window.__IS_SSR__=true
window.__INITIAL_STATE__={
"attachmentsReducer": {
"audio_0": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_0",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background0.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_1": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_1",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background1.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_2": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_2",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background2.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_3": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_3",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background3.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_4": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_4",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background4.jpg"
}
}
},
"placeholder": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "placeholder",
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-768x512.jpg",
"width": 768,
"height": 512,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-lrg": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-med": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-sm": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xxsmall": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xsmall": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"small": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xlarge": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-32": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 32,
"height": 32,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-50": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 50,
"height": 50,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-64": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 64,
"height": 64,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-96": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 96,
"height": 96,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-128": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 128,
"height": 128,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"detail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
}
},
"checkplease_23432": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_23432",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23432",
"found": true
},
"title": "2001_Cover_PBS",
"publishDate": 1744328452,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 23431,
"modified": 1744328452,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Cover_PBS-800x450.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 450,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Cover_PBS-1020x574.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 574,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Cover_PBS-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 90,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Cover_PBS-768x432.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 432,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Cover_PBS-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Cover_PBS-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Cover_PBS.png",
"width": 1280,
"height": 720
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"checkplease_23410": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_23410",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23410",
"found": true
},
"title": "CPBA_20Years",
"publishDate": 1741999222,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 23409,
"modified": 1741999222,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/03/CPBA_20Years-800x450.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 450,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/03/CPBA_20Years-1020x574.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 574,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/03/CPBA_20Years-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 90,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/03/CPBA_20Years-768x432.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 432,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/03/CPBA_20Years-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/03/CPBA_20Years-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/03/CPBA_20Years.png",
"width": 1280,
"height": 720
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"checkplease_23392": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_23392",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23392",
"found": true
},
"title": "1916_Cover_PBS",
"publishDate": 1740712529,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 23386,
"modified": 1740712529,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Cover_PBS-800x450.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 450,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Cover_PBS-1020x574.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 574,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Cover_PBS-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 90,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Cover_PBS-768x432.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 432,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Cover_PBS-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Cover_PBS-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Cover_PBS.png",
"width": 1280,
"height": 720
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"checkplease_23369": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_23369",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23369",
"found": true
},
"title": "1913_CoverPhoto_PBS",
"publishDate": 1739503937,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 23361,
"modified": 1739503937,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1913_CoverPhoto_PBS-1-800x450.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 450,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1913_CoverPhoto_PBS-1-1020x574.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 574,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1913_CoverPhoto_PBS-1-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 90,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1913_CoverPhoto_PBS-1-768x432.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 432,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1913_CoverPhoto_PBS-1-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1913_CoverPhoto_PBS-1-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1913_CoverPhoto_PBS-1.png",
"width": 1280,
"height": 720
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"checkplease_23347": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_23347",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23347",
"found": true
},
"title": "CPBAGroupPhoto_February2025",
"publishDate": 1736530396,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 23346,
"modified": 1736530396,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/01/CPBAGroupPhoto_February2025-800x533.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/01/CPBAGroupPhoto_February2025-1020x680.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/01/CPBAGroupPhoto_February2025-160x107.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/01/CPBAGroupPhoto_February2025-768x512.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 512,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/01/CPBAGroupPhoto_February2025-1536x1024.png",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/01/CPBAGroupPhoto_February2025-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/01/CPBAGroupPhoto_February2025-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/01/CPBAGroupPhoto_February2025.png",
"width": 1620,
"height": 1080
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"checkplease_23287": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_23287",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23287",
"found": true
},
"title": "CPBA_1912_CoverPhoto",
"publishDate": 1729575294,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1729575294,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_CoverPhoto-800x450.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 450,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_CoverPhoto-1020x574.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 574,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_CoverPhoto-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 90,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_CoverPhoto-768x432.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 432,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_CoverPhoto-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_CoverPhoto-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_CoverPhoto.png",
"width": 1280,
"height": 720
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"checkplease_23284": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_23284",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23284",
"found": true
},
"title": "CPBA_1909_CoverPhoto",
"publishDate": 1729575277,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1729575277,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_CoverPhoto-800x450.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 450,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_CoverPhoto-1020x574.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 574,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_CoverPhoto-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 90,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_CoverPhoto-768x432.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 432,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_CoverPhoto-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_CoverPhoto-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_CoverPhoto.png",
"width": 1280,
"height": 720
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"checkplease_23258": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_23258",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23258",
"found": true
},
"title": "CPBA_S19_Round3_Announcement",
"publishDate": 1728581980,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 23255,
"modified": 1728582169,
"caption": "Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Francis Penrose, Sonya Medema and Piña Bleep from KQED in San Francisco.",
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_S19_Round3_Announcement-800x450.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 450,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_S19_Round3_Announcement-1020x574.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 574,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_S19_Round3_Announcement-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 90,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_S19_Round3_Announcement-768x432.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 432,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_S19_Round3_Announcement-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_S19_Round3_Announcement-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_S19_Round3_Announcement.png",
"width": 1280,
"height": 720
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"checkplease_22282": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_22282",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "22282",
"found": true
},
"title": "1908_CoverPhoto",
"publishDate": 1721955755,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 22275,
"modified": 1721955755,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908_CoverPhoto-800x450.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 450,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908_CoverPhoto-1020x574.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 574,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908_CoverPhoto-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 90,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908_CoverPhoto-768x432.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 432,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908_CoverPhoto-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908_CoverPhoto-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908_CoverPhoto.png",
"width": 1280,
"height": 720
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"checkplease_22271": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_22271",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "22271",
"found": true
},
"title": "CPBA1907_CoverPhoto_01",
"publishDate": 1721874494,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 22264,
"modified": 1721874494,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1907_CoverPhoto_01-800x450.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 450,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1907_CoverPhoto_01-1020x574.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 574,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1907_CoverPhoto_01-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 90,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1907_CoverPhoto_01-768x432.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 432,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1907_CoverPhoto_01-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1907_CoverPhoto_01-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1907_CoverPhoto_01.png",
"width": 1280,
"height": 720
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"checkplease_22260": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_22260",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "22260",
"found": true
},
"title": "CPBA1906_CoverPhoto_01",
"publishDate": 1721762907,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 22257,
"modified": 1721762907,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1906_CoverPhoto_01-1-800x450.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 450,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1906_CoverPhoto_01-1-1020x574.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 574,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1906_CoverPhoto_01-1-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 90,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1906_CoverPhoto_01-1-768x432.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 432,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1906_CoverPhoto_01-1-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1906_CoverPhoto_01-1-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1906_CoverPhoto_01-1.png",
"width": 1280,
"height": 720
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"checkplease_22255": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "checkplease_22255",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "22255",
"found": true
},
"title": "CPBA1905_CoverPhoto_01",
"publishDate": 1721704211,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 22247,
"modified": 1721704211,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1905_CoverPhoto_01-800x450.png",
"width": 800,
"height": 450,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1905_CoverPhoto_01-1020x574.png",
"width": 1020,
"height": 574,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1905_CoverPhoto_01-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"height": 90,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1905_CoverPhoto_01-768x432.png",
"width": 768,
"height": 432,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1905_CoverPhoto_01-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1905_CoverPhoto_01-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/png"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/CPBA1905_CoverPhoto_01.png",
"width": 1280,
"height": 720
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
}
},
"audioPlayerReducer": {
"postId": "stream_live",
"isPaused": true,
"isPlaying": false,
"pfsActive": false,
"pledgeModalIsOpen": true,
"playerDrawerIsOpen": false,
"liveAudioPlayStartedAt": 0,
"liveAudioPlayContext": ""
},
"authorsReducer": {
"checkplease": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11084",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11084",
"found": true
},
"name": "Check, Please! Bay Area",
"firstName": "Check, Please! Bay Area",
"lastName": null,
"slug": "checkplease",
"email": "checkplease@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": null,
"bio": null,
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/787e1f7f2e1ac24c9d71bc7e2951e0e4?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "checkplease",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "food",
"roles": [
"author"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area | KQED",
"description": null,
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/787e1f7f2e1ac24c9d71bc7e2951e0e4?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/787e1f7f2e1ac24c9d71bc7e2951e0e4?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/checkplease"
}
},
"pagesReducer": {
"checkplease_category_cuisine": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3750",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3750",
"score": 13.555691
},
"featImg": null,
"name": "cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "cuisine Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 161,
"slug": "cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"title": "cuisine",
"pageMeta": {
"site": "checkplease",
"WpPageTemplate": "page-topic-editorial",
"currentPage": 3
},
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "kqed/post-list",
"attrs": {
"layout": "cardArticle2",
"query": "posts/checkplease?category=cuisine",
"seeMore": false,
"paginated": true,
"page": 3
}
},
{
"blockName": "kqed/ad"
}
]
}
},
"pfsSessionReducer": {},
"postsReducer": {
"stream_live": {
"type": "live",
"id": "stream_live",
"audioUrl": "https://streams.kqed.org/kqedradio",
"title": "Live Stream",
"excerpt": "Live Stream information currently unavailable.",
"link": "/radio",
"featImg": "",
"label": {
"name": "KQED Live",
"link": "/"
}
},
"stream_kqedNewscast": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "stream_kqedNewscast",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/RDnews/newscast.mp3?_=1",
"title": "KQED Newscast",
"featImg": "",
"label": {
"name": "88.5 FM",
"link": "/"
}
},
"checkplease_23431": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_23431",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23431",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1744338302000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-reviews-ethels-fancy-catos-ale-house-kiku-sushi",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Ethel's Fancy, Cato's Ale House, Kiku Sushi",
"publishDate": 1744338302,
"format": "video",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Ethel’s Fancy, Cato’s Ale House, Kiku Sushi | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"term": 9339,
"site": "checkplease"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 20, episode 1, airs Thursday, April 10, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Welcome to the premiere of the 20th season of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>! This week’s episode starts in the heart of downtown Palo Alto at \u003cstrong>Ethel’s Fancy\u003c/strong>, where a Michelin-trained chef brings modern twists to Japanese American cuisine with a lively, shareable menu. In an inviting, modern space accented with playful touches, diners feast on charcoal-grilled prawns, richly flavored Brandt Farms beef striploin, and delicate black sesame soft serve. Over in Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue district, \u003cstrong>Cato’s Ale House\u003c/strong> has been a neighborhood institution since 1994, drawing in locals with its warm, wood-paneled interior and an ever-rotating selection of nearly two dozen craft beers. Favorites include the satisfying Retroburger, the melty, smoky pastrami sandwich, and the crispy-yet-juicy Hallelujah! fried chicken sandwich. Finally, \u003cstrong>Kiku Sushi\u003c/strong> in Berkeley is known for both its pristine seafood alongside an extensive vegetarian and vegan sushi selection, making it a go-to for groups with diverse tastes. Whether it’s the eggplant-based fireman roll with a spicy kick, the buttery sake toro nigiri, or the satisfyingly crunchy crispy rice with avocado, Kiku offers something for every sushi lover.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23434\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23434\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Jason Stein, Imani Isles and Eddie Ng from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ethelsfancypa.com/\">\u003cstrong>Ethel’s Fancy\u003c/strong> (Palo Alto)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://catosalehouse.com/\">\u003cstrong>Cato’s Ale House\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kikusushivegetarian.com/berkeley-page\">\u003cstrong>Kiku Sushi\u003c/strong> (Berkeley)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23435\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-800x829.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"829\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-800x829.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-1020x1057.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-160x166.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-768x796.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-1483x1536.png 1483w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-1977x2048.png 1977w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-1920x1989.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">\u003cb>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003ca style=\"color: #339966\" href=\"https://www.corcellars.com\">Cor Cellars 2023 ‘AGO’ Tocai Friulano\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Columbia Gorge, Washington $30\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>Cor Cellars was founded in 2004 by Luke Bradford and is now run alongside his wife, Meg. They have several different labels representing the brand including their distinctive lineup called AGO (meaning “before the present time”).This racy white is made with a famed northern Italian grape, Tocai Friulano, planted in the Columbia Gorge wine-growing area. Alluring aromas of white peaches draw you in for a taste that’s a touch earthy with a creamy texture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003ca style=\"color: #339966\" href=\"http://www.amosrome.com\">Amos Rome Vineyards 2023 Grüner Veltliner\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Lake Chelan, Washington $30\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>Lake Chelan is known for its beautiful scenery and as a destination for outdoor activities. Lately, the viticultural area has also been gaining acclaim for its wines. The well-known Austrian grape, Grüner Veltliner, thrives in cooler climates producing crisp, bright whites. Planted in Amos Rome’s High Blossom Vineyard, this Grüner shines.This version from winemaker and owner Travis Clark, is zesty with hints of citrus, herbal notes, and a mouthwatering freshness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">\u003cb>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003ca style=\"color: #339966\" href=\"https://www.devisonvintners.com\">Devison 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Evergreen Vineyard\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Columbia Valley, Washington $28\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>The mantra of winery owners, Peter and Kelsey Devison, is “Texture. Tension. Terroir.” Three words that perfectly describe their lineup of singular wines including this world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Hailing from the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, it expresses minerality and citrus intensity layered with lushness. Though this is a serious Sauvignon Blanc that reminds me of classic French Sancerre, its whimsical label and succulent character make it seriously fun to sip.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"193\" data-end=\"250\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"193\" data-end=\"211\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Seasonal small plates in Palo Alto…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"252\" data-end=\"307\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"252\" data-end=\"264\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: I wish I had it in front of me right now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"365\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"327\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: …pub classics on tap in Oakland…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"440\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"382\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: I really like the Retroburger, kind of a perfect burger.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"442\" data-end=\"501\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"442\" data-end=\"460\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: …and rockin’ sushi rolls in Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"552\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"518\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: It’s just absolutely to die for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"554\" data-end=\"614\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"554\" data-end=\"572\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Just ahead on \u003cem data-start=\"588\" data-end=\"614\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"705\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"631\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: This is the vibe. I’m enjoying the music. I’m enjoying the conversation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"707\" data-end=\"740\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"707\" data-end=\"725\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Life is good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"742\" data-end=\"769\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"742\" data-end=\"757\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Life is…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"771\" data-end=\"804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"771\" data-end=\"789\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Life is good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"821\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"1323\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"841\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to \u003cem data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"904\">Check, Please! Bay Area,\u003c/em> the show where Bay Area residents review and talk about their favorite restaurants. Now, we have three guests, and each one recommends one of their favorite spots, and the other two go check them out to see what they think. Joining me at the \u003cem data-start=\"1147\" data-end=\"1163\">Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are tattoo artist Jason Stein, project manager Eddie Ng, and data analyst and model Imani Isles. Welcome, everyone. Are you ready for our fun show?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1325\" data-end=\"1346\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1325\" data-end=\"1340\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1378\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1360\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yes. Can’t wait.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1380\" data-end=\"1658\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1380\" data-end=\"1398\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: We kick things off with Eddie’s pick. Offering an elevated yet approachable menu of shareable plates in a hip, modern space, it’s the perfect place to throw a dinner party for his friends. Minus the cleanup. Located in downtown Palo Alto, it’s Ethel’s Fancy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1675\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1677\" data-end=\"1873\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1677\" data-end=\"1696\">Scott Nishiyama\u003c/strong>: At Ethel’s Fancy, we wanted to keep it fun. It’s very evident when you walk in here that there’s a lot of energy going on. Open kitchen and an open fire and great hospitality.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1961\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1882\">Man\u003c/strong>: Alrighty, guys. Here we got the miso-marinated cucumbers, Asian Shinko pears.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"2740\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"1982\">Scott Nishiyama\u003c/strong>: This is a very personal restaurant named after my grandmother and my mom. I’m originally from Hawaii, born and raised on Maui. Because Hawaii is such a melting pot of different cultures, we take a lot of inspiration from different cuisines. Being Japanese-American, I definitely wanted to introduce a little bit of that into my cooking. Most of my training has been in French and Italian, but it’s hard not to get influenced by the things that I grew up eating and I love to eat. I always had a deep love for cooking growing up with my mom and my grandmother. There’s one dish in particular that we do. It’s a kampachi crudo, inspired by a Japanese senbei recipe that my mom used to make. You do it on a little yakitori cracker. A lot of textures going on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2742\" data-end=\"2780\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2742\" data-end=\"2751\">Woman\u003c/strong>: It’s amazing. It’s so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2782\" data-end=\"3486\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2782\" data-end=\"2801\">Scott Nishiyama\u003c/strong>: Growing up, I loved barbecues outside, and Japanese yakitori is like one of my favorite things to eat. We grill over wood and binchotan, which is Japanese charcoal, to impart that nice smoky flavor to everything. Another aspect I really wanted for the restaurant was having soft serve, because I love soft serve. We’re constantly changing those flavors up, and we pair it with fresh fruit in season. This is a black sesame crumble, frozen raspberries. While we take the food and the drinks very seriously, we don’t try to take ourselves seriously. We want it to be a really fun and interactive space. You see that…that nod from people, and you know that they’re having a good time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3488\" data-end=\"3503\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3524\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3512\">Man\u003c/strong>: Very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3526\" data-end=\"3608\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3526\" data-end=\"3544\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Alright, Eddie. Ethel’s Fancy. Sounds like such a unique spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3610\" data-end=\"3744\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3610\" data-end=\"3622\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yeah. I highly recommend you come here with a lot of people, at least four, just so you can try everything and share it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3746\" data-end=\"3801\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3746\" data-end=\"3764\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: And what do you usually start with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3803\" data-end=\"4040\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3803\" data-end=\"3815\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: We open with getting the bread. It’s this milk bread. It’s nice and golden on top, super piping warm. And they have this beautiful dab of butter or some sea salt that you could put on top of it. Honestly, you don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4042\" data-end=\"4190\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4042\" data-end=\"4057\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: We also started with the bread, and the bread is — I’ve had milk bread other places before. This was definitely something special.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4192\" data-end=\"4350\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4192\" data-end=\"4207\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Yeah. It just kind of melts in your mouth. I mean, it was super soft, and I think there was black sesame seeds, like, sprinkled on top of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4352\" data-end=\"4376\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4352\" data-end=\"4367\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Mm-hmm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4378\" data-end=\"4465\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4378\" data-end=\"4393\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: I mean, Ethel’s Fancy, like, yes, she is. Like, Ethel’s \u003cem data-start=\"4451\" data-end=\"4458\">fancy\u003c/em> Fancy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4467\" data-end=\"4489\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4467\" data-end=\"4482\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4491\" data-end=\"4525\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4491\" data-end=\"4506\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: It was very nice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4527\" data-end=\"4606\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4527\" data-end=\"4545\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Alright, so after the rolls, where do you head on the menu?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4608\" data-end=\"4743\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4608\" data-end=\"4620\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: The menu is always constantly changing with the season, but if they do have it, you should get the hand-cut beef tartare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4745\" data-end=\"4770\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4745\" data-end=\"4760\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4772\" data-end=\"5070\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4772\" data-end=\"4784\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: There’s like, kind of a soy sauce-y umami essence to it. There was like a cracker that came with it that you could get that crunchy texture as you need it, contrasting with the soft tenderness of the meat. Just thinking about right now, like, I wish I had it in front of me right now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5072\" data-end=\"5113\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5072\" data-end=\"5087\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: And the soft-boiled egg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5115\" data-end=\"5181\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5115\" data-end=\"5130\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: I can taste it the way that you’re describing it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5183\" data-end=\"5209\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5183\" data-end=\"5195\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Oh, the egg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5211\" data-end=\"5260\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5211\" data-end=\"5226\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: That soy egg that it comes with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5262\" data-end=\"5299\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5262\" data-end=\"5274\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yes. Oh, the egg was —\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5301\" data-end=\"5342\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5301\" data-end=\"5319\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: You got this as well?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5344\" data-end=\"5426\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5344\" data-end=\"5359\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Yeah. It was amazing. Probably one of the best tartares I’ve had.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5428\" data-end=\"5454\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5428\" data-end=\"5440\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yes. Mm-hmm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5456\" data-end=\"5889\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5456\" data-end=\"5471\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: So good. We ordered the sesame pancake, which was really great. The pancake itself is almost like a mochi sort of chewy kind of thing with great sesame flavor. And then it came with this sauce that was sort of the star of it. It was a whipped cream with a smoked fish in it. It also had an avocado, which seems like it would be overkill on the creamy, whatever. But all the flavors complemented each other perfectly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5891\" data-end=\"5936\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5891\" data-end=\"5909\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Imani’s shaking her head.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5938\" data-end=\"6237\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5938\" data-end=\"5953\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: I mean, it was sensational. I also had the pancakes, and they’re small. They’re a little more dense than you think they would be. That chili on the side really complemented. It wasn’t an overwhelming heat. I think it paired very nicely with the fish and the texture of the pancakes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"130\" data-end=\"406\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"130\" data-end=\"148\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Jason’s keeping it casual with his favorite place to kick back with a burger and a brew. His only challenge—deciding which craft beer to choose of the more than 20 on tap year-round. Located in Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue neighborhood, it’s Cato’s Ale House.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"408\" data-end=\"423\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"425\" data-end=\"450\">Woman: Thanks for coming!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"470\">Man: How you been?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"487\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"741\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"506\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: People are very intrigued by Cato’s when they come in. It looks like a house as it was and it was converted into a restaurant. There’s nooks and crannies for you to have an intimate date night. There is space for you to have a group.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"760\">Together: Cheers!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"777\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"1584\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"796\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: We have live music every Wednesday and Sunday. We have trivia every Monday evening. It’s a very comfortable space. Our menu is a hodgepodge of different things, so we have snackable, shareable plates, we have burgers, sandwiches. You can customize your own pizza. There’s something for everybody. My favorite thing on the menu is the Hallelujah! fried chicken sandwich. The vinegar-based slaw is awesome. So a simple sandwich that just ends up blowing your mind. We’re really proud to serve 23 lines of craft beer. We were one of the first restaurants in the Bay Area to have Pliny the Elder from Russian River on draught permanently. We are happy to guide you. If you don’t know what kind of beer you’re looking for—malty, sweet, tart. And if you do, that’s great. We’ll get you ready.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1586\" data-end=\"1610\">[bell ringing, cheering]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1612\" data-end=\"1820\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1612\" data-end=\"1629\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: You’ll notice that we have a standing bar where you’re going to bump elbows and mingle with the people you’re around, and we really do that to embrace and encourage interaction with guests.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1822\" data-end=\"1854\">Woman: You gonna have some food?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1856\" data-end=\"2514\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1856\" data-end=\"1873\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: Awesome. I’ve been coming to Cato’s since I was a child. I’ve been coming for the 30 years that we’ve been open. I started working here in the kitchen seven years ago, worked my way up to manager. And it’s just the best place to work with the best people. None of us feel like we’re working, honestly. It just feels like a place where we get to come hang out. We do get a lot of families in here—a lot of kids who we know by name, we watch them grow up, and they feel that Cato’s is theirs. I think that’s one of the most important things about Cato’s—it feels like it’s everybody’s space. It’s “my Cato’s.” To everybody, it’s “my Cato’s.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2516\" data-end=\"2570\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2516\" data-end=\"2534\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: So, Jason, is this your go-to pub?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2572\" data-end=\"2607\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2572\" data-end=\"2587\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Yeah. Pretty much.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2609\" data-end=\"2632\">Man: I’ll take a Pliny.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"2659\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"2651\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: Pliny?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2661\" data-end=\"2671\">Man: Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2673\" data-end=\"3278\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2673\" data-end=\"2688\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: It’s just got a very cozy atmosphere that you feel instantly comfortable in. A lot of places that are pubs, they’ll have a good selection of beer and, eh, they have food, you know? This place, they really focus on the food. And I really like the Retroburger. It’s got bacon on it—crisp, thick bacon. The bun is just right. You know, it’s not an overly fat brioche bun or something obtrusive. It’s just enough to sort of carry the burger. They cook it perfectly every time if you ask for it medium rare. The fries that come with it are great. Yeah, it’s kind of a perfect burger, you know?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3310\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3298\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: You agree?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3312\" data-end=\"3528\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3312\" data-end=\"3324\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Oh, so I 100% agree with everything. I think the only thing I can add to it is it’s the kind of burger that you want to reach for so many napkins ’cause it’s so messy, but just in the best way possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3552\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3545\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3554\" data-end=\"3718\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3554\" data-end=\"3566\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: And I was just, like, grabbing the napkins, and I felt like so much joy just eating it. It was very substantial. Like, I couldn’t finish it. I wanted—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3762\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3738\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: It was a 20-napkin-er.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"4008\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"3776\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yeah. Oh, definitely. Yes, yes. And they had this Chuseok porter, a local Oakland brewery called Dokkaebier. And I was so excited to try it because I hadn’t seen it anywhere else, and it’s a really great way to start off the meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4417\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4025\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: So they have a huge drink menu. I’m a cider girl myself, so I tried this like blue cosmic cider. Very citrus forward. It had a great taste to it and a great color as well. I think it brought a little fun to the night. And one of the standout dishes for me was the mac and cheese. I love a mac and cheese. I actually make a great mac and cheese—just a small plug. So this mac and cheese was—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4419\" data-end=\"4460\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4419\" data-end=\"4437\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: So you judge harshly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4462\" data-end=\"4767\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4462\" data-end=\"4477\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: I judge harshly. I know what I’m talking about. This mac and cheese was very creamy and it had some breadcrumbs on top that were just a good juxtaposition to the creamy and the crunchy. I think it had a great flavor as well, very well seasoned, so it kind of gave it this like homey feel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4769\" data-end=\"4793\">Man: Hot, hot, hot, hot!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4795\" data-end=\"4846\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4795\" data-end=\"4810\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Did anybody go on Wednesday night?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4848\" data-end=\"4865\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4848\" data-end=\"4860\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: No.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4867\" data-end=\"4887\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4867\" data-end=\"4882\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: No.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4889\" data-end=\"4941\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4889\" data-end=\"4904\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: They have live music on Wednesdays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4943\" data-end=\"4989\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4943\" data-end=\"4958\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Oh, yeah. I heard about that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4991\" data-end=\"5255\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4991\" data-end=\"5006\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: So it was very nice ’cause you’re just enjoying kind of this live band and you’re just like, hey, this is—this is the vibe. I’m enjoying the music. I’m enjoying the conversation. The drinks are flowing, the mac and cheese is creamy. I really like—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5257\" data-end=\"5295\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5257\" data-end=\"5275\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Life is good feel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5297\" data-end=\"5322\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5297\" data-end=\"5312\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Life is—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5324\" data-end=\"5357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5324\" data-end=\"5342\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Life is good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"81\" data-end=\"141\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"81\" data-end=\"99\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Any other dishes you want to talk about?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"143\" data-end=\"455\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"143\" data-end=\"158\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: I really like their—actually, their bánh mì I think is great. They have a chicken bánh mì, and they also have a tofu bánh mì. They’re both lemongrass. And for a non-Vietnamese place, it’s a pretty solid bánh mì. Spicy, a little bit acidic. It’s got the pickled veggies on it. I think it’s great.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"457\" data-end=\"478\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"457\" data-end=\"472\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Mmm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"480\" data-end=\"805\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"480\" data-end=\"492\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: So my wife got the pastrami sandwich. Any time she sees it anywhere, she loves to try different pastrami sandwiches. The portion sizes are super generous. The bread was toasted beautifully, like you have the golden-brown exterior. The meat was packed high. She was really happy that she got to try it, you know?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"807\" data-end=\"1017\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"807\" data-end=\"822\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: So, I had the Hallelujah! sandwich. It’s a fried chicken sandwich with a spicy coleslaw and a lemon aioli. And it’s very messy, just like the burger, but equally delicious. I really enjoyed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1070\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1036\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: I’ve got a pepperoni pizza here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1210\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1087\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: My partner had the pizza, so there was, like, mushrooms, sausage on the pizza, and he did not have any complaints either.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1268\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1230\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Did you have anything else to drink?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1369\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1285\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: I had the Irish Red Ale. Just balanced, you know, not too bitter. Yeah. Nice beer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1411\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1389\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: No room for dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1452\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1428\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: I’d just get the beer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1454\" data-end=\"1494\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1454\" data-end=\"1469\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: The beer was a dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1496\" data-end=\"1540\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1496\" data-end=\"1508\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yeah, the beer was my dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1597\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1557\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Yeah, exactly. Who has room, you know?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1599\" data-end=\"1670\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1599\" data-end=\"1617\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: And did you feel like this was an affordable place?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1672\" data-end=\"1765\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1672\" data-end=\"1684\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Oh, absolutely. I think it was such a great neighborhood spot to have to go to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"2091\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1782\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: We actually went there, and we bumped into a friend of ours who lives in Oakland, and they were watching the Celtics game. So that’s a good opportunity as well. If you’re a huge sports fan, that’s another element of community. There’s no seats at the bar, but there are people yelling for their team to win.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2137\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2111\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Would you go back again?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2151\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Oh, absolutely. I would go back again. 100%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2221\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2214\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2399\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2241\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Alright. If you would like to try Cato’s Ale House, it’s located on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $25.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2399\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"269\">[music playing]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2241\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Imani feels transported to Japan every time she steps into her\u003cbr>\nfavorite sushi bar. Featuring fish flown in daily, including a\u003cbr>\nmelt-on-your-tongue toro, it’s no wonder it’s become\u003cbr>\nher date night destination. Located in Berkeley, it’s Kiku Sushi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"269\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"269\">[music playing]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"271\" data-end=\"506\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"271\" data-end=\"293\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> Kiku Sushi is bringing two worlds together in one place — vegetarian and fish at the same time and same place and make them happy. We are immigrants from Mongolia. We work in Japanese restaurant at the beginning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"592\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"527\">Jay Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> After I went to the school, I teach my sister how to make sushi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"594\" data-end=\"662\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"594\" data-end=\"616\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> Then we decided us open the sushi restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"792\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"683\">Jay Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> I like working at the sushi bar. I want to see people happy when they get the fishes. They want to watch me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"794\" data-end=\"916\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"794\" data-end=\"816\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> This is the fireman roll. So this has avocado on the bottom with the eggplant a little bit torched.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"986\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"937\">Jay Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> Good-quality fish comes from all over the world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"988\" data-end=\"1177\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"988\" data-end=\"1010\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> Vegetables is endless vegetables we can use. On the menu, there is so many different things I love to eat. Always the sashimis, homemade black cod marinated. So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1226\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1198\">Jay Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> Rice is the most important.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1556\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1250\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> We use short-grain sushi rice imported from Japan. We do have a special secret of making the sushi vinegars. The sushi rice, mixing is a very important part of it. When you’re mixing the rice, you don’t want to chop in through it. So that’s the reason the chef is mixing so that it doesn’t break the rice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1792\">Don’t be surprised, every time you come, depending on the season, we make different kind of vegetarian dishes. One of my favorite is the seaweed salad. We use six different kinds of seaweed with the homemade sauce, which is very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"2002\">Making sushi, it is kind of art. Everybody has a different style, different imaginations to make the plate look amazing. I’m glad I learned it. I’m one of the woman chef in the Bay Area. I’m very proud of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2032\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2014\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Chicken teriyaki.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2227\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2056\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> People after leave my restaurant, we would like to know them to be fully satisfied. They will remember what delicious food they had. Ohh! Thank you. Thank you for coming.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2227\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"269\">[music playing]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"101\" data-end=\"169\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"101\" data-end=\"120\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, so this is a date-night destination place?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"383\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"187\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Yes, for sure. It’s a very small, very intimate restaurant. There’s wood paneling on the walls and on the ceiling. The lights are kind of integrated within that wood paneling. It feels very cozy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"385\" data-end=\"761\">I started with the seaweed salad. It’s a beautiful, like, array of colors. You have some red, some burgundy, some green, of course, and it’s topped with sesame seeds. It’s a little bland, I would say. And how I spice it up is adding a little soy sauce, and that just perks it right up. It’s just a perfect starter, kind of awakens your palate and gets you ready for the sushi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"763\" data-end=\"939\">My go-to dish is the negi toro. I really like a fatty tuna. It is just very buttery, very soft, melts in your mouth, topped with scallions. And it’s just absolutely to die for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"1221\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"957\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Their fish was very fresh. I tried to get the negi toro. They were out of it, sadly, but I did get a salmon nigiri that was great, although they seared the salmon, which was really good. I normally prefer it raw, but I enjoyed it. It was great. It was very fatty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1328\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1239\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it’s salmon with salmon roe on top, and it’s, again, buttery, melts in your mouth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1561\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1346\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> And their nigiri are large, too. You get a big piece of fish. I had the escolar nigiri, which was amazing. The flavor of the fish was just so complex and fresh and perfect. And they put a little green onion on top.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1585\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1579\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1987\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1600\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> My wife and I, we went for lunch. So what was really nice was that they had these different sets that you can pick from. So my wife got the sashimi lunch set, and there you can customize. If you didn’t want one fish, you could sub one out. So she had decided to get the chu-toro. She’s a big fan of fatty tuna. So everything that she got was really amazing. You could taste the quality.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1989\" data-end=\"2315\">So for myself, I actually decided to go a different direction. I did their nigiri vegetarian set. And so each nigiri was a different type of vegetable. And it was really amazing how they were able to nuance flavors out of those vegetables. Like, there was eggplant that was really amazing. That was just something really cool.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2317\" data-end=\"2542\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2317\" data-end=\"2333\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> I tried the Kiku roll. And the Kiku roll was sensational. No wonder it’s their namesake because it had yams. It was very crunchy, very savory, deep fried as well. So it fills you up, and it’s just phenomenal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2829\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2560\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I had also off the vegetarian menu, the Fireman’s roll, which was, I thought, great. It had a spicy sauce and the eggplant was charred and smoky. The overall flavor was just this strong smoke profile, not like a sushi roll I’ve had anywhere before. It was tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2831\" data-end=\"2934\">Their vegetarian options were great. They had a crispy rice with sweet potato puree that was fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"3117\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"2952\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> We’ve also had the crispy rice with sweet potato and it was delicious. Very crunchy. Kind of gets stuck in your teeth a little bit. Take your time. But very savory.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3119\" data-end=\"3141\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3119\" data-end=\"3129\">Woman:\u003c/strong> How was it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3143\" data-end=\"3168\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3143\" data-end=\"3157\">Young man:\u003c/strong> Very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3170\" data-end=\"3354\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3170\" data-end=\"3186\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> I ordered the crispy rice with avocado. And I think I prefer the sweet potato just because of the sweetness, the juxtaposition of the savory rice and the sweet potato.