Showing posts sorted by date for query Italian. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Italian. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Friday, July 11, 2025

Eat in San Francisco: Bettola


Side of Eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and olives


Left: Bettola Spritz, made with Italian bitter and sparkling wine, and Lambrusco
Right: Arancini made with saffron risotto, beef ragu, English peas, and mozzarella


Lasagna Alla Bolognese made with ground beef ragu, tomato, and bechamel


Tiramisu: creamy coffee-soaked ladyfingers


Budino al Cioccolato: chocolate mousse

Last October, my dining companion and I were on the hunt for an Italian restaurant for dinner when we stopped by Bettola, a relatively new spot on Clement between 4th and 5th in the Inner Richmond. This casual restaurant combines modern and classical elements that make it perfect for the area.

We started with a refreshing drink each: the Bettola Spritz, made with an Italian bitter and sparkling wine, and a glass of the Lambrusco. We shared the Side of Eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and olives, which was quite good. It's one of those dishes that makes you wonder how ingredients you've had so often can be taken to a new level. We tried the Arancini, which is a croquette filled with saffron risotto, beef ragu, English peas, and mozzarella. It was both fun to eat and had a nice treat inside. 

For our entree, we split the Lasagna Alla Bolognese made with ground beef ragu, tomato, and bechamel. Although it's been a while, I remember it being decadent but not overly so. For dessert, we had the Tiramisu and Budino al Cioccolato, both of which satisfied our sweet tooth. Along with the amazing food, we enjoyed the expert hospitality and surprisingly quick service. There was no wait to get in and we were treated so well when we were there. 

I would definitely return to Bettola for lunch or dinner, next time trying the Orecchiette Con Cime Di Rapa or Gnocchi Con Le Spuntature. I would even stop by to check out their impressive selection of Italian foods that can be purchased on the store shelves that line the interior dining room.

Bettola 
343 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94118
Open: Daily 11am - 9pm

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Thursday, May 22, 2025

Eat in San Francisco: Sandy's




Classic Muffuletta made with Italian bread, mortadella, prosciutto, salami, provolone, spicy olive spread, and Duke's mayo

Last May I tried my first muffuletta from Sandy's, a casual New Orleans style restaurant on Haight and Ashbury. Mostly known for these hearty sandwiches, they also serve their own spin on deli staples, like Herby 'Slaw, Pickled Egg Salad, and Pimento Cheese.

I had the Classic Muffuletta made with Italian bread, mortadella, prosciutto, salami, provolone, spicy olive spread, and Duke's mayo. This sandwich was both packed with filling and flavor. It had a lot of ingredients, making it a great lunch option. Moreover, all of the savory, spicy, and creamy notes joined together to create a truly delicious meal that surpassed expectations. (Who knew a sandwich could be so good?)

I would stop by again, next time ordering the Roasted Mushroom Muffuletta or the Pickled Egg Salad Sandy. They also feature intriguing specials like the Red Beans & Rice Burrito, Buttermilk Biscuits, or Pimento Dogs.

1457 Haight St., San Francisco, CA 94117
Open: Monday - Thursday 11am - 4pm, Friday 11am - 5pm, Saturday - Sunday 10am - 5pm

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Thursday, October 12, 2023

Eat in San Francisco: Accarrino's Coffee & Donuts at SPQR


Peach Lemon Verbena beignets


Cinnamon Sugar beignets


Left: Cappuccinos

In late August, my dining companion and I met a friend at the Accarrino's Coffee & Donuts pop-up that occurs every weekend at SPQR, an Italian restaurant on Fillmore between Bush and Pine in Lower Pacific Heights. I've never been to this pop-up or the restaurant, so I was in for a treat. 

