with Mahina rum, Agave de Cortes mezcal, curaçao, orgeat, pineapple, and citrus. This beautifully-made drink was presented in a box filled with smoke and flavored wood chips. When you took a sip, your fingers even smelled a bit smoky. Beyond the incredible presentation, it was made with expert precision and delicious to boot. My drink was similarly delightful: I tried the Maui Lavandula made with Empress gin, crème de mûre, citrus, lychee, rosemary, and lavender. I love sweet, fruity drinks and I remember this having a dynamic flavor I loved. 

Both drinks were exceptionally crafted and were served in an equally impressive space. The bar was spacious and had all the island decor that made it the perfect spot to grab a dark nook and enjoy a perfectly made cocktail. If I'm back in Waikiki, I will definitely return to Surf Bar Waikiki, ordering either of these drinks or one of the many other tantalizing ones on the menu.

Surf Bar Waikiki

Website | Instagram | Yelp

2460 Koa Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

Open: Daily 6pm - 2am

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Eat in Honolulu: Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery

Egg Tarts


Butter Mochi

In late September, my dining companion and I stopped by Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery, a Chinese bakery on Maunakea between N King and N Hotel Streets in Honolulu's Chinatown, for an after-lunch treat. 

We tried the Egg Tarts, a favorite of ours, and the Butter Mochi, a new one. The Egg Tarts had a nice, slightly sweet crust and the creamy egg filling I like. I've never had the latter before, but this will not be the last time. It truly was "butter mochi" — both buttery and dense and chewy in the way mochi is. It was a dream.

If I'm back in the area, I'll definitely get the Butter Mochi and some of the other baked goods, like the Custard Gin Dui or a barbecue pork bun.

Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery

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1027 Maunakea St., Honolulu, HI 96817

Open: Daily 7am - 5pm

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Eat in Honolulu: Pizza Mamo

Classic Cheese Brooklyn-style pizza slice made with Cali vine-ripened tomato sauce, Wisconsin whole milk mozzarella, pecorino, and oregano

Pepperoni Brooklyn-style pizza slice made with Cali vine-ripened tomato sauce, Wisconsin whole milk mozzarella, natural casing pepperoni, and oregano

My dining companion and I stopped by Pizza Mamo, a casual pizza place on Hotel between Nuuanu and Smith in the Arts District in Downtown Honolulu, for lunch in late September. Since it was recommended by the same friend who suggested the incredible South Shore Grill, we knew we were in for a treat.

We got two types of slices: the Classic Cheese and Pepperoni. Both were Brooklyn-style pizzas with delicate crusts that truly put other thin crusts to shame. The pizzas were then topped with California vine-ripened tomato sauce, Wisconsin whole milk mozzarella, and oregano — the former also with pecorino and the latter with natural casing pepperoni. The ingredients were fresh, light, and complemented each other well. The oregano was the perfect touch that now I'll be searching for in future pizzas.

If we're ever back in the area, we will definitely stop by for a slice or even a Brooklyn- or Detroit-style pizza.

Pizza Mamo

Website | Instagram | Yelp

16 N Hotel St., Honolulu, HI 96817

Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 8pm, Friday - Saturday 11am - 10pm 

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Eat in Honolulu: Musubi Cafe Iyasume

Teriyaki Spam Musubi and Eel & Egg Spam Musubi


Counterclockwise from left: Avocado & Bacon Spam Musubi, Salmon RiceBall, and Japanese Curry bowl


Left: Musubi Pack RiceBall with Fried Chicken, Sausage, and Egg

Right: Japanese Curry Bowl

My dining companion and I stopped by Musubi Cafe Iyasume, a spam musubi spot on Kuhio and Uluniu in Waikiki, countless times in late September. They have an expansive selection of very affordable menu items including spam musubi and rice balls as well as other Japanese favorites like curry or miso soup. Located across the street from Maguro Spot, a poke restaurant, we often ordered from both and had a Hawaiian feasts of sorts in our room. 

We tried a few types of spam musubi during our stay — Teriyaki, Eel & Egg, Avocado, Eel, Egg, & Avocado, and Avocado & Bacon — and enjoyed them all. They were the perfect, flavorful, on-the-go snack. We also liked the Japanese Curry bowl, which had some chunks of chicken or pork and carrots over white rice. The riceballs were also a nice treat, where the meat was inside, instead of on top. The Musubi Pack RiceBall with Fried Chicken, Sausage, and Egg provided a nice mix of things, all of which hit the spot.

I would definitely stop by Musubi Cafe Iyasume the next time I'm in the area.

Musubi Cafe Iyasume

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2427 Kuhio Ave., Pacific Monarch Hotel 1F, Honolulu, HI 96815

Open: Daily 6:30am - 9pm

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