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3356\" data-end=\"3392\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3356\" data-end=\"3372\">Young woman:\u003c/strong> That’s really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3394\" data-end=\"3511\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3394\" data-end=\"3410\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> It just kind of has a nice savory flavor in your mouth. And for dessert, I had the strawberry mochi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3513\" data-end=\"3538\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3513\" data-end=\"3521\">Man:\u003c/strong> Oh, that’s fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3540\" data-end=\"3749\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3540\" data-end=\"3556\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> The mochi is a kind of gummy texture. And then inside is strawberry ice cream. And it was just a nice, something sweet, something brief to have right after your dinner. I very much enjoyed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3770\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And do you get anything to drink?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3806\" data-end=\"4009\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3806\" data-end=\"3822\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> I usually get saké. This one was kind of milky. Very good creamy texture to it. And one of my favorite things about Kiku is that when you choose to order saké, you can choose your glass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4032\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4019\">All:\u003c/strong> [exclaiming]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4034\" data-end=\"4252\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4034\" data-end=\"4050\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> So they come to you and they give you, like, a series of, like, ornate glasses. And it’s just kind of this customization, like this choice that you didn’t know that you needed. But it was nice to have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4254\" data-end=\"4291\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4254\" data-end=\"4267\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it’s pretty cool.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4293\" data-end=\"4359\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4293\" data-end=\"4309\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> I also had sake. I didn’t get to choose my glass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4361\" data-end=\"4380\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4361\" data-end=\"4369\">All:\u003c/strong> [laughing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4382\" data-end=\"4406\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4382\" data-end=\"4398\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> I know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4408\" data-end=\"4430\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4408\" data-end=\"4424\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Gasp!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4432\" data-end=\"4478\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4432\" data-end=\"4451\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You weren’t on date night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4480\" data-end=\"4792\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4480\" data-end=\"4496\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> I guess not. Yeah. You know. But they did have these cool glasses that had a sort of thing in it that they could put ice in, so it kept it cold, but without it being in the saké. And they were pretty. But I could see that they had a lot of glasses around. So I guess, you know, one could choose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4794\" data-end=\"4816\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4794\" data-end=\"4810\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4818\" data-end=\"4843\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4818\" data-end=\"4831\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> Yeah, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4845\" data-end=\"4898\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4845\" data-end=\"4861\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Well, let’s bring that up next time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4900\" data-end=\"4922\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4900\" data-end=\"4916\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4924\" data-end=\"4968\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4924\" data-end=\"4943\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You have to go together.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4970\" data-end=\"4995\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4970\" data-end=\"4986\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Totally.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4997\" data-end=\"5226\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4997\" data-end=\"5013\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Yeah. The service is also very cozy. Very, like, community oriented. I feel like the service was just checking in on you, making sure that you have everything and not overwhelming you with too many rules at once.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5228\" data-end=\"5280\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5228\" data-end=\"5247\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you feel that about service?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5282\" data-end=\"5600\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5282\" data-end=\"5295\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> Oh, absolutely. You know, they were very attentive. They, you know, ask questions like, What were you interested in? They try to work with you, like with my wife, with the customization. I just thought they really wanted you to feel at home in their restaurant. And, you know, I think it goes a long way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5602\" data-end=\"5670\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5602\" data-end=\"5621\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And sushi typically is a pricier meal, isn’t it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5672\" data-end=\"5741\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5672\" data-end=\"5688\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Yeah, usually. They’re pretty reasonable, I thought.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5743\" data-end=\"5943\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5743\" data-end=\"5759\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> This is very accessible. Yeah. And I think that aspect of like the vegetarian menu as well kind of contributes to that accessibility. But it is not like crazy price range I would say.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5945\" data-end=\"6074\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5945\" data-end=\"5958\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> But you know, I definitely want to go back for a date night and try the saké. That sounds like a really great time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6076\" data-end=\"6110\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6076\" data-end=\"6092\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Highly recommend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6112\" data-end=\"6131\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6112\" data-end=\"6125\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6133\" data-end=\"6302\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6133\" data-end=\"6152\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, if you would like to try Kiku Sushi, it’s located on Gilman Street in Berkeley, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $35.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"85\" data-end=\"161\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"85\" data-end=\"104\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Looking for more Bay Area bites? You’ve just got to try.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"184\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"175\">Cecilia:\u003c/strong> [laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"266\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"205\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Check out \u003cem data-start=\"216\" data-end=\"234\">Cecilia Tries It\u003c/em> online at kqed.org/checkplease.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"268\" data-end=\"296\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"268\" data-end=\"280\">Cecilia:\u003c/strong> [chuckles] Mmm!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"298\" data-end=\"622\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"298\" data-end=\"317\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I have to thank my great guests on this week’s show — \u003cstrong data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"387\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>, who raves about the retro burger at Cato’s Ale House in Oakland, \u003cstrong data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"466\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>, who has no problem sharing the mouthwatering morsels at Ethel’s Fancy in Palo Alto, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"556\" data-end=\"571\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>, who loves sipping saké at Kiku Sushi in Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"801\">Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on \u003cem data-start=\"715\" data-end=\"740\">Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. I’m Leslie Sbrocco and I’ll see you then. Cheers, everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"827\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"819\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"877\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"848\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Was reaching for your glass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"903\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"895\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"921\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"913\">All:\u003c/strong> [laugh]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"950\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"942\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"967\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"969\" data-end=\"1519\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"969\" data-end=\"989\">Scott Nishiyama:\u003c/strong> One of the dishes that we’re most proud of is probably the milk bread. It started just from a regular Japanese milk bread, but we’ve added some twists to it. We use Rouge de Bordeaux flour that adds a delicious nuttiness and whole grain flavor to the bread. It also retains that nice fluffy texture. We pair it with a cultured butter that’s infused with Amazake, which is a Japanese rice drink. It comes out to the table nice and hot. The butter melts beautifully on it. And it flies out the door. We sell out almost every night.\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1744941712,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 9,
"wordCount": 5036
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Ethel's Fancy, Cato's Ale House, Kiku Sushi | KQED",
"description": "Bay Area foodies review modern Japanese fare in Palo Alto, craft beer and burgers in Oakland and vegetarian-forward sushi in Berkeley.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Bay Area foodies review modern Japanese fare in Palo Alto, craft beer and burgers in Oakland and vegetarian-forward sushi in Berkeley.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Ethel's Fancy, Cato's Ale House, Kiku Sushi",
"datePublished": "2025-04-10T19:25:02-07:00",
"dateModified": "2025-04-17T19:01:52-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"videoEmbed": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSaGy5DtbJ8",
"sticky": false,
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/23431/check-please-bay-area-reviews-ethels-fancy-catos-ale-house-kiku-sushi",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 20, episode 1, airs Thursday, April 10, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Welcome to the premiere of the 20th season of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>! This week’s episode starts in the heart of downtown Palo Alto at \u003cstrong>Ethel’s Fancy\u003c/strong>, where a Michelin-trained chef brings modern twists to Japanese American cuisine with a lively, shareable menu. In an inviting, modern space accented with playful touches, diners feast on charcoal-grilled prawns, richly flavored Brandt Farms beef striploin, and delicate black sesame soft serve. Over in Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue district, \u003cstrong>Cato’s Ale House\u003c/strong> has been a neighborhood institution since 1994, drawing in locals with its warm, wood-paneled interior and an ever-rotating selection of nearly two dozen craft beers. Favorites include the satisfying Retroburger, the melty, smoky pastrami sandwich, and the crispy-yet-juicy Hallelujah! fried chicken sandwich. Finally, \u003cstrong>Kiku Sushi\u003c/strong> in Berkeley is known for both its pristine seafood alongside an extensive vegetarian and vegan sushi selection, making it a go-to for groups with diverse tastes. Whether it’s the eggplant-based fireman roll with a spicy kick, the buttery sake toro nigiri, or the satisfyingly crunchy crispy rice with avocado, Kiku offers something for every sushi lover.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23434\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23434\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Guests_02.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Jason Stein, Imani Isles and Eddie Ng from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ethelsfancypa.com/\">\u003cstrong>Ethel’s Fancy\u003c/strong> (Palo Alto)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://catosalehouse.com/\">\u003cstrong>Cato’s Ale House\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kikusushivegetarian.com/berkeley-page\">\u003cstrong>Kiku Sushi\u003c/strong> (Berkeley)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23435\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-800x829.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"829\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-800x829.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-1020x1057.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-160x166.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-768x796.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-1483x1536.png 1483w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-1977x2048.png 1977w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2001_Wines-1920x1989.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">\u003cb>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003ca style=\"color: #339966\" href=\"https://www.corcellars.com\">Cor Cellars 2023 ‘AGO’ Tocai Friulano\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Columbia Gorge, Washington $30\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>Cor Cellars was founded in 2004 by Luke Bradford and is now run alongside his wife, Meg. They have several different labels representing the brand including their distinctive lineup called AGO (meaning “before the present time”).This racy white is made with a famed northern Italian grape, Tocai Friulano, planted in the Columbia Gorge wine-growing area. Alluring aromas of white peaches draw you in for a taste that’s a touch earthy with a creamy texture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003ca style=\"color: #339966\" href=\"http://www.amosrome.com\">Amos Rome Vineyards 2023 Grüner Veltliner\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Lake Chelan, Washington $30\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>Lake Chelan is known for its beautiful scenery and as a destination for outdoor activities. Lately, the viticultural area has also been gaining acclaim for its wines. The well-known Austrian grape, Grüner Veltliner, thrives in cooler climates producing crisp, bright whites. Planted in Amos Rome’s High Blossom Vineyard, this Grüner shines.This version from winemaker and owner Travis Clark, is zesty with hints of citrus, herbal notes, and a mouthwatering freshness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">\u003cb>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003ca style=\"color: #339966\" href=\"https://www.devisonvintners.com\">Devison 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Evergreen Vineyard\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Columbia Valley, Washington $28\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>The mantra of winery owners, Peter and Kelsey Devison, is “Texture. Tension. Terroir.” Three words that perfectly describe their lineup of singular wines including this world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Hailing from the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, it expresses minerality and citrus intensity layered with lushness. Though this is a serious Sauvignon Blanc that reminds me of classic French Sancerre, its whimsical label and succulent character make it seriously fun to sip.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"193\" data-end=\"250\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"193\" data-end=\"211\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Seasonal small plates in Palo Alto…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"252\" data-end=\"307\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"252\" data-end=\"264\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: I wish I had it in front of me right now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"365\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"327\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: …pub classics on tap in Oakland…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"440\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"382\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: I really like the Retroburger, kind of a perfect burger.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"442\" data-end=\"501\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"442\" data-end=\"460\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: …and rockin’ sushi rolls in Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"552\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"518\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: It’s just absolutely to die for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"554\" data-end=\"614\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"554\" data-end=\"572\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Just ahead on \u003cem data-start=\"588\" data-end=\"614\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"705\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"631\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: This is the vibe. I’m enjoying the music. I’m enjoying the conversation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"707\" data-end=\"740\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"707\" data-end=\"725\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Life is good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"742\" data-end=\"769\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"742\" data-end=\"757\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Life is…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"771\" data-end=\"804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"771\" data-end=\"789\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Life is good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"821\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"1323\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"841\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to \u003cem data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"904\">Check, Please! Bay Area,\u003c/em> the show where Bay Area residents review and talk about their favorite restaurants. Now, we have three guests, and each one recommends one of their favorite spots, and the other two go check them out to see what they think. Joining me at the \u003cem data-start=\"1147\" data-end=\"1163\">Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are tattoo artist Jason Stein, project manager Eddie Ng, and data analyst and model Imani Isles. Welcome, everyone. Are you ready for our fun show?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1325\" data-end=\"1346\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1325\" data-end=\"1340\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1378\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1360\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yes. Can’t wait.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1380\" data-end=\"1658\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1380\" data-end=\"1398\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: We kick things off with Eddie’s pick. Offering an elevated yet approachable menu of shareable plates in a hip, modern space, it’s the perfect place to throw a dinner party for his friends. Minus the cleanup. Located in downtown Palo Alto, it’s Ethel’s Fancy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1675\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1677\" data-end=\"1873\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1677\" data-end=\"1696\">Scott Nishiyama\u003c/strong>: At Ethel’s Fancy, we wanted to keep it fun. It’s very evident when you walk in here that there’s a lot of energy going on. Open kitchen and an open fire and great hospitality.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1961\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1882\">Man\u003c/strong>: Alrighty, guys. Here we got the miso-marinated cucumbers, Asian Shinko pears.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"2740\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"1982\">Scott Nishiyama\u003c/strong>: This is a very personal restaurant named after my grandmother and my mom. I’m originally from Hawaii, born and raised on Maui. Because Hawaii is such a melting pot of different cultures, we take a lot of inspiration from different cuisines. Being Japanese-American, I definitely wanted to introduce a little bit of that into my cooking. Most of my training has been in French and Italian, but it’s hard not to get influenced by the things that I grew up eating and I love to eat. I always had a deep love for cooking growing up with my mom and my grandmother. There’s one dish in particular that we do. It’s a kampachi crudo, inspired by a Japanese senbei recipe that my mom used to make. You do it on a little yakitori cracker. A lot of textures going on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2742\" data-end=\"2780\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2742\" data-end=\"2751\">Woman\u003c/strong>: It’s amazing. It’s so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2782\" data-end=\"3486\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2782\" data-end=\"2801\">Scott Nishiyama\u003c/strong>: Growing up, I loved barbecues outside, and Japanese yakitori is like one of my favorite things to eat. We grill over wood and binchotan, which is Japanese charcoal, to impart that nice smoky flavor to everything. Another aspect I really wanted for the restaurant was having soft serve, because I love soft serve. We’re constantly changing those flavors up, and we pair it with fresh fruit in season. This is a black sesame crumble, frozen raspberries. While we take the food and the drinks very seriously, we don’t try to take ourselves seriously. We want it to be a really fun and interactive space. You see that…that nod from people, and you know that they’re having a good time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3488\" data-end=\"3503\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3524\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3512\">Man\u003c/strong>: Very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3526\" data-end=\"3608\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3526\" data-end=\"3544\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Alright, Eddie. Ethel’s Fancy. Sounds like such a unique spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3610\" data-end=\"3744\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3610\" data-end=\"3622\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yeah. I highly recommend you come here with a lot of people, at least four, just so you can try everything and share it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3746\" data-end=\"3801\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3746\" data-end=\"3764\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: And what do you usually start with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3803\" data-end=\"4040\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3803\" data-end=\"3815\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: We open with getting the bread. It’s this milk bread. It’s nice and golden on top, super piping warm. And they have this beautiful dab of butter or some sea salt that you could put on top of it. Honestly, you don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4042\" data-end=\"4190\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4042\" data-end=\"4057\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: We also started with the bread, and the bread is — I’ve had milk bread other places before. This was definitely something special.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4192\" data-end=\"4350\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4192\" data-end=\"4207\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Yeah. It just kind of melts in your mouth. I mean, it was super soft, and I think there was black sesame seeds, like, sprinkled on top of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4352\" data-end=\"4376\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4352\" data-end=\"4367\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Mm-hmm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4378\" data-end=\"4465\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4378\" data-end=\"4393\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: I mean, Ethel’s Fancy, like, yes, she is. Like, Ethel’s \u003cem data-start=\"4451\" data-end=\"4458\">fancy\u003c/em> Fancy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4467\" data-end=\"4489\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4467\" data-end=\"4482\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4491\" data-end=\"4525\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4491\" data-end=\"4506\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: It was very nice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4527\" data-end=\"4606\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4527\" data-end=\"4545\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Alright, so after the rolls, where do you head on the menu?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4608\" data-end=\"4743\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4608\" data-end=\"4620\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: The menu is always constantly changing with the season, but if they do have it, you should get the hand-cut beef tartare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4745\" data-end=\"4770\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4745\" data-end=\"4760\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4772\" data-end=\"5070\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4772\" data-end=\"4784\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: There’s like, kind of a soy sauce-y umami essence to it. There was like a cracker that came with it that you could get that crunchy texture as you need it, contrasting with the soft tenderness of the meat. Just thinking about right now, like, I wish I had it in front of me right now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5072\" data-end=\"5113\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5072\" data-end=\"5087\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: And the soft-boiled egg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5115\" data-end=\"5181\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5115\" data-end=\"5130\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: I can taste it the way that you’re describing it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5183\" data-end=\"5209\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5183\" data-end=\"5195\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Oh, the egg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5211\" data-end=\"5260\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5211\" data-end=\"5226\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: That soy egg that it comes with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5262\" data-end=\"5299\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5262\" data-end=\"5274\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yes. Oh, the egg was —\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5301\" data-end=\"5342\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5301\" data-end=\"5319\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: You got this as well?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5344\" data-end=\"5426\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5344\" data-end=\"5359\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Yeah. It was amazing. Probably one of the best tartares I’ve had.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5428\" data-end=\"5454\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5428\" data-end=\"5440\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yes. Mm-hmm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5456\" data-end=\"5889\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5456\" data-end=\"5471\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: So good. We ordered the sesame pancake, which was really great. The pancake itself is almost like a mochi sort of chewy kind of thing with great sesame flavor. And then it came with this sauce that was sort of the star of it. It was a whipped cream with a smoked fish in it. It also had an avocado, which seems like it would be overkill on the creamy, whatever. But all the flavors complemented each other perfectly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5891\" data-end=\"5936\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5891\" data-end=\"5909\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Imani’s shaking her head.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5938\" data-end=\"6237\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5938\" data-end=\"5953\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: I mean, it was sensational. I also had the pancakes, and they’re small. They’re a little more dense than you think they would be. That chili on the side really complemented. It wasn’t an overwhelming heat. I think it paired very nicely with the fish and the texture of the pancakes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"130\" data-end=\"406\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"130\" data-end=\"148\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Jason’s keeping it casual with his favorite place to kick back with a burger and a brew. His only challenge—deciding which craft beer to choose of the more than 20 on tap year-round. Located in Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue neighborhood, it’s Cato’s Ale House.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"408\" data-end=\"423\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"425\" data-end=\"450\">Woman: Thanks for coming!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"470\">Man: How you been?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"487\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"741\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"506\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: People are very intrigued by Cato’s when they come in. It looks like a house as it was and it was converted into a restaurant. There’s nooks and crannies for you to have an intimate date night. There is space for you to have a group.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"743\" data-end=\"760\">Together: Cheers!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"777\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"1584\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"796\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: We have live music every Wednesday and Sunday. We have trivia every Monday evening. It’s a very comfortable space. Our menu is a hodgepodge of different things, so we have snackable, shareable plates, we have burgers, sandwiches. You can customize your own pizza. There’s something for everybody. My favorite thing on the menu is the Hallelujah! fried chicken sandwich. The vinegar-based slaw is awesome. So a simple sandwich that just ends up blowing your mind. We’re really proud to serve 23 lines of craft beer. We were one of the first restaurants in the Bay Area to have Pliny the Elder from Russian River on draught permanently. We are happy to guide you. If you don’t know what kind of beer you’re looking for—malty, sweet, tart. And if you do, that’s great. We’ll get you ready.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1586\" data-end=\"1610\">[bell ringing, cheering]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1612\" data-end=\"1820\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1612\" data-end=\"1629\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: You’ll notice that we have a standing bar where you’re going to bump elbows and mingle with the people you’re around, and we really do that to embrace and encourage interaction with guests.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1822\" data-end=\"1854\">Woman: You gonna have some food?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1856\" data-end=\"2514\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1856\" data-end=\"1873\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: Awesome. I’ve been coming to Cato’s since I was a child. I’ve been coming for the 30 years that we’ve been open. I started working here in the kitchen seven years ago, worked my way up to manager. And it’s just the best place to work with the best people. None of us feel like we’re working, honestly. It just feels like a place where we get to come hang out. We do get a lot of families in here—a lot of kids who we know by name, we watch them grow up, and they feel that Cato’s is theirs. I think that’s one of the most important things about Cato’s—it feels like it’s everybody’s space. It’s “my Cato’s.” To everybody, it’s “my Cato’s.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2516\" data-end=\"2570\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2516\" data-end=\"2534\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: So, Jason, is this your go-to pub?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2572\" data-end=\"2607\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2572\" data-end=\"2587\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Yeah. Pretty much.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2609\" data-end=\"2632\">Man: I’ll take a Pliny.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"2659\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"2651\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: Pliny?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2661\" data-end=\"2671\">Man: Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2673\" data-end=\"3278\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2673\" data-end=\"2688\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: It’s just got a very cozy atmosphere that you feel instantly comfortable in. A lot of places that are pubs, they’ll have a good selection of beer and, eh, they have food, you know? This place, they really focus on the food. And I really like the Retroburger. It’s got bacon on it—crisp, thick bacon. The bun is just right. You know, it’s not an overly fat brioche bun or something obtrusive. It’s just enough to sort of carry the burger. They cook it perfectly every time if you ask for it medium rare. The fries that come with it are great. Yeah, it’s kind of a perfect burger, you know?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3310\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3298\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: You agree?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3312\" data-end=\"3528\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3312\" data-end=\"3324\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Oh, so I 100% agree with everything. I think the only thing I can add to it is it’s the kind of burger that you want to reach for so many napkins ’cause it’s so messy, but just in the best way possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3552\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3530\" data-end=\"3545\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3554\" data-end=\"3718\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3554\" data-end=\"3566\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: And I was just, like, grabbing the napkins, and I felt like so much joy just eating it. It was very substantial. Like, I couldn’t finish it. I wanted—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3762\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3738\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: It was a 20-napkin-er.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"4008\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"3776\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yeah. Oh, definitely. Yes, yes. And they had this Chuseok porter, a local Oakland brewery called Dokkaebier. And I was so excited to try it because I hadn’t seen it anywhere else, and it’s a really great way to start off the meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4417\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4025\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: So they have a huge drink menu. I’m a cider girl myself, so I tried this like blue cosmic cider. Very citrus forward. It had a great taste to it and a great color as well. I think it brought a little fun to the night. And one of the standout dishes for me was the mac and cheese. I love a mac and cheese. I actually make a great mac and cheese—just a small plug. So this mac and cheese was—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4419\" data-end=\"4460\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4419\" data-end=\"4437\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: So you judge harshly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4462\" data-end=\"4767\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4462\" data-end=\"4477\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: I judge harshly. I know what I’m talking about. This mac and cheese was very creamy and it had some breadcrumbs on top that were just a good juxtaposition to the creamy and the crunchy. I think it had a great flavor as well, very well seasoned, so it kind of gave it this like homey feel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4769\" data-end=\"4793\">Man: Hot, hot, hot, hot!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4795\" data-end=\"4846\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4795\" data-end=\"4810\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Did anybody go on Wednesday night?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4848\" data-end=\"4865\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4848\" data-end=\"4860\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: No.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4867\" data-end=\"4887\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4867\" data-end=\"4882\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: No.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4889\" data-end=\"4941\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4889\" data-end=\"4904\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: They have live music on Wednesdays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4943\" data-end=\"4989\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4943\" data-end=\"4958\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Oh, yeah. I heard about that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4991\" data-end=\"5255\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4991\" data-end=\"5006\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: So it was very nice ’cause you’re just enjoying kind of this live band and you’re just like, hey, this is—this is the vibe. I’m enjoying the music. I’m enjoying the conversation. The drinks are flowing, the mac and cheese is creamy. I really like—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5257\" data-end=\"5295\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5257\" data-end=\"5275\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Life is good feel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5297\" data-end=\"5322\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5297\" data-end=\"5312\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Life is—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5324\" data-end=\"5357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5324\" data-end=\"5342\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Life is good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"81\" data-end=\"141\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"81\" data-end=\"99\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Any other dishes you want to talk about?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"143\" data-end=\"455\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"143\" data-end=\"158\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: I really like their—actually, their bánh mì I think is great. They have a chicken bánh mì, and they also have a tofu bánh mì. They’re both lemongrass. And for a non-Vietnamese place, it’s a pretty solid bánh mì. Spicy, a little bit acidic. It’s got the pickled veggies on it. I think it’s great.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"457\" data-end=\"478\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"457\" data-end=\"472\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Mmm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"480\" data-end=\"805\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"480\" data-end=\"492\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: So my wife got the pastrami sandwich. Any time she sees it anywhere, she loves to try different pastrami sandwiches. The portion sizes are super generous. The bread was toasted beautifully, like you have the golden-brown exterior. The meat was packed high. She was really happy that she got to try it, you know?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"807\" data-end=\"1017\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"807\" data-end=\"822\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: So, I had the Hallelujah! sandwich. It’s a fried chicken sandwich with a spicy coleslaw and a lemon aioli. And it’s very messy, just like the burger, but equally delicious. I really enjoyed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1070\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1036\">Cara Devereux\u003c/strong>: I’ve got a pepperoni pizza here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1210\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1087\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: My partner had the pizza, so there was, like, mushrooms, sausage on the pizza, and he did not have any complaints either.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1268\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1230\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Did you have anything else to drink?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1369\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1285\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: I had the Irish Red Ale. Just balanced, you know, not too bitter. Yeah. Nice beer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1411\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1389\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: No room for dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1452\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1428\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: I’d just get the beer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1454\" data-end=\"1494\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1454\" data-end=\"1469\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: The beer was a dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1496\" data-end=\"1540\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1496\" data-end=\"1508\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Yeah, the beer was my dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1597\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1557\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>: Yeah, exactly. Who has room, you know?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1599\" data-end=\"1670\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1599\" data-end=\"1617\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: And did you feel like this was an affordable place?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1672\" data-end=\"1765\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1672\" data-end=\"1684\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Oh, absolutely. I think it was such a great neighborhood spot to have to go to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"2091\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1782\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: We actually went there, and we bumped into a friend of ours who lives in Oakland, and they were watching the Celtics game. So that’s a good opportunity as well. If you’re a huge sports fan, that’s another element of community. There’s no seats at the bar, but there are people yelling for their team to win.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2137\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2111\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Would you go back again?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2151\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>: Oh, absolutely. I would go back again. 100%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2221\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2214\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>: Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2399\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2241\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Alright. If you would like to try Cato’s Ale House, it’s located on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $25.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2399\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"269\">[music playing]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2241\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>: Imani feels transported to Japan every time she steps into her\u003cbr>\nfavorite sushi bar. Featuring fish flown in daily, including a\u003cbr>\nmelt-on-your-tongue toro, it’s no wonder it’s become\u003cbr>\nher date night destination. Located in Berkeley, it’s Kiku Sushi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"269\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"269\">[music playing]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"271\" data-end=\"506\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"271\" data-end=\"293\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> Kiku Sushi is bringing two worlds together in one place — vegetarian and fish at the same time and same place and make them happy. We are immigrants from Mongolia. We work in Japanese restaurant at the beginning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"592\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"527\">Jay Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> After I went to the school, I teach my sister how to make sushi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"594\" data-end=\"662\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"594\" data-end=\"616\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> Then we decided us open the sushi restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"792\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"683\">Jay Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> I like working at the sushi bar. I want to see people happy when they get the fishes. They want to watch me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"794\" data-end=\"916\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"794\" data-end=\"816\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> This is the fireman roll. So this has avocado on the bottom with the eggplant a little bit torched.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"986\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"937\">Jay Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> Good-quality fish comes from all over the world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"988\" data-end=\"1177\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"988\" data-end=\"1010\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> Vegetables is endless vegetables we can use. On the menu, there is so many different things I love to eat. Always the sashimis, homemade black cod marinated. So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1226\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1198\">Jay Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> Rice is the most important.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1556\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1250\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> We use short-grain sushi rice imported from Japan. We do have a special secret of making the sushi vinegars. The sushi rice, mixing is a very important part of it. When you’re mixing the rice, you don’t want to chop in through it. So that’s the reason the chef is mixing so that it doesn’t break the rice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1792\">Don’t be surprised, every time you come, depending on the season, we make different kind of vegetarian dishes. One of my favorite is the seaweed salad. We use six different kinds of seaweed with the homemade sauce, which is very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"2002\">Making sushi, it is kind of art. Everybody has a different style, different imaginations to make the plate look amazing. I’m glad I learned it. I’m one of the woman chef in the Bay Area. I’m very proud of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2032\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2014\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Chicken teriyaki.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2227\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2056\">Sophia Batsaikhan:\u003c/strong> People after leave my restaurant, we would like to know them to be fully satisfied. They will remember what delicious food they had. Ohh! Thank you. Thank you for coming.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2227\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"269\">[music playing]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"101\" data-end=\"169\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"101\" data-end=\"120\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, so this is a date-night destination place?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"383\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"187\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Yes, for sure. It’s a very small, very intimate restaurant. There’s wood paneling on the walls and on the ceiling. The lights are kind of integrated within that wood paneling. It feels very cozy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"385\" data-end=\"761\">I started with the seaweed salad. It’s a beautiful, like, array of colors. You have some red, some burgundy, some green, of course, and it’s topped with sesame seeds. It’s a little bland, I would say. And how I spice it up is adding a little soy sauce, and that just perks it right up. It’s just a perfect starter, kind of awakens your palate and gets you ready for the sushi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"763\" data-end=\"939\">My go-to dish is the negi toro. I really like a fatty tuna. It is just very buttery, very soft, melts in your mouth, topped with scallions. And it’s just absolutely to die for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"1221\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"957\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Their fish was very fresh. I tried to get the negi toro. They were out of it, sadly, but I did get a salmon nigiri that was great, although they seared the salmon, which was really good. I normally prefer it raw, but I enjoyed it. It was great. It was very fatty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1328\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1239\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it’s salmon with salmon roe on top, and it’s, again, buttery, melts in your mouth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1561\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1346\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> And their nigiri are large, too. You get a big piece of fish. I had the escolar nigiri, which was amazing. The flavor of the fish was just so complex and fresh and perfect. And they put a little green onion on top.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1585\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1579\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1987\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1600\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> My wife and I, we went for lunch. So what was really nice was that they had these different sets that you can pick from. So my wife got the sashimi lunch set, and there you can customize. If you didn’t want one fish, you could sub one out. So she had decided to get the chu-toro. She’s a big fan of fatty tuna. So everything that she got was really amazing. You could taste the quality.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1989\" data-end=\"2315\">So for myself, I actually decided to go a different direction. I did their nigiri vegetarian set. And so each nigiri was a different type of vegetable. And it was really amazing how they were able to nuance flavors out of those vegetables. Like, there was eggplant that was really amazing. That was just something really cool.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2317\" data-end=\"2542\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2317\" data-end=\"2333\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> I tried the Kiku roll. And the Kiku roll was sensational. No wonder it’s their namesake because it had yams. It was very crunchy, very savory, deep fried as well. So it fills you up, and it’s just phenomenal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2829\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2560\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I had also off the vegetarian menu, the Fireman’s roll, which was, I thought, great. It had a spicy sauce and the eggplant was charred and smoky. The overall flavor was just this strong smoke profile, not like a sushi roll I’ve had anywhere before. It was tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2831\" data-end=\"2934\">Their vegetarian options were great. They had a crispy rice with sweet potato puree that was fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"3117\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"2952\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> We’ve also had the crispy rice with sweet potato and it was delicious. Very crunchy. Kind of gets stuck in your teeth a little bit. Take your time. But very savory.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3119\" data-end=\"3141\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3119\" data-end=\"3129\">Woman:\u003c/strong> How was it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3143\" data-end=\"3168\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3143\" data-end=\"3157\">Young man:\u003c/strong> Very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3170\" data-end=\"3354\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3170\" data-end=\"3186\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> I ordered the crispy rice with avocado. And I think I prefer the sweet potato just because of the sweetness, the juxtaposition of the savory rice and the sweet potato.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3356\" data-end=\"3392\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3356\" data-end=\"3372\">Young woman:\u003c/strong> That’s really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3394\" data-end=\"3511\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3394\" data-end=\"3410\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> It just kind of has a nice savory flavor in your mouth. And for dessert, I had the strawberry mochi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3513\" data-end=\"3538\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3513\" data-end=\"3521\">Man:\u003c/strong> Oh, that’s fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3540\" data-end=\"3749\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3540\" data-end=\"3556\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> The mochi is a kind of gummy texture. And then inside is strawberry ice cream. And it was just a nice, something sweet, something brief to have right after your dinner. I very much enjoyed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3770\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And do you get anything to drink?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3806\" data-end=\"4009\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3806\" data-end=\"3822\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> I usually get saké. This one was kind of milky. Very good creamy texture to it. And one of my favorite things about Kiku is that when you choose to order saké, you can choose your glass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4032\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4019\">All:\u003c/strong> [exclaiming]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4034\" data-end=\"4252\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4034\" data-end=\"4050\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> So they come to you and they give you, like, a series of, like, ornate glasses. And it’s just kind of this customization, like this choice that you didn’t know that you needed. But it was nice to have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4254\" data-end=\"4291\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4254\" data-end=\"4267\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it’s pretty cool.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4293\" data-end=\"4359\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4293\" data-end=\"4309\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> I also had sake. I didn’t get to choose my glass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4361\" data-end=\"4380\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4361\" data-end=\"4369\">All:\u003c/strong> [laughing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4382\" data-end=\"4406\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4382\" data-end=\"4398\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> I know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4408\" data-end=\"4430\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4408\" data-end=\"4424\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Gasp!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4432\" data-end=\"4478\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4432\" data-end=\"4451\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You weren’t on date night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4480\" data-end=\"4792\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4480\" data-end=\"4496\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> I guess not. Yeah. You know. But they did have these cool glasses that had a sort of thing in it that they could put ice in, so it kept it cold, but without it being in the saké. And they were pretty. But I could see that they had a lot of glasses around. So I guess, you know, one could choose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4794\" data-end=\"4816\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4794\" data-end=\"4810\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4818\" data-end=\"4843\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4818\" data-end=\"4831\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> Yeah, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4845\" data-end=\"4898\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4845\" data-end=\"4861\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Well, let’s bring that up next time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4900\" data-end=\"4922\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4900\" data-end=\"4916\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4924\" data-end=\"4968\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4924\" data-end=\"4943\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You have to go together.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4970\" data-end=\"4995\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4970\" data-end=\"4986\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Totally.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4997\" data-end=\"5226\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4997\" data-end=\"5013\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Yeah. The service is also very cozy. Very, like, community oriented. I feel like the service was just checking in on you, making sure that you have everything and not overwhelming you with too many rules at once.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5228\" data-end=\"5280\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5228\" data-end=\"5247\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you feel that about service?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5282\" data-end=\"5600\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5282\" data-end=\"5295\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> Oh, absolutely. You know, they were very attentive. They, you know, ask questions like, What were you interested in? They try to work with you, like with my wife, with the customization. I just thought they really wanted you to feel at home in their restaurant. And, you know, I think it goes a long way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5602\" data-end=\"5670\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5602\" data-end=\"5621\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And sushi typically is a pricier meal, isn’t it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5672\" data-end=\"5741\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5672\" data-end=\"5688\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Yeah, usually. They’re pretty reasonable, I thought.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5743\" data-end=\"5943\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5743\" data-end=\"5759\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> This is very accessible. Yeah. And I think that aspect of like the vegetarian menu as well kind of contributes to that accessibility. But it is not like crazy price range I would say.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5945\" data-end=\"6074\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5945\" data-end=\"5958\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> But you know, I definitely want to go back for a date night and try the saké. That sounds like a really great time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6076\" data-end=\"6110\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6076\" data-end=\"6092\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Highly recommend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6112\" data-end=\"6131\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6112\" data-end=\"6125\">Eddie Ng:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6133\" data-end=\"6302\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6133\" data-end=\"6152\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, if you would like to try Kiku Sushi, it’s located on Gilman Street in Berkeley, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $35.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"85\" data-end=\"161\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"85\" data-end=\"104\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Looking for more Bay Area bites? You’ve just got to try.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"184\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"175\">Cecilia:\u003c/strong> [laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"266\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"205\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Check out \u003cem data-start=\"216\" data-end=\"234\">Cecilia Tries It\u003c/em> online at kqed.org/checkplease.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"268\" data-end=\"296\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"268\" data-end=\"280\">Cecilia:\u003c/strong> [chuckles] Mmm!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"298\" data-end=\"622\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"298\" data-end=\"317\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I have to thank my great guests on this week’s show — \u003cstrong data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"387\">Jason Stein\u003c/strong>, who raves about the retro burger at Cato’s Ale House in Oakland, \u003cstrong data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"466\">Eddie Ng\u003c/strong>, who has no problem sharing the mouthwatering morsels at Ethel’s Fancy in Palo Alto, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"556\" data-end=\"571\">Imani Isles\u003c/strong>, who loves sipping saké at Kiku Sushi in Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"801\">Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on \u003cem data-start=\"715\" data-end=\"740\">Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. I’m Leslie Sbrocco and I’ll see you then. Cheers, everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"827\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"819\">Jason Stein:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"877\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"848\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Was reaching for your glass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"903\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"895\">Imani Isles:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"921\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"913\">All:\u003c/strong> [laugh]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"950\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"942\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"967\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"969\" data-end=\"1519\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"969\" data-end=\"989\">Scott Nishiyama:\u003c/strong> One of the dishes that we’re most proud of is probably the milk bread. It started just from a regular Japanese milk bread, but we’ve added some twists to it. We use Rouge de Bordeaux flour that adds a delicious nuttiness and whole grain flavor to the bread. It also retains that nice fluffy texture. We pair it with a cultured butter that’s infused with Amazake, which is a Japanese rice drink. It comes out to the table nice and hot. The butter melts beautifully on it. And it flies out the door. We sell out almost every night.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/23431/check-please-bay-area-reviews-ethels-fancy-catos-ale-house-kiku-sushi",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3845",