We ordered cappuccinos, which were well-made, and a few of the beignets on offer: the Cinnamon Sugar and the Peach Lemon Verbena. These pillowy donuts were excellent and bigger than expected. The former was covered in as much cinnamon and sugar as desired and was complemented by the coffee well. The Peach Lemon Verbena beignets were definitely the star of the show. They were made with sizable chunks of peach (as opposed to merely peach flavor), which created such an unexpected burst of flavor and freshness when combined with the lemon. It was very clear that they use the best ingredients and know how to create dynamic flavor combinations. 

Of course, we expected to enjoy a donut and coffee breakfast, but we were pleasantly surprised by how much Accarrino's raised the bar for both. I will definitely stop by for coffee and seasonal donuts the next time I'm in the area on a weekend morning.
 
Accarrino's Coffee & Donuts
Open: Saturday - Sunday 9am - 2pm

SPQR
1911 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94115
Dinner: Monday & Thursday - Sunday 5 - 8:45pm

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Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Eat in San Francisco: Pinsa Rossa


Arugula e Pera salad made with arugula, pear, Gorgonzola, walnuts, prosciutto di San Daniele, balsamic glaze, and olive oil


Prosciutto Cotto calzone made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, "Gran Biscotto," cremini mushrooms, basil, and olive oil




Prosciutto & Stracciatella pinsa made with San Marzano tomatoes, arugula, stracciatella di burrata, prosciutto di San Daniele, grana padano, black pepper, and balsamic glaze

I visited Pinsa Rossa, a pinsa restaurant on the corner of Fillmore and California in Lower Pacific Heights, for the first time with my dining companion and an old friend in mid August.

We ordered a few things to share, starting with the Arugula e Pera salad made with arugula, pear, Gorgonzola, walnuts, prosciutto di San Daniele, balsamic glaze, and olive oil. We then had two mains: the Prosciutto Cotto calzone, made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, "Gran Biscotto," cremini mushrooms, basil, and olive oil, and the Prosciutto & Stracciatella pinsa, made with San Marzano tomatoes, arugula, stracciatella di burrata, prosciutto di San Daniele, grana padano, black pepper, and balsamic glaze. Everything was quite good: the salad ingredients were fresh and the textures and flavors balanced each other well. The calzone was warm and filled with the classic Italian ingredients we love. The pinsa had that light, dynamic crust I like and delicious toppings to boot.

The next time I'm in the area, I would try the Spicy Calibrian or Pepperoni + Sausage pinsa.

Pinsa Rossa
2101 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94115
Open: Monday - Thursday 4:30 - 9pm, Friday 4:30 - 10pm, Saturday 12 - 10pm, Sunday 12 - 9pm

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Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Eat in San Francisco: Limoncello


The Veggie sandwich made with roasted red bell peppers, portobello mushroom, avocado, roasted eggplant, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, greens, tomato, pepper, pesto, olive oil, and vinegar

In mid-April, I visited Limoncello, an Italian deli and market located on the corner of Sutter and Franklin in Lower Pac Heights, for the first time while catching up with an old friend.

I ordered The Veggie sandwich, which was made with roasted red bell peppers, portobello mushroom, avocado, roasted eggplant, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, greens, tomato, pepper, pesto, olive oil, and vinegar. It hit the spot. Although I don't remember every detail, I remember thinking it had all the vegetables and dynamic flavors I like in a hearty sandwich. It was prepared with care, was affordably priced, and we didn't have to wait in a long line to receive our food, which is often the case at popular Italian delis.

I would definitely visit Limoncello if I'm in the area in search of lunch again. Beyond their expansive menu, I'd like to continue exploring their market, which features tons of Italian foods I didn't even know I wanted.

Limoncello
1400 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94109
Open: Sunday - Thursday 9am - 8pm, Friday - Saturday 9am - 9pm

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Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Eat in Los Angeles: Apollonia's Pizzeria


Cheese slice


Pepperoni slice


Acapulco Gold slice made with garlic, olive oil, ricotta, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, oregano, grape tomatoes, arugula, and truffle oil

We stopped by Apollonia's Pizzeria, a pizza shop on Wilshire near La Brea in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles, for the first time last December. My dining companion was recommended to this place by friends and was intrigued by photos of their Detroit-style pizza with sky-high cheesy crusts on their Instagram. As fans of this genre of pizza, we knew we had to make the trek when in town.

