Work It, Berk

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Eat in Berkeley: Tara's Organic Ice Cream

Basil and lavender ice cream in a sesame cone

If you've been following the blog since last December or know me at all, you know that I have a soft, mostly frozen, and slightly melting spot for ice cream. Whether it's made with rose water, salt & pepper, or has a bit of a kick, I'm all over it. (I guess you could say I'm all over it "like a fat kid loves cake," but to be honest, cake is not my thing. Ice cream cake, however, is another issue entirely.) It would not be far-fetched for me to call Tara's the epitome of what I want in a scoop. When I'm in Los Angeles, Tara's is the ice cream experience I try to replicate. (If you're on Melrose, Neveux Artisan Creamery is pretty much tied.)

Located on College at Alcatraz in the Claremont-Rockridge part of Berkeley, Tara's has over twenty flavors of gourmet ice cream and sorbet that might cause involuntary salivation. The two I always look for and recommend are the lavender and the basil. If you're familiar with the world of bougie ice cream, you've probably experienced the delicate creaminess that is lavender. Tara's is that and then some. The basil is on a whole nother level. At first taste, you're confused and almost intoxicated by its intensity. Then you realize, "Oh my, this is savory," and most likely, "Wow, I could really go for some pasta right about now." You wonder, "Is this what ice cream is supposed to be?" After the bite is complete, Truth has revealed itself: "Yes."

It would be criminal if I didn't mention their cones. Tara's has a stock of fresh waffle cones made in-house that comes in two flavors, original and sesame. I would strongly urge you to try the latter. It's just the right amount of crispy and it truly tops off your ice cream experience.

Tara's also has a smaller Oakland location, which has about ten flavors and is equally as satisfying, in the heart of Temescal on Telegraph at 48th.

Live long and creamy.

More photos? Say yes.

Monday, June 3, 2013

June Playlist by Bethann Wagner

The style blogger to look out for, Bethann Wagner

I'm about 99.8% sure that Bethann Wagner was meant to be a style blogger.

Indication #1: The title of her blog is Beth Animal Print. As everyone who has ever picked up a fashion rag or browsed a style blog knows, being punny is essential. I'm not sure if it's because fashion can be so ~serious or because this is where bad puns come to die. (Or are they good puns? One can never be sure.)

Indication #2: Her style is flawless and her baby is even cuter. How many style bloggers do you know who have kids and haven't crossed over into mommy blogger territory? Exactly.

Indication #3: She's got girl power and some of the coolest lady friends around. In her Wonder Women Wednesday series (10 points for alliteration), she interviews inspiring women that she knows in fashion, beauty, and then some. She delves into issues beyond their favorite labels into topics like maintaining work-life balance, interior design, and life with kids.

Indication #4: Her wardrobe is dynamic, yet accessible. I don't know how many bloggers show off their Chanel such-and-such expecting us lowly readers to drool uncontrollably. As a lady of pragmatism and limited funds, I can appreciate looking good for less. (Side note: Thrift stores beat fast fashion any day.)

With very little warning on my part, Bethann graciously agreed to create a 13-track playlist for you lovely readers. Let the likes of Florence + The Machine, Ms. Britney Spears, and Phoenix dissipate any lingering Monday blues.

This photo was used with Bethann's permission and seal of approval.

Check out more of our monthly playlists.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Eat in Berkeley: Paragon Restaurant & Bar

Grilled chicken and spinach salad with Applewood smoked bacon, roasted mushrooms, blue cheese, red onion, and warm mustard

Sliced prime rib sandwich au jus with caramelized onion and horseradish mayo on an Acme torpedo roll, served with Gilroy garlic fries

Pan-roasted Alaskan halibut with couscous salad and blackberry vinaigrette

Graduation season is a little different for the families of the students. To me, it means enduring an exceptionally long commencement ceremony featuring a slew of mostly dull speakers trying to spin the same speech about the future we've heard many times before in a new way. Fortunately (or unfortunately for some), you are not alone in the audience wondering why this random student is being recognized for something everyone else already does; your family's with you. My brother just graduated and to celebrate the occasion, we went to the Paragon Restaurant & Bar at the Claremont Hotel in the Oakland Hills. (Pop culture fans will know it as where the Jolie-Pitts stayed when Brad was filming Moneyball.)

I've only been to the Claremont once before, to cash in a gift certificate for a massage. The restaurant is a bit more modern than the old money vibe that seeps through the hotel's pores. Their menu is simple, yet complete and pretty accessible. All of our courses were cheaper than anticipated; around $15 - $20 a pop. I ordered a prime rib sandwich au jus with garlic fries. The sandwich was as juicy as expected, although a bit messy. My family seemed to enjoy their food as well: the salad was fresh, the halibut flavorful, and the not pictured burger juicy. (Pro-tip: To get more bang for your buck, the sandwiches seem to be the more filling option than the main entrées.)

If you're looking for a taste of affordable luxury with an excellent view of the bay, why not try out the Paragon?

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Eat in Berkeley: Grégoire

Smoked shrimp ceviche with avocado & jicama on pantofolina

Crispy potato puffs

I can't think of a better way to reemerge myself in blogging after my brief hiatus than sharing one of my favorite sandwich spots in town, Grégoire. Unlike certain trendy Italian eateries in the city, Grégoire lives up to the hype and then some. Based on its location alone―smack dab in the middle of Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto―you know you're in for a treat.

For lunch, Grégoire serves a delicious selection of gourmet sandwiches made with the freshest ingredients, all for under $10. On my most recent visit, I ordered the smoked shrimp ceviche sandwich with creamy avocado and crunchy jicama. I've always left impressed and this sandwich was no different. Of course, no visit is complete without a taste of the crispy potato puffs. While this ball of joy is fried on the outside, it has a soft, almost velvety texture on the inside. As my knowledge of potatoes is limited, it's hard for me to grasp and even succinctly describe how these are made. Here's what I do know: 1) eat 'em fresh, 2) dip 'em in the tangy sauce provided, and 3) share 'em with a friend or two.

Since this is a takeout restaurant, every entrée is served in an adorable cardboard box lined with checkerboard paper. You can either eat at the picnic tables adjacent to the storefront or, if those are taken, have a picnic of your own at Tilden Park, only a few miles away.

Live long and potato puff.

Friday, May 3, 2013

May Playlist by Sherrie Hang

The lady with the pixie, Ms. Sherrie Hang

I've been smitten with Sherrie Hang's style since I first photographed her in 2010. This was back when she was still an undergrad balancing her time between studying and designing killer looks for FAST. Now, you'd see her stomping around New York (New Yorkers always stomp... right?), wearing studded collars and tweeting about so-and-so's baby's new haircut. She graciously lent me some of her creative juices to create this 22-track playlist with artists that range from New York's own Azealia Banks to everyone's favorite ex-ramen-head, Justin Timberlake. So, pull up your favorite gossip rag, maybe get some ramen now that I mentioned it, and let this mix ease you into the new month. Live long and prosper...? \\//

This photo was used with Sherrie's permission and seal of approval. Amen!