"checkplease_3763",
"checkplease_8009",
"checkplease_250",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_9210",
"checkplease_3730",
"checkplease_3740",
"checkplease_3731",
"checkplease_3859",
"checkplease_3847",
"checkplease_9212",
"checkplease_3764",
"checkplease_8155",
"checkplease_3741",
"checkplease_3738",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_9427"
],
"tags": [
"checkplease_8957",
"checkplease_8574",
"checkplease_8508",
"checkplease_763",
"checkplease_8548",
"checkplease_9245",
"checkplease_8794",
"checkplease_8509",
"checkplease_8534",
"checkplease_8535"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_23432",
"label": "checkplease_9339"
},
"checkplease_23409": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_23409",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23409",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1742000378000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-returns-for-its-20th-season",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area Returns for Its 20th Season!",
"publishDate": 1742000378,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area Returns for Its 20th Season! | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"term": 9339,
"site": "checkplease"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">For two decades, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> has been your go-to guide for uncovering the Bay Area’s best dining spots and we’re celebrating this milestone with a fresh lineup in April! The James Beard and Emmy Award-winning series is back with fresh restaurant discoveries, from Michelin-level tasting menus to local comfort food favorites.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Each week, three Bay Area locals join host Leslie Sbrocco to share their top restaurant picks, swap stories, and debate their dining experiences. From elegant, French-inspired tasting menus in San Jose, handmade pastas that transport you straight to Italy in Berkeley, and plant-based dishes that redefine expectations in Burlingame, this season is packed with bold flavors and must-try spots.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Get ready for a season packed with unforgettable meals, hidden gems, and lively food-loving guests. Catch four new episodes to kick off the season starting \u003c/span>\u003cb>April 10, Thursdays at 7:30 PM on KQED 9\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hungry for a preview? Here’s what’s on our plate this season:\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ1qDqTFIXc\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>April 10\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At \u003c/span>\u003cb>Ethel’s Fancy\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Palo Alto\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, a Michelin-trained chef puts a modern twist on Japanese American cuisine, serving up dishes like charcoal-grilled prawns and black sesame soft serve.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>Cato’s Ale House\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, an \u003c/span>\u003cb>Oakland\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> institution since 1994, keeps locals coming back with its rotating craft beer selection, the satisfying Retroburger, and the crispy-yet-juicy Hallelujah! fried chicken sandwich.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sushi lovers — both seafood fans and plant-based eaters — find something to love at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Berkeley\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s \u003c/span>\u003cb>Kiku Sushi\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, known for its sake toro nigiri, crispy rice with avocado, and creative vegetarian rolls.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>April 17\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Big, bold breakfasts define \u003c/span>\u003cb>Skillet’z Cafe\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Fremont\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s historic Niles District, where locals enjoy caramel lattes alongside decadent Monte Cristo sandwiches, and Nutella-strawberry-banana pancakes.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>Peony Seafood\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Oakland\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s Chinatown serves up a classic dim sum experience with handmade shrimp dumplings, salt-and-pepper custard tofu, and fried daikon cake wrapped in crispy rice noodles.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Jose\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the fine-dining gem \u003c/span>\u003cb>Le Papillon\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> impresses with its elegant French-inspired tasting menus, featuring Dungeness crab soufflé, grilled beef tenderloin, and a stunning black sesame terrine.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“Cecilia Tries It” explores the \u003c/span>\u003cb>Niles Farmers Market\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, sampling fresh malasadas and savory hand pies while taking in the local vintage car scene.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>April 24\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">A taste of Hawaii awaits at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Got Plate Lunch\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Benicia\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, where the ultimate loco moco — beef patties, grilled Spam, and fried eggs — is a must-try alongside crispy kalua pork tots.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>Berkeley\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s \u003c/span>\u003cb>Via del Corso\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> transports diners to central Italy with handmade pastas, slow-braised meats, and highlights like ravioli alla coda di bue and garlicky tagliolini alle vongole.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At \u003c/span>\u003cb>Curry Leaves Bistro\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Pleasanton\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, wok hei reigns supreme in smoky char kway teow, while crispy roti canai with fragrant chicken curry brings the bold flavors of Penang, Malaysia.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>May 1\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At \u003c/span>\u003cb>Kahnfections\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Francisco\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s Mission District, the air is filled with the scent of buttery pastries, from chocolate croissants to indulgent bacon-cheddar-scallion biscuit sandwiches.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In \u003c/span>\u003cb>Burlingame\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, \u003c/span>\u003cb>Twelvemonth\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> redefines plant-based dining with creative vegetable-forward dishes like crispy maitake mushrooms and the umami-packed panzanella alla puttanesca.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>Pucquio\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Oakland\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s Rockridge neighborhood delivers vibrant Peruvian flavors, balancing citrus and spice in cebiche de pescado and showcasing deep, rich comfort in chupe de camarones.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“Cecilia Tries It” dives into the high-energy world of \u003c/span>\u003cb>Bhangra and Beats\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, a \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Francisco\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> festival pulsing with Punjabi rhythms, electrifying dance performances, and a bustling night bazaar.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Have a restaurant you think deserves the spotlight? Nominate your favorite spots and apply to be a guest at \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"http://kqed.org/checkplease/apply\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">kqed.org/checkplease/apply\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">!\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1744052706,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": true,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 11,
"wordCount": 635
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area Returns for Its 20th Season! | KQED",
"description": "Check, Please! Bay Area host Leslie Sbrocco hosts four new episodes of the beloved KQED show for its 20th season in April 2025.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Check, Please! Bay Area host Leslie Sbrocco hosts four new episodes of the beloved KQED show for its 20th season in April 2025.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area Returns for Its 20th Season!",
"datePublished": "2025-03-14T17:59:38-07:00",
"dateModified": "2025-04-07T12:05:06-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"sticky": false,
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/23409/check-please-bay-area-returns-for-its-20th-season",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">For two decades, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> has been your go-to guide for uncovering the Bay Area’s best dining spots and we’re celebrating this milestone with a fresh lineup in April! The James Beard and Emmy Award-winning series is back with fresh restaurant discoveries, from Michelin-level tasting menus to local comfort food favorites.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Each week, three Bay Area locals join host Leslie Sbrocco to share their top restaurant picks, swap stories, and debate their dining experiences. From elegant, French-inspired tasting menus in San Jose, handmade pastas that transport you straight to Italy in Berkeley, and plant-based dishes that redefine expectations in Burlingame, this season is packed with bold flavors and must-try spots.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Get ready for a season packed with unforgettable meals, hidden gems, and lively food-loving guests. Catch four new episodes to kick off the season starting \u003c/span>\u003cb>April 10, Thursdays at 7:30 PM on KQED 9\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hungry for a preview? Here’s what’s on our plate this season:\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/MQ1qDqTFIXc'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/MQ1qDqTFIXc'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>April 10\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At \u003c/span>\u003cb>Ethel’s Fancy\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Palo Alto\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, a Michelin-trained chef puts a modern twist on Japanese American cuisine, serving up dishes like charcoal-grilled prawns and black sesame soft serve.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>Cato’s Ale House\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, an \u003c/span>\u003cb>Oakland\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> institution since 1994, keeps locals coming back with its rotating craft beer selection, the satisfying Retroburger, and the crispy-yet-juicy Hallelujah! fried chicken sandwich.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sushi lovers — both seafood fans and plant-based eaters — find something to love at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Berkeley\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s \u003c/span>\u003cb>Kiku Sushi\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, known for its sake toro nigiri, crispy rice with avocado, and creative vegetarian rolls.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>April 17\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Big, bold breakfasts define \u003c/span>\u003cb>Skillet’z Cafe\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Fremont\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s historic Niles District, where locals enjoy caramel lattes alongside decadent Monte Cristo sandwiches, and Nutella-strawberry-banana pancakes.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>Peony Seafood\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Oakland\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s Chinatown serves up a classic dim sum experience with handmade shrimp dumplings, salt-and-pepper custard tofu, and fried daikon cake wrapped in crispy rice noodles.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Jose\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the fine-dining gem \u003c/span>\u003cb>Le Papillon\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> impresses with its elegant French-inspired tasting menus, featuring Dungeness crab soufflé, grilled beef tenderloin, and a stunning black sesame terrine.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“Cecilia Tries It” explores the \u003c/span>\u003cb>Niles Farmers Market\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, sampling fresh malasadas and savory hand pies while taking in the local vintage car scene.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>April 24\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">A taste of Hawaii awaits at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Got Plate Lunch\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Benicia\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, where the ultimate loco moco — beef patties, grilled Spam, and fried eggs — is a must-try alongside crispy kalua pork tots.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>Berkeley\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s \u003c/span>\u003cb>Via del Corso\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> transports diners to central Italy with handmade pastas, slow-braised meats, and highlights like ravioli alla coda di bue and garlicky tagliolini alle vongole.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At \u003c/span>\u003cb>Curry Leaves Bistro\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Pleasanton\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, wok hei reigns supreme in smoky char kway teow, while crispy roti canai with fragrant chicken curry brings the bold flavors of Penang, Malaysia.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>May 1\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At \u003c/span>\u003cb>Kahnfections\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Francisco\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s Mission District, the air is filled with the scent of buttery pastries, from chocolate croissants to indulgent bacon-cheddar-scallion biscuit sandwiches.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In \u003c/span>\u003cb>Burlingame\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, \u003c/span>\u003cb>Twelvemonth\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> redefines plant-based dining with creative vegetable-forward dishes like crispy maitake mushrooms and the umami-packed panzanella alla puttanesca.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>Pucquio\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>Oakland\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s Rockridge neighborhood delivers vibrant Peruvian flavors, balancing citrus and spice in cebiche de pescado and showcasing deep, rich comfort in chupe de camarones.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“Cecilia Tries It” dives into the high-energy world of \u003c/span>\u003cb>Bhangra and Beats\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, a \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Francisco\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> festival pulsing with Punjabi rhythms, electrifying dance performances, and a bustling night bazaar.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Have a restaurant you think deserves the spotlight? Nominate your favorite spots and apply to be a guest at \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"http://kqed.org/checkplease/apply\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">kqed.org/checkplease/apply\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">!\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/23409/check-please-bay-area-returns-for-its-20th-season",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3845",
"checkplease_9067",
"checkplease_3763",
"checkplease_3873",
"checkplease_8022",
"checkplease_475",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_3740",
"checkplease_3730",
"checkplease_8180",
"checkplease_3761",
"checkplease_3751",
"checkplease_3847",
"checkplease_9407",
"checkplease_3472",
"checkplease_9212",
"checkplease_3764",
"checkplease_3741",
"checkplease_8187",
"checkplease_9408",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_3739",
"checkplease_3729",
"checkplease_9209",
"checkplease_8964",
"checkplease_9427",
"checkplease_91",
"checkplease_108"
],
"tags": [
"checkplease_8957",
"checkplease_8574",
"checkplease_8776",
"checkplease_9071",
"checkplease_8508",
"checkplease_9423",
"checkplease_8633",
"checkplease_8584",
"checkplease_9411",
"checkplease_9175",
"checkplease_9157",
"checkplease_9419",
"checkplease_9410",
"checkplease_8676",
"checkplease_8602",
"checkplease_8865",
"checkplease_9417",
"checkplease_9242",
"checkplease_8972",
"checkplease_9162",
"checkplease_8566",
"checkplease_9245",
"checkplease_8794",
"checkplease_9420",
"checkplease_9412",
"checkplease_9415",
"checkplease_9424",
"checkplease_8661",
"checkplease_9409",
"checkplease_9416",
"checkplease_8509",
"checkplease_9414",
"checkplease_9426",
"checkplease_9425",
"checkplease_8556",
"checkplease_9422",
"checkplease_8518",
"checkplease_8568",
"checkplease_9413",
"checkplease_9421",
"checkplease_9254",
"checkplease_9033",
"checkplease_9418"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_23410",
"label": "checkplease_9339"
},
"checkplease_23386": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_23386",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23386",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1740713141000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-reviews-gumbo-social-the-bungalow-kitchen-pomet",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Gumbo Social, The Bungalow Kitchen, Pomet",
"publishDate": 1740713141,
"format": "video",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Gumbo Social, The Bungalow Kitchen, Pomet | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 16, airs Thursday, February 27, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">First up, \u003cstrong>Gumbo Social\u003c/strong> in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood brings soulful comfort food to the table with a creative, ever-changing menu. Crowd favorites include dirty gumbo fries loaded with bold flavors, their hearty and satisfying gumbo ya-ya, and scrumptious shrimp po’boys served with tangy coleslaw. Next, \u003cstrong>The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/strong> by Michael Mina in Tiburon pairs stunning waterfront views with a decadent menu including oak-grilled branzino, lobster pot pie, and crème brûlée French toast that seamlessly complements the restaurant’s charming ambiance. Finally, \u003cstrong>Pomet\u003c/strong>, located on Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue, offers a fresh take on farm-to-table dining with inventive, seasonal offerings. Diners are treated to Hokkaido milk bread rolls, “ugly” mushroom-filled pasta, and char siu short rib, each dish crafted with local ingredients and infused with global inspiration.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23389\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-23389 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Sarah Oh, George Andrews and Leslie Griffin Robertson from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.gumbosocial.com/\">\u003cstrong>Gumbo Social\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://bungalowkitchen.com/\">\u003cstrong>The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/strong> (Tiburon)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://pomet-oakland.com/\">\u003cstrong>Pomet\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23390\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-800x1067.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-800x1067.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-1020x1360.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-160x213.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-768x1024.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-1152x1536.png 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://villamariawines.com/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cb>Villa Maria 2024 “Private Bin” Sauvignon Blanc\u003c/b>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Marlborough, New Zealand $17\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nCrack open a bottle of this youthfully fresh white and be transported to New Zealand. Sauvignon blanc — the famed grape of the island nation — expresses juicy citrus notes with a touch of herbal complexity in Villa Maria’s delicious “Private Bin” wine. Blending grapes from myriad vineyards stretching across the South Island’s Marlborough region, the “Private Bin” sauvignon blanc comes alive in the glass, overflowing with aromas of passionfruit and lemon-lime brightness. A vinous ray of sunshine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://pasqua.it/wines/11-minutes/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Pasqua 2023 “11 Minutes” Rosé\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Trevenezie IGT, Italy $20\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>Pasqua Wines is a historic Veronese family producer founded in 1925. This beautiful bottle of pink looks modern and classic with packaging that will impress. Yet it’s the wine inside that is the real star. Made with grapes such as corvina, syrah, and carmenère, the name “11 Minutes” refers to the amount of time the skins of the red grapes have in contact with the pressed grape juice, which imbues a hint of pink color and red berry character. Floral, juicy, and spicy, it’s a unique rosé to explore and enjoy all year long.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp> \u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"125\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> American soul food in San Francisco…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"167\" data-end=\"196\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> They call you, and you just have to come.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"241\" data-end=\"260\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …Bohemian brunch with a view in Tiburon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"306\" data-end=\"325\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> You feel like you’ve left the spa and you’re on vacation.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"383\" data-end=\"386\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"405\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …and farm-to-table fare in Oakland.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"443\" data-end=\"446\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"459\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> It is truly seasonal.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"481\" data-end=\"484\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"484\" data-end=\"503\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just ahead on \u003cem data-start=\"518\" data-end=\"544\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em> Seems to me like you should be eating that with your hands.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"607\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"607\" data-end=\"626\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I haven’t tried yet.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"647\" data-end=\"650\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"650\" data-end=\"669\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs] No, no, no. [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"703\" data-end=\"990\">Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to \u003cem data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"764\">Check, Please! Bay Area,\u003c/em> the show where Bay Area residents review and talk about their favorite restaurants. Now, we have three guests, and each one recommends one of their favorite spots, and the other two go check them out to see what they think.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"992\" data-end=\"1576\">Joining me at the \u003cem data-start=\"1010\" data-end=\"1026\">Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are program manager \u003cstrong data-start=\"1059\" data-end=\"1071\">Sarah Oh\u003c/strong>, business communications advisor \u003cstrong data-start=\"1105\" data-end=\"1133\">Leslie Griffin Robertson\u003c/strong>, and marketing strategist \u003cstrong data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1178\">George Andrews\u003c/strong>. Welcome, everyone. Are you excited to be here?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1226\" data-end=\"1229\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1248\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> So happy to be here.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1269\" data-end=\"1272\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1272\" data-end=\"1301\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> You bet. Yeah. Very excited.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1333\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1333\" data-end=\"1352\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Leslie is letting the good times roll with her pick. It’s a soul food spot featuring a rotating menu of Southern-style gumbo with a California twist. Located in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood, it’s \u003cstrong data-start=\"1557\" data-end=\"1573\">Gumbo Social\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1578\" data-end=\"1595\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1597\" data-end=\"1760\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1597\" data-end=\"1605\">Man:\u003c/strong> I don’t think I’ve ever had gumbo like this before.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1657\" data-end=\"1660\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1670\">Woman:\u003c/strong> It is so good. My eyes are rolling to the back of my head. Oh!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1733\" data-end=\"1736\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1749\">Woman #2:\u003c/strong> So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1779\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1781\" data-end=\"2122\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1781\" data-end=\"1798\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> I firmly believe that gumbo should be America’s national dish. It is a dish that really encompasses multiple cultures. You have the African, you have the Cajun and Creole. There’s a lot of French influence, a touch of Spanish as well. So you have multiple cultures kind of binding together to create this incredible dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2124\" data-end=\"2456\">We’re here at 5176 3rd Street out in Bayview. I wanted to use Gumbo Social as an opportunity to bring folks to this neighborhood, to see a different part of San Francisco that they normally don’t see. It’s a place where I’m from. It’s a place that I think deserves to have light shined on it in regards from a culinary standpoint.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2458\" data-end=\"3187\">I’m heavily opinionated when it comes to gumbo. There’s some dos and don’ts. I firmly believe that a gumbo should always have okra in it.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2595\" data-end=\"2598\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2598\" data-end=\"2611\">Woman #3:\u003c/strong> Got the chicken in there, the okra. Like, the long pieces, not the chunks.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2686\" data-end=\"2689\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2689\" data-end=\"2706\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> Sausage in there for sure.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2733\" data-end=\"2736\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2736\" data-end=\"2749\">Woman #4:\u003c/strong> This is amazing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2766\" data-end=\"2769\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2769\" data-end=\"2786\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> We like to try to hit it middle of the road from the spice standpoint. We want to be able to tickle the palate a little bit but not be too spicy.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2932\" data-end=\"2935\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2935\" data-end=\"2948\">Woman #5:\u003c/strong> Out of 10, what do you score it? 10 out of 10?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2995\" data-end=\"2998\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2998\" data-end=\"3015\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> If you don’t want Mr. Gumbo to come to your house, please don’t put corn in your gumbo. It is against the law. Penal code 779825. I’ll come arrest you. Citizen’s arrest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3189\" data-end=\"3575\">One of the things we love to do at Gumbo Social is host a great party. And so we are bringing in folks to do a gumbo tasting.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3314\" data-end=\"3317\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3317\" data-end=\"3330\">Woman #6:\u003c/strong> I’m here to eat.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3350\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3350\" data-end=\"3363\">Woman #7:\u003c/strong> We have a pork gumbo with fried chicharrón on top.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3414\" data-end=\"3417\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3417\" data-end=\"3434\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> The new one, the gumbo z’herbes.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3467\" data-end=\"3470\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3470\" data-end=\"3478\">Man:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3484\" data-end=\"3487\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3487\" data-end=\"3504\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> And then folks actually get to vote on what their favorite gumbo is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3577\" data-end=\"4069\">My mom, she’s the person that really taught me how to cook. She’s always kind of coming through, spot-checking the gumbo, making sure that the seasonings are on par.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3742\" data-end=\"3745\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3745\" data-end=\"3758\">Woman #3:\u003c/strong> Now, this is gumbo.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3778\" data-end=\"3781\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3781\" data-end=\"3798\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> And then just helping me push the boundaries of the food. One of the things that we focus on is being really versatile. So we do events, catering. Farmers markets are like a really great home base for us.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4003\" data-end=\"4006\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4006\" data-end=\"4017\">Man #2:\u003c/strong> Oh, yeah, so much.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4036\" data-end=\"4039\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4039\" data-end=\"4056\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4071\" data-end=\"4189\">One of my favorite pieces is people who haven’t had gumbo in a long time, taste it, and then it’s kind of that look.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4191\" data-end=\"4208\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4210\" data-end=\"4493\">And then when they go back in… And usually the pinkie’s out when they’re going in, and so then you know you got something.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4334\" data-end=\"4337\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4337\" data-end=\"4348\">Man #3:\u003c/strong> Mmm! Oh! Mm.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4361\" data-end=\"4364\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4364\" data-end=\"4381\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> My goal is to get a bowl of gumbo in every household in America. That’s my goal.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4462\" data-end=\"4465\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4465\" data-end=\"4478\">Woman #8:\u003c/strong> Get into it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"6610\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4514\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, now, Leslie, gumbo is pretty specific. Are you a gumbo lover because of traveling? Or just that you love the flavor?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4635\" data-end=\"4638\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4638\" data-end=\"4667\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I love the flavors, I love spice, I love things that, at their very best, take a couple days to really come into themselves. I get the classic gumbo—chicken and sausage and the holy trinity, which is celery, onion, and bell pepper, that just makes it this incredibly dense, rich bed of flavor.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4961\" data-end=\"4964\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4964\" data-end=\"4983\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> The gumbo was so fantastic. Savory and rich and herbaceous. A lot of thyme in there. Very generous on the chicken and the sliced sausage. The only thing I was missing was a little bit more okra, but I would have it any day of the week.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5219\" data-end=\"5222\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5222\" data-end=\"5241\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, are you an okra lover?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5269\" data-end=\"5272\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5272\" data-end=\"5285\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I’m an okra lover. I didn’t have that thought though, when I had the gumbo. But I also loved it. It’s just spicy enough. And I loved the classic presentation of the rice. It was just, you know, like, very elegant, but no fuss. A mound of rice in the middle. I got the small and wished I had gotten a large.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5592\" data-end=\"5595\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5595\" data-end=\"5624\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> They sell it in a quart size, and you can take it home. And I will say it freezes beautifully as well. Like, if you can’t get to Gumbo Social for your gumbo, you can actually pack it up and have it later.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5829\" data-end=\"5832\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5832\" data-end=\"5851\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I wish it came in gallons.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5878\" data-end=\"5881\">[ Laughter ]\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5893\" data-end=\"5896\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5896\" data-end=\"5915\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It was that good.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5933\" data-end=\"5936\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5936\" data-end=\"5955\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> It really was.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5970\" data-end=\"5973\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5973\" data-end=\"6002\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> It really is. I usually get the shrimp po’boy on the side. That is just scrumptious. Very generous serving of shrimp. Delicious sauce. Comes on a nice soft roll. I’m a dunker, so kind of the perfect dunking situation with the gumbo. That may be heresy to some, I don’t know, but I think it’s delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6305\" data-end=\"6308\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6308\" data-end=\"6321\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I had to get the hoecake…\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6349\" data-end=\"6352\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6352\" data-end=\"6371\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Oh, okay.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6381\" data-end=\"6384\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6384\" data-end=\"6397\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> …which was delicious to eat with the gumbo. I love anything that’s corn-based. It was a nice texture contrast. Usually I get a side like that and think I’ll just have a bite of it. I finished the whole thing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"414\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"79\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I had the vegan greens, which are both vegan and gluten-free, and it’s a really beautiful braise of kale, pinto beans and chickpeas, kidney beans, so you get a lot of different textures, as well as a lot of the spices that they have in the gumbo. But I wish it came in as large of a bowl as the gumbo. I could eat that all the time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"416\" data-end=\"3253\">So every once in a while I get an email from Gumbo Social. And this one was the “siren song of the dirty fries,” which is something that’s, I gather, not always on the menu. And, oh, my goodness, you guys, they’re really good fries smothered in a cheese situation that is more than just cheese. I think maybe the configuration of it is a little bit secret. And despite having consumed a bowl of gumbo, an entire shrimp po’boy, then out come the dirty fries, and my husband and I went at those too.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"913\" data-end=\"916\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"935\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You didn’t happen to be there for that hat trick, did you?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"994\" data-end=\"997\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"997\" data-end=\"1016\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> No, no. I missed that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1039\" data-end=\"1042\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1042\" data-end=\"1055\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> What makes them siren fries? Is there something spicy?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1110\" data-end=\"1113\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1113\" data-end=\"1142\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Just that they call you and you just have to come.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1196\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1209\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Oh, I see.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1220\" data-end=\"1223\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1242\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> The siren song.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1258\" data-end=\"1261\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1261\" data-end=\"1290\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> The way they were described in the email was like, “Come to me…”\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1357\" data-end=\"1360\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1360\" data-end=\"1379\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Pull you down into the ocean.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1409\" data-end=\"1412\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1412\" data-end=\"1441\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Yeah, exactly. And my husband and I agreed that they were worth the drive.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1516\" data-end=\"1519\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1538\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you have any dessert?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1568\" data-end=\"1571\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1571\" data-end=\"1590\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I did take home a slice of lemon pound cake that was delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1654\" data-end=\"1657\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1657\" data-end=\"1676\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, you looked at me so funny. You looked at me like, “I did it. Yes, I did it.”\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1759\" data-end=\"1762\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1781\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I did. I did. And it had a really delicious, intense lemon flavor. You know, great icing, not too sweet, but beautifully soft pound cake.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1922\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"1951\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I have not ever had the pound cake, but I must put in a word on the untraditional dessert of the Brussels sprouts, which are crispy fried with some apple. Oh! These things are phenomenal. If you’re a Brussels sprouts for dessert kind of person, which I’m really not.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2221\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2221\" data-end=\"2240\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I can’t tell you that I know a lot of those people.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2292\" data-end=\"2295\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2324\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Yeah. Me neither, so… But they are highly recommended. Absolutely delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2403\" data-end=\"2406\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2406\" data-end=\"2425\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And this is a casual place, right?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2463\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2463\" data-end=\"2482\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Yeah, very casual, very comfortable. They had good music on.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2543\" data-end=\"2546\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2546\" data-end=\"2559\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Great art on the walls too. There’s some really nice iconic pictures of jazz artists and historic figures.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2669\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2669\" data-end=\"2688\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So did you get good value out of this place?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2733\" data-end=\"2736\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2736\" data-end=\"2749\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Talk about a substantial, hearty, satisfying meal that is not going to impact your wallet.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2852\" data-end=\"2855\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"2874\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you’re gonna go back, George, and bring home more?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2929\" data-end=\"2932\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2932\" data-end=\"2951\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I’m definitely going to hit up the farmers market. We’ll see, if I’m in the neighborhood again, though, I’m going to swing by.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3078\" data-end=\"3081\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3100\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, if you would like to try \u003cstrong data-start=\"3132\" data-end=\"3148\">Gumbo Social\u003c/strong>, it’s located on 3rd Street in San Francisco. The average tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3255\" data-end=\"3521\">George’s favorite brunch spot is all about location, location, location. He spent many a Sunday there, sipping Pimm’s cups, lounging on the patio, and soaking up the stellar bay views. Commanding a prime spot on the docks of Tiburon, it’s \u003cstrong data-start=\"3494\" data-end=\"3518\">The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3523\" data-end=\"3540\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3542\" data-end=\"3770\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3542\" data-end=\"3562\">Daniela Vergara:\u003c/strong> \u003cem data-start=\"3563\" data-end=\"3585\">The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/em> by Michael Mina. We want to feel like a clubhouse, you know. We want the community to come over, relax with us, indulge in our coastal Californian cuisine and wonderful sips as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3772\" data-end=\"3789\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3791\" data-end=\"4077\">Our brunch menu—it’s a two-course prix fixe. You have about 10 options for your appetizers and an equal amount for your entrées.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3919\" data-end=\"3922\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3922\" data-end=\"3932\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Mmm!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3937\" data-end=\"3940\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3940\" data-end=\"3960\">Daniela Vergara:\u003c/strong> We have an open-fire grill. It’s oak wood that we feed throughout the night to provide that flavor for our steaks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4079\" data-end=\"4096\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"5057\">We have an array of seafood. We have tuna, sea bass, branzino. We fly in fish from Japan. Our sushi chef, \u003cstrong data-start=\"4204\" data-end=\"4217\">Chef Yama\u003c/strong>, will call up the market in Japan and see whatever he can get as fresh as possible and arrive here overnight.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4327\" data-end=\"4330\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4330\" data-end=\"4344\">Chef Yama:\u003c/strong> This rice I buy from Japan.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4372\" data-end=\"4375\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4375\" data-end=\"4395\">Daniela Vergara:\u003c/strong> The lobster pot pie—it’s a Chef Mina classic dish. A domed puff pastry, and then we’ll crack it tableside, place it on the bottom, and then rebuild that lobster for you. We love to do that extra detail. We want to show the guests what we do in the kitchen, to say this is what we have and why and the story. And it’s just beautiful. I would say like a symphony just all working together, you know.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4793\" data-end=\"4796\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4796\" data-end=\"4809\">Woman #2:\u003c/strong> Thank you so much.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4828\" data-end=\"4831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4831\" data-end=\"4851\">Daniela Vergara:\u003c/strong> We want to create an atmosphere where it’s relaxing. You get to just take a quick ferry ride over. You get the breeze. You get the warmth. As foggy as it may be in the city, it’s always sunny in Tiburon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5059\" data-end=\"5076\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5078\" data-end=\"7015\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5078\" data-end=\"5097\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, George, you live in the city, right?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5139\" data-end=\"5142\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5142\" data-end=\"5161\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I do.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5167\" data-end=\"5170\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5170\" data-end=\"5189\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So you get foggy sometimes. And is that why you’re so drawn to sunny Tiburon?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5267\" data-end=\"5270\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5270\" data-end=\"5289\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> It is. It’s like a mini vacation. And that’s why it’s so perfect to go for brunch. You get into your nice big easy chair on the patio. Everything’s kind of these muted coral and sage-green tones, and you just feel like you’ve left the spa and you’re on vacation and you’re ready to have a cocktail. So the first thing that I get is the Pimm’s cup. I love something that’s herby, I love something that’s gin-based, a little fizzy. But, you know, it’s not too potent, so you can have a few and you’re just relaxing. It’s like time has stopped.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5831\" data-end=\"5834\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5834\" data-end=\"5853\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right, you got Pimm’s cup in hand. What is the first thing you order?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5927\" data-end=\"5930\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5930\" data-end=\"5949\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> The first thing that I like to order is the butter lettuce and hearts of palm salad. And it comes out on this big long tray, and you think that they’re bringing it to someone else because there’s no way this whole salad could be just for me. It’s velvety soft butter lettuce cups with Brokaw avocado and the sliced hearts of palm, segmented grapefruit. And it’s just a wonderfully refreshing way to start the meal.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6364\" data-end=\"6367\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6367\" data-end=\"6380\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> The theme for me at \u003cem data-start=\"6401\" data-end=\"6419\">Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/em> was, like, tableside appeal. Everything kind of has this big tableside presence.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6500\" data-end=\"6503\" data-is-only-node=\"\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6503\" data-end=\"6511\">Man:\u003c/strong> So we have the sashimi-grade ahi tuna. There’s a quail egg on top with Maldon sea salt.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6599\" data-end=\"6602\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6602\" data-end=\"6615\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I had the tuna tartare to start, which is visually so lovely. You have the Asian pear, the mint. There’s some sesame oil on there, chilies, all kind of chopped in these cute little piles, and someone tosses it tableside for you.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6844\" data-end=\"6847\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6847\" data-end=\"6866\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s breakfast and a show.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6893\" data-end=\"6896\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6896\" data-end=\"6909\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Breakfast and a show.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6931\" data-end=\"6934\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6934\" data-end=\"6942\">Man:\u003c/strong> And there we go. Michael Mina’s tuna tartare.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6988\" data-end=\"6991\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6991\" data-end=\"7002\">Man #2:\u003c/strong> Wonderful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"2403\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"73\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> We went for the lobster pot pie, which, talk about tableside appeal. It comes out in this beautiful copper pot with, you know, the flaky crust on top. The meat was succulent and tasty. The vegetables, what I really appreciated, tasted really fresh, like someone had just chopped them and threw them in. A slight acidity would have been nice to kind of cut through the cream, but the sauce was really rich, and it was delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"504\" data-end=\"523\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"533\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"533\" data-end=\"562\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I had regrets. I saw it. We had already ordered, and then I saw that roll by, and I was like, “Oh, I missed a bet there,” because it truly is stunningly beautiful. But we did order an assortment of appetizers, and our very favorite one was the jalapeño lobster toasts.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"831\" data-end=\"834\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"834\" data-end=\"853\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Yes!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"858\" data-end=\"861\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"890\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> They’re like a rolled-up kind of thing. It wasn’t—I was expecting something flat on a toast. And this was so much more than that and so much better than that. Delightful little bit of spice, but not too much. Just a really nice blend and balance.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1137\" data-end=\"1140\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1140\" data-end=\"1159\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And what other dishes did you have?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1198\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1198\" data-end=\"1227\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I had the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. Also phenomenal. Standard Benedict in terms of English muffin and an egg and hollandaise sauce, but the addition of the smoked salmon was really nice, and it came with a side of crispy potatoes that was really, really good. I also had the steak frites, which is sort of a basic dish—it’s meat and potatoes—but this one was really special. It was a filet prepared absolutely perfectly, nice béarnaise sauce, good fries. We were super happy with it.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1719\" data-end=\"1722\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1722\" data-end=\"1741\" data-is-only-node=\"\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Where I’ve been going lately is to the oak-grilled branzino. And this one comes out in a beautiful stoneware bowl on a bed of orzo with little baby French lentils and a nice piquant tomato sauce. Beautiful piece of branzino with the skin still a little bit crisp. But the flesh is so tender, and it’s just a dream to eat.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2066\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2066\" data-end=\"2079\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I think the tip is, at \u003cem data-start=\"2103\" data-end=\"2121\">Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/em>, you go and you see everything…\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2155\" data-end=\"2158\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2158\" data-end=\"2187\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Watch.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2194\" data-end=\"2197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2210\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> …and then you go back a second time.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2249\" data-end=\"2252\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2252\" data-end=\"2281\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Yep.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2289\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2289\" data-end=\"2302\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> We were tempted by the oyster shooters that were going by. Again, just, you know, couldn’t say no.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2419\">[ Laughter ]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2421\" data-end=\"3926\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2421\" data-end=\"2429\">Man:\u003c/strong> This is the way you do it.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2456\" data-end=\"2459\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2459\" data-end=\"2469\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Here we go. Whoo-hoo!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2491\" data-end=\"2494\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2494\" data-end=\"2507\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> And I also had a Bloody Mary, which had the same kind of tomato-based spicy mix that was part of the oyster shooter.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2624\" data-end=\"2627\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2627\" data-end=\"2656\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> For dessert, I had the espresso martini, which I cannot recommend highly enough. Not groundbreaking in terms of, like, special adds or anything, but in terms of just being well prepared, it was perfection.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2862\" data-end=\"2865\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2878\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> We shared the crème brûlée French toast, which to me tasted like dessert. It had the sweet inside. I didn’t get too much of a crème brûlée taste, but it was still delicious and sweet and decadent.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3075\" data-end=\"3078\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3078\" data-end=\"3097\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. And how was the service?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3137\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3137\" data-end=\"3166\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Oh, the service was spectacular. Like you said, there was so much tableside action, and they were very, very attentive. Overall, yeah, no complaints on service at all. It was really nicely done.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3361\" data-end=\"3364\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3383\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you feel like this is an every Sunday if you can.