We ordered a few of the Detroit-style slices on hand: the Cheese, the Pepperoni, and Acapulco Gold. The Cheese and Pepperoni were topped with generous helpings of tomato sauce, basil, and the cheesy crusts we love. The Acapulco Gold slice was made with garlic, olive oil, ricotta, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, oregano, grape tomatoes, arugula, and truffle oil. Although I don't remember more of the specifics, I do remember enjoying the pizzas we had so longed for on Instagram. (Millennials...) 

As is common in LA, their shop is located in a strip mall; it only has room for ordering, standing, and playing a jukebox. The next time I'm in the area, I might try one of their round pizzas, like The Mayor's Mistress (pepperoni, Italian sausage, garlic, Roma tomatoes, and basil) or The Dirty Agent (red onion, Roma tomatoes, and duck and bacon sausage).

Apollonia's Pizzeria
5176 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Open: Wednesday - Sunday 12pm - 2:30pm and 5pm - 8pm

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Friday, May 26, 2023

Eat in Santa Monica: Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery


The Godmother made with prosciutto, ham, capi cola, mortadella, Genoa salami, and Provolone cheese 


The Meatball sandwich made with homemade meatballs, spaghetti sauce, and parmesan cheese

While visiting Los Angeles in December, we stopped by Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery on Lincoln and Broadway in Santa Monica for lunch. I've been a couple times before, but it had been a few years.

At Italian delis, I seem to veer towards hot sandwiches that are often entrees put between two slices of bread. This time I went for a classic: the Meatball sandwich. It was made with homemade meatballs, spaghetti sauce, and parmesan cheese — everything I want in a meatball sandwich. My dining companion tried The Godmother, a signature sandwich made with prosciutto, ham, capi cola, mortadella, Genoa salami, and Provolone cheese. He enjoyed it as well.

Beyond the great service, no wait (maybe we were lucky), and fair prices, I also really like exploring the grocery part of Bay Cities. We picked up a few options for our stay in town: meatballs and sauce, pasta, mozzarella, and some sweets for good measure.

Next time I'm in the area I will definitely stop by for lunch, maybe trying another hot sandwich like the Eggplant Parm or Sausage.

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
1517 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Open: Wednesday - Sunday 9am - 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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Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Eat in San Francisco: Montesacro Pinseria Romana


Maranella Pinsa made with mozzarella, broccolini, spicy pork sausage, and stracciatella di burrata


Ceci e Barbabietole made with chickpeas, beets, mixed greens, pistachio, pickled red onion, and goat cheese


Torta del Ghetto: Roman Ghetto Tart with sheep’s ricotta, chocolate, and wild cherry 

I visited Montesacro Pinseria Romana, an Italian restaurant located on Stevenson and 6th in San Francisco's SoMa district, for the first time a few weeks ago. Montesacro specializes in an ancient Roman flatbread called pinsa that's made with a combination of rice, soy, and wheat flour. This was my first time trying pinsa, but it won't be my last. 

My dining companion and I ordered the Maranella Pinsa made with mozzarella, broccolini, spicy pork sausage, and stracciatella di burrata. It came with huge chunks of cheese and flavorful sausage, the latter being my requisite pizza topping. I didn't even notice it didn't have sauce. The flatbread itself is worth writing home about. It has an interesting, rustic texture and a heartiness that makes me want more. We also tried the Ceci e Barbabietole beet and chickpea salad made with fresh ingredients and ended the meal with the Torta del Ghetto, a tart made with ricotta, chocolate, and cherry. Overall, this was a fantastic meal I want to repeat soon.