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3437\" data-end=\"3440\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3440\" data-end=\"3459\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I don’t go every Sunday, although I wish that I could. But, yeah, it’s more of like a once-a-month place, you know, when the fog is getting me down. Just hop across the bridge and, you know, have—\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3656\" data-end=\"3659\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3659\" data-end=\"3678\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And treat yourself.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3698\" data-end=\"3701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3701\" data-end=\"3720\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Yeah, exactly.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3735\" data-end=\"3738\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3738\" data-end=\"3757\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right, well, if you would like to try \u003cem data-start=\"3800\" data-end=\"3822\">The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/em>, it’s located on Main Street in Tiburon. And the average tab per person without drinks is around $85.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3928\" data-end=\"4182\">Sarah’s favorite restaurant offers the quintessential farm-to-table experience. The new California menu is driven by whatever’s in season at the owner’s orchards along with other family-owned farms. Located on Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue, it’s \u003cstrong data-start=\"4170\" data-end=\"4179\">Pomet\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4184\" data-end=\"4201\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4203\" data-end=\"4642\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4203\" data-end=\"4221\">Aomboon Deasy:\u003c/strong> Ooh, now the best part, right? \u003cem data-start=\"4253\" data-end=\"4260\">Pomet\u003c/em> is the truest definition of “farm to table” when it comes to California cuisine. We have access to some of the best ingredients and some of the most unique flavors. A mustard-miso dressing, avocados. I chose the name \u003cem data-start=\"4478\" data-end=\"4485\">Pomet\u003c/em> because it means “orchard” in an old Roman language. It also stems from the word of “pomology,” which is the study and cultivation of fruit and nut trees.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4644\" data-end=\"4943\">\u003cem data-start=\"4644\" data-end=\"4651\">Pomet\u003c/em> wouldn’t be here without Kalayada and James, my parents, who started the farm \u003cstrong data-start=\"4730\" data-end=\"4748\">K & J Orchards\u003c/strong>. Nectarines, peaches, cherries, persimmons. We get to highlight what we grow, and the kitchen gets to make even look more beautiful and taste even better than it really is in its natural form.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4945\" data-end=\"4962\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4964\" data-end=\"5566\">The recipes are a culmination of the collaboration of the chef and the kitchen staff and also a little bit of input from me.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5088\" data-end=\"5091\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5091\" data-end=\"5099\">Man:\u003c/strong> That is really good.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5120\" data-end=\"5123\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5123\" data-end=\"5141\">Aomboon Deasy:\u003c/strong> They are dishes that we remember growing up and what our parents, our grandparents used to cook, and influence of many cultures. The wood that we use to cook our food here is mostly all fruit wood. It brings a little bit of that earthiness to each of the plates. In a way, the tree is the full circle of life. We harvest the fruit from it, but then we use the rest of it to cook the food that is presented here at \u003cem data-start=\"5556\" data-end=\"5563\">Pomet\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5568\" data-end=\"5965\">One of the things that \u003cem data-start=\"5591\" data-end=\"5598\">Pomet\u003c/em> does is, at the end of every meal, they get to have a piece of fruit for them to experience like they just walked out of the orchard, to really enjoy as their last bite as they say thank you, and we say thank you to them. Their faces when they try something and they’re just mesmerized by the taste and the freshness, brings me joy that we’ve done something right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"7197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"5986\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right, Sarah, you know the phrase “farm to table” is so overused sometimes. I mean, this really is about “orchard to table.” This is—this is the real deal, isn’t it?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6156\" data-end=\"6159\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6159\" data-end=\"6172\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> That’s the perfect way of putting it. When you look at the menu, what I love is they’ll feature the farms’ names. It’s something that it’s so subtle and small, but it makes a really big difference, I think, in understanding where the food comes from.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6423\" data-end=\"6426\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6426\" data-end=\"6445\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6452\" data-end=\"6455\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6455\" data-end=\"6468\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I always start with the seasonal salad. It is truly seasonal, so it will depend on what fruits are in season. I went recently and I got little gem lettuces with peaches and just a really light vinaigrette that doesn’t overpower the fruit or the lettuces. You can even taste the sweetness of the lettuce.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6772\" data-end=\"6775\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6775\" data-end=\"6794\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> One of the best starters for me was the smashed cucumber salad. And the cucumbers are all sliced in different directions, so you kind of get some different textures, right? But they’re sitting in a soy milk and sesame broth, and it’s all topped with a little bit of chili oil. So I found myself trying to push away my tablemates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"5624\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"79\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right. You wanted all the cucumbers to yourself.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"128\" data-end=\"131\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"131\" data-end=\"150\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I wanted them all to myself.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"179\" data-end=\"182\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"182\" data-end=\"201\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs] What about you, Leslie?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"234\" data-end=\"237\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"237\" data-end=\"266\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Every single dish had something jazzy going on, something creative. We had the crispy duck appetizer, and we also had the duck entrée. They were very different. The appetizer was kind of a little explosion of flavors. We’re kind of like knocking each other’s forks out of the way.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"547\" data-end=\"550\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"550\" data-end=\"569\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> So we also had the duck appetizer, and it came with a crisp little apple slaw with it. And the sauce was kind of a pomegranate and gochujang glaze. Perfectly crisp. My tablemate, other than myself and my fiancé, we were a table of three, is vegetarian, so I only had to share with one person.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"862\" data-end=\"865\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"865\" data-end=\"884\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs]\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"893\" data-end=\"896\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"915\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I was also celebrating my birthday, so I got to—yeah, I got to kind of pull rank a little bit on whichever dishes that I wanted.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1044\" data-end=\"1047\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1060\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> This is more of a side, but I love the rolls. They have these Hokkaido milk bread rolls. So fluffy. Nice chew when you bite into it, and they serve it with this incredible butter. One time I finished the rolls and there was leftover butter and I asked the waiter if I could take the butter home, it was that good. It’s very velvety and soft, and it’s great for sopping up those juices from the cucumber or other appetizers.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1484\" data-end=\"1487\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1506\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> We did all starters, actually. So the graffiti eggplant dip was so fabulous. Perfectly smooth, rich, kind of like a mapo mushroom sauce over the top. A wonderful cool cream on the side, with semolina crackers, which were kind of like big, long shards—looked like broken glass but made of semolina. We were all fighting over that one as well.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"1851\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"1870\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It was a battle, I’m guessing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1901\" data-end=\"1904\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1904\" data-end=\"1933\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> It was perfection. Every single mouthful at that place, no matter what we ordered, was outstanding.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2033\" data-end=\"2036\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2036\" data-end=\"2049\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I forget that it’s a starter. I always think of it as a main dish because it’s so substantial.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2144\" data-end=\"2147\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2166\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Another star for us was the ugly mushroom pasta. A symphony of mushrooms, right?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2247\" data-end=\"2250\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2250\" data-end=\"2269\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And all ugly.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2283\" data-end=\"2286\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2305\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Well, I would say beautiful.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2334\" data-end=\"2337\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2337\" data-end=\"2366\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I thought it was gorgeous.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2393\" data-end=\"2396\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2409\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Spectacular, though.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2433\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2433\" data-end=\"2452\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> And then once you kind of get below that layer, you have these little boats of pasta filled with even more mushroom, luscious sauce underneath. It was a dream.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2612\" data-end=\"2615\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2634\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you’re agreeing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2655\" data-end=\"2658\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2658\" data-end=\"2687\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Oh, that’s the dish that we will all really remember. Everything at this restaurant was special. We had the char siu pork, which was a pork belly. This was like silk in your mouth. Beautifully prepared, just the right amount of seasoning. And it came with this hot mustard, which was delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2982\" data-end=\"2985\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"2998\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I had the salmon. The quality of the salmon is such that all they did was serve it with some stuffed peppers. Very fresh. And it was the perfect pairing of the sweetness from the peppers with the richness of the salmon. It’s super simple. Just a great fish.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3256\" data-end=\"3259\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3259\" data-end=\"3278\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you have anything to drink with this?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3324\" data-end=\"3327\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3327\" data-end=\"3356\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I did. I had the housemade rose geranium spritzer. I’m an herb gardener myself, so of course I had to try that, and it was perfect. Like, it did not beat you over the head with rose geranium. You had to get about halfway down the spritzer in order to get it, and then when it came, it was perfect.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3654\" data-end=\"3657\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3657\" data-end=\"3676\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Oh, nice.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3686\" data-end=\"3689\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3689\" data-end=\"3708\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Well, is it too early to talk about dessert?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3753\" data-end=\"3756\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3756\" data-end=\"3775\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It never is. No.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3792\" data-end=\"3795\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"3814\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> So if I could go back and just have this peach galette, I would, and it would be the only thing that I ate for the rest of my life. It was a beautiful mound of peaches sitting atop a very crisp puff pastry, beautifully pleated and studded with sanding sugar so it’s extra crisp. And then sitting above is the real star that makes it so amazing, which is the yogurt semifreddo. And as soon as it touches your tongue, it just dissipates completely. But it brought it all together.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4293\" data-end=\"4296\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4296\" data-end=\"4325\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I got to put in a word for the chocolate cake. OMG, you guys. Texturally, it was almost like a cross between pudding and cake. Not too sweet. Perfectly balanced flavors and five people going at it with spoons.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4535\" data-end=\"4538\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4538\" data-end=\"4557\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs]\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4566\" data-end=\"4569\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4569\" data-end=\"4598\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> It was—it was perfection.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4624\" data-end=\"4627\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4627\" data-end=\"4646\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And how was the service?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4671\" data-end=\"4674\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4674\" data-end=\"4703\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I can’t put enough emphasis on the service, too, because we were seated in the outside area. So there were heaters to make sure we were warm. And sometimes when you get seated outside, you get forgotten a little bit. Not at this place.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4939\" data-end=\"4942\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4942\" data-end=\"4961\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You agree?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4972\" data-end=\"4975\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4975\" data-end=\"4994\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I definitely agree. I will be going back next year for my birthday and probably a number of times in between.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5104\" data-end=\"5107\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5107\" data-end=\"5136\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> My husband has already asked for it for his birthday next year, so it’s gonna become a birthday destination.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5245\" data-end=\"5248\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5248\" data-end=\"5267\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I would say that’s high praise.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5299\" data-end=\"5302\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5302\" data-end=\"5315\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> That’s what I like. You know, you can go for your birthday, you can go for a Friday night meal. And it really does have this cozy, inviting feel.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5461\" data-end=\"5464\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5464\" data-end=\"5483\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> If you would like to try \u003cem data-start=\"5509\" data-end=\"5516\">Pomet\u003c/em>, it’s located on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $80.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5626\" data-end=\"5744\">Looking for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try? Check out \u003cem data-start=\"5692\" data-end=\"5710\">Cecilia Tries It\u003c/em> online at kqed.org/checkplease.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5746\" data-end=\"6081\">I have to thank my incredibly articulate guests on this week’s show—Sarah Oh, who appreciates the farm-driven menu at \u003cem data-start=\"5864\" data-end=\"5871\">Pomet\u003c/em> in Oakland; Leslie Griffin Robertson, who always takes home an extra bowl from \u003cem data-start=\"5951\" data-end=\"5965\">Gumbo Social\u003c/em> in San Francisco; and George Andrews, who pairs his branzino with bay views at \u003cem data-start=\"6045\" data-end=\"6067\">The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/em> in Tiburon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6083\" data-end=\"6427\">Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on \u003cem data-start=\"6174\" data-end=\"6200\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em> I’m Leslie Sbrocco, and I’ll see you then. Cheers. And cheers to you.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6270\" data-end=\"6273\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6273\" data-end=\"6286\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6294\" data-end=\"6297\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6297\" data-end=\"6316\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6324\" data-end=\"6327\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6327\" data-end=\"6346\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you have fun?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6364\" data-end=\"6367\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6367\" data-end=\"6386\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6392\" data-end=\"6395\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6395\" data-end=\"6414\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yes! Whee!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6429\" data-end=\"6457\">[Indistinct conversations]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6459\" data-end=\"6956\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6459\" data-end=\"6476\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> Me and gumbo are in a heavy marriage together. Her and I, we’ve been seeing each other for quite some time. [Laughs] The social piece I thought was really important because typically when you have gumbo, you’re having it with people you love and care about. So if you’re having a tough day, the gumbo should ease the tension of the conversation. I’ve never seen anyone have a fight when a bowl of gumbo is present. Only rough argument’s when, who’s gonna get the last crab leg?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6958\" data-end=\"6972\">[ Laughter ]\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1740712711,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 9,
"wordCount": 5581
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Gumbo Social, The Bungalow Kitchen, Pomet | KQED",
"description": "Bay Area foodies review nourishing gumbo in San Francisco, chic plates with a view in Tiburon and inventive farm-to-table fare in Oakland.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Bay Area foodies review nourishing gumbo in San Francisco, chic plates with a view in Tiburon and inventive farm-to-table fare in Oakland.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Gumbo Social, The Bungalow Kitchen, Pomet",
"datePublished": "2025-02-27T19:25:41-08:00",
"dateModified": "2025-02-27T19:18:31-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"videoEmbed": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7_Xac_3fvg",
"sticky": false,
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/23386/check-please-bay-area-reviews-gumbo-social-the-bungalow-kitchen-pomet",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 16, airs Thursday, February 27, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">First up, \u003cstrong>Gumbo Social\u003c/strong> in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood brings soulful comfort food to the table with a creative, ever-changing menu. Crowd favorites include dirty gumbo fries loaded with bold flavors, their hearty and satisfying gumbo ya-ya, and scrumptious shrimp po’boys served with tangy coleslaw. Next, \u003cstrong>The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/strong> by Michael Mina in Tiburon pairs stunning waterfront views with a decadent menu including oak-grilled branzino, lobster pot pie, and crème brûlée French toast that seamlessly complements the restaurant’s charming ambiance. Finally, \u003cstrong>Pomet\u003c/strong>, located on Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue, offers a fresh take on farm-to-table dining with inventive, seasonal offerings. Diners are treated to Hokkaido milk bread rolls, “ugly” mushroom-filled pasta, and char siu short rib, each dish crafted with local ingredients and infused with global inspiration.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23389\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-23389 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Sarah Oh, George Andrews and Leslie Griffin Robertson from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.gumbosocial.com/\">\u003cstrong>Gumbo Social\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://bungalowkitchen.com/\">\u003cstrong>The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/strong> (Tiburon)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://pomet-oakland.com/\">\u003cstrong>Pomet\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23390\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-800x1067.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-800x1067.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-1020x1360.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-160x213.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-768x1024.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines-1152x1536.png 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1916_Wines.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://villamariawines.com/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cb>Villa Maria 2024 “Private Bin” Sauvignon Blanc\u003c/b>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Marlborough, New Zealand $17\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nCrack open a bottle of this youthfully fresh white and be transported to New Zealand. Sauvignon blanc — the famed grape of the island nation — expresses juicy citrus notes with a touch of herbal complexity in Villa Maria’s delicious “Private Bin” wine. Blending grapes from myriad vineyards stretching across the South Island’s Marlborough region, the “Private Bin” sauvignon blanc comes alive in the glass, overflowing with aromas of passionfruit and lemon-lime brightness. A vinous ray of sunshine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://pasqua.it/wines/11-minutes/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Pasqua 2023 “11 Minutes” Rosé\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Trevenezie IGT, Italy $20\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>Pasqua Wines is a historic Veronese family producer founded in 1925. This beautiful bottle of pink looks modern and classic with packaging that will impress. Yet it’s the wine inside that is the real star. Made with grapes such as corvina, syrah, and carmenère, the name “11 Minutes” refers to the amount of time the skins of the red grapes have in contact with the pressed grape juice, which imbues a hint of pink color and red berry character. Floral, juicy, and spicy, it’s a unique rosé to explore and enjoy all year long.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp> \u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"125\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> American soul food in San Francisco…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"167\" data-end=\"196\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> They call you, and you just have to come.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"241\" data-end=\"260\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …Bohemian brunch with a view in Tiburon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"306\" data-end=\"325\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> You feel like you’ve left the spa and you’re on vacation.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"383\" data-end=\"386\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"405\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …and farm-to-table fare in Oakland.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"443\" data-end=\"446\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"459\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> It is truly seasonal.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"481\" data-end=\"484\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"484\" data-end=\"503\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just ahead on \u003cem data-start=\"518\" data-end=\"544\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em> Seems to me like you should be eating that with your hands.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"607\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"607\" data-end=\"626\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I haven’t tried yet.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"647\" data-end=\"650\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"650\" data-end=\"669\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs] No, no, no. [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"703\" data-end=\"990\">Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to \u003cem data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"764\">Check, Please! Bay Area,\u003c/em> the show where Bay Area residents review and talk about their favorite restaurants. Now, we have three guests, and each one recommends one of their favorite spots, and the other two go check them out to see what they think.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"992\" data-end=\"1576\">Joining me at the \u003cem data-start=\"1010\" data-end=\"1026\">Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are program manager \u003cstrong data-start=\"1059\" data-end=\"1071\">Sarah Oh\u003c/strong>, business communications advisor \u003cstrong data-start=\"1105\" data-end=\"1133\">Leslie Griffin Robertson\u003c/strong>, and marketing strategist \u003cstrong data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1178\">George Andrews\u003c/strong>. Welcome, everyone. Are you excited to be here?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1226\" data-end=\"1229\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1248\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> So happy to be here.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1269\" data-end=\"1272\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1272\" data-end=\"1301\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> You bet. Yeah. Very excited.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1333\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1333\" data-end=\"1352\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Leslie is letting the good times roll with her pick. It’s a soul food spot featuring a rotating menu of Southern-style gumbo with a California twist. Located in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood, it’s \u003cstrong data-start=\"1557\" data-end=\"1573\">Gumbo Social\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1578\" data-end=\"1595\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1597\" data-end=\"1760\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1597\" data-end=\"1605\">Man:\u003c/strong> I don’t think I’ve ever had gumbo like this before.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1657\" data-end=\"1660\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1670\">Woman:\u003c/strong> It is so good. My eyes are rolling to the back of my head. Oh!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1733\" data-end=\"1736\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1749\">Woman #2:\u003c/strong> So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1779\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1781\" data-end=\"2122\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1781\" data-end=\"1798\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> I firmly believe that gumbo should be America’s national dish. It is a dish that really encompasses multiple cultures. You have the African, you have the Cajun and Creole. There’s a lot of French influence, a touch of Spanish as well. So you have multiple cultures kind of binding together to create this incredible dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2124\" data-end=\"2456\">We’re here at 5176 3rd Street out in Bayview. I wanted to use Gumbo Social as an opportunity to bring folks to this neighborhood, to see a different part of San Francisco that they normally don’t see. It’s a place where I’m from. It’s a place that I think deserves to have light shined on it in regards from a culinary standpoint.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2458\" data-end=\"3187\">I’m heavily opinionated when it comes to gumbo. There’s some dos and don’ts. I firmly believe that a gumbo should always have okra in it.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2595\" data-end=\"2598\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2598\" data-end=\"2611\">Woman #3:\u003c/strong> Got the chicken in there, the okra. Like, the long pieces, not the chunks.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2686\" data-end=\"2689\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2689\" data-end=\"2706\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> Sausage in there for sure.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2733\" data-end=\"2736\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2736\" data-end=\"2749\">Woman #4:\u003c/strong> This is amazing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2766\" data-end=\"2769\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2769\" data-end=\"2786\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> We like to try to hit it middle of the road from the spice standpoint. We want to be able to tickle the palate a little bit but not be too spicy.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2932\" data-end=\"2935\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2935\" data-end=\"2948\">Woman #5:\u003c/strong> Out of 10, what do you score it? 10 out of 10?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2995\" data-end=\"2998\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2998\" data-end=\"3015\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> If you don’t want Mr. Gumbo to come to your house, please don’t put corn in your gumbo. It is against the law. Penal code 779825. I’ll come arrest you. Citizen’s arrest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3189\" data-end=\"3575\">One of the things we love to do at Gumbo Social is host a great party. And so we are bringing in folks to do a gumbo tasting.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3314\" data-end=\"3317\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3317\" data-end=\"3330\">Woman #6:\u003c/strong> I’m here to eat.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3350\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3350\" data-end=\"3363\">Woman #7:\u003c/strong> We have a pork gumbo with fried chicharrón on top.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3414\" data-end=\"3417\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3417\" data-end=\"3434\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> The new one, the gumbo z’herbes.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3467\" data-end=\"3470\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3470\" data-end=\"3478\">Man:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3484\" data-end=\"3487\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3487\" data-end=\"3504\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> And then folks actually get to vote on what their favorite gumbo is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3577\" data-end=\"4069\">My mom, she’s the person that really taught me how to cook. She’s always kind of coming through, spot-checking the gumbo, making sure that the seasonings are on par.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3742\" data-end=\"3745\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3745\" data-end=\"3758\">Woman #3:\u003c/strong> Now, this is gumbo.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3778\" data-end=\"3781\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3781\" data-end=\"3798\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> And then just helping me push the boundaries of the food. One of the things that we focus on is being really versatile. So we do events, catering. Farmers markets are like a really great home base for us.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4003\" data-end=\"4006\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4006\" data-end=\"4017\">Man #2:\u003c/strong> Oh, yeah, so much.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4036\" data-end=\"4039\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4039\" data-end=\"4056\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4071\" data-end=\"4189\">One of my favorite pieces is people who haven’t had gumbo in a long time, taste it, and then it’s kind of that look.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4191\" data-end=\"4208\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4210\" data-end=\"4493\">And then when they go back in… And usually the pinkie’s out when they’re going in, and so then you know you got something.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4334\" data-end=\"4337\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4337\" data-end=\"4348\">Man #3:\u003c/strong> Mmm! Oh! Mm.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4361\" data-end=\"4364\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4364\" data-end=\"4381\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> My goal is to get a bowl of gumbo in every household in America. That’s my goal.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4462\" data-end=\"4465\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4465\" data-end=\"4478\">Woman #8:\u003c/strong> Get into it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"6610\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4514\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, now, Leslie, gumbo is pretty specific. Are you a gumbo lover because of traveling? Or just that you love the flavor?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4635\" data-end=\"4638\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4638\" data-end=\"4667\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I love the flavors, I love spice, I love things that, at their very best, take a couple days to really come into themselves. I get the classic gumbo—chicken and sausage and the holy trinity, which is celery, onion, and bell pepper, that just makes it this incredibly dense, rich bed of flavor.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4961\" data-end=\"4964\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4964\" data-end=\"4983\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> The gumbo was so fantastic. Savory and rich and herbaceous. A lot of thyme in there. Very generous on the chicken and the sliced sausage. The only thing I was missing was a little bit more okra, but I would have it any day of the week.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5219\" data-end=\"5222\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5222\" data-end=\"5241\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, are you an okra lover?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5269\" data-end=\"5272\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5272\" data-end=\"5285\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I’m an okra lover. I didn’t have that thought though, when I had the gumbo. But I also loved it. It’s just spicy enough. And I loved the classic presentation of the rice. It was just, you know, like, very elegant, but no fuss. A mound of rice in the middle. I got the small and wished I had gotten a large.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5592\" data-end=\"5595\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5595\" data-end=\"5624\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> They sell it in a quart size, and you can take it home. And I will say it freezes beautifully as well. Like, if you can’t get to Gumbo Social for your gumbo, you can actually pack it up and have it later.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5829\" data-end=\"5832\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5832\" data-end=\"5851\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I wish it came in gallons.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5878\" data-end=\"5881\">[ Laughter ]\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5893\" data-end=\"5896\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5896\" data-end=\"5915\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It was that good.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5933\" data-end=\"5936\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5936\" data-end=\"5955\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> It really was.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5970\" data-end=\"5973\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5973\" data-end=\"6002\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> It really is. I usually get the shrimp po’boy on the side. That is just scrumptious. Very generous serving of shrimp. Delicious sauce. Comes on a nice soft roll. I’m a dunker, so kind of the perfect dunking situation with the gumbo. That may be heresy to some, I don’t know, but I think it’s delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6305\" data-end=\"6308\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6308\" data-end=\"6321\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I had to get the hoecake…\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6349\" data-end=\"6352\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6352\" data-end=\"6371\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Oh, okay.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6381\" data-end=\"6384\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6384\" data-end=\"6397\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> …which was delicious to eat with the gumbo. I love anything that’s corn-based. It was a nice texture contrast. Usually I get a side like that and think I’ll just have a bite of it. I finished the whole thing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"414\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"79\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I had the vegan greens, which are both vegan and gluten-free, and it’s a really beautiful braise of kale, pinto beans and chickpeas, kidney beans, so you get a lot of different textures, as well as a lot of the spices that they have in the gumbo. But I wish it came in as large of a bowl as the gumbo. I could eat that all the time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"416\" data-end=\"3253\">So every once in a while I get an email from Gumbo Social. And this one was the “siren song of the dirty fries,” which is something that’s, I gather, not always on the menu. And, oh, my goodness, you guys, they’re really good fries smothered in a cheese situation that is more than just cheese. I think maybe the configuration of it is a little bit secret. And despite having consumed a bowl of gumbo, an entire shrimp po’boy, then out come the dirty fries, and my husband and I went at those too.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"913\" data-end=\"916\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"935\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You didn’t happen to be there for that hat trick, did you?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"994\" data-end=\"997\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"997\" data-end=\"1016\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> No, no. I missed that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1039\" data-end=\"1042\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1042\" data-end=\"1055\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> What makes them siren fries? Is there something spicy?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1110\" data-end=\"1113\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1113\" data-end=\"1142\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Just that they call you and you just have to come.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1196\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1209\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Oh, I see.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1220\" data-end=\"1223\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1242\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> The siren song.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1258\" data-end=\"1261\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1261\" data-end=\"1290\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> The way they were described in the email was like, “Come to me…”\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1357\" data-end=\"1360\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1360\" data-end=\"1379\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Pull you down into the ocean.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1409\" data-end=\"1412\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1412\" data-end=\"1441\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Yeah, exactly. And my husband and I agreed that they were worth the drive.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1516\" data-end=\"1519\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1538\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you have any dessert?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1568\" data-end=\"1571\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1571\" data-end=\"1590\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I did take home a slice of lemon pound cake that was delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1654\" data-end=\"1657\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1657\" data-end=\"1676\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, you looked at me so funny. You looked at me like, “I did it. Yes, I did it.”\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1759\" data-end=\"1762\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1781\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I did. I did. And it had a really delicious, intense lemon flavor. You know, great icing, not too sweet, but beautifully soft pound cake.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1922\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"1951\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I have not ever had the pound cake, but I must put in a word on the untraditional dessert of the Brussels sprouts, which are crispy fried with some apple. Oh! These things are phenomenal. If you’re a Brussels sprouts for dessert kind of person, which I’m really not.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2221\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2221\" data-end=\"2240\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I can’t tell you that I know a lot of those people.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2292\" data-end=\"2295\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2324\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Yeah. Me neither, so… But they are highly recommended. Absolutely delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2403\" data-end=\"2406\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2406\" data-end=\"2425\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And this is a casual place, right?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2463\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2463\" data-end=\"2482\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Yeah, very casual, very comfortable. They had good music on.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2543\" data-end=\"2546\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2546\" data-end=\"2559\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Great art on the walls too. There’s some really nice iconic pictures of jazz artists and historic figures.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2669\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2669\" data-end=\"2688\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So did you get good value out of this place?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2733\" data-end=\"2736\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2736\" data-end=\"2749\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Talk about a substantial, hearty, satisfying meal that is not going to impact your wallet.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2852\" data-end=\"2855\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"2874\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you’re gonna go back, George, and bring home more?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2929\" data-end=\"2932\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2932\" data-end=\"2951\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I’m definitely going to hit up the farmers market. We’ll see, if I’m in the neighborhood again, though, I’m going to swing by.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3078\" data-end=\"3081\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3100\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, if you would like to try \u003cstrong data-start=\"3132\" data-end=\"3148\">Gumbo Social\u003c/strong>, it’s located on 3rd Street in San Francisco. The average tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3255\" data-end=\"3521\">George’s favorite brunch spot is all about location, location, location. He spent many a Sunday there, sipping Pimm’s cups, lounging on the patio, and soaking up the stellar bay views. Commanding a prime spot on the docks of Tiburon, it’s \u003cstrong data-start=\"3494\" data-end=\"3518\">The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3523\" data-end=\"3540\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3542\" data-end=\"3770\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3542\" data-end=\"3562\">Daniela Vergara:\u003c/strong> \u003cem data-start=\"3563\" data-end=\"3585\">The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/em> by Michael Mina. We want to feel like a clubhouse, you know. We want the community to come over, relax with us, indulge in our coastal Californian cuisine and wonderful sips as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3772\" data-end=\"3789\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3791\" data-end=\"4077\">Our brunch menu—it’s a two-course prix fixe. You have about 10 options for your appetizers and an equal amount for your entrées.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3919\" data-end=\"3922\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3922\" data-end=\"3932\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Mmm!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3937\" data-end=\"3940\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3940\" data-end=\"3960\">Daniela Vergara:\u003c/strong> We have an open-fire grill. It’s oak wood that we feed throughout the night to provide that flavor for our steaks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4079\" data-end=\"4096\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"5057\">We have an array of seafood. We have tuna, sea bass, branzino. We fly in fish from Japan. Our sushi chef, \u003cstrong data-start=\"4204\" data-end=\"4217\">Chef Yama\u003c/strong>, will call up the market in Japan and see whatever he can get as fresh as possible and arrive here overnight.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4327\" data-end=\"4330\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4330\" data-end=\"4344\">Chef Yama:\u003c/strong> This rice I buy from Japan.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4372\" data-end=\"4375\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4375\" data-end=\"4395\">Daniela Vergara:\u003c/strong> The lobster pot pie—it’s a Chef Mina classic dish. A domed puff pastry, and then we’ll crack it tableside, place it on the bottom, and then rebuild that lobster for you. We love to do that extra detail. We want to show the guests what we do in the kitchen, to say this is what we have and why and the story. And it’s just beautiful. I would say like a symphony just all working together, you know.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4793\" data-end=\"4796\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4796\" data-end=\"4809\">Woman #2:\u003c/strong> Thank you so much.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4828\" data-end=\"4831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4831\" data-end=\"4851\">Daniela Vergara:\u003c/strong> We want to create an atmosphere where it’s relaxing. You get to just take a quick ferry ride over. You get the breeze. You get the warmth. As foggy as it may be in the city, it’s always sunny in Tiburon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5059\" data-end=\"5076\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5078\" data-end=\"7015\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5078\" data-end=\"5097\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, George, you live in the city, right?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5139\" data-end=\"5142\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5142\" data-end=\"5161\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I do.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5167\" data-end=\"5170\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5170\" data-end=\"5189\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So you get foggy sometimes. And is that why you’re so drawn to sunny Tiburon?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5267\" data-end=\"5270\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5270\" data-end=\"5289\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> It is. It’s like a mini vacation. And that’s why it’s so perfect to go for brunch. You get into your nice big easy chair on the patio. Everything’s kind of these muted coral and sage-green tones, and you just feel like you’ve left the spa and you’re on vacation and you’re ready to have a cocktail. So the first thing that I get is the Pimm’s cup. I love something that’s herby, I love something that’s gin-based, a little fizzy. But, you know, it’s not too potent, so you can have a few and you’re just relaxing. It’s like time has stopped.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5831\" data-end=\"5834\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5834\" data-end=\"5853\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right, you got Pimm’s cup in hand. What is the first thing you order?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5927\" data-end=\"5930\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5930\" data-end=\"5949\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> The first thing that I like to order is the butter lettuce and hearts of palm salad. And it comes out on this big long tray, and you think that they’re bringing it to someone else because there’s no way this whole salad could be just for me. It’s velvety soft butter lettuce cups with Brokaw avocado and the sliced hearts of palm, segmented grapefruit. And it’s just a wonderfully refreshing way to start the meal.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6364\" data-end=\"6367\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6367\" data-end=\"6380\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> The theme for me at \u003cem data-start=\"6401\" data-end=\"6419\">Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/em> was, like, tableside appeal. Everything kind of has this big tableside presence.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6500\" data-end=\"6503\" data-is-only-node=\"\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6503\" data-end=\"6511\">Man:\u003c/strong> So we have the sashimi-grade ahi tuna. There’s a quail egg on top with Maldon sea salt.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6599\" data-end=\"6602\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6602\" data-end=\"6615\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I had the tuna tartare to start, which is visually so lovely. You have the Asian pear, the mint. There’s some sesame oil on there, chilies, all kind of chopped in these cute little piles, and someone tosses it tableside for you.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6844\" data-end=\"6847\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6847\" data-end=\"6866\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s breakfast and a show.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6893\" data-end=\"6896\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6896\" data-end=\"6909\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Breakfast and a show.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6931\" data-end=\"6934\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6934\" data-end=\"6942\">Man:\u003c/strong> And there we go. Michael Mina’s tuna tartare.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6988\" data-end=\"6991\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6991\" data-end=\"7002\">Man #2:\u003c/strong> Wonderful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"2403\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"73\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> We went for the lobster pot pie, which, talk about tableside appeal. It comes out in this beautiful copper pot with, you know, the flaky crust on top. The meat was succulent and tasty. The vegetables, what I really appreciated, tasted really fresh, like someone had just chopped them and threw them in. A slight acidity would have been nice to kind of cut through the cream, but the sauce was really rich, and it was delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"504\" data-end=\"523\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"533\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"533\" data-end=\"562\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I had regrets. I saw it. We had already ordered, and then I saw that roll by, and I was like, “Oh, I missed a bet there,” because it truly is stunningly beautiful. But we did order an assortment of appetizers, and our very favorite one was the jalapeño lobster toasts.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"831\" data-end=\"834\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"834\" data-end=\"853\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Yes!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"858\" data-end=\"861\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"890\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> They’re like a rolled-up kind of thing. It wasn’t—I was expecting something flat on a toast. And this was so much more than that and so much better than that. Delightful little bit of spice, but not too much. Just a really nice blend and balance.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1137\" data-end=\"1140\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1140\" data-end=\"1159\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And what other dishes did you have?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1198\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1198\" data-end=\"1227\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I had the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. Also phenomenal. Standard Benedict in terms of English muffin and an egg and hollandaise sauce, but the addition of the smoked salmon was really nice, and it came with a side of crispy potatoes that was really, really good. I also had the steak frites, which is sort of a basic dish—it’s meat and potatoes—but this one was really special. It was a filet prepared absolutely perfectly, nice béarnaise sauce, good fries. We were super happy with it.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1719\" data-end=\"1722\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1722\" data-end=\"1741\" data-is-only-node=\"\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Where I’ve been going lately is to the oak-grilled branzino. And this one comes out in a beautiful stoneware bowl on a bed of orzo with little baby French lentils and a nice piquant tomato sauce. Beautiful piece of branzino with the skin still a little bit crisp. But the flesh is so tender, and it’s just a dream to eat.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2066\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2066\" data-end=\"2079\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I think the tip is, at \u003cem data-start=\"2103\" data-end=\"2121\">Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/em>, you go and you see everything…\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2155\" data-end=\"2158\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2158\" data-end=\"2187\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Watch.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2194\" data-end=\"2197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2210\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> …and then you go back a second time.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2249\" data-end=\"2252\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2252\" data-end=\"2281\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Yep.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2289\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2289\" data-end=\"2302\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> We were tempted by the oyster shooters that were going by. Again, just, you know, couldn’t say no.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2419\">[ Laughter ]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2421\" data-end=\"3926\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2421\" data-end=\"2429\">Man:\u003c/strong> This is the way you do it.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2456\" data-end=\"2459\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2459\" data-end=\"2469\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Here we go. Whoo-hoo!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2491\" data-end=\"2494\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2494\" data-end=\"2507\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> And I also had a Bloody Mary, which had the same kind of tomato-based spicy mix that was part of the oyster shooter.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2624\" data-end=\"2627\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2627\" data-end=\"2656\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> For dessert, I had the espresso martini, which I cannot recommend highly enough. Not groundbreaking in terms of, like, special adds or anything, but in terms of just being well prepared, it was perfection.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2862\" data-end=\"2865\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2878\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> We shared the crème brûlée French toast, which to me tasted like dessert. It had the sweet inside. I didn’t get too much of a crème brûlée taste, but it was still delicious and sweet and decadent.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3075\" data-end=\"3078\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3078\" data-end=\"3097\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. And how was the service?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3137\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3137\" data-end=\"3166\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Oh, the service was spectacular. Like you said, there was so much tableside action, and they were very, very attentive. Overall, yeah, no complaints on service at all. It was really nicely done.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3361\" data-end=\"3364\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3383\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you feel like this is an every Sunday if you can.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3437\" data-end=\"3440\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3440\" data-end=\"3459\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I don’t go every Sunday, although I wish that I could. But, yeah, it’s more of like a once-a-month place, you know, when the fog is getting me down. Just hop across the bridge and, you know, have—\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3656\" data-end=\"3659\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3659\" data-end=\"3678\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And treat yourself.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3698\" data-end=\"3701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3701\" data-end=\"3720\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Yeah, exactly.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3735\" data-end=\"3738\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3738\" data-end=\"3757\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right, well, if you would like to try \u003cem data-start=\"3800\" data-end=\"3822\">The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/em>, it’s located on Main Street in Tiburon. And the average tab per person without drinks is around $85.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3928\" data-end=\"4182\">Sarah’s favorite restaurant offers the quintessential farm-to-table experience. The new California menu is driven by whatever’s in season at the owner’s orchards along with other family-owned farms. Located on Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue, it’s \u003cstrong data-start=\"4170\" data-end=\"4179\">Pomet\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4184\" data-end=\"4201\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4203\" data-end=\"4642\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4203\" data-end=\"4221\">Aomboon Deasy:\u003c/strong> Ooh, now the best part, right? \u003cem data-start=\"4253\" data-end=\"4260\">Pomet\u003c/em> is the truest definition of “farm to table” when it comes to California cuisine. We have access to some of the best ingredients and some of the most unique flavors. A mustard-miso dressing, avocados. I chose the name \u003cem data-start=\"4478\" data-end=\"4485\">Pomet\u003c/em> because it means “orchard” in an old Roman language. It also stems from the word of “pomology,” which is the study and cultivation of fruit and nut trees.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4644\" data-end=\"4943\">\u003cem data-start=\"4644\" data-end=\"4651\">Pomet\u003c/em> wouldn’t be here without Kalayada and James, my parents, who started the farm \u003cstrong data-start=\"4730\" data-end=\"4748\">K & J Orchards\u003c/strong>. Nectarines, peaches, cherries, persimmons. We get to highlight what we grow, and the kitchen gets to make even look more beautiful and taste even better than it really is in its natural form.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4945\" data-end=\"4962\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4964\" data-end=\"5566\">The recipes are a culmination of the collaboration of the chef and the kitchen staff and also a little bit of input from me.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5088\" data-end=\"5091\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5091\" data-end=\"5099\">Man:\u003c/strong> That is really good.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5120\" data-end=\"5123\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5123\" data-end=\"5141\">Aomboon Deasy:\u003c/strong> They are dishes that we remember growing up and what our parents, our grandparents used to cook, and influence of many cultures. The wood that we use to cook our food here is mostly all fruit wood. It brings a little bit of that earthiness to each of the plates. In a way, the tree is the full circle of life. We harvest the fruit from it, but then we use the rest of it to cook the food that is presented here at \u003cem data-start=\"5556\" data-end=\"5563\">Pomet\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5568\" data-end=\"5965\">One of the things that \u003cem data-start=\"5591\" data-end=\"5598\">Pomet\u003c/em> does is, at the end of every meal, they get to have a piece of fruit for them to experience like they just walked out of the orchard, to really enjoy as their last bite as they say thank you, and we say thank you to them. Their faces when they try something and they’re just mesmerized by the taste and the freshness, brings me joy that we’ve done something right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"7197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"5986\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right, Sarah, you know the phrase “farm to table” is so overused sometimes. I mean, this really is about “orchard to table.” This is—this is the real deal, isn’t it?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6156\" data-end=\"6159\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6159\" data-end=\"6172\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> That’s the perfect way of putting it. When you look at the menu, what I love is they’ll feature the farms’ names. It’s something that it’s so subtle and small, but it makes a really big difference, I think, in understanding where the food comes from.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6423\" data-end=\"6426\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6426\" data-end=\"6445\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6452\" data-end=\"6455\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6455\" data-end=\"6468\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I always start with the seasonal salad. It is truly seasonal, so it will depend on what fruits are in season. I went recently and I got little gem lettuces with peaches and just a really light vinaigrette that doesn’t overpower the fruit or the lettuces. You can even taste the sweetness of the lettuce.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6772\" data-end=\"6775\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6775\" data-end=\"6794\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> One of the best starters for me was the smashed cucumber salad. And the cucumbers are all sliced in different directions, so you kind of get some different textures, right? But they’re sitting in a soy milk and sesame broth, and it’s all topped with a little bit of chili oil. So I found myself trying to push away my tablemates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"5624\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"79\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right. You wanted all the cucumbers to yourself.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"128\" data-end=\"131\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"131\" data-end=\"150\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I wanted them all to myself.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"179\" data-end=\"182\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"182\" data-end=\"201\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs] What about you, Leslie?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"234\" data-end=\"237\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"237\" data-end=\"266\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Every single dish had something jazzy going on, something creative. We had the crispy duck appetizer, and we also had the duck entrée. They were very different. The appetizer was kind of a little explosion of flavors. We’re kind of like knocking each other’s forks out of the way.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"547\" data-end=\"550\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"550\" data-end=\"569\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> So we also had the duck appetizer, and it came with a crisp little apple slaw with it. And the sauce was kind of a pomegranate and gochujang glaze. Perfectly crisp. My tablemate, other than myself and my fiancé, we were a table of three, is vegetarian, so I only had to share with one person.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"862\" data-end=\"865\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"865\" data-end=\"884\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs]\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"893\" data-end=\"896\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"915\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I was also celebrating my birthday, so I got to—yeah, I got to kind of pull rank a little bit on whichever dishes that I wanted.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1044\" data-end=\"1047\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1060\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> This is more of a side, but I love the rolls. They have these Hokkaido milk bread rolls. So fluffy. Nice chew when you bite into it, and they serve it with this incredible butter. One time I finished the rolls and there was leftover butter and I asked the waiter if I could take the butter home, it was that good. It’s very velvety and soft, and it’s great for sopping up those juices from the cucumber or other appetizers.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1484\" data-end=\"1487\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1506\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> We did all starters, actually. So the graffiti eggplant dip was so fabulous. Perfectly smooth, rich, kind of like a mapo mushroom sauce over the top. A wonderful cool cream on the side, with semolina crackers, which were kind of like big, long shards—looked like broken glass but made of semolina. We were all fighting over that one as well.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"1851\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"1870\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It was a battle, I’m guessing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1901\" data-end=\"1904\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1904\" data-end=\"1933\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> It was perfection. Every single mouthful at that place, no matter what we ordered, was outstanding.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2033\" data-end=\"2036\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2036\" data-end=\"2049\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I forget that it’s a starter. I always think of it as a main dish because it’s so substantial.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2144\" data-end=\"2147\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2166\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Another star for us was the ugly mushroom pasta. A symphony of mushrooms, right?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2247\" data-end=\"2250\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2250\" data-end=\"2269\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And all ugly.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2283\" data-end=\"2286\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2305\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Well, I would say beautiful.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2334\" data-end=\"2337\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2337\" data-end=\"2366\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I thought it was gorgeous.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2393\" data-end=\"2396\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2409\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Spectacular, though.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2433\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2433\" data-end=\"2452\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> And then once you kind of get below that layer, you have these little boats of pasta filled with even more mushroom, luscious sauce underneath. It was a dream.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2612\" data-end=\"2615\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2634\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you’re agreeing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2655\" data-end=\"2658\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2658\" data-end=\"2687\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> Oh, that’s the dish that we will all really remember. Everything at this restaurant was special. We had the char siu pork, which was a pork belly. This was like silk in your mouth. Beautifully prepared, just the right amount of seasoning. And it came with this hot mustard, which was delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2982\" data-end=\"2985\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"2998\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> I had the salmon. The quality of the salmon is such that all they did was serve it with some stuffed peppers. Very fresh. And it was the perfect pairing of the sweetness from the peppers with the richness of the salmon. It’s super simple. Just a great fish.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3256\" data-end=\"3259\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3259\" data-end=\"3278\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you have anything to drink with this?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3324\" data-end=\"3327\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3327\" data-end=\"3356\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I did. I had the housemade rose geranium spritzer. I’m an herb gardener myself, so of course I had to try that, and it was perfect. Like, it did not beat you over the head with rose geranium. You had to get about halfway down the spritzer in order to get it, and then when it came, it was perfect.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3654\" data-end=\"3657\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3657\" data-end=\"3676\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Oh, nice.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3686\" data-end=\"3689\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3689\" data-end=\"3708\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Well, is it too early to talk about dessert?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3753\" data-end=\"3756\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3756\" data-end=\"3775\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It never is. No.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3792\" data-end=\"3795\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"3814\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> So if I could go back and just have this peach galette, I would, and it would be the only thing that I ate for the rest of my life. It was a beautiful mound of peaches sitting atop a very crisp puff pastry, beautifully pleated and studded with sanding sugar so it’s extra crisp. And then sitting above is the real star that makes it so amazing, which is the yogurt semifreddo. And as soon as it touches your tongue, it just dissipates completely. But it brought it all together.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4293\" data-end=\"4296\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4296\" data-end=\"4325\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I got to put in a word for the chocolate cake. OMG, you guys. Texturally, it was almost like a cross between pudding and cake. Not too sweet. Perfectly balanced flavors and five people going at it with spoons.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4535\" data-end=\"4538\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4538\" data-end=\"4557\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs]\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4566\" data-end=\"4569\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4569\" data-end=\"4598\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> It was—it was perfection.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4624\" data-end=\"4627\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4627\" data-end=\"4646\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And how was the service?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4671\" data-end=\"4674\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4674\" data-end=\"4703\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> I can’t put enough emphasis on the service, too, because we were seated in the outside area. So there were heaters to make sure we were warm. And sometimes when you get seated outside, you get forgotten a little bit. Not at this place.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4939\" data-end=\"4942\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4942\" data-end=\"4961\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You agree?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4972\" data-end=\"4975\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4975\" data-end=\"4994\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> I definitely agree. I will be going back next year for my birthday and probably a number of times in between.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5104\" data-end=\"5107\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5107\" data-end=\"5136\">Leslie Griffin Robertson:\u003c/strong> My husband has already asked for it for his birthday next year, so it’s gonna become a birthday destination.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5245\" data-end=\"5248\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5248\" data-end=\"5267\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I would say that’s high praise.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5299\" data-end=\"5302\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5302\" data-end=\"5315\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> That’s what I like. You know, you can go for your birthday, you can go for a Friday night meal. And it really does have this cozy, inviting feel.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5461\" data-end=\"5464\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5464\" data-end=\"5483\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> If you would like to try \u003cem data-start=\"5509\" data-end=\"5516\">Pomet\u003c/em>, it’s located on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $80.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5626\" data-end=\"5744\">Looking for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try? Check out \u003cem data-start=\"5692\" data-end=\"5710\">Cecilia Tries It\u003c/em> online at kqed.org/checkplease.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5746\" data-end=\"6081\">I have to thank my incredibly articulate guests on this week’s show—Sarah Oh, who appreciates the farm-driven menu at \u003cem data-start=\"5864\" data-end=\"5871\">Pomet\u003c/em> in Oakland; Leslie Griffin Robertson, who always takes home an extra bowl from \u003cem data-start=\"5951\" data-end=\"5965\">Gumbo Social\u003c/em> in San Francisco; and George Andrews, who pairs his branzino with bay views at \u003cem data-start=\"6045\" data-end=\"6067\">The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/em> in Tiburon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6083\" data-end=\"6427\">Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on \u003cem data-start=\"6174\" data-end=\"6200\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em> I’m Leslie Sbrocco, and I’ll see you then. Cheers. And cheers to you.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6270\" data-end=\"6273\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6273\" data-end=\"6286\">Sarah Oh:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6294\" data-end=\"6297\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6297\" data-end=\"6316\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6324\" data-end=\"6327\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6327\" data-end=\"6346\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you have fun?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6364\" data-end=\"6367\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6367\" data-end=\"6386\">George Andrews:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6392\" data-end=\"6395\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6395\" data-end=\"6414\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yes! Whee!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6429\" data-end=\"6457\">[Indistinct conversations]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6459\" data-end=\"6956\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6459\" data-end=\"6476\">Dontaye Ball:\u003c/strong> Me and gumbo are in a heavy marriage together. Her and I, we’ve been seeing each other for quite some time. [Laughs] The social piece I thought was really important because typically when you have gumbo, you’re having it with people you love and care about. So if you’re having a tough day, the gumbo should ease the tension of the conversation. I’ve never seen anyone have a fight when a bowl of gumbo is present. Only rough argument’s when, who’s gonna get the last crab leg?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6958\" data-end=\"6972\">[ Laughter ]\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/23386/check-please-bay-area-reviews-gumbo-social-the-bungalow-kitchen-pomet",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_3740",
"checkplease_3730",
"checkplease_9210",
"checkplease_3731",
"checkplease_9200",
"checkplease_3742",
"checkplease_3472",
"checkplease_9212",
"checkplease_3764",
"checkplease_3738",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_3739",
"checkplease_3729",
"checkplease_9209",
"checkplease_9307",
"checkplease_3934",
"checkplease_9336"
],
"tags": [
"checkplease_9406",
"checkplease_8574",
"checkplease_763",
"checkplease_8548",
"checkplease_8547",
"checkplease_8509",
"checkplease_8518",
"checkplease_8707",
"checkplease_9007",
"checkplease_9005",
"checkplease_9317"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_23392",
"label": "checkplease"
},
"checkplease_23361": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_23361",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23361",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1739503543000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-reviews-grossmans-noshery-bar-jackies-place-crescent-bistro",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Grossman's Noshery & Bar, Jackie's Place, Crescent Bistro",
"publishDate": 1739503543,
"format": "video",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Grossman’s Noshery & Bar, Jackie’s Place, Crescent Bistro | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"term": 9339,
"site": "checkplease"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 14, airs Thursday, February 13, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Our culinary journey begins at \u003cstrong>Grossman’s Noshery & Bar\u003c/strong> in Santa Rosa, a North Bay favorite that brings the flavors of a classic East Coast Jewish deli to the West Coast. Highlights include smoked and pickled fish boards, potato leek latkes, and hearty matzo ball soup; for a sweet finish, diners can savor their cinnamon or chocolate babkas. Next, \u003cstrong>Jackie’s Place\u003c/strong> in San Jose serves up soulful dishes seasoned with love, like fall-off-the-bone oxtails, smoky beef brisket, and creamy mac and cheese that keeps guests coming back for more. Lastly, \u003cstrong>Crescent Bistro\u003c/strong> in the heart of Pleasant Hill showcases elevated American cuisine infused with fresh Californian flair, including pork belly buns, cured salmon deviled eggs, and succulent red wine-braised short ribs. Reporter Cecilia Phillips rounds out the episode at the \u003cstrong>Ferry Plaza Farmers Market\u003c/strong> in San Francisco, exploring fresh produce, local goods, and diverse culinary delights at a historic landmark.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23362\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-23362 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Monicamary Falcon, Mike Nguyen and Rob Pattison from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://grossmanssr.com/\">\u003cstrong>Grossman’s Noshery & Bar\u003c/strong> (Santa Rosa)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.jackiesplacesj.com/\">\u003cstrong>Jackie’s Place\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://crescentbistro.com/\">\u003cstrong>Crescent Bistro\u003c/strong> (Pleasant Hill)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/farmers-market/\">\u003cstrong>Ferry Plaza Farmers Market\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23366\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-800x1179.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1179\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-800x1179.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-1020x1504.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-160x236.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-768x1132.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-1042x1536.png 1042w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-1389x2048.png 1389w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-1920x2830.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines.png 2035w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sansimeonwines.com/our-wines/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>San Simeon 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Paso Robles, California $26\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>The region of Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast is an ideal place for growing many grape varieties, from familiar to esoteric. It just so happens that Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in this warm yet breezy landscape. One of the best values on the red wine market today is the Cabernet Sauvignon from San Simeon by the Riboli Family of Wines. The vineyards are certified sustainable, and the Paso Robles winery is powered by solar panels, along with other eco-conscious practices. This is a wonderfully rich red with dark fruit notes and hints of spice. Packaged in an elegant bottle, it looks — and tastes — like it costs twice the price.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://shop.lailvineyards.com/product/2022-Blueprint-Cabernet-Sauvignon----95\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Lail Vineyards 2022 “BLUEPRINT” Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Napa Valley, California $95\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>One of the most famous names in the California wine world is Inglenook Vineyards, founded in 1879. Today, fourth-generation vintner Robin Daniel Lail continues the tradition of excellence with Lail Vineyards. The hallmark of their classic wines is elegance, complexity, and style. The 2022 BLUEPRINT Cabernet Sauvignon honors the family’s deep roots in design and architectural achievements over their storied history. The garnet-hued, youthful red is packed with aromas of dark berry fruit intensity, layered with notes of cocoa and savory spice. It is ready to drink now with a few hours of decanting—or, better yet, hold on to the bottle for up to a decade to unravel its age-worthy pedigree.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>NOTE: Lail Vineyards donates 10% of online sales of our Blueprint wines to organizations deep in the fight against climate change.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"394\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"354\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Jewish deli delights in Santa Rosa…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"452\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"418\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> I have to just keep going back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"507\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"473\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Southern soul food in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"509\" data-end=\"566\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"509\" data-end=\"525\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> Mind-blowing. Absolutely mind-blowing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"655\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"587\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And American bistro fare in Pleasant Hill. You just stole a bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"657\" data-end=\"706\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"657\" data-end=\"674\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I stole a bite of everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"708\" data-end=\"756\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"708\" data-end=\"729\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> It’s like a real noodle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"853\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"777\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just ahead on \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Sounds like you stole two bites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"904\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"872\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Okay, I stole a couple. Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"906\" data-end=\"970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"906\" data-end=\"923\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> This is lovely. I’m having a wonderful time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"972\" data-end=\"1279\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"972\" data-end=\"991\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>, the show where Bay Area residents review and talk about their favorite restaurants. Now, we have three guests, and each one recommends one of their favorite spots, and the other two go check them out to see what they think.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1281\" data-end=\"1459\">Joining me at the \u003cem>Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are wine salesperson \u003cstrong data-start=\"1349\" data-end=\"1370\">Monicamary Falcon\u003c/strong>, retired labor lawyer \u003cstrong data-start=\"1393\" data-end=\"1409\">Rob Pattison\u003c/strong>, and propane account executive \u003cstrong data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1456\">Mike Nguyen\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1461\" data-end=\"1502\">Welcome, everyone. Are you ready to go?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1504\" data-end=\"1534\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1504\" data-end=\"1526\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1536\" data-end=\"1569\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1536\" data-end=\"1552\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> Let’s do this.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1571\" data-end=\"1773\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1571\" data-end=\"1590\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Monicamary’s restaurant offers a huge assortment of Jewish deli fare, all made lovingly in-house. Located in Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square, it’s Grossman’s Noshery & Bar.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"261\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"75\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Our restaurant is Grossman’s Noshery & Bar. My family name was Grossman a long time ago. With Grossman’s, we wanted to bring things on the menu that evoke memories, family memories.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"285\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"273\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Holy cow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"497\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"302\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> We make everything in-house. We produce all our pastramis Montreal-style, which is a smokier, deeper flavor. Our smoked turkey is made here. The kippered salmon, the lox, all kinds of pickles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"499\" data-end=\"563\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"499\" data-end=\"515\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> The black-and-white cookies and the rugelach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"565\" data-end=\"724\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"565\" data-end=\"580\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> We had the opportunity here to do our own bakery, and, of course, that meant we’re going to make our own bagels. So we did a lot of research.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"726\" data-end=\"759\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"726\" data-end=\"742\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Lots of carbs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"761\" data-end=\"991\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"761\" data-end=\"776\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> We ate a lot of bagels, and we found a few good ones in Brooklyn. When we left, we filled bottles of water up with Brooklyn tap water, brought it back, and made a starter. And that starter is still with us today.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"993\" data-end=\"1192\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"993\" data-end=\"1009\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Our matzoh ball soup—we have the traditional, and then the twist to our matzoh ball soup is we also have the big piece of chicken which has some of our chicken kreplach in it, and—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1226\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1209\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> Ramen noodles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1286\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1244\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Ramen noodles. It’s a big bowl of soup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1333\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1296\">Man:\u003c/strong> Was that the big piece of chicken?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1376\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1343\">Man:\u003c/strong> It was. I did want to do this.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1575\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1394\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> [Chuckles] And that just resonates with people, reminding them of, you know, when they were sick and their bubby made them matzoh ball soup. And as long as your balls float—good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1577\" data-end=\"1625\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1577\" data-end=\"1592\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> You know, uh, we live by that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1627\" data-end=\"1647\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1627\" data-end=\"1645\">[Bell dinging]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1678\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1665\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> [Chuckles]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1680\" data-end=\"1733\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1680\" data-end=\"1695\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> If your balls float, it’s all good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1735\" data-end=\"1819\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1735\" data-end=\"1751\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> And what’s unique to Grossman’s, too, is that we have a full bar.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1821\" data-end=\"1859\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1821\" data-end=\"1836\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> Bourbon and brisket.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1885\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1877\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1947\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1902\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> Not sure if it gets much better than that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"1993\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"1965\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Weekend at Bubby’s. Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1995\" data-end=\"2145\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1995\" data-end=\"2010\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> There are some delis that are hundreds of years old. I think we have plenty of time to work things out and just keep getting better.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2176\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2163\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> [Chuckles]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2293\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2197\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Monicamary, this place is definitely more than a deli. What makes it so special for you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2597\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2317\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> First, when you walk in, it’s very warm. The people greet you so nicely and kindly. They just keep it really homey. I just started popping in for lunches and discovered a plethora of beautiful dishes that I would never make at home. So I have to just keep going back for these.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2599\" data-end=\"2645\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2599\" data-end=\"2618\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It is an extensive menu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2647\" data-end=\"2682\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2647\" data-end=\"2669\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Extensive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2684\" data-end=\"2766\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2684\" data-end=\"2703\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So start off with a dish that you love, that you always get.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"3267\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"2790\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> I get the smoked & pickled fish. That’s a big, shareable dish, and it comes with pickled herring which is, really, the favorite. It just has a nice pickled but also a little sweetness to it. There’s also some salmon rillettes on there, which I love. They’re creamy. Everything is made in-house. They make their bagels and their challah and their matzoh, and you can spread your cream cheese and get a taste of what they’re making behind the scenes in the bakery in the back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3480\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3285\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> The fish board was delicious. The smoked salmon, that was great. It was pastrami-brined. And the portions were very generous, so there was no shortage of that. And it was absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3482\" data-end=\"3681\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3482\" data-end=\"3499\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> The lox and the bagel and the sliced red onions, the capers were fantastic. The pickled herring, my Norwegian forebears might have liked it, but I didn’t care for that part of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3683\" data-end=\"3749\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3683\" data-end=\"3702\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just because you don’t like pickled herring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3824\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3768\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, yeah, but the rest of it was really quite good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3826\" data-end=\"3892\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3826\" data-end=\"3845\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay. What do you get once you’re past that?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"418\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"78\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> The Cobb salad is delicious. The turkey is homemade, and it has a nice portion of lettuce with a delicious, light, creamy dressing, but they throw these deli bits on there, and they’re—literally, when you cut meat and there’s crumbles, like, how creative to take that and put it on top of a salad. It really made it nice. So I love that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"420\" data-end=\"561\">And then the matzoh ball soup with the matzoh ball that was just hearty, the broth was just clear, and it had carrots on top. So flavorful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"801\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"579\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> So I actually wanted to second her opinion with the matzoh ball soup. It was absolutely amazing. You can tell they put a lot of attention and time into it. The rosemary and dill within it were really good. I enjoyed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"939\">I also had the cucumber mocktail. That had strawberries, ginger, basil. Delicious. You know, it helped to settle the gut afterwards…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"957\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"955\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"959\" data-end=\"981\">…so that was good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1155\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1000\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> The killer mocktail was the Orange is the New Blackberry. Oh, my gosh. Orange syrup and blackberry muddled jam in it and seltzer water—very flavorful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1157\" data-end=\"1189\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1157\" data-end=\"1176\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Excellent.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1495\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1208\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I stole a look at and then I stole a bite of my friend’s patty melt. And it had a nice hamburger, and it had a nice bit of pastrami on top of that. And then it was covered with some Gruyère cheese, and then it had a nice little special saucy thing on there. So I stole a bite of that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1497\" data-end=\"1551\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1497\" data-end=\"1516\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Sounds like you stole two bites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1553\" data-end=\"1602\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1553\" data-end=\"1570\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Okay, I stole a couple, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"1620\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"1618\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1622\" data-end=\"1940\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1622\" data-end=\"1644\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> I got the chicken kebabs last time. There were two of them. They were really thinly pounded, and they came with a yogurt sauce. They had a little spicy flavor to them. And there was a sauce on the side which was the amba sauce. This is a mango sauce, and it just really cooled down that spice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1942\" data-end=\"2058\">And I had that with an egg cream. It was a seltzer water with this milky goodness and it was just very refreshing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2060\" data-end=\"2145\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2060\" data-end=\"2079\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, you got to talk a little bit about dessert, too, because—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2177\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2169\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2365\">We ordered the babka for the table. It was a nice slice of bread with cinnamon swirl. And then there was the chocolate babka with the chocolate swirl. That chocolate is just delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2367\" data-end=\"2428\">And then the soft serve, of course. Soft serve is the best.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2478\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2449\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you have some dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2480\" data-end=\"2536\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2480\" data-end=\"2497\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> We had some of the soft serve, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2538\" data-end=\"2578\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2538\" data-end=\"2557\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> The Straus Family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2633\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2597\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it was really, really nice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2635\" data-end=\"2669\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2635\" data-end=\"2645\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Ooh, that is so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2671\" data-end=\"2824\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2671\" data-end=\"2688\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> The sauce that was on it—it was a tahini sauce, and it was not familiar to me, so I puzzled over it for a long time, but it was good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2826\" data-end=\"2894\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2826\" data-end=\"2845\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you feel like you got value when you went?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"3015\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"2912\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> I did, yeah. The portions were great, and the pricing aligned with it, as well. I really enjoyed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3126\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3036\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And Railroad Square is a great place to discover and explore—a lot of shops and places.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3189\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3150\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Yes, and other restaurants, as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3191\" data-end=\"3408\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3191\" data-end=\"3210\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm. Alright, if you would like to try Grossman’s Noshery & Bar, it’s located on Wilson Street in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square. The average lunch tab per person without drinks is around $60.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3410\" data-end=\"3624\">Well, you will want to loosen your belt a notch for Mike’s pick, offering southern specialties, like Texas-style barbecue, smothered oxtails, and sweet potato pie. It’s his favorite spot to kick back and pig out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3626\" data-end=\"3671\">Located in San Jose, it’s Jackie’s Place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"108\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"79\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> Love you. I love you guys.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"110\" data-end=\"177\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"110\" data-end=\"130\">Hasaahn Jackson:\u003c/strong> Family, we’re doing alright over here still?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"179\" data-end=\"338\">Soul food, to me, is African-American cuisine that originated from the South, where we had to use little resources but make plenty of bountiful meals out of.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"395\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"359\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> The roux is what makes the gumbo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"397\" data-end=\"553\">Soul food is something that takes time. You can’t rush it. You season it until the Gods call, and then you slow simmer it until it’s cooked to perfection.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"571\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"569\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"573\" data-end=\"742\">We come from a real small community called Hondo, Texas. Nobody’s ever heard of it. It’s about 3,000 people there. Almost everybody that lived there was related to us.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"744\" data-end=\"776\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"744\" data-end=\"763\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> Bye, baby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"778\" data-end=\"915\">My mother was a chef. There was always a bunch of people at our house. The recipes came from my mother, but I had to put my juju on it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"996\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"937\">Hasaahn Jackson:\u003c/strong> The story of Jackie’s Place is family coming together.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"998\" data-end=\"1034\">Say, “Hey, Ma. How are you doing?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1250\">So working with my mom and my family has been most rewarding. Actually, my mom taught me how to cook along with all my brothers and sisters, and sometimes we even get real competitive to see who the best cook is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1252\" data-end=\"1295\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1252\" data-end=\"1271\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> I’m still number one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1297\" data-end=\"1397\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1297\" data-end=\"1317\">Hasaahn Jackson:\u003c/strong> Here at Jackie’s Place, when you get ribs, they’re our Uncle Greg’s Ribs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1442\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1418\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> They’re my brother’s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1444\" data-end=\"1545\">The nachos are named after my brother, Scoop Nachos. Laverne’s Sweet Potato Pie. JuJu Drinks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1642\">We try to practice passing down the recipes and giving the recognition to where it came from.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1803\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1663\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> I wanted to go back to actually what I served my kids when they were growing up in our household. I called my house the Kool-Aid house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1805\" data-end=\"1891\">We don’t call it by the flavor. We call it by the color. It’s just a southern thing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1893\" data-end=\"1955\">“You got some purple Kool-Aid?”\u003cbr data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"1927\">“I got some red Kool-Aid.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1957\" data-end=\"2055\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1957\" data-end=\"1977\">Hasaahn Jackson:\u003c/strong> Take your time. Take your time, family. You guys don’t have to go anywhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2057\" data-end=\"2200\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2057\" data-end=\"2076\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> What we want people to feel when they walk in our doors is that they’re part of our family. We even greet them as family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2202\" data-end=\"2232\">“Hey, Sis.”\u003cbr data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2216\">“Hi, Brother.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2234\" data-end=\"2252\">I love you, Jay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2254\" data-end=\"2319\">We hug on them and love on them. And we want them to come back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2321\" data-end=\"2337\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2321\" data-end=\"2335\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2339\" data-end=\"2548\">And what has made me the most proud is to look out in my dining room and see that our restaurant is not just serving the African-American community, but it’s serving every culture that San Jose has to offer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2580\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2560\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Same shirt. Yeah!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2582\" data-end=\"2684\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2582\" data-end=\"2602\">Hasaahn Jackson:\u003c/strong> And I think their reaction to our food is the thing that’s the most fulfilling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2686\" data-end=\"2790\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2686\" data-end=\"2705\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, Mike, do we have to name this Mike’s Place instead of Jackie’s Place?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"2815\">Do you go that often?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2817\" data-end=\"2858\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2817\" data-end=\"2833\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> I feel like we should.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2876\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2874\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2878\" data-end=\"2965\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2878\" data-end=\"2897\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Have you told Jackie yet? I don’t think she’ll be happy about it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2967\" data-end=\"3016\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2967\" data-end=\"2986\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What is so unique about it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3209\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3034\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> One, the ambiance and atmosphere. It’s family-owned and operated. I just love the feel each time I’m there. Customer service is wonderful. And the food is just exceptional.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3211\" data-end=\"3283\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3211\" data-end=\"3221\">Woman:\u003c/strong> We drove three hours to be here. The best food to be found.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3285\" data-end=\"3398\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3285\" data-end=\"3301\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> I highly recommend the oxtail. Growing up in a Vietnamese household, you know, we love oxtail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3400\" data-end=\"3536\">So going to Jackie’s Place for the first time, trying it out, was just mind-blowing to me, and it took me back to my roots as a kid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3538\" data-end=\"3713\">It’s slow-cooked and simmered oxtails smothered in gravy in addition to the sweet cornbread muffin and just a nice, generous serving of rice, and it’s absolutely phenomenal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3715\" data-end=\"3792\">You mix it all together, and you have yourself a winning plate right there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3842\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3813\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Winning plate right there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3844\" data-end=\"3889\">I heard, “Mm-hmm, mm-hmm,” with the oxtail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3891\" data-end=\"3917\">Who else had the oxtail?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3919\" data-end=\"3971\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3919\" data-end=\"3936\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I had never had oxtail before…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3973\" data-end=\"4008\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3973\" data-end=\"3992\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Really? Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4096\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4027\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> …and Mike is exactly right. It is spectacular. It was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"4236\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"4120\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> I wanted to also say when we walked in, like, literally walking from the parking lot, I could smell the barbecue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4238\" data-end=\"4327\">I don’t even know where the barbecue was coming from, but I was like, “What?” And then—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4385\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4348\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Follow your nose, it always knows.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4387\" data-end=\"4429\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4387\" data-end=\"4409\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Follow your nose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4431\" data-end=\"4591\">And so the meat plate was really delicious. You had your choice of chicken, fish, there was brisket, and there was even a vegan option, which was really cool.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4593\" data-end=\"4688\">The fish was delicious. It was thin. It was just perfectly coated in, like, a cornmeal crust.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4690\" data-end=\"4897\">And then the brisket, the person that had that said it was a little bit dry to start, but there’s this beautiful barbecue homemade sauce that you can just put on anything, and, boy, I put it on everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4899\" data-end=\"4934\">I’m a side girl. I love my sides.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4936\" data-end=\"5107\">And it had the beans, which were just flavorful, and they had that little barbecue sauce and a little spiciness to them, and the mac and cheese, like perfectly textured.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5109\" data-end=\"5141\">And it was huge. So delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5143\" data-end=\"5239\">And he mentioned the corn muffins because you didn’t need to put any butter or anything on it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5241\" data-end=\"5321\">They had that perfect crispness on the outside, and they came with everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5323\" data-end=\"5537\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5323\" data-end=\"5339\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> So the fried fish that you mentioned earlier, if you do a trick where you get the chicken gravy on the side and splash a little Louisiana Hot Sauce in it, you dip your fish in there—mind-blowing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5539\" data-end=\"5565\">Absolutely mind-blowing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5567\" data-end=\"5596\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5567\" data-end=\"5589\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Ooh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5598\" data-end=\"5653\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5598\" data-end=\"5617\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, an insider tip. Love it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5655\" data-end=\"5698\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5655\" data-end=\"5671\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> You got to give it a go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5700\" data-end=\"5806\">So we had the pulled pork. That was about the most delicious pulled pork I think I’d had about anywhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5808\" data-end=\"5848\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5808\" data-end=\"5827\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Wow. Look at that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5850\" data-end=\"5907\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5850\" data-end=\"5867\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> It was fantastic. Perfectly prepared.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5909\" data-end=\"5970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5909\" data-end=\"5928\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I think Rob’s going to give you a kiss.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5972\" data-end=\"6026\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5972\" data-end=\"5989\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, uh, you’re close to it, man.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6028\" data-end=\"6094\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6028\" data-end=\"6044\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> Don’t think my girlfriend’s going to like that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6096\" data-end=\"6130\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6096\" data-end=\"6115\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> \u003cstrong data-start=\"6116\" data-end=\"6128\">[Laughs]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6132\" data-end=\"6262\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6132\" data-end=\"6149\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> In addition to that, it came with Uncle Greg’s Pork Ribs. Oh, my gosh. They were great. They were wonderful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6264\" data-end=\"6422\">Oh, I found that I was eating away, and my three tablemates, you know, they were done, they couldn’t eat anymore, and I was, “What’s wrong with you people?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6424\" data-end=\"6440\">I wanted more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"255\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"82\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> I had the seafood gumbo with chicken, shrimp, and there was a dollop of white rice that was perfectly cooked. It just melded together, and it was such a generous portion.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"257\" data-end=\"480\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"257\" data-end=\"273\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> Another thing I’d recommend, as well, would be the Hennessy Sideshow. Obviously, an ode to the Bay Area. It has Hennessy, Grand Marnier, and lemonade in it—so drink at your own risk, but it’s delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"482\" data-end=\"642\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"482\" data-end=\"504\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> They really do have some really nice signature cocktails there. The Gin & JuJu—it had Kool-Aid in it, and I could taste my childhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"644\" data-end=\"822\">You know, when you were young and you would put the Kool-Aid, and you could smell the powder of the Kool-Aid. It just felt like my childhood, but it had a little alcohol in it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"859\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"843\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But with gin.