Like their rustic dough and its ancient beginnings, the restaurant itself is a sight to see. It's located in one of SoMa's alleys (what San Franciscans call "streets") and its interior transports you to an old Roman pinseria, or even someone's own kitchen, with its metal seats and wooden tables. If you've visited Montesacro Pinseria Romana before, what do you recommend trying?

Montesacro Pinseria Romana
510 Stevenson St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Open: Sunday - Thursday 5 - 9pm, Friday - Saturday 4 - 9pm

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Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Eat in Oakland: Square Pie Guys




The Big Von made with garlic ricotta cream, Italian sausage, pavone pepperoni, and Mike's hot honey

I visited Square Pie Guys, a Detroit-style pizza spot located on 9th and Washington in Old Oakland, for the second time last week. 

As before, I had The Big Von, which is made with garlic ricotta cream, Italian sausage, pavone pepperoni, and Mike's hot honey. From the pools of honey and grease in each pepperoni slice to the ricotta cream baked throughout, this pizza was a decadent dream. Since they're pretty rich, I usually only have a couple slices. With only four slices total, it's perfect for two.

Next time I stop by, I might try the Spring Monkey Bread. If you've visited Square Pie Guys recently, what do you recommend trying?

Square Pie Guys
499 9th St., Oakland, CA 94607
Open: Monday - Thursday 11:30am - 9pm, Friday - Saturday 11:30am - 10pm, Sunday 11:30am - 8pm

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Monday, April 12, 2021

Eat in San Francisco: Del Popolo


Shaved Nantes Carrot salad made with avocado, crispy chickpeas, and salsa rosa


Arrabbiata pizza made with spicy crushed tomato, red onion, parsley, pecorino, and house made sausage

A couple weeks ago I visited Del Popolo, a sleek Italian restaurant in Lower Nob Hill on Bush at Taylor, for the first time. 

My dining companion and I ordered a couple dishes: the Shaved Nantes Carrot salad made with avocado, crispy chickpeas, and salsa rosa, and the Arrabbiata pizza made with spicy crushed tomato, red onion, parsley, pecorino, and house made sausage. Both were very good. The salad was so perfectly Californian in its fresh, bright, and light ingredients. The Neapolitan style pizza had generous pieces of sausage and a fluffy crust that I will be remembering for a while. We ordered the Inizi “Hi-Jump” rosé, which paired with our dishes perfectly.

We sat in their beautiful back patio area that truly felt like a respite from busy city life. They have a large seating area, lined with lights and heating lamps, with every table spaced pretty far apart.

The next time I stop by, I might try the Bianca or Potato pizzas. If you've visited Del Popolo recently, what do you recommend trying?

Del Popolo
855 Bush St., San Francisco, CA 94108
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 5 - 8:30pm

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Monday, March 8, 2021

Eat in San Francisco: Delarosa

Spicy Fennel Sausage, Mozzarella, and Onion Pizza

I visited Delarosa, a sleek Italian restaurant located on Chestnut at Pierce in the Marina, for the second time last weekend. Equally known for their brunch and cocktail selection, my friends and I took advantage of both in the parklet outside the restaurant. 

I enjoyed the Spicy Fennel Sausage, Mozzarella, and Onion pizza. The pizza is thin, making it seem very light, while the sausage provides a nice flavor. I also really liked my slice of the Carbonara pizza, which is topped with fried eggs, pancetta, cream, provolone, and mozzarella. My friends seemed to enjoy their beautifully made cocktails as well.

Next time I might order the Carbonara pizza for myself. If you've visited Delarosa, what do you recommend trying?

Delarosa
2175 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA 94123
Open: Monday - Thursday 12pm - 10pm, Friday 12pm - 11pm, Saturday 11am - 11pm, Sunday 11am - 10pm

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Friday, April 12, 2019

Eat in Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk




Mangonada

I've been craving a Mangonada since first trying the spicy dessert at Nieves Cinco de Mayo in Fruitvale in August 2017. Luckily I got my hands on one this past weekend at the Italian Ice food cart at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and it was as good as I remembered. This one had a base of mango Italian ice and was then topped off with chunks of mango, peppery sauce, and a straw covered in tamarind candy. It was a refreshing balance of sweet and spicy.

If you've visited Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk recently, what food do you recommend trying?

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp
400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Open: Monday - Friday 12pm - 5pm, Saturday 11am - 9pm, Sunday 11am - 8pm

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Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Eat in San Francisco: Beretta


Pear pizza with pancetta, gorgonzola, and caramelized onions


Spicy Marinara pizza with peperoncino and olives


Calamari Fritti with tomato, peperoncino, and arugula

This weekend I stopped by Beretta, a delicious Italian restaurant on Valencia and 23rd in the Mission, for the second time while catching up with friends.

We ordered two pizzas (the Spicy Marinara for the dairy-free and the Pear for the dairy fiends), along with a side of fried calamari. Everything was incredible. The Pear pizza was my favorite. It was topped with pancetta, gorgonzola, and caramelized onions; all of the flavors complemented each other nicely.

Along with the incredible food, Beretta has a sleek interior and serves great cocktails at the bar.

If you've visited Beretta recently, what do you recommend trying?

Beretta
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp
1199 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110
Open: Monday - Friday 5:30pm - 1am, Saturday - Sunday 11am - 1am

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Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Eat in San Francisco: sweetgreen


Nancy's Chopped Salad made with salami, pickled celery, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, Parmesan, chickpeas, romaine, kale, oregano, and Nancy's Italian vinaigrette

Last Friday I was treated to a meal by sweetgreen, the salad shop whose Berkeley location I previously reviewed, at their San Francisco location on the corner of 2nd and Natoma in SoMa.

This time I ordered Nancy's Chopped Salad made with salami, pickled celery, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, Parmesan, chickpeas, romaine, kale, oregano, and Nancy's Italian vinaigrette. In case you were wondering, the eponymous Nancy is none other than Nancy Silverton (of Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza), the Los Angeles based chef who won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef in 2014 and Best Pastry Chef of the Year in 1990. Unsurprisingly, Nancy's salad was pretty good. The ingredients were very fresh and all the flavors complemented each other nicely. I would definitely order this again.

If you've visited sweetgreen, what did you try?

sweetgreen
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp
171 2nd St., San Francisco, CA 94105
Open: Monday - Friday 10:30am - 9pm, Saturday 10:30am - 7pm

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Monday, February 27, 2017

Eat in Oakland: Pizzaiolo


Breakfast Sandwich with a poached egg, La Quercia speck, cheese, braised greens, and Calabrian chili butter

This weekend I caught up with a friend over breakfast at Pizzaiolo, an Italian restaurant in Temescal. I ordered a latte and the Breakfast Sandwich made with a poached egg, La Quercia speck, cheese, braised greens, and Calabrian chili butter. Both were pretty good. The egg provided some protein while the chili butter added a nice kick.

I've also tried Pizzaiolo for a dinner of salad and pizza that was also quite good. If you've visited Pizzaiolo recently, what did you try?

Pizzaiolo
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Yelp
5008 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609
Breakfast: Monday - Saturday 8 - 12
Dinner: Monday - Thursday 5:30 - 10, Friday - Saturday 5:30 - 10:30

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Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Eat in San Francisco: Caffè Greco


Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Panini


Cappuccino

Last weekend, after photographing amazing street style at West Coast Craft, I stopped by Caffè Greco for coffee and a bite to eat. Located in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, Caffè Greco serves delicious Italian coffee drinks, sandwiches, and desserts. 

In an effort to make my North Beach experience as authentic as possible, I ordered a Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Panini with a cappuccino. Both were quite good.

If you've visited Caffè Greco recently, what do you recommend trying?