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"913\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"883\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> With gin. It was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"959\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"934\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Was there any dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"989\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"983\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Oh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"991\" data-end=\"1094\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"991\" data-end=\"1007\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> I got something for you. The Banana Pudding is phenomenal. Very soft and decadent.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1096\" data-end=\"1233\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1096\" data-end=\"1118\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> So we did take home the Peach Cobbler, and we took home the Key Lime Pie. And my mom just loved the cobbler.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1433\">It’s beautiful. Like, they cut a square of crust on top perfectly, and then the peaches are oozing out, and the peaches are just full of cinnamon and baking spices. It was so creamy and delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1435\" data-end=\"1470\">So don’t skip the desserts there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1472\" data-end=\"1556\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1472\" data-end=\"1489\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I’m going to register a little bit of a dissent on the desserts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1585\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1577\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1640\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1604\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> The Sweet Potato Pie was great.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1642\" data-end=\"1697\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1642\" data-end=\"1664\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> [Gasps] We didn’t have that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1699\" data-end=\"1751\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1699\" data-end=\"1716\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> The Peach Cobbler—not so much.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1784\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1772\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ah, okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1786\" data-end=\"1816\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1786\" data-end=\"1808\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1818\" data-end=\"1978\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1818\" data-end=\"1835\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, the crust that you describe is accurate, but they seemed like they were just canned peaches in the liquid, and I didn’t care for that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1980\" data-end=\"2056\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1980\" data-end=\"1999\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So you got the pork up here and the peaches down here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2058\" data-end=\"2089\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2058\" data-end=\"2075\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2091\" data-end=\"2118\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2091\" data-end=\"2110\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2120\" data-end=\"2174\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2120\" data-end=\"2137\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> But I had enough pork for dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2208\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2195\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2210\" data-end=\"2241\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2210\" data-end=\"2227\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I did fine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2243\" data-end=\"2347\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2243\" data-end=\"2265\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> We sat at the bar, which was really fun. The bartender was so helpful, so nice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2349\" data-end=\"2400\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2349\" data-end=\"2368\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So you felt service was good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2437\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2424\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2439\" data-end=\"2507\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2439\" data-end=\"2456\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Service was great. It’s fast and it’s efficient.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2509\" data-end=\"2562\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2509\" data-end=\"2528\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah, you’d definitely go back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2564\" data-end=\"2604\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2564\" data-end=\"2581\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I would. Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2606\" data-end=\"2771\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2606\" data-end=\"2625\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> If you would like to try Jackie’s Place, it’s located on 1st Street in San Jose, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $35.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2773\" data-end=\"2935\">Rob is a serious home winemaker. When it comes to dining out, he’s always on the hunt for hard-to-find wines by the glass that pair perfectly with every course.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2937\" data-end=\"3059\">Add in seasonal California cuisine and a relaxed, unpretentious vibe, and you’ve got the recipe for Rob’s favorite café.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3061\" data-end=\"3121\">Located in downtown Pleasant Hill, it’s Crescent Bistro.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"162\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"79\">Bradley Zeller:\u003c/strong> Crescent Bistro is a local restaurant where we try and serve the neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"164\" data-end=\"207\">Yeah, always got to get the deviled eggs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"209\" data-end=\"279\">Just trying to do upscale, delicious food with a relaxed atmosphere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"281\" data-end=\"301\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"281\" data-end=\"291\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"303\" data-end=\"326\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"303\" data-end=\"316\">Woman #2:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"417\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"347\">Bradley Zeller:\u003c/strong> We’re California cuisine but with a little bit of global influence.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"419\" data-end=\"445\">Two tempura green beans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"447\" data-end=\"521\">At Crescent Bistro, we really focus on making everything from scratch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"558\">Fried chicken’s always a classic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"560\" data-end=\"585\">Two short ribs all day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"587\" data-end=\"695\">The short rib is something that’s been around for a long time. We think we just do it really, really well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"697\" data-end=\"876\">Try and change up the risotto, the gnocchi, the steak dish, just so we keep using seasonal local ingredients and just highlighting the really good produce we have in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"1132\">My favorite item on the menu is the Pork Buns. Some of the fun part of being in California is just having some other influences, bringing in some Asian influence with the gochujang sauce, some pickled cucumbers, and just some really good ingredients.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1134\" data-end=\"1177\">We’ve got a really good cocktail program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1204\">We make our own syrups.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1244\">We juice everything fresh every day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1246\" data-end=\"1418\">We have some great wines by the glass, some really good variety in there, and then just enough craft beer to keep the beer people happy, and I’m one of them. I love beer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1420\" data-end=\"1449\">Good. Good to see you, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1451\" data-end=\"1501\">It’s great to have a restaurant where I grew up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1503\" data-end=\"1561\">I’m super familiar with the neighborhood, the clientele.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1661\">I get to do what I love and with people I care about and with people that care about this place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1797\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1682\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, as a home winemaker—I’m a home winemaker, too—so what is special about their wine-by-the-glass program?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1940\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1816\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> He has things that are easily paired with what he has on his menu, but they’re not so readily found at other restaurants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1942\" data-end=\"2052\">And he has them all by the glass, but he also has them by the bottle, along with some other things, as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2121\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2073\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What about some of the dishes that you order?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2123\" data-end=\"2169\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2123\" data-end=\"2142\">Bradley Zeller:\u003c/strong> Mixed green with shrimp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2171\" data-end=\"2249\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2171\" data-end=\"2188\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> He changes the menu fairly often, according to the season.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2310\">The favorite of ours is a Red Wine Marinated Short Rib.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2312\" data-end=\"2358\">It’s very tender. Falls apart with the fork.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2360\" data-end=\"2402\">It’s served on a cloud of mashed potato.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2404\" data-end=\"2511\">It’s got carrots, cipollini onion that’s in there, also very nice, mushrooms, and it is really something.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2589\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2532\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What did you pair with it? That’s what I want to know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2591\" data-end=\"2655\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2591\" data-end=\"2608\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> A Lindquist Syrah, which was just perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2657\" data-end=\"2727\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2657\" data-end=\"2673\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> You know, I tried the Red Wine Braised Short Rib.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2729\" data-end=\"2794\">The short rib itself was just tender and delicate to the touch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2796\" data-end=\"2824\">It blew my mind, honestly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2826\" data-end=\"2881\">I love the sautéed onions and the mushrooms in there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"3013\">The only thing I would say would be to dial back on the salt on the mushrooms, ’cause that kind of overpowered the dish overall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3057\">But, in general, though, fantastic dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3059\" data-end=\"3089\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3059\" data-end=\"3078\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3091\" data-end=\"3161\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3091\" data-end=\"3107\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> And the Blue Crab Cakes. You had it as well, too?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3163\" data-end=\"3192\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3163\" data-end=\"3185\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3194\" data-end=\"3218\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3194\" data-end=\"3210\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3220\" data-end=\"3282\">Crispy on the outside, generously packed inside like an egg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3284\" data-end=\"3391\">[Chuckles] I cracked it open, and, you know, the inside’s tender and just full of just sweet blue crab.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3475\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3415\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> The other thing we had was the Jalapeño Cheddar Donuts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3477\" data-end=\"3535\">I mean, I would never have ordered that before, but wow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3537\" data-end=\"3615\">Like, they had this bacon dipping sauce, and nothing was overpowering to me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3617\" data-end=\"3676\">And we also had the Burrata with the Jelly on the side.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3678\" data-end=\"3706\">So that’s what we enjoyed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3781\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3727\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, being in the wine business, what did you get?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3783\" data-end=\"3843\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3783\" data-end=\"3805\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Funnily enough, I did not get wine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"3877\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"3864\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3879\" data-end=\"3904\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3879\" data-end=\"3896\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> What?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3906\" data-end=\"4105\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3906\" data-end=\"3928\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> So we sat at the bar, and the bartender was just making this Bloody Mary—and I’m a sucker for a Bloody Mary—with these pickled vegetables that they make there—bean, celery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4107\" data-end=\"4130\">Beautifully prepared.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4132\" data-end=\"4169\">I said, “I just want one of those.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4171\" data-end=\"4213\">So I had the Bloody Mary. I tasted it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4215\" data-end=\"4275\">I said, “There’s something different in this Bloody Mary.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4314\">And she goes, “We add honey to it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4316\" data-end=\"4355\">And it was so delicious and balanced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4357\" data-end=\"4393\">Just went well with all the foods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4395\" data-end=\"4474\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4395\" data-end=\"4412\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, ’cause he has some really interesting cocktails also.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4476\" data-end=\"4611\">And he made something called a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake that is a rum drink, and according to my friend who had it, fit the bill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4613\" data-end=\"4665\">Tasted—Tasted like a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4667\" data-end=\"4694\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4667\" data-end=\"4686\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"127\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"77\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Two other appetizers I think I have to mention.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"129\" data-end=\"161\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"129\" data-end=\"139\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Okay, I’m going in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"189\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"182\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"191\" data-end=\"239\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"191\" data-end=\"208\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> They’re really, really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"241\" data-end=\"355\">One of them were Deviled Eggs—cured salmon with crème fraîche and fresh dill, and a little salmon roe in them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"357\" data-end=\"409\">So light and so airy, and they’re quite delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"411\" data-end=\"456\">Another appetizer is the Pork Belly Buns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"578\">They’re made in the traditional street-food style, so you have the white bao, then the pork filling comes inside that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"580\" data-end=\"609\">Very flavorful, very tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"768\">My friend’s wife had the Red Wine Marinated Flat Iron Steak—there’s a theme here—perfectly cooked with a garlic-marinated spinach and a potato croquette.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"770\" data-end=\"840\">Crispy on the outside but also very tender and creamy on the inside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"842\" data-end=\"858\">Just fabulous.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"860\" data-end=\"904\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"860\" data-end=\"879\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You just stole a bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"906\" data-end=\"955\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"906\" data-end=\"923\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I stole a bite of everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"957\" data-end=\"979\">I have a nice reach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1012\">It’s the long arm of the law.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1014\" data-end=\"1049\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1014\" data-end=\"1033\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1051\" data-end=\"1076\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1051\" data-end=\"1068\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1078\" data-end=\"1160\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1078\" data-end=\"1097\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you get any dessert, or do you usually get desserts?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1191\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1179\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Oh, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1220\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1212\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1275\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1239\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I can’t go there without dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1277\" data-end=\"1306\">Blackberry Bread Pudding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1334\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1327\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yep.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1336\" data-end=\"1381\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1336\" data-end=\"1353\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Loaded with blackberries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1383\" data-end=\"1437\">You know, bread pudding can be very dense and heavy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1453\">This is not.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1455\" data-end=\"1559\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1455\" data-end=\"1477\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Yes, but I will say, the Blackberry Bread Pudding—it was a beautiful portion.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1561\" data-end=\"1593\">It had crème anglaise with it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1595\" data-end=\"1629\">It was creamy. It was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1631\" data-end=\"1690\">And the crème anglaise just really added an extra little—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1692\" data-end=\"1766\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1692\" data-end=\"1711\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So I can see Bloody Mary and then Bread Pudding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1768\" data-end=\"1788\">That’s your order.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1806\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1804\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1808\" data-end=\"1846\">And what did you think of the price?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"2027\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"1864\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> I thought the pricing was fair, and I think they were understaffed at the time, but, in general, when they were able to attend to us, they were sweet and great.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2193\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2046\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I like it because it’s not a white-tablecloth place, but the quality of the food that you receive is like going into a very high-end restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2262\">Anybody’s going to feel comfortable there, and I like that a lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2264\" data-end=\"2452\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2264\" data-end=\"2283\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, if you would like to try Crescent Bistro, it’s located on Crescent Drive in Pleasant Hill, and the average dinner tab per person without drinks is around $60.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2454\" data-end=\"2497\">And now, reporter \u003cstrong data-start=\"2472\" data-end=\"2492\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2499\" data-end=\"2520\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2499\" data-end=\"2509\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Too hot?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2522\" data-end=\"2563\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2522\" data-end=\"2543\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> No, it’s alright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2565\" data-end=\"2676\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2565\" data-end=\"2584\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …pops up in San Francisco’s Ferry Plaza for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2699\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2697\">[Music playing]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"84\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"70\">Woman:\u003c/strong> So crunchy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"86\" data-end=\"118\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"86\" data-end=\"107\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Waiting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"120\" data-end=\"169\">We’re here at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"223\">Now, the Ferry Building is such an iconic place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"225\" data-end=\"329\">You can get so many amazing things inside the building, but actually, the party happens outside of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"331\" data-end=\"346\">It’s amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"434\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"369\">Christine Farren:\u003c/strong> The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market has been around for 31 years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"436\" data-end=\"556\">There are over 130 small businesses that sell in our farmers market, and those farmers come from all across the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"558\" data-end=\"614\">Every week that you come, there’s something different.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"736\">You can come here because you want to buy fresh produce, but you can also come if you just want a fantastic breakfast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"782\">I mean, there’s a lot of prepared foods…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"822\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"793\">Girl:\u003c/strong> Yeah, this is really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"877\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"845\">Christine Farren:\u003c/strong> …as well as packaged goods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"919\">There’s really something for everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"973\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"931\">Woman:\u003c/strong> And I want to get my pine nuts toasted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"1106\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"996\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Eatwell Farm, you actually supply some of the produce for some of the vendors here at the farmers market.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1147\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1128\">Lorraine Walker:\u003c/strong> So, yeah, we do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1176\">We’re growing year-round.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1248\">We have actually never missed a market ever since the market opened.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1285\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1271\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Since 1993?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1287\" data-end=\"1314\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1287\" data-end=\"1307\">Lorraine Walker:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1372\">Aedan Fermented Foods is one of my favorite vendors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1374\" data-end=\"1414\">Right now, they’re getting our daikon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1416\" data-end=\"1505\">This is a traditional Korean daikon called Alpine, and it has kind of a sweet flavor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1573\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1528\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Which must make for a really great pickle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1606\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1592\">Mariko Grady:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1608\" data-end=\"1753\">Fermentation is kind of Japanese wisdom, so I want to spread this Bay Area, this knowledge, and then I want to have community to more health.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1755\" data-end=\"1815\">This one—pickles cup—and the four kinds of pickles inside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1817\" data-end=\"1882\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1817\" data-end=\"1838\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> So you have daikon, cucumber, and celery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1917\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1901\">Mariko Grady:\u003c/strong> And my lemon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1986\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1940\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> I can feel the healing happening right now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2004\">I can feel it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2044\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2023\">Mariko Grady:\u003c/strong> Thank you so much.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2068\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2054\">All:\u003c/strong> Mangosay!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2070\" data-end=\"2179\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2070\" data-end=\"2087\">Sierra Young:\u003c/strong> Here at Mangosay, we specialize in everything mango and in everything being dairy-free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2181\" data-end=\"2219\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2181\" data-end=\"2191\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Get your guys some mango.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2221\" data-end=\"2387\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2221\" data-end=\"2238\">Sierra Young:\u003c/strong> Besides being fun, we also want to be healthy and be able to attract people who are looking for something that’s just light but still really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2389\" data-end=\"2473\">So the Mango Noodles is basically just raw mango that we shred into noodle form.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2475\" data-end=\"2675\">We add fresh lime juice, hot sauce, coconut milk, chili pepper, black pepper, Tajín, and we mix it all together, and it just comes out to a really savory South American dish that many people love.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2713\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2698\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Oh, my gosh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2715\" data-end=\"2759\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2715\" data-end=\"2732\">Sierra Young:\u003c/strong> Yeah, you’re doing good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2761\" data-end=\"2809\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2761\" data-end=\"2782\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> It’s like a real noodle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2811\" data-end=\"2826\">It’s so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2828\" data-end=\"2856\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2828\" data-end=\"2845\">Sierra Young:\u003c/strong> Awesome.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2858\" data-end=\"2898\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2858\" data-end=\"2879\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> The spice. Whew!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"2942\">I’m going to need to try this, actually.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2944\" data-end=\"3014\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2944\" data-end=\"2961\">Sierra Young:\u003c/strong> Yep. That’s right. Kind of wash it down with that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3016\" data-end=\"3165\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3016\" data-end=\"3035\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> The name of the business is Nusa, and Nusa in Javanese means island, because Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3167\" data-end=\"3241\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3167\" data-end=\"3188\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> So with 17,000 islands, you like to do things big.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3243\" data-end=\"3278\">So you have a 1,000-layer cake?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3310\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3299\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> Exactly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3312\" data-end=\"3330\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3312\" data-end=\"3328\">[Both laugh]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3332\" data-end=\"3379\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3332\" data-end=\"3353\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Do people just bite it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3381\" data-end=\"3418\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3381\" data-end=\"3400\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> Most people do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3420\" data-end=\"3464\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3420\" data-end=\"3441\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Alright, here we go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3466\" data-end=\"3481\">1,000 layers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3483\" data-end=\"3567\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3483\" data-end=\"3502\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> And then you can feel the buttery, and the egg—it’s very eggy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3569\" data-end=\"3631\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3569\" data-end=\"3590\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> There’s definitely 1,000 eggs in here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3655\">It’s not very sweet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3657\" data-end=\"3682\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3657\" data-end=\"3676\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> No.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3684\" data-end=\"3724\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3684\" data-end=\"3705\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> It’s the spices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3726\" data-end=\"3753\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3726\" data-end=\"3745\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3755\" data-end=\"3792\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3755\" data-end=\"3776\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> It’s so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3804\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Ooh, I really like that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3833\" data-end=\"3956\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3833\" data-end=\"3854\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Chef Sarah Germany, I heard that you have some of the best hot sauces here at the farmers market.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3958\" data-end=\"4068\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3958\" data-end=\"3976\">Sarah Germany:\u003c/strong> Our goal is not only to make delicious flavors but to do what we can for the environment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4070\" data-end=\"4151\">This is our first no-added-sugar barbecue sauce with a matching beet kraut.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4153\" data-end=\"4243\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4153\" data-end=\"4174\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> So you’ve taken every part of the beet here to make both of these.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4245\" data-end=\"4284\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4245\" data-end=\"4263\">Sarah Germany:\u003c/strong> Every single part.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4286\" data-end=\"4323\">There’s zero waste on this sauce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4325\" data-end=\"4359\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4325\" data-end=\"4346\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Mmm. Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4361\" data-end=\"4388\">That sauce is phenomenal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4390\" data-end=\"4412\">Let’s try the kraut.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4414\" data-end=\"4457\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4414\" data-end=\"4432\">Sarah Germany:\u003c/strong> Can you feel the beet?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4459\" data-end=\"4483\">Can you feel the beet?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4485\" data-end=\"4508\">We can feel the beet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4510\" data-end=\"4534\">You can feel the beat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4536\" data-end=\"4546\">Come on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4548\" data-end=\"4564\">Feel the beet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4566\" data-end=\"4620\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4566\" data-end=\"4587\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> ♪ Can you feel the beet… ♪\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4654\" data-end=\"4732\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4654\" data-end=\"4673\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I want to thank my fantastic guests on this week’s show:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4734\" data-end=\"4857\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4734\" data-end=\"4755\">Monicamary Falcon\u003c/strong>, who has a hard time sharing the Smoked Fish Board at Grossman’s Noshery & Bar in Santa Rosa.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4859\" data-end=\"4947\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4859\" data-end=\"4875\">Rob Pattison\u003c/strong>, who savors the Short Ribs at Crescent Bistro in Pleasant Hill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4949\" data-end=\"5040\">And \u003cstrong data-start=\"4953\" data-end=\"4968\">Mike Nguyen\u003c/strong>, who’s obsessed with the Oxtails at Jackie’s Place in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5042\" data-end=\"5161\">Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5163\" data-end=\"5211\">I’m \u003cstrong data-start=\"5167\" data-end=\"5185\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>, and I’ll see you then.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5213\" data-end=\"5241\">Alright, cheers, everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5243\" data-end=\"5275\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5243\" data-end=\"5265\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5277\" data-end=\"5304\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5277\" data-end=\"5294\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5306\" data-end=\"5343\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5306\" data-end=\"5325\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Cheers. Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5345\" data-end=\"5399\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5345\" data-end=\"5397\">[Indistinct conversation, Rob Pattison chuckles]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5436\" data-end=\"5484\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5436\" data-end=\"5457\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> So is it 1,000 layers?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5486\" data-end=\"5526\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5486\" data-end=\"5505\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> It’s figuratively.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5528\" data-end=\"5546\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5528\" data-end=\"5544\">[Both laugh]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5548\" data-end=\"5664\">Yeah. Yeah, like, the amount of work that, you know, you stand in front of the—it felt like it was 1,000 layers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5666\" data-end=\"5684\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5666\" data-end=\"5682\">[Both laugh]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5686\" data-end=\"5743\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5686\" data-end=\"5707\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> That’s where the name comes from.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5745\" data-end=\"5772\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5745\" data-end=\"5764\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5774\" data-end=\"5815\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5774\" data-end=\"5795\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Yeah, okay, okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5817\" data-end=\"5924\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5817\" data-end=\"5835\">Sarah Germany:\u003c/strong> We took onions and tomatoes and apples and beets and slow-roasted them for 60 hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5926\" data-end=\"5967\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5926\" data-end=\"5947\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Did you say 60?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5969\" data-end=\"6007\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5969\" data-end=\"5987\">Sarah Germany:\u003c/strong> 60. 60 hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6009\" data-end=\"6018\">I know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6020\" data-end=\"6088\">I had to stay awake because we didn’t want to burn down the house.\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1739504033,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 10,
"wordCount": 6118
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Grossman's Noshery & Bar, Jackie's Place, Crescent Bistro | KQED",
"description": "Bay Area foodies review Jewish deli delights in Santa Rosa, comforting soul food in San Jose and fresh Californian cuisine in Pleasant Hill.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Bay Area foodies review Jewish deli delights in Santa Rosa, comforting soul food in San Jose and fresh Californian cuisine in Pleasant Hill.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Grossman's Noshery & Bar, Jackie's Place, Crescent Bistro",
"datePublished": "2025-02-13T19:25:43-08:00",
"dateModified": "2025-02-13T19:33:53-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"videoEmbed": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVMSkBZaYVE",
"sticky": false,
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/23361/check-please-bay-area-reviews-grossmans-noshery-bar-jackies-place-crescent-bistro",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 14, airs Thursday, February 13, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Our culinary journey begins at \u003cstrong>Grossman’s Noshery & Bar\u003c/strong> in Santa Rosa, a North Bay favorite that brings the flavors of a classic East Coast Jewish deli to the West Coast. Highlights include smoked and pickled fish boards, potato leek latkes, and hearty matzo ball soup; for a sweet finish, diners can savor their cinnamon or chocolate babkas. Next, \u003cstrong>Jackie’s Place\u003c/strong> in San Jose serves up soulful dishes seasoned with love, like fall-off-the-bone oxtails, smoky beef brisket, and creamy mac and cheese that keeps guests coming back for more. Lastly, \u003cstrong>Crescent Bistro\u003c/strong> in the heart of Pleasant Hill showcases elevated American cuisine infused with fresh Californian flair, including pork belly buns, cured salmon deviled eggs, and succulent red wine-braised short ribs. Reporter Cecilia Phillips rounds out the episode at the \u003cstrong>Ferry Plaza Farmers Market\u003c/strong> in San Francisco, exploring fresh produce, local goods, and diverse culinary delights at a historic landmark.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23362\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-23362 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/CPBA_1914_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Monicamary Falcon, Mike Nguyen and Rob Pattison from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://grossmanssr.com/\">\u003cstrong>Grossman’s Noshery & Bar\u003c/strong> (Santa Rosa)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.jackiesplacesj.com/\">\u003cstrong>Jackie’s Place\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://crescentbistro.com/\">\u003cstrong>Crescent Bistro\u003c/strong> (Pleasant Hill)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/farmers-market/\">\u003cstrong>Ferry Plaza Farmers Market\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23366\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-800x1179.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1179\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-800x1179.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-1020x1504.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-160x236.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-768x1132.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-1042x1536.png 1042w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-1389x2048.png 1389w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines-1920x2830.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1914_Wines.png 2035w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sansimeonwines.com/our-wines/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>San Simeon 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Paso Robles, California $26\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>The region of Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast is an ideal place for growing many grape varieties, from familiar to esoteric. It just so happens that Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in this warm yet breezy landscape. One of the best values on the red wine market today is the Cabernet Sauvignon from San Simeon by the Riboli Family of Wines. The vineyards are certified sustainable, and the Paso Robles winery is powered by solar panels, along with other eco-conscious practices. This is a wonderfully rich red with dark fruit notes and hints of spice. Packaged in an elegant bottle, it looks — and tastes — like it costs twice the price.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://shop.lailvineyards.com/product/2022-Blueprint-Cabernet-Sauvignon----95\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Lail Vineyards 2022 “BLUEPRINT” Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Napa Valley, California $95\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>One of the most famous names in the California wine world is Inglenook Vineyards, founded in 1879. Today, fourth-generation vintner Robin Daniel Lail continues the tradition of excellence with Lail Vineyards. The hallmark of their classic wines is elegance, complexity, and style. The 2022 BLUEPRINT Cabernet Sauvignon honors the family’s deep roots in design and architectural achievements over their storied history. The garnet-hued, youthful red is packed with aromas of dark berry fruit intensity, layered with notes of cocoa and savory spice. It is ready to drink now with a few hours of decanting—or, better yet, hold on to the bottle for up to a decade to unravel its age-worthy pedigree.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>NOTE: Lail Vineyards donates 10% of online sales of our Blueprint wines to organizations deep in the fight against climate change.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"394\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"354\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Jewish deli delights in Santa Rosa…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"452\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"418\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> I have to just keep going back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"507\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"473\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Southern soul food in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"509\" data-end=\"566\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"509\" data-end=\"525\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> Mind-blowing. Absolutely mind-blowing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"655\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"587\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And American bistro fare in Pleasant Hill. You just stole a bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"657\" data-end=\"706\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"657\" data-end=\"674\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I stole a bite of everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"708\" data-end=\"756\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"708\" data-end=\"729\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> It’s like a real noodle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"853\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"777\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just ahead on \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Sounds like you stole two bites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"904\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"872\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Okay, I stole a couple. Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"906\" data-end=\"970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"906\" data-end=\"923\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> This is lovely. I’m having a wonderful time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"972\" data-end=\"1279\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"972\" data-end=\"991\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>, the show where Bay Area residents review and talk about their favorite restaurants. Now, we have three guests, and each one recommends one of their favorite spots, and the other two go check them out to see what they think.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1281\" data-end=\"1459\">Joining me at the \u003cem>Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are wine salesperson \u003cstrong data-start=\"1349\" data-end=\"1370\">Monicamary Falcon\u003c/strong>, retired labor lawyer \u003cstrong data-start=\"1393\" data-end=\"1409\">Rob Pattison\u003c/strong>, and propane account executive \u003cstrong data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1456\">Mike Nguyen\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1461\" data-end=\"1502\">Welcome, everyone. Are you ready to go?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1504\" data-end=\"1534\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1504\" data-end=\"1526\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1536\" data-end=\"1569\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1536\" data-end=\"1552\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> Let’s do this.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1571\" data-end=\"1773\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1571\" data-end=\"1590\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Monicamary’s restaurant offers a huge assortment of Jewish deli fare, all made lovingly in-house. Located in Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square, it’s Grossman’s Noshery & Bar.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"261\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"75\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Our restaurant is Grossman’s Noshery & Bar. My family name was Grossman a long time ago. With Grossman’s, we wanted to bring things on the menu that evoke memories, family memories.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"285\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"273\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Holy cow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"497\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"302\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> We make everything in-house. We produce all our pastramis Montreal-style, which is a smokier, deeper flavor. Our smoked turkey is made here. The kippered salmon, the lox, all kinds of pickles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"499\" data-end=\"563\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"499\" data-end=\"515\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> The black-and-white cookies and the rugelach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"565\" data-end=\"724\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"565\" data-end=\"580\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> We had the opportunity here to do our own bakery, and, of course, that meant we’re going to make our own bagels. So we did a lot of research.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"726\" data-end=\"759\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"726\" data-end=\"742\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Lots of carbs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"761\" data-end=\"991\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"761\" data-end=\"776\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> We ate a lot of bagels, and we found a few good ones in Brooklyn. When we left, we filled bottles of water up with Brooklyn tap water, brought it back, and made a starter. And that starter is still with us today.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"993\" data-end=\"1192\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"993\" data-end=\"1009\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Our matzoh ball soup—we have the traditional, and then the twist to our matzoh ball soup is we also have the big piece of chicken which has some of our chicken kreplach in it, and—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1226\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1209\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> Ramen noodles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1286\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1244\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Ramen noodles. It’s a big bowl of soup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1333\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1296\">Man:\u003c/strong> Was that the big piece of chicken?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1376\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1343\">Man:\u003c/strong> It was. I did want to do this.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1575\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1394\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> [Chuckles] And that just resonates with people, reminding them of, you know, when they were sick and their bubby made them matzoh ball soup. And as long as your balls float—good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1577\" data-end=\"1625\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1577\" data-end=\"1592\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> You know, uh, we live by that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1627\" data-end=\"1647\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1627\" data-end=\"1645\">[Bell dinging]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1678\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1649\" data-end=\"1665\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> [Chuckles]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1680\" data-end=\"1733\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1680\" data-end=\"1695\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> If your balls float, it’s all good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1735\" data-end=\"1819\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1735\" data-end=\"1751\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> And what’s unique to Grossman’s, too, is that we have a full bar.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1821\" data-end=\"1859\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1821\" data-end=\"1836\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> Bourbon and brisket.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1885\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1877\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1947\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1902\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> Not sure if it gets much better than that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"1993\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"1965\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> Weekend at Bubby’s. Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1995\" data-end=\"2145\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1995\" data-end=\"2010\">Mark Stark:\u003c/strong> There are some delis that are hundreds of years old. I think we have plenty of time to work things out and just keep getting better.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2176\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2163\">Terri Stark:\u003c/strong> [Chuckles]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2293\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2197\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Monicamary, this place is definitely more than a deli. What makes it so special for you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2597\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2317\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> First, when you walk in, it’s very warm. The people greet you so nicely and kindly. They just keep it really homey. I just started popping in for lunches and discovered a plethora of beautiful dishes that I would never make at home. So I have to just keep going back for these.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2599\" data-end=\"2645\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2599\" data-end=\"2618\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It is an extensive menu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2647\" data-end=\"2682\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2647\" data-end=\"2669\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Extensive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2684\" data-end=\"2766\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2684\" data-end=\"2703\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So start off with a dish that you love, that you always get.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"3267\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2768\" data-end=\"2790\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> I get the smoked & pickled fish. That’s a big, shareable dish, and it comes with pickled herring which is, really, the favorite. It just has a nice pickled but also a little sweetness to it. There’s also some salmon rillettes on there, which I love. They’re creamy. Everything is made in-house. They make their bagels and their challah and their matzoh, and you can spread your cream cheese and get a taste of what they’re making behind the scenes in the bakery in the back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3480\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3285\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> The fish board was delicious. The smoked salmon, that was great. It was pastrami-brined. And the portions were very generous, so there was no shortage of that. And it was absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3482\" data-end=\"3681\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3482\" data-end=\"3499\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> The lox and the bagel and the sliced red onions, the capers were fantastic. The pickled herring, my Norwegian forebears might have liked it, but I didn’t care for that part of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3683\" data-end=\"3749\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3683\" data-end=\"3702\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just because you don’t like pickled herring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3824\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3768\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, yeah, but the rest of it was really quite good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3826\" data-end=\"3892\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3826\" data-end=\"3845\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay. What do you get once you’re past that?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"418\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"78\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> The Cobb salad is delicious. The turkey is homemade, and it has a nice portion of lettuce with a delicious, light, creamy dressing, but they throw these deli bits on there, and they’re—literally, when you cut meat and there’s crumbles, like, how creative to take that and put it on top of a salad. It really made it nice. So I love that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"420\" data-end=\"561\">And then the matzoh ball soup with the matzoh ball that was just hearty, the broth was just clear, and it had carrots on top. So flavorful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"801\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"563\" data-end=\"579\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> So I actually wanted to second her opinion with the matzoh ball soup. It was absolutely amazing. You can tell they put a lot of attention and time into it. The rosemary and dill within it were really good. I enjoyed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"939\">I also had the cucumber mocktail. That had strawberries, ginger, basil. Delicious. You know, it helped to settle the gut afterwards…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"957\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"955\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"959\" data-end=\"981\">…so that was good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1155\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1000\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> The killer mocktail was the Orange is the New Blackberry. Oh, my gosh. Orange syrup and blackberry muddled jam in it and seltzer water—very flavorful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1157\" data-end=\"1189\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1157\" data-end=\"1176\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Excellent.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1495\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1208\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I stole a look at and then I stole a bite of my friend’s patty melt. And it had a nice hamburger, and it had a nice bit of pastrami on top of that. And then it was covered with some Gruyère cheese, and then it had a nice little special saucy thing on there. So I stole a bite of that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1497\" data-end=\"1551\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1497\" data-end=\"1516\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Sounds like you stole two bites.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1553\" data-end=\"1602\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1553\" data-end=\"1570\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Okay, I stole a couple, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"1620\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"1618\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1622\" data-end=\"1940\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1622\" data-end=\"1644\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> I got the chicken kebabs last time. There were two of them. They were really thinly pounded, and they came with a yogurt sauce. They had a little spicy flavor to them. And there was a sauce on the side which was the amba sauce. This is a mango sauce, and it just really cooled down that spice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1942\" data-end=\"2058\">And I had that with an egg cream. It was a seltzer water with this milky goodness and it was just very refreshing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2060\" data-end=\"2145\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2060\" data-end=\"2079\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, you got to talk a little bit about dessert, too, because—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2177\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2169\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2365\">We ordered the babka for the table. It was a nice slice of bread with cinnamon swirl. And then there was the chocolate babka with the chocolate swirl. That chocolate is just delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2367\" data-end=\"2428\">And then the soft serve, of course. Soft serve is the best.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2478\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2449\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you have some dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2480\" data-end=\"2536\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2480\" data-end=\"2497\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> We had some of the soft serve, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2538\" data-end=\"2578\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2538\" data-end=\"2557\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> The Straus Family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2633\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2597\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it was really, really nice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2635\" data-end=\"2669\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2635\" data-end=\"2645\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Ooh, that is so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2671\" data-end=\"2824\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2671\" data-end=\"2688\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> The sauce that was on it—it was a tahini sauce, and it was not familiar to me, so I puzzled over it for a long time, but it was good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2826\" data-end=\"2894\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2826\" data-end=\"2845\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you feel like you got value when you went?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"3015\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"2912\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> I did, yeah. The portions were great, and the pricing aligned with it, as well. I really enjoyed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3126\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3036\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And Railroad Square is a great place to discover and explore—a lot of shops and places.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3189\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3150\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Yes, and other restaurants, as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3191\" data-end=\"3408\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3191\" data-end=\"3210\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm. Alright, if you would like to try Grossman’s Noshery & Bar, it’s located on Wilson Street in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square. The average lunch tab per person without drinks is around $60.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3410\" data-end=\"3624\">Well, you will want to loosen your belt a notch for Mike’s pick, offering southern specialties, like Texas-style barbecue, smothered oxtails, and sweet potato pie. It’s his favorite spot to kick back and pig out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3626\" data-end=\"3671\">Located in San Jose, it’s Jackie’s Place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"108\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"79\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> Love you. I love you guys.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"110\" data-end=\"177\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"110\" data-end=\"130\">Hasaahn Jackson:\u003c/strong> Family, we’re doing alright over here still?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"179\" data-end=\"338\">Soul food, to me, is African-American cuisine that originated from the South, where we had to use little resources but make plenty of bountiful meals out of.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"395\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"359\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> The roux is what makes the gumbo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"397\" data-end=\"553\">Soul food is something that takes time. You can’t rush it. You season it until the Gods call, and then you slow simmer it until it’s cooked to perfection.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"571\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"569\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"573\" data-end=\"742\">We come from a real small community called Hondo, Texas. Nobody’s ever heard of it. It’s about 3,000 people there. Almost everybody that lived there was related to us.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"744\" data-end=\"776\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"744\" data-end=\"763\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> Bye, baby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"778\" data-end=\"915\">My mother was a chef. There was always a bunch of people at our house. The recipes came from my mother, but I had to put my juju on it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"996\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"937\">Hasaahn Jackson:\u003c/strong> The story of Jackie’s Place is family coming together.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"998\" data-end=\"1034\">Say, “Hey, Ma. How are you doing?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1036\" data-end=\"1250\">So working with my mom and my family has been most rewarding. Actually, my mom taught me how to cook along with all my brothers and sisters, and sometimes we even get real competitive to see who the best cook is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1252\" data-end=\"1295\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1252\" data-end=\"1271\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> I’m still number one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1297\" data-end=\"1397\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1297\" data-end=\"1317\">Hasaahn Jackson:\u003c/strong> Here at Jackie’s Place, when you get ribs, they’re our Uncle Greg’s Ribs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1442\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1399\" data-end=\"1418\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> They’re my brother’s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1444\" data-end=\"1545\">The nachos are named after my brother, Scoop Nachos. Laverne’s Sweet Potato Pie. JuJu Drinks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1642\">We try to practice passing down the recipes and giving the recognition to where it came from.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1803\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1663\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> I wanted to go back to actually what I served my kids when they were growing up in our household. I called my house the Kool-Aid house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1805\" data-end=\"1891\">We don’t call it by the flavor. We call it by the color. It’s just a southern thing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1893\" data-end=\"1955\">“You got some purple Kool-Aid?”\u003cbr data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"1927\">“I got some red Kool-Aid.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1957\" data-end=\"2055\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1957\" data-end=\"1977\">Hasaahn Jackson:\u003c/strong> Take your time. Take your time, family. You guys don’t have to go anywhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2057\" data-end=\"2200\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2057\" data-end=\"2076\">Jackie Jackson:\u003c/strong> What we want people to feel when they walk in our doors is that they’re part of our family. We even greet them as family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2202\" data-end=\"2232\">“Hey, Sis.”\u003cbr data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2216\">“Hi, Brother.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2234\" data-end=\"2252\">I love you, Jay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2254\" data-end=\"2319\">We hug on them and love on them. And we want them to come back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2321\" data-end=\"2337\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2321\" data-end=\"2335\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2339\" data-end=\"2548\">And what has made me the most proud is to look out in my dining room and see that our restaurant is not just serving the African-American community, but it’s serving every culture that San Jose has to offer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2580\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2550\" data-end=\"2560\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Same shirt. Yeah!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2582\" data-end=\"2684\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2582\" data-end=\"2602\">Hasaahn Jackson:\u003c/strong> And I think their reaction to our food is the thing that’s the most fulfilling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2686\" data-end=\"2790\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2686\" data-end=\"2705\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, Mike, do we have to name this Mike’s Place instead of Jackie’s Place?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"2815\">Do you go that often?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2817\" data-end=\"2858\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2817\" data-end=\"2833\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> I feel like we should.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2876\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2874\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2878\" data-end=\"2965\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2878\" data-end=\"2897\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Have you told Jackie yet? I don’t think she’ll be happy about it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2967\" data-end=\"3016\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2967\" data-end=\"2986\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What is so unique about it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3209\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3034\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> One, the ambiance and atmosphere. It’s family-owned and operated. I just love the feel each time I’m there. Customer service is wonderful. And the food is just exceptional.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3211\" data-end=\"3283\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3211\" data-end=\"3221\">Woman:\u003c/strong> We drove three hours to be here. The best food to be found.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3285\" data-end=\"3398\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3285\" data-end=\"3301\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> I highly recommend the oxtail. Growing up in a Vietnamese household, you know, we love oxtail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3400\" data-end=\"3536\">So going to Jackie’s Place for the first time, trying it out, was just mind-blowing to me, and it took me back to my roots as a kid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3538\" data-end=\"3713\">It’s slow-cooked and simmered oxtails smothered in gravy in addition to the sweet cornbread muffin and just a nice, generous serving of rice, and it’s absolutely phenomenal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3715\" data-end=\"3792\">You mix it all together, and you have yourself a winning plate right there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3842\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3813\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Winning plate right there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3844\" data-end=\"3889\">I heard, “Mm-hmm, mm-hmm,” with the oxtail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3891\" data-end=\"3917\">Who else had the oxtail?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3919\" data-end=\"3971\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3919\" data-end=\"3936\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I had never had oxtail before…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3973\" data-end=\"4008\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3973\" data-end=\"3992\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Really? Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4096\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4027\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> …and Mike is exactly right. It is spectacular. It was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"4236\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4098\" data-end=\"4120\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> I wanted to also say when we walked in, like, literally walking from the parking lot, I could smell the barbecue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4238\" data-end=\"4327\">I don’t even know where the barbecue was coming from, but I was like, “What?” And then—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4385\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4348\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Follow your nose, it always knows.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4387\" data-end=\"4429\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4387\" data-end=\"4409\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Follow your nose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4431\" data-end=\"4591\">And so the meat plate was really delicious. You had your choice of chicken, fish, there was brisket, and there was even a vegan option, which was really cool.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4593\" data-end=\"4688\">The fish was delicious. It was thin. It was just perfectly coated in, like, a cornmeal crust.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4690\" data-end=\"4897\">And then the brisket, the person that had that said it was a little bit dry to start, but there’s this beautiful barbecue homemade sauce that you can just put on anything, and, boy, I put it on everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4899\" data-end=\"4934\">I’m a side girl. I love my sides.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4936\" data-end=\"5107\">And it had the beans, which were just flavorful, and they had that little barbecue sauce and a little spiciness to them, and the mac and cheese, like perfectly textured.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5109\" data-end=\"5141\">And it was huge. So delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5143\" data-end=\"5239\">And he mentioned the corn muffins because you didn’t need to put any butter or anything on it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5241\" data-end=\"5321\">They had that perfect crispness on the outside, and they came with everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5323\" data-end=\"5537\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5323\" data-end=\"5339\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> So the fried fish that you mentioned earlier, if you do a trick where you get the chicken gravy on the side and splash a little Louisiana Hot Sauce in it, you dip your fish in there—mind-blowing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5539\" data-end=\"5565\">Absolutely mind-blowing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5567\" data-end=\"5596\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5567\" data-end=\"5589\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Ooh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5598\" data-end=\"5653\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5598\" data-end=\"5617\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, an insider tip. Love it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5655\" data-end=\"5698\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5655\" data-end=\"5671\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> You got to give it a go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5700\" data-end=\"5806\">So we had the pulled pork. That was about the most delicious pulled pork I think I’d had about anywhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5808\" data-end=\"5848\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5808\" data-end=\"5827\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Wow. Look at that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5850\" data-end=\"5907\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5850\" data-end=\"5867\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> It was fantastic. Perfectly prepared.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5909\" data-end=\"5970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5909\" data-end=\"5928\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I think Rob’s going to give you a kiss.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5972\" data-end=\"6026\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5972\" data-end=\"5989\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, uh, you’re close to it, man.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6028\" data-end=\"6094\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6028\" data-end=\"6044\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> Don’t think my girlfriend’s going to like that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6096\" data-end=\"6130\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6096\" data-end=\"6115\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> \u003cstrong data-start=\"6116\" data-end=\"6128\">[Laughs]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6132\" data-end=\"6262\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6132\" data-end=\"6149\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> In addition to that, it came with Uncle Greg’s Pork Ribs. Oh, my gosh. They were great. They were wonderful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6264\" data-end=\"6422\">Oh, I found that I was eating away, and my three tablemates, you know, they were done, they couldn’t eat anymore, and I was, “What’s wrong with you people?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6424\" data-end=\"6440\">I wanted more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"255\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"82\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> I had the seafood gumbo with chicken, shrimp, and there was a dollop of white rice that was perfectly cooked. It just melded together, and it was such a generous portion.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"257\" data-end=\"480\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"257\" data-end=\"273\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> Another thing I’d recommend, as well, would be the Hennessy Sideshow. Obviously, an ode to the Bay Area. It has Hennessy, Grand Marnier, and lemonade in it—so drink at your own risk, but it’s delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"482\" data-end=\"642\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"482\" data-end=\"504\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> They really do have some really nice signature cocktails there. The Gin & JuJu—it had Kool-Aid in it, and I could taste my childhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"644\" data-end=\"822\">You know, when you were young and you would put the Kool-Aid, and you could smell the powder of the Kool-Aid. It just felt like my childhood, but it had a little alcohol in it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"859\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"843\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But with gin.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"913\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"883\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> With gin. It was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"959\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"934\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Was there any dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"989\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"983\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Oh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"991\" data-end=\"1094\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"991\" data-end=\"1007\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> I got something for you. The Banana Pudding is phenomenal. Very soft and decadent.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1096\" data-end=\"1233\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1096\" data-end=\"1118\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> So we did take home the Peach Cobbler, and we took home the Key Lime Pie. And my mom just loved the cobbler.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1433\">It’s beautiful. Like, they cut a square of crust on top perfectly, and then the peaches are oozing out, and the peaches are just full of cinnamon and baking spices. It was so creamy and delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1435\" data-end=\"1470\">So don’t skip the desserts there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1472\" data-end=\"1556\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1472\" data-end=\"1489\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I’m going to register a little bit of a dissent on the desserts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1585\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1577\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1640\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1604\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> The Sweet Potato Pie was great.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1642\" data-end=\"1697\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1642\" data-end=\"1664\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> [Gasps] We didn’t have that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1699\" data-end=\"1751\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1699\" data-end=\"1716\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> The Peach Cobbler—not so much.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1784\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1772\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ah, okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1786\" data-end=\"1816\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1786\" data-end=\"1808\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1818\" data-end=\"1978\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1818\" data-end=\"1835\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, the crust that you describe is accurate, but they seemed like they were just canned peaches in the liquid, and I didn’t care for that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1980\" data-end=\"2056\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1980\" data-end=\"1999\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So you got the pork up here and the peaches down here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2058\" data-end=\"2089\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2058\" data-end=\"2075\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2091\" data-end=\"2118\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2091\" data-end=\"2110\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2120\" data-end=\"2174\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2120\" data-end=\"2137\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> But I had enough pork for dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2208\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2195\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2210\" data-end=\"2241\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2210\" data-end=\"2227\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I did fine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2243\" data-end=\"2347\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2243\" data-end=\"2265\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> We sat at the bar, which was really fun. The bartender was so helpful, so nice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2349\" data-end=\"2400\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2349\" data-end=\"2368\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So you felt service was good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2437\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2424\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2439\" data-end=\"2507\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2439\" data-end=\"2456\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Service was great. It’s fast and it’s efficient.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2509\" data-end=\"2562\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2509\" data-end=\"2528\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah, you’d definitely go back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2564\" data-end=\"2604\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2564\" data-end=\"2581\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I would. Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2606\" data-end=\"2771\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2606\" data-end=\"2625\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> If you would like to try Jackie’s Place, it’s located on 1st Street in San Jose, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $35.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2773\" data-end=\"2935\">Rob is a serious home winemaker. When it comes to dining out, he’s always on the hunt for hard-to-find wines by the glass that pair perfectly with every course.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2937\" data-end=\"3059\">Add in seasonal California cuisine and a relaxed, unpretentious vibe, and you’ve got the recipe for Rob’s favorite café.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3061\" data-end=\"3121\">Located in downtown Pleasant Hill, it’s Crescent Bistro.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"162\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"79\">Bradley Zeller:\u003c/strong> Crescent Bistro is a local restaurant where we try and serve the neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"164\" data-end=\"207\">Yeah, always got to get the deviled eggs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"209\" data-end=\"279\">Just trying to do upscale, delicious food with a relaxed atmosphere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"281\" data-end=\"301\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"281\" data-end=\"291\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"303\" data-end=\"326\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"303\" data-end=\"316\">Woman #2:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"417\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"328\" data-end=\"347\">Bradley Zeller:\u003c/strong> We’re California cuisine but with a little bit of global influence.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"419\" data-end=\"445\">Two tempura green beans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"447\" data-end=\"521\">At Crescent Bistro, we really focus on making everything from scratch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"558\">Fried chicken’s always a classic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"560\" data-end=\"585\">Two short ribs all day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"587\" data-end=\"695\">The short rib is something that’s been around for a long time. We think we just do it really, really well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"697\" data-end=\"876\">Try and change up the risotto, the gnocchi, the steak dish, just so we keep using seasonal local ingredients and just highlighting the really good produce we have in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"1132\">My favorite item on the menu is the Pork Buns. Some of the fun part of being in California is just having some other influences, bringing in some Asian influence with the gochujang sauce, some pickled cucumbers, and just some really good ingredients.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1134\" data-end=\"1177\">We’ve got a really good cocktail program.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1204\">We make our own syrups.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1244\">We juice everything fresh every day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1246\" data-end=\"1418\">We have some great wines by the glass, some really good variety in there, and then just enough craft beer to keep the beer people happy, and I’m one of them. I love beer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1420\" data-end=\"1449\">Good. Good to see you, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1451\" data-end=\"1501\">It’s great to have a restaurant where I grew up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1503\" data-end=\"1561\">I’m super familiar with the neighborhood, the clientele.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1661\">I get to do what I love and with people I care about and with people that care about this place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1797\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1682\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, as a home winemaker—I’m a home winemaker, too—so what is special about their wine-by-the-glass program?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1940\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1816\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> He has things that are easily paired with what he has on his menu, but they’re not so readily found at other restaurants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1942\" data-end=\"2052\">And he has them all by the glass, but he also has them by the bottle, along with some other things, as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2121\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2073\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What about some of the dishes that you order?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2123\" data-end=\"2169\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2123\" data-end=\"2142\">Bradley Zeller:\u003c/strong> Mixed green with shrimp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2171\" data-end=\"2249\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2171\" data-end=\"2188\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> He changes the menu fairly often, according to the season.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2310\">The favorite of ours is a Red Wine Marinated Short Rib.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2312\" data-end=\"2358\">It’s very tender. Falls apart with the fork.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2360\" data-end=\"2402\">It’s served on a cloud of mashed potato.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2404\" data-end=\"2511\">It’s got carrots, cipollini onion that’s in there, also very nice, mushrooms, and it is really something.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2589\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2532\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What did you pair with it? That’s what I want to know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2591\" data-end=\"2655\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2591\" data-end=\"2608\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> A Lindquist Syrah, which was just perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2657\" data-end=\"2727\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2657\" data-end=\"2673\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> You know, I tried the Red Wine Braised Short Rib.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2729\" data-end=\"2794\">The short rib itself was just tender and delicate to the touch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2796\" data-end=\"2824\">It blew my mind, honestly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2826\" data-end=\"2881\">I love the sautéed onions and the mushrooms in there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"3013\">The only thing I would say would be to dial back on the salt on the mushrooms, ’cause that kind of overpowered the dish overall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3057\">But, in general, though, fantastic dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3059\" data-end=\"3089\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3059\" data-end=\"3078\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3091\" data-end=\"3161\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3091\" data-end=\"3107\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> And the Blue Crab Cakes. You had it as well, too?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3163\" data-end=\"3192\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3163\" data-end=\"3185\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3194\" data-end=\"3218\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3194\" data-end=\"3210\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3220\" data-end=\"3282\">Crispy on the outside, generously packed inside like an egg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3284\" data-end=\"3391\">[Chuckles] I cracked it open, and, you know, the inside’s tender and just full of just sweet blue crab.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3475\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3415\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> The other thing we had was the Jalapeño Cheddar Donuts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3477\" data-end=\"3535\">I mean, I would never have ordered that before, but wow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3537\" data-end=\"3615\">Like, they had this bacon dipping sauce, and nothing was overpowering to me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3617\" data-end=\"3676\">And we also had the Burrata with the Jelly on the side.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3678\" data-end=\"3706\">So that’s what we enjoyed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3781\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3727\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, being in the wine business, what did you get?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3783\" data-end=\"3843\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3783\" data-end=\"3805\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Funnily enough, I did not get wine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"3877\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"3864\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3879\" data-end=\"3904\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3879\" data-end=\"3896\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> What?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3906\" data-end=\"4105\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3906\" data-end=\"3928\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> So we sat at the bar, and the bartender was just making this Bloody Mary—and I’m a sucker for a Bloody Mary—with these pickled vegetables that they make there—bean, celery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4107\" data-end=\"4130\">Beautifully prepared.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4132\" data-end=\"4169\">I said, “I just want one of those.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4171\" data-end=\"4213\">So I had the Bloody Mary. I tasted it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4215\" data-end=\"4275\">I said, “There’s something different in this Bloody Mary.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4314\">And she goes, “We add honey to it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4316\" data-end=\"4355\">And it was so delicious and balanced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4357\" data-end=\"4393\">Just went well with all the foods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4395\" data-end=\"4474\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4395\" data-end=\"4412\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah, ’cause he has some really interesting cocktails also.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4476\" data-end=\"4611\">And he made something called a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake that is a rum drink, and according to my friend who had it, fit the bill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4613\" data-end=\"4665\">Tasted—Tasted like a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4667\" data-end=\"4694\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4667\" data-end=\"4686\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"127\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"77\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Two other appetizers I think I have to mention.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"129\" data-end=\"161\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"129\" data-end=\"139\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Okay, I’m going in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"189\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"163\" data-end=\"182\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"191\" data-end=\"239\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"191\" data-end=\"208\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> They’re really, really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"241\" data-end=\"355\">One of them were Deviled Eggs—cured salmon with crème fraîche and fresh dill, and a little salmon roe in them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"357\" data-end=\"409\">So light and so airy, and they’re quite delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"411\" data-end=\"456\">Another appetizer is the Pork Belly Buns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"578\">They’re made in the traditional street-food style, so you have the white bao, then the pork filling comes inside that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"580\" data-end=\"609\">Very flavorful, very tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"768\">My friend’s wife had the Red Wine Marinated Flat Iron Steak—there’s a theme here—perfectly cooked with a garlic-marinated spinach and a potato croquette.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"770\" data-end=\"840\">Crispy on the outside but also very tender and creamy on the inside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"842\" data-end=\"858\">Just fabulous.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"860\" data-end=\"904\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"860\" data-end=\"879\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You just stole a bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"906\" data-end=\"955\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"906\" data-end=\"923\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I stole a bite of everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"957\" data-end=\"979\">I have a nice reach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1012\">It’s the long arm of the law.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1014\" data-end=\"1049\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1014\" data-end=\"1033\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1051\" data-end=\"1076\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1051\" data-end=\"1068\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1078\" data-end=\"1160\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1078\" data-end=\"1097\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you get any dessert, or do you usually get desserts?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1191\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1179\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Oh, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1220\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1212\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1275\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1239\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I can’t go there without dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1277\" data-end=\"1306\">Blackberry Bread Pudding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1334\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1327\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yep.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1336\" data-end=\"1381\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1336\" data-end=\"1353\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Loaded with blackberries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1383\" data-end=\"1437\">You know, bread pudding can be very dense and heavy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1453\">This is not.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1455\" data-end=\"1559\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1455\" data-end=\"1477\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Yes, but I will say, the Blackberry Bread Pudding—it was a beautiful portion.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1561\" data-end=\"1593\">It had crème anglaise with it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1595\" data-end=\"1629\">It was creamy. It was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1631\" data-end=\"1690\">And the crème anglaise just really added an extra little—\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1692\" data-end=\"1766\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1692\" data-end=\"1711\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So I can see Bloody Mary and then Bread Pudding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1768\" data-end=\"1788\">That’s your order.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1806\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1804\">[Laughter]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1808\" data-end=\"1846\">And what did you think of the price?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"2027\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"1864\">Mike Nguyen:\u003c/strong> I thought the pricing was fair, and I think they were understaffed at the time, but, in general, when they were able to attend to us, they were sweet and great.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2193\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2046\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> I like it because it’s not a white-tablecloth place, but the quality of the food that you receive is like going into a very high-end restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2262\">Anybody’s going to feel comfortable there, and I like that a lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2264\" data-end=\"2452\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2264\" data-end=\"2283\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, if you would like to try Crescent Bistro, it’s located on Crescent Drive in Pleasant Hill, and the average dinner tab per person without drinks is around $60.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2454\" data-end=\"2497\">And now, reporter \u003cstrong data-start=\"2472\" data-end=\"2492\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2499\" data-end=\"2520\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2499\" data-end=\"2509\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Too hot?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2522\" data-end=\"2563\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2522\" data-end=\"2543\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> No, it’s alright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2565\" data-end=\"2676\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2565\" data-end=\"2584\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …pops up in San Francisco’s Ferry Plaza for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2699\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2697\">[Music playing]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"84\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"70\">Woman:\u003c/strong> So crunchy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"86\" data-end=\"118\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"86\" data-end=\"107\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Waiting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"120\" data-end=\"169\">We’re here at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"223\">Now, the Ferry Building is such an iconic place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"225\" data-end=\"329\">You can get so many amazing things inside the building, but actually, the party happens outside of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"331\" data-end=\"346\">It’s amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"434\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"369\">Christine Farren:\u003c/strong> The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market has been around for 31 years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"436\" data-end=\"556\">There are over 130 small businesses that sell in our farmers market, and those farmers come from all across the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"558\" data-end=\"614\">Every week that you come, there’s something different.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"736\">You can come here because you want to buy fresh produce, but you can also come if you just want a fantastic breakfast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"782\">I mean, there’s a lot of prepared foods…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"822\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"793\">Girl:\u003c/strong> Yeah, this is really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"877\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"845\">Christine Farren:\u003c/strong> …as well as packaged goods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"919\">There’s really something for everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"973\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"931\">Woman:\u003c/strong> And I want to get my pine nuts toasted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"1106\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"996\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Eatwell Farm, you actually supply some of the produce for some of the vendors here at the farmers market.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1147\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1128\">Lorraine Walker:\u003c/strong> So, yeah, we do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1176\">We’re growing year-round.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1248\">We have actually never missed a market ever since the market opened.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1285\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1271\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Since 1993?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1287\" data-end=\"1314\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1287\" data-end=\"1307\">Lorraine Walker:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1372\">Aedan Fermented Foods is one of my favorite vendors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1374\" data-end=\"1414\">Right now, they’re getting our daikon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1416\" data-end=\"1505\">This is a traditional Korean daikon called Alpine, and it has kind of a sweet flavor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1573\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1528\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Which must make for a really great pickle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1606\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1592\">Mariko Grady:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1608\" data-end=\"1753\">Fermentation is kind of Japanese wisdom, so I want to spread this Bay Area, this knowledge, and then I want to have community to more health.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1755\" data-end=\"1815\">This one—pickles cup—and the four kinds of pickles inside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1817\" data-end=\"1882\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1817\" data-end=\"1838\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> So you have daikon, cucumber, and celery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1917\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1901\">Mariko Grady:\u003c/strong> And my lemon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1986\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1940\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> I can feel the healing happening right now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2004\">I can feel it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2044\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2023\">Mariko Grady:\u003c/strong> Thank you so much.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2068\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2054\">All:\u003c/strong> Mangosay!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2070\" data-end=\"2179\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2070\" data-end=\"2087\">Sierra Young:\u003c/strong> Here at Mangosay, we specialize in everything mango and in everything being dairy-free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2181\" data-end=\"2219\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2181\" data-end=\"2191\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Get your guys some mango.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2221\" data-end=\"2387\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2221\" data-end=\"2238\">Sierra Young:\u003c/strong> Besides being fun, we also want to be healthy and be able to attract people who are looking for something that’s just light but still really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2389\" data-end=\"2473\">So the Mango Noodles is basically just raw mango that we shred into noodle form.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2475\" data-end=\"2675\">We add fresh lime juice, hot sauce, coconut milk, chili pepper, black pepper, Tajín, and we mix it all together, and it just comes out to a really savory South American dish that many people love.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2713\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2698\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Oh, my gosh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2715\" data-end=\"2759\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2715\" data-end=\"2732\">Sierra Young:\u003c/strong> Yeah, you’re doing good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2761\" data-end=\"2809\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2761\" data-end=\"2782\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> It’s like a real noodle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2811\" data-end=\"2826\">It’s so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2828\" data-end=\"2856\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2828\" data-end=\"2845\">Sierra Young:\u003c/strong> Awesome.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2858\" data-end=\"2898\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2858\" data-end=\"2879\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> The spice. Whew!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"2942\">I’m going to need to try this, actually.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2944\" data-end=\"3014\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2944\" data-end=\"2961\">Sierra Young:\u003c/strong> Yep. That’s right. Kind of wash it down with that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3016\" data-end=\"3165\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3016\" data-end=\"3035\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> The name of the business is Nusa, and Nusa in Javanese means island, because Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3167\" data-end=\"3241\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3167\" data-end=\"3188\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> So with 17,000 islands, you like to do things big.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3243\" data-end=\"3278\">So you have a 1,000-layer cake?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3310\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3299\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> Exactly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3312\" data-end=\"3330\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3312\" data-end=\"3328\">[Both laugh]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3332\" data-end=\"3379\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3332\" data-end=\"3353\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Do people just bite it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3381\" data-end=\"3418\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3381\" data-end=\"3400\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> Most people do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3420\" data-end=\"3464\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3420\" data-end=\"3441\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Alright, here we go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3466\" data-end=\"3481\">1,000 layers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3483\" data-end=\"3567\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3483\" data-end=\"3502\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> And then you can feel the buttery, and the egg—it’s very eggy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3569\" data-end=\"3631\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3569\" data-end=\"3590\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> There’s definitely 1,000 eggs in here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3655\">It’s not very sweet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3657\" data-end=\"3682\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3657\" data-end=\"3676\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> No.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3684\" data-end=\"3724\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3684\" data-end=\"3705\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> It’s the spices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3726\" data-end=\"3753\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3726\" data-end=\"3745\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3755\" data-end=\"3792\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3755\" data-end=\"3776\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> It’s so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3804\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Ooh, I really like that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3833\" data-end=\"3956\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3833\" data-end=\"3854\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Chef Sarah Germany, I heard that you have some of the best hot sauces here at the farmers market.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3958\" data-end=\"4068\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3958\" data-end=\"3976\">Sarah Germany:\u003c/strong> Our goal is not only to make delicious flavors but to do what we can for the environment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4070\" data-end=\"4151\">This is our first no-added-sugar barbecue sauce with a matching beet kraut.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4153\" data-end=\"4243\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4153\" data-end=\"4174\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> So you’ve taken every part of the beet here to make both of these.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4245\" data-end=\"4284\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4245\" data-end=\"4263\">Sarah Germany:\u003c/strong> Every single part.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4286\" data-end=\"4323\">There’s zero waste on this sauce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4325\" data-end=\"4359\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4325\" data-end=\"4346\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Mmm. Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4361\" data-end=\"4388\">That sauce is phenomenal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4390\" data-end=\"4412\">Let’s try the kraut.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4414\" data-end=\"4457\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4414\" data-end=\"4432\">Sarah Germany:\u003c/strong> Can you feel the beet?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4459\" data-end=\"4483\">Can you feel the beet?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4485\" data-end=\"4508\">We can feel the beet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4510\" data-end=\"4534\">You can feel the beat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4536\" data-end=\"4546\">Come on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4548\" data-end=\"4564\">Feel the beet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4566\" data-end=\"4620\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4566\" data-end=\"4587\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> ♪ Can you feel the beet… ♪\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4654\" data-end=\"4732\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4654\" data-end=\"4673\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I want to thank my fantastic guests on this week’s show:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4734\" data-end=\"4857\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4734\" data-end=\"4755\">Monicamary Falcon\u003c/strong>, who has a hard time sharing the Smoked Fish Board at Grossman’s Noshery & Bar in Santa Rosa.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4859\" data-end=\"4947\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4859\" data-end=\"4875\">Rob Pattison\u003c/strong>, who savors the Short Ribs at Crescent Bistro in Pleasant Hill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4949\" data-end=\"5040\">And \u003cstrong data-start=\"4953\" data-end=\"4968\">Mike Nguyen\u003c/strong>, who’s obsessed with the Oxtails at Jackie’s Place in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5042\" data-end=\"5161\">Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5163\" data-end=\"5211\">I’m \u003cstrong data-start=\"5167\" data-end=\"5185\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>, and I’ll see you then.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5213\" data-end=\"5241\">Alright, cheers, everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5243\" data-end=\"5275\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5243\" data-end=\"5265\">Monicamary Falcon:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5277\" data-end=\"5304\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5277\" data-end=\"5294\">Rob Pattison:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5306\" data-end=\"5343\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5306\" data-end=\"5325\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Cheers. Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5345\" data-end=\"5399\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5345\" data-end=\"5397\">[Indistinct conversation, Rob Pattison chuckles]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5436\" data-end=\"5484\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5436\" data-end=\"5457\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> So is it 1,000 layers?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5486\" data-end=\"5526\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5486\" data-end=\"5505\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> It’s figuratively.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5528\" data-end=\"5546\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5528\" data-end=\"5544\">[Both laugh]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5548\" data-end=\"5664\">Yeah. Yeah, like, the amount of work that, you know, you stand in front of the—it felt like it was 1,000 layers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5666\" data-end=\"5684\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5666\" data-end=\"5682\">[Both laugh]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5686\" data-end=\"5743\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5686\" data-end=\"5707\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> That’s where the name comes from.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5745\" data-end=\"5772\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5745\" data-end=\"5764\">Jennifer Huang:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5774\" data-end=\"5815\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5774\" data-end=\"5795\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Yeah, okay, okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5817\" data-end=\"5924\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5817\" data-end=\"5835\">Sarah Germany:\u003c/strong> We took onions and tomatoes and apples and beets and slow-roasted them for 60 hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5926\" data-end=\"5967\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5926\" data-end=\"5947\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Did you say 60?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5969\" data-end=\"6007\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5969\" data-end=\"5987\">Sarah Germany:\u003c/strong> 60. 60 hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6009\" data-end=\"6018\">I know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6020\" data-end=\"6088\">I had to stay awake because we didn’t want to burn down the house.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/23361/check-please-bay-area-reviews-grossmans-noshery-bar-jackies-place-crescent-bistro",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3760",