Caffè Greco
Website | Yelp
423 Columbus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94133
Open: Sunday - Thursday 7am - 11pm, Friday - Saturday 7am - 12am

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Monday, April 25, 2016

Eat in West Hollywood: Urth Caffé (Pt. 2)


Blackout Pound Cake 

A couple weeks ago my mom and I visited our favorite coffee shop in town: Urth Caffé.

We finally accomplished our goal of trying one of the delicious cakes they always have on display. We ordered the Blackout Pound Cake with our usual Italian Cappuccinos. The cake was as chocolaty as expected and went well with the perfectly prepared coffee.

If you've visited Urth Caffé recently, what did you try?

Urth Caffé
8565 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Open: Sunday - Thursday 6am - 11:30pm, Friday - Saturday 6am - 12am

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Monday, July 20, 2015

Eat in Berkeley: Smoke’s Poutinerie


Traditional Poutine with Smoke's Poutinerie Signature Gravy and Wisconsin cheese curd


Triple Pork Poutine with chipotle pulled pork, double-smoked bacon, and Italian sausage




Chicken Chili Poutine with grilled chicken, homemade chili, and cheese sauce




Veggie Rainbow Poutine with Smoke's Poutinerie Veggie Gravy, Sriracha, cheese sauce, guacamole, and sour cream



I remember first hearing about poutine a few years ago, not quite sure what it was. It sounded like a frou-frou French delicacy that hadn't quite made it to the States. I later learned that this dish hails from Quebec and is essentially fries covered in gravy and cheese curds. Since I've never tried poutine before, I was excited when Callie invited me to try a few varieties at Smoke's Poutinerie at their Berkeley location on Durant and Telegraph.

When I arrived, I was greeted by Danny and Kenneth, the franchise owners of this location. Danny provided me with a background about poutine, Smoke's, and their extensive menu. He even recommended watching Poutine Nation, a short documentary about the namesake dish. At Smoke's Poutinerie, all of their poutine start with the same base of hand-cut and custom seasoned fries, their signature gravy, and Wisconsin cheese curd. I tried four types of poutine during my visit: Traditional Poutine, Triple Pork Poutine, Chicken Chili Poutine, and Veggie Rainbow Poutine, with a bottle of Jones Crushed Melon Soda on the side.

The Traditional Poutine came with the base of their signature gravy and Wisconsin cheese curd. I've never had cheese curd before, but theirs was really good. The mild flavors of the gravy and the cheese curd blend well together. This dish is perfect for poutine neophytes such as myself. I then tried the Triple Pork Poutine, which comes with chipotle pulled pork, double-smoked bacon, and Italian sausage. It would not be an understatement to say that this is a meat-eater's dream. The pulled pork is tender, the bacon is crispy, and the sausage is tasty. The flavors of the different kinds of pork are complemented by the gravy and cheese curds well.

The third dish was the Chicken Chili Poutine, which comes with grilled chicken, homemade chili, and cheese sauce. The chicken is tender and the chili is flavorful. Like in the Triple Pork Poutine, the ingredients combine to create a flavorful dish. The Veggie Rainbow Poutine was also quite a treat. The fries were topped with their signature veggie gravy, cheese curds, Sriracha, cheese sauce, guacamole, and sour cream. The Veggie Rainbow includes every topping you'd want in one place.

Overall, I had a great experience at Smoke's Poutinerie. The staff is helpful and attentive. They have a fun atmosphere and the shop has a sleek, efficient design. It's the perfect spot for a late night snack, especially for college students looking for a break. I'd like to thank Callie, Danny, and Kenneth for giving me this wonderful opportunity to try Smoke's Poutinerie.

If you've visited Smoke's Poutinerie, what do you recommend trying?

Smoke’s Poutinerie
2518 Durant Ave., Unit A, Berkeley, CA 94704
Open: Daily 11am - 4am

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