"checkplease_250",
"checkplease_9105",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_2876",
"checkplease_3740",
"checkplease_3730",
"checkplease_3731",
"checkplease_9403",
"checkplease_3742",
"checkplease_3472",
"checkplease_3741",
"checkplease_8597",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_3739",
"checkplease_3729",
"checkplease_8964",
"checkplease_8114",
"checkplease_9307",
"checkplease_3934",
"checkplease_91",
"checkplease_8175"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_23369",
"label": "checkplease_9339"
},
"checkplease_23346": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_23346",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23346",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1736530893000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-returns-with-delicious-new-february-episodes-you-cant-miss",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area Returns with Delicious New February Episodes You Can’t Miss!",
"publishDate": 1736530893,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area Returns with Delicious New February Episodes You Can’t Miss! | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"term": 9339,
"site": "checkplease"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kick off the new year with a fresh lineup of Bay Area dining discoveries! \u003c/span>\u003cb>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, KQED’s beloved James Beard and Emmy-winning series, is back this February with a new batch of must-try local restaurants. Whether you’re diving into your culinary resolutions to try something new or searching for the perfect Valentine’s date spot, we’ve got you covered.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Each week, three locals join host Leslie Sbrocco to share their favorite neighborhood gems, check out each other’s picks, and dish on their dining adventures. From Indonesian-Texas fusion to East Coast Jewish deli favorites, we’ve scoured the Bay Area to find the season’s standout spots.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tune in for four tasty new episodes, \u003c/span>\u003cb>Thursdays beginning February 6 at 7:30pm on KQED 9\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on the menu:\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"315\" height=\"560\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/YsCPu6Easl0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>February 6\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Traditional Indonesian flavors meet Texas barbecue with highlights such as dino ribs, smoked brisket, and nasi goreng at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Fikscue\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Alameda)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Guests trade a trinket for entry to enjoy tapas including tortilla española and jamón serrano at \u003c/span>\u003cb>The Pawnshop\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Francisco)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Playful takes on breakfast classics, from donut burgers to Nutella-stuffed french toast, at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Apple Fritter\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Mateo)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>February 13\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> East Coast Jewish deli favorites, including matzo ball soup, pickled fish boards and cinnamon babka, at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Grossman’s Noshery & Bar\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Santa Rosa)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Soulful comfort dishes, from fall-off-the-bone oxtails to creamy mac and cheese, at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Jackie’s Place\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Jose)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fresh Californian-inspired American cuisine featuring pork belly buns and succulent red wine-braised short ribs at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Crescent Bistro\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Pleasant Hill)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“Cecilia Tries It” explores fresh produce, local goods and culinary delights at the historic \u003c/span>\u003cb>Ferry Plaza Farmers Market\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Francisco)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>February 20\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Bold and aromatic Laotian flavors such as papaya salad and crispy pork belly at the vibrant \u003c/span>\u003cb>Bhan Mae Vane\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Alameda)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Italian-American comfort food in quirky digs, including Cadillac lasagna and steak served with pesto spaghetti, at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Francisco)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">An artfully curated selection of wines and cocktails paired with shareable plates from tender lamb meatballs to creamy elote at \u003c/span>\u003cb>District\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Oakland)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>February 27\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A creative take on soulful comfort food like hoecake, gumbo fries and grilled shrimp po’boys at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Gumbo Social\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Francisco)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Decadent dishes, from lobster pot pie to crème brûlée French toast, paired with stunning waterfront views at \u003c/span>\u003cb>The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Tiburon)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">An inventive and fresh take on farm-to-table offerings, including “ugly” mushroom-filled pasta and Hokkaido milk bread rolls, at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Pomet\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Oakland)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Got a favorite restaurant we haven’t featured yet? Now’s your chance to share it! We’re gearing up for the next round of guests and want your must-try spots in the spotlight. Nominate your top picks and apply to join us as a guest at \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"http://kqed.org/checkplease/apply\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">kqed.org/checkplease/apply\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. And if you have a pick in the Carmel or Monterey area we’d especially like to hear from you! \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1742000471,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": true,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 12,
"wordCount": 528
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area Returns with Delicious New February Episodes You Can’t Miss! | KQED",
"description": "Check, Please! Bay Area host Leslie Sbrocco leads four new episodes of the beloved KQED show in February 2025.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Check, Please! Bay Area host Leslie Sbrocco leads four new episodes of the beloved KQED show in February 2025.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area Returns with Delicious New February Episodes You Can’t Miss!",
"datePublished": "2025-01-10T09:41:33-08:00",
"dateModified": "2025-03-14T18:01:11-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"sticky": false,
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/23346/check-please-bay-area-returns-with-delicious-new-february-episodes-you-cant-miss",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kick off the new year with a fresh lineup of Bay Area dining discoveries! \u003c/span>\u003cb>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, KQED’s beloved James Beard and Emmy-winning series, is back this February with a new batch of must-try local restaurants. Whether you’re diving into your culinary resolutions to try something new or searching for the perfect Valentine’s date spot, we’ve got you covered.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Each week, three locals join host Leslie Sbrocco to share their favorite neighborhood gems, check out each other’s picks, and dish on their dining adventures. From Indonesian-Texas fusion to East Coast Jewish deli favorites, we’ve scoured the Bay Area to find the season’s standout spots.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tune in for four tasty new episodes, \u003c/span>\u003cb>Thursdays beginning February 6 at 7:30pm on KQED 9\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on the menu:\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"315\" height=\"560\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/YsCPu6Easl0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>February 6\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Traditional Indonesian flavors meet Texas barbecue with highlights such as dino ribs, smoked brisket, and nasi goreng at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Fikscue\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Alameda)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Guests trade a trinket for entry to enjoy tapas including tortilla española and jamón serrano at \u003c/span>\u003cb>The Pawnshop\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Francisco)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Playful takes on breakfast classics, from donut burgers to Nutella-stuffed french toast, at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Apple Fritter\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Mateo)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>February 13\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> East Coast Jewish deli favorites, including matzo ball soup, pickled fish boards and cinnamon babka, at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Grossman’s Noshery & Bar\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Santa Rosa)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Soulful comfort dishes, from fall-off-the-bone oxtails to creamy mac and cheese, at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Jackie’s Place\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Jose)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fresh Californian-inspired American cuisine featuring pork belly buns and succulent red wine-braised short ribs at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Crescent Bistro\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Pleasant Hill)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“Cecilia Tries It” explores fresh produce, local goods and culinary delights at the historic \u003c/span>\u003cb>Ferry Plaza Farmers Market\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Francisco)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>February 20\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Bold and aromatic Laotian flavors such as papaya salad and crispy pork belly at the vibrant \u003c/span>\u003cb>Bhan Mae Vane\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Alameda)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Italian-American comfort food in quirky digs, including Cadillac lasagna and steak served with pesto spaghetti, at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Francisco)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">An artfully curated selection of wines and cocktails paired with shareable plates from tender lamb meatballs to creamy elote at \u003c/span>\u003cb>District\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Oakland)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>February 27\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A creative take on soulful comfort food like hoecake, gumbo fries and grilled shrimp po’boys at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Gumbo Social\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (San Francisco)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Decadent dishes, from lobster pot pie to crème brûlée French toast, paired with stunning waterfront views at \u003c/span>\u003cb>The Bungalow Kitchen\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Tiburon)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">An inventive and fresh take on farm-to-table offerings, including “ugly” mushroom-filled pasta and Hokkaido milk bread rolls, at \u003c/span>\u003cb>Pomet\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (Oakland)\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Got a favorite restaurant we haven’t featured yet? Now’s your chance to share it! We’re gearing up for the next round of guests and want your must-try spots in the spotlight. Nominate your top picks and apply to join us as a guest at \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"http://kqed.org/checkplease/apply\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">kqed.org/checkplease/apply\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. And if you have a pick in the Carmel or Monterey area we’d especially like to hear from you! \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/23346/check-please-bay-area-returns-with-delicious-new-february-episodes-you-cant-miss",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_7989",
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3845",
"checkplease_3760",
"checkplease_3873",
"checkplease_250",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_3740",
"checkplease_3730",
"checkplease_3751",
"checkplease_8103",
"checkplease_3742",
"checkplease_3472",
"checkplease_9212",
"checkplease_3764",
"checkplease_3741",
"checkplease_8597",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_9209",
"checkplease_3739",
"checkplease_3729",
"checkplease_8964",
"checkplease_8061",
"checkplease_8114",
"checkplease_9307",
"checkplease_3934",
"checkplease_91",
"checkplease_8175",
"checkplease_1477",
"checkplease_9336"
],
"tags": [
"checkplease_8715",
"checkplease_9385",
"checkplease_9390",
"checkplease_8912",
"checkplease_9398",
"checkplease_763",
"checkplease_9397",
"checkplease_9388",
"checkplease_9392",
"checkplease_8548",
"checkplease_9391",
"checkplease_9389",
"checkplease_9383",
"checkplease_9386",
"checkplease_9393",
"checkplease_9387",
"checkplease_8547",
"checkplease_8509",
"checkplease_8598",
"checkplease_9395",
"checkplease_8518",
"checkplease_8568",
"checkplease_8519",
"checkplease_8546",
"checkplease_8583",
"checkplease_9394",
"checkplease_9384",
"checkplease_9396"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_23347",
"label": "checkplease_9339"
},
"checkplease_23296": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_23296",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23296",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1732851048000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-reviews-rooh-the-barn-kusan-uyghur-cuisine",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: ROOH, The Barn, Kusan Uyghur Cuisine",
"publishDate": 1732851048,
"format": "video",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: ROOH, The Barn, Kusan Uyghur Cuisine | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"term": 9339,
"site": "checkplease"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 12, airs Thursday, November 28, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">On this episode of \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">our guests start their culinary adventure in Palo Alto at \u003cstrong>ROOH\u003c/strong>, a modern Indian restaurant where traditional flavors meet innovative techniques in dishes like paneer chili rolls, jackfruit toast and chicken tikka kulcha. Next, they head to \u003cstrong>The Barn\u003c/strong> in Half Moon Bay, a rustic, farm-to-table eatery offering seasonal American comfort food, from juicy burgers with barn-pickled jalapeños to fried mac and cheese, all enjoyed in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. The journey continues in San Jose at \u003cstrong>Kusan Uyghur Cuisine\u003c/strong>, where diners experience the rich, bold flavors of Central Asian dishes like hand-pulled noodles and big plate chicken. Finally, reporter Cecilia Phillips visits the \u003cstrong>Fork’n Good Food Festival\u003c/strong> in Rohnert Park, where she samples a diverse array of gourmet eats, from local Sonoma bites to globally inspired street food.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23282\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23282\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Avani Tumuluri, Jacob Gorneau and Eliza Bulanti from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://roohrestaurants.com/\">\u003cstrong>ROOH\u003c/strong> (Palo Alto)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thebarnhmb.com/\">\u003cstrong>The Barn\u003c/strong> (Half Moon Bay)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://kusanuyghur.com/\">\u003cstrong>Kusan Uyghur Cuisine\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.thesocomarket.com/forkn-good-food-festival\">\u003cstrong>Fork’n Good Food Festival\u003c/strong> (Rohnert Park)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23332\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-800x906.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"906\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-800x906.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-1020x1155.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-160x181.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-768x869.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-1357x1536.jpeg 1357w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-1809x2048.jpeg 1809w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-1920x2174.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.scaiawine.com/en/product/scaia-garganega-e-chardonnay\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Scaia 2022 Garganega / Chardonnay\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Trevenezie IGT, Italy $15\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Looking for a deliciously light and bright white that still shows character? This affordable wine is one to buy in batches. Enjoy it as an aperitif or serve it alongside fish in lemon sauce, fried calamari, and fresh salads. The grape variety Chardonnay is familiar, but the native Italian white grape Garganega is known to Italian wine lovers for making sassy Soave and other Veneto whites. Their perfect pairing is what makes the wine so special.\u003c/span>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://benoviawinery.com/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Benovia 2019 “Blanc de Blancs” Sparkling Wine\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cem>Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California $60\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nAs one of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producers, Benovia is a Sonoma star. Its richly styled sparkling white has expressive aromas of lemon cream pie, peach blossom, and toasted nuts. It’s a wine to start the meal and continue enjoying throughout, whether you’re serving a hearty brunch casserole or a dinner of veal scallopini or pork loin. Elegance in your glass — all with the pop of a cork.\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.estournel.com/en/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>G d’Estournel 2020\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Médoc, Bordeaux, France $39\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nOne of France’s heralded Bordeaux reds is Cos d’Estournel. Opulent and ageworthy, it’s a coveted collector wine. An alluring alternative that shares the same heritage without the same price tag is G d’Estournel. The appealing front label tells a story all its own. According to their website, “G d’Estournel evokes the wonderment of an explorer returned home from the Far East, his soul replete with luminous memories of majestic Indian elephants, shimmering Burmese gold, the finest of Nepalese silks, the warm glow of Vietnamese lanterns.” Each vintage is a slightly different blend of red Bordeaux grapes, but the stylish 2020 is Merlot dominant with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. Plush and subtly smooth, it is a red to relish.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Contemporary Indian plates in Palo Alto.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Did it live up to the hype?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> It so lived up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Burgers al fresco in Half Moon Bay\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> The bread makes the sandwich.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> The bread makes the sandwich.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And Central Asian cuisine in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> And it really knocked my socks off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just ahead on “Check, Please! Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> You heard it here first. This smacks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Humberto Segura:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it smacks. \u003cem>[laughs]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to “Check, Please! Bay Area,” the show where Bay Area residents review and talk about their favorite restaurants. Now, we have three guests, and each one recommends one of their favorite spots, and the other two go check them out to see what they think. Joining me at the “Check, Please!” table today are three very studious guests—dental student Avani Tumuluri, psychology and brain science student Eliza Bulanti, and scorpion researcher grad student Jacob Gorneau.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Thanks for having me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Avani’s restaurant offers a tempting fusion of Indian and California cuisine. Add in Ayurveda-inspired cocktails, vibrant decor, and it’s the perfect place for a family dinner or a first date. Located in downtown Palo Alto, it’s ROOH.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Apurva Panchal:\u003c/strong> Rooh means “soul” in Persian, and in India also.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Abi Capristo:\u003c/strong> I think ROOH is passion. It’s passion for food, it’s passion for hospitality, it’s passion for putting a twist on traditional food that goes back hundreds of years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Apurva Panchal:\u003c/strong> Alright? Perfect. I grew up in Mumbai. I’m Gujarati. Our food culture was something which had sweet, sour, and spicy—all umami flavors together. At ROOH, we have covered all the regions of India and many lost recipes which people have forgotten to cook.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Abi Capristo:\u003c/strong> We always like to think of nostalgic, but we wrapped it in this beautiful presentation with these vibrant colors and just a tiny bit of a modern twist to all these beautiful traditional dishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Oh! Yo!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Apurva Panchal:\u003c/strong> Also the street food which people used to enjoy during their childhood. That first taste takes them to their childhood memories of family or the place where I was born.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Abi Capristo:\u003c/strong> We all know that Indian cuisine is a lot of vegetarian items, but I think we’ve turned it into such a fun and exciting way of eating vegetarian food that never gets old. It’s always amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Apurva Panchal:\u003c/strong> In Sanskrit, we always say Atithi Devo Bhava. That means the guests should be treated like God. That’s how we follow it as part of our hospitality culture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Abi Capristo:\u003c/strong> It’s so great when people walk in, they’re like, “This is my first time here and I have to be back.” You know, it’s exciting to see people be excited.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, Avani. I mean, this place is really a creative take, right, on Indian street food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I think that I love that it’s a progressive Indian cuisine, but it kind of has a mix of the inspiration of California culture with the Indian culture. I love the decor. I love the atmosphere. You walk in, and it’s just like this shroud of reds and these antique decorations and mirrors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It puts you in the mood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it really puts you in the mood. It really does. I’m ready to eat. I’m ready to have fun.\u003cbr>\n\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You’re ready.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> And I absolutely always go for the Paneer Chili Roll. It looks like a pinwheel, which is really cool because I feel like it marries in the American culture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah, like a lunch snack.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it’s like a classic Lunchable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I think it’s a snackable or something.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah! Snackable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I hear Eliza going, “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Did you have this as well?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I did, and it was phenomenal. I thought that the flavors and the textures, I loved how they wrapped them all up, because the paneer wasn’t super overwhelming, and the crispiness of the kataifi, too, with kind of the smoothness of the paneer was perfect. And then what really put it over the top for me was the chili garlic chutney that it came with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> The flavor of that was phenomenal and just paired with the textures, it was a work of art, like every other dish I had here too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah, absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I had the Assorted Papad, which came with three different chutneys and a bunch of different crispy crackers that were variously seasoned. My favorite one was the chili peanut one. I love peanut flavor, but in particular this peanut was so rich and decadent it almost had like a chocolatey richness to it, which was really delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I loved this menu and that it really emphasized small plates. So my family and I got a lot of them to share, which as an adventurous eater, was so fun for me to get to try so many different things. I think my favorite had to be the Chicken Tikka Kulcha. It was like this warm, round flatbread stuffed with this really flavorful shredded chicken. And then it had this beautiful dollop of za’atar butter and pickled onions on top, and it came out warm so that the butter kind of melted in and the flavors just melded perfectly. It was glorious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So did you get the most of it and then your parents just a little bit?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Exactly. Everyone took a little bite, and I was like, “This one is for me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> And then I also—probably the most beautiful dish I got was the Potato Tikki Chaat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> It was like a cube of really thinly sliced potatoes, and it sat atop this yogurt sauce that was almost like a whipped cream consistency, drizzled with a tamarind sauce and some raspberry seeds. The flavors and the textures were incredible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I really like the Jackfruit Toast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Oh!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I love jackfruit. I feel like if you’re able to season it right, it can be very meaty, and the jackfruit itself is very nicely spiced. And then with that buttery bread on the bottom, oh my gosh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s a nice combination.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I had a Duck Seekh Kebab. I always like duck. I know sometimes people feel like it’s a little on the fatty side of things, but it was just this incredible flavor bomb, the meat itself, and there was some mixed berry chutney on top as well. And so it was really this beautiful balance between tang and spice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> That sounds amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Definitely my favorite dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did they order right? So far?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> They ordered right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Okay, good. Okay, good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> My mouth is watering.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> If you guys ever go again, you should definitely order the Malai Broccoli.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Ooh!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Now, I know it sounds like, “Why would I pay for a broccoli?” But it’s this giant piece, and it’s placed on this creamy daal, which is like lentil-based sauce, and it’s very nicely spiced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Get the broccoli.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I have to try that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I also had a delicious mocktail that went perfectly with the dishes I got. It was the Pink Guava mocktail, and it had these hints of masala spices in it, which I think cut the sweetness of the guava perfectly and really paired nicely with this meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I’m so excited, ’cause I had the same one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> No way! Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> No way! It was so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I tried the Mulberry Sour, which was really refreshing and bright to kind of complement some of those warmer spices. And the thing that really blew my socks off was the Patna Fizz, which is a lychee-flavored cocktail that also has, I believe, some mushroom essence in it. Beautifully purple. Like, it was really amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Wow!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Oh, of course. Of course I had dessert. I always go for the kulfi. If you guys don’t know what it is, it’s sort of an Indian ice cream, and the flavors that they have are like pistachio or saffron, flavors that you wouldn’t really get at your normal supermarket, and it’s just always decorated so beautifully.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> My takeaway was this is amazing. This is a great special-occasion venue. And I wouldn’t necessarily go there on a first date, but I would definitely take someone I really love there and, you know, show my love through these dishes. Like, it’s really a love letter to food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. If you would like to try ROOH, it’s located on University Avenue in Palo Alto, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $60.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Eliza is a big-time burger lover, and she says the absolute best can be found at her casual coastal eatery. Located in Half Moon Bay, it’s The Barn.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> The Barn is casual.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man #2:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Can I steal one of your fries for the dog?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> It’s communal, above all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> It’s put itself on the map as a little oasis and really just part of our ethos, which is…happy people make good food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> It’s so delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> Matter of fact, I find that the best food is generally the simplest. We make everything that we possibly can, and our ingredients come from local purveyors as much as possible. We make the best burger on the coast. I know that could be an arguable statement, but I’m happy to take on anyone else that wants to challenge it. And it’s not because of some secret ingredient. We use our homemade American cheese, sauces, high-quality bun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> I like the beef.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> For sure, one of the highlights for me and a lot of customers is the veggie burger. We cook down a lot of ingredients, primarily mushrooms and farro for building texture. And I’m not a vegetarian, so I honestly have that with a little bacon on top, and it’s fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> Can we talk about the milkshakes? Because there’s something about the milkshakes which you don’t find anywhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> It’s Marianne’s Ice Cream from Santa Cruz, and a splash or two of milk just to be able to blend it together. And then we make our own ingredients to create the flavor, so if it’s chocolate, we’ll make separate chocolate ganache that then gets put into the ice cream.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> Of course, homemade whipped cream.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> Well, yeah. You need to have that a little bit more fun on top.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> Why not? I mean, for the person who has bacon on a veggie burger…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> True.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> …whipped cream on a milkshake is par for the course.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> So Half Moon Bay, we are on the coast. Restaurant is about a five-minute walk from the sand. Dutch word, it’s called Gezellig. It means “warm,” “comfortable,” “family,” and that’s what this place means to me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Eliza, this spot feels like, you know, you’ve gone to the beach…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …you’ve hung out those gorgeous beaches in Half Moon Bay, and now you need something to eat, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes. 100%. That’s one of my favorite parts about this restaurant is you can really do it all here, whether that’s after a hike by the beach or just hanging out for the day. You can kind of get a sense of that local vibe that represents the quaint town of Half Moon Bay, I think, really well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. What is your favorite?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Oh, yes. Okay. What’s kept me coming back for years? It’s The Pretender. So although I am a beef hamburger-loving person, The Pretender, it is my must-have here. It’s kind of a hearty patty. It’s filled with farro, mushrooms, flax, garlic, and Parmesan, and I know that so well because I’ve even tried to recreate it at home. It’s that good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> \u003cem>[Laughs]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> And then topped with some white cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, lemon-dressed arugula, fresh tomato on a toasted brioche bun. And a tip given to me years ago by a lovely employee was to add pickled beets as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you’re a vegetarian, right? So did you find your way to that dish?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yup. I had The Pretender.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yeah? Okay. What did you think?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I felt like I was pretending to eat a burger. Oh, it was so good. I actually really liked it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What did you have when you went there?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I had a pulled pork sandwich, which was amazing. It was super sweet, super smoky. I have a huge sweet tooth, but I am glad that I ordered the spicy coleslaw on that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I was gonna ask which one you got. You can do it sweet or spicy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I got spicy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah, and the spicy really balanced it out a lot. And, man, the buns themselves were also delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I had the Vegan BBQ one, which I also was a little hesitant about because sometimes, you know, with the vegan versions, you never know. But this one was insane. It was so good ’cause it was with jackfruit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Jackfruit is so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> It really has like that meaty tenderness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, and the ciabatta bread? That bread, oh, it was amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I have to mention the What the Cluck sandwich too, because that also comes on the ciabatta bread. It’s a chicken sandwich. It comes with goat cheese on top, arugula, tomato, and then their housemade Barn buttermilk. And you can opt to get it crispy or grilled. I usually get mine crispy, and I think the creaminess and the tanginess of the goat cheese with the crispiness and the saltiness of the fried chicken, it balances perfectly. And that ciabatta roll, I think, really puts it over the top.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I think a ciabatta holds things in better.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes, it does.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> The bread makes the sandwich.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> The bread makes the sandwich.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, and I didn’t know the buttermilk was housemade.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Because I think that came with — Oh, I’m segueing the Mac Attack.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> The Mac Attack is my very favorite. I always have to get a side of the Mac Attack with whatever main I choose. It’s like a cube of fried mac and cheese, perfectly golden and crispy. It has like a nice crust on it so it doesn’t fall apart, and it’s sprinkled with some flaky sea salt. And you get that nice cheese pull in every bite. And it comes with their housemade buttermilk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I didn’t know it was housemade! That actually made it 10 times better, because this Mac Attack is an actual famous thing in the peninsula.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Everyone talks about it. And so I’ve been feeling left out. I’m like, “Oh, I’m trying this Mac Attack.” I finally got to go, and it’s so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did it live up to the hype?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> It so lived up. Oh, my God. Me and my cousin were like, “Whoa!” Like, it was insane.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Another thing that I tried was the Hot Farmer burger, which is like everything that I’m looking for in anything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Which was a balance of some peppery arugula, fried onions, and that was just sweet, spicy, sour. I was hook, line and sinker.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I did get an amazing drink. It was called — I’m gonna mispronounce this. Olallieberry Lemonade. Olallieberry Lemonade, right? That was good, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> That’s one of the best.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I was like, “What berry is a Olallieberry?” So I looked it up. It’s just a different variation of a blackberry. You guys are like, “Yeah, we knew.” But it didn’t really taste exactly like a blackberry. It almost had this tanginess, and they had full olallieberries at the bottom I could pick out at the end.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Oh, yeah, I did the same thing. I was just waiting to finish it so I could have all of them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you have any desserts?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I did. [Chuckles] Always have to get —\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Eliza’s turning into our dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> She’s the dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I have a big sweet tooth, and I always have to get a dessert. So my favorite have got to be their milkshakes. They’re just a classic, simple vanilla milkshake topped with a dollop of whipped cream and, again, served in the nice mason jar. Just the perfect sweet to end the meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> That sounds so good. They make their own pastries there too I saw.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes. Okay, so I got an apple pie also a few times ago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Remember, you were working for that. You know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Right! It was topped with this crumbly topping. I mean, it was a big piece too, enough to share, and really, really delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you think that it was a good value?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I think so, yeah. I think it was an excellent value. And I feel like the space is so spread out and large outside that you’d never be wrestling with someone to get a seat or something.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Or if you’re having like a day trip out in Half Moon Bay, it’s a great place to stop on your way in or out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, if you would like to try The Barn, it’s located on Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Jacob’s restaurant is a very rare find indeed. It’s one of only a handful in the Bay Area serving the traditional dishes of an ancient Silk Road empire. Hidden away in San Jose, it’s Kusan Uyghur Cuisine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Yolwas Hashim:\u003c/strong> Just mix it well before you eat it. Kusan Uyghur Cuisine is a modern fusion of the Uyghur foods. And Kusan was this big empire from a thousand years ago. This area covered northwest of China, was based out of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, also the north of India. So the Uyghur people were living in Central Asia, and the place I’m from is called Ürümqi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> How was everything?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Customer:\u003c/strong> Really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> The food, the drinks, just the most easy way to let customers know you and know your culture. Our Uyghur foods have a lot of rich flavors. We have a lot of spice. We make everything fresh daily.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> All the meat is halal. I’m making the laghman. We came early to cook all the lamb, beef, soup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> Our hand-pulled noodles, people all can tell that we make noodle fresh every day. After the noodles have cooked, it’s too hot and we have to cool it down and the noodle can taste more tender.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> Yogurt is the most important part of our history and our foods. When I was little, it was my mom making yogurt for me at home. You eat yogurt a lot because you eat a lot of lamb, so you want to balance the oily meats. We really appreciate each customer that came, so every time my customer finishes the food, we offer them free ice cream.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> I feel like everybody can feel more happy and still can remember us — that’s the most important thing. I’m so proud and so happy I have this restaurant in Bay Area because a lot of people, they never tried our food, and I believe that a lot of people love it. So that makes me more even excited.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now this place is really a hidden gem. I mean, is that the appeal for you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I think for me, yeah. I think something I just love about this place is it’s just this beautiful enmeshment of more traditional Eastern Chinese cooking styles and spices, as well as things from Western Asia. And something I really go for is the Black Fungus Salad. They toss black fungus, which is this kind of gelatinous large fungus, with chili oil, a little bit of sesame oil, and a little bit of soy sauce. And then there are a few goji berries sprinkled in there that allow for kind of a… almost like raisin-y sweetness that really offsets and cuts through the fat and the saltiness of the soy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you have this dish?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I had the same thing. I know my reactions are giving it away. I had the same thing. It was so good. I think that was one of my favorite dishes there. I really liked that texture. Your teeth just bite into it really well. Like, it’s really satisfying.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it’s like very — like, almost like a gummy worm or something.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Very toothy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Chili oil gummy worm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What did you start with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Okay, so I didn’t get that, but I’m gonna have to try that next time. I’m so interested now. I got the Samsa to start, which were two little golden pockets of dough stuffed with lamb and topped with sesame seeds, black pepper, and salt. It was a really simple dish, but it really allowed the flavor of the lamb, which I know is really popular in this cuisine, to shine through, and I thought it had a perfect ratio of crust to filling. It was really phenomenal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, it is a meat-heavy cuisine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Was it maybe a little more challenging for a vegetarian?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> It was challenging, but…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But doable?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> No, yeah, exactly. Doable. And I had the laghman for the entree. It was one of the only ones that was vegan, but also, I’m very much considering that part of the culture is to eat meat, you know? And so I really liked that they actually even thought of having a vegan or vegetarian option.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I also got the laghman because it also has an option to have it with lamb. They also give you the option to have it either spicy or not spicy. I got the spicy, which is this very tomatoey stew that’s kind of on a bed of handmade noodles with potatoes, cabbage, some black fungus. Again, it was very nice to have all of those different vegetables and all of the different textures built into this dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I also had their lamb chao-mian.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Both:\u003c/strong> Ooh!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> And I think the typical chao-mian I’m used to is very like soy sauce forward with a few sauteed vegetables. But this was just a very intense cumin stew almost, and it was really incredible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> The one disappointment I did have was when I ordered grilled naan, and it comes with cumin and chili powder, but when it came out, it was just more warmed up and it didn’t have any of the spices on top of it. But, you know, other than that, it was honestly overall, like, really — I do like how they incorporate those spices into the dishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And very interesting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> They really took you on a trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> The spices were phenomenal. Another one of the dishes I got was the Big Plate Chicken, which was recommended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> That is so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> And it was just these juicy, tender pieces of chicken and potatoes and veggies. You could tell they had been simmered for a really long time. And then it was on top of these flat, wide noodles in the best sauce. It was almost like a dry heat. The spiciness hit you after, and it did have so many hints of cumin, allspice, cinnamon. And I found myself — I was dragging my noodles back and forth through the sauce in every bite just to soak it up, because it was that good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> So did you guys get the yogurt drinks that they have?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> The yogurt is amazing. That tastes homemade as well. I got the Honey Yuzu Peel yogurt drink — so refreshing, especially with the heaviness of the meal itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I had the Honey Lemon one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yes!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I just highly recommend if you’re going with a few folks, make sure you all get a different yogurt drink to try.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, ’cause you all try each others. I tried my sister’s, the passionfruit one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> And they have a milk tea that has butter in it. And if you’re someone who’s really fiending for some rich, rich flavors, there’s a little bit of butter, a little bit of salt. And it’s just, at least for me, an unconventional take on a milk tea, and it was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And any room for desserts?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I had the Bakali. It was this very dense cake, and it was amazing. It had some spices in it, maybe a little bit of cardamom drizzled with chocolate and caramel on top. It was very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Sounds delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And my dessert queen over here?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Oh, yes. I got the homemade yogurt dessert topped with sliced almonds and honey. Really, really good because I had never had Uyghur cuisine, so I was so excited to try something new, and it really knocked my socks off. I would go back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, if you would like to try Kusan Uyghur Cuisine, it’s located on 4th Street in San Jose. The average tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And now reporter Cecilia Phillips heads to Sonoma County for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> We’re here in Sonoma County for the Fork’n Good Food Festival. Where did the name come from?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mercedes Hernandez:\u003c/strong> Well, I probably can’t really say it. Well, you know, food is pretty effing good, so, like, I thought, like, what better name than the Fork’n Good Food Festival, right? Hi! How are you? Can’t really forget it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> What kind of energy and vibe is gonna be here today?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mercedes Hernandez:\u003c/strong> We have so many amazing local restaurants and food trucks here in Sonoma County, and I wanted to create an event that would bring together the food vendors and the community for a day of just food, fun, live music, and just have a good time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> The name of your business tells part of the story of what you do. So tell me about the name.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> Legacy BBQ originated from my father. My father was a pitmaster here in Sonoma County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Thanks, Joe!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> And so I took up the reins and hopefully will pass it on to my family, so continuing my father’s legacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> I wood-fire tri tip. I have my own rub — salt, pepper, and a little bit of garlic. Get it nice and hot, cut it real thin, and serve it right off the grill. That’s the secret.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Is a tri tip sandwich something that you should be eating with a fork?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> If you can get this down without a fork, I will give you a sandwich for free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> OMG! Ahh! We did it! No forks, baby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Oh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> That is fork’n good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> Chamoy?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Yes, please.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> Chamoy is a sweet, tangy, a little spice kind of paste that you put around your drinks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> I love it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> But you don’t just do drinks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> No. One of my favorite things is a cucumber roll.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> So I love that you’ve done cucumber so I can feel a little bit less guilty about the fact that I’m eating a lot of candy right now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> It’s a well-balanced meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> A good drip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> Right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katia Reyes:\u003c/strong> Now we’re just waiting till it’s fully cooked, and then we start flipping. My name is Katia, and I am owner of Los Mini Pancakes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Enjoy!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #2:\u003c/strong> Yay!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katia Reyes:\u003c/strong> In Mexico, they have the mini pancakes. But I’m actually one of the first ones in Sonoma County that started mini pancakes. My menu is just whatever you want. Unlimited syrup, unlimited toppings. That’s what people like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Okay, so how do you eat these? With your hands?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katia Reyes:\u003c/strong> No, we got forks. Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> \u003cem>[Chuckles]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katia Reyes:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> They’re so fluffy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> I see a lot of bright colors here. What do you specialize in?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Humberto Segura:\u003c/strong> So we made a Hot Cheeto menu. We have Hot Cheeto burgers, Hot Cheeto tamales, crunchwraps, burritos, and corn.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> What have you prepared for me?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Humberto Segura:\u003c/strong> Got the Hot Cheeto mac and cheese burger. It goes with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, patty, cheese, nacho cheese, mac and cheese. We cover the bun with Hot Cheeto dust.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Oh, and there’s Hot Cheetos on the inside, too? [Chuckles] Oh, no! Oh, my God. That was so good. Do you ever say anything, like, right when you eat something, you’re like…?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Humberto Segura:\u003c/strong> It smacks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Oh! You heard it here first. This smacks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Humberto Segura:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it smacks.\u003cem> [Laughs]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I want to thank my great guests on this week’s show, Avani Tumuluri, who cherishes the Chili Paneer Roll at ROOH in Palo Alto; Eliza Bulanti, who always makes room for the Mac Attack at The Barn in Half Moon Bay; and Jacob Gorneau, who introduced us to the fragrant flavors of Kusan Uyghur Cuisine in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on “Check, Please! Bay Area.” I’m Leslie Sbrocco, and I’ll see you then. Cheers!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Cheers!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Whoo-hoo!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Love it, love it, love it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> When you eat something delicious, what do you say when that first little taste hits your lips?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> “Ain’t nothing wrong with that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katia Reyes:\u003c/strong> I say, “This is really bomb.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Keeping it PG, “It’s flipping good.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Is there certain things that you just have to eat or don’t have to eat with a fork?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> I feel like you’re out of a food festival. There’s no judgment. You should be able to eat with your hands. Get messy. We’re here to try everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> But, hey, there’s nothing wrong with this.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> Ain’t nothing wrong with that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Yeah. \u003cem>[Laughs]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1732851549,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 289,
"wordCount": 6287
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: ROOH, The Barn, Kusan Uyghur Cuisine | KQED",
"description": "Bay Area foodies review modern Indian cuisine in Palo Alto, American comfort food in Half Moon Bay and bold Central Asian dishes in San Jose.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Bay Area foodies review modern Indian cuisine in Palo Alto, American comfort food in Half Moon Bay and bold Central Asian dishes in San Jose.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: ROOH, The Barn, Kusan Uyghur Cuisine",
"datePublished": "2024-11-28T19:30:48-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-11-28T19:39:09-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"videoEmbed": "https://youtu.be/pHqTIrIXvkw",
"sticky": false,
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/23296/check-please-bay-area-reviews-rooh-the-barn-kusan-uyghur-cuisine",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 12, airs Thursday, November 28, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">On this episode of \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">our guests start their culinary adventure in Palo Alto at \u003cstrong>ROOH\u003c/strong>, a modern Indian restaurant where traditional flavors meet innovative techniques in dishes like paneer chili rolls, jackfruit toast and chicken tikka kulcha. Next, they head to \u003cstrong>The Barn\u003c/strong> in Half Moon Bay, a rustic, farm-to-table eatery offering seasonal American comfort food, from juicy burgers with barn-pickled jalapeños to fried mac and cheese, all enjoyed in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. The journey continues in San Jose at \u003cstrong>Kusan Uyghur Cuisine\u003c/strong>, where diners experience the rich, bold flavors of Central Asian dishes like hand-pulled noodles and big plate chicken. Finally, reporter Cecilia Phillips visits the \u003cstrong>Fork’n Good Food Festival\u003c/strong> in Rohnert Park, where she samples a diverse array of gourmet eats, from local Sonoma bites to globally inspired street food.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23282\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23282\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1912_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Avani Tumuluri, Jacob Gorneau and Eliza Bulanti from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://roohrestaurants.com/\">\u003cstrong>ROOH\u003c/strong> (Palo Alto)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thebarnhmb.com/\">\u003cstrong>The Barn\u003c/strong> (Half Moon Bay)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://kusanuyghur.com/\">\u003cstrong>Kusan Uyghur Cuisine\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.thesocomarket.com/forkn-good-food-festival\">\u003cstrong>Fork’n Good Food Festival\u003c/strong> (Rohnert Park)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23332\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-800x906.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"906\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-800x906.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-1020x1155.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-160x181.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-768x869.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-1357x1536.jpeg 1357w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-1809x2048.jpeg 1809w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1912_Wines-1920x2174.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.scaiawine.com/en/product/scaia-garganega-e-chardonnay\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Scaia 2022 Garganega / Chardonnay\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Trevenezie IGT, Italy $15\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Looking for a deliciously light and bright white that still shows character? This affordable wine is one to buy in batches. Enjoy it as an aperitif or serve it alongside fish in lemon sauce, fried calamari, and fresh salads. The grape variety Chardonnay is familiar, but the native Italian white grape Garganega is known to Italian wine lovers for making sassy Soave and other Veneto whites. Their perfect pairing is what makes the wine so special.\u003c/span>\u003cem>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://benoviawinery.com/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Benovia 2019 “Blanc de Blancs” Sparkling Wine\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cem>Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California $60\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nAs one of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producers, Benovia is a Sonoma star. Its richly styled sparkling white has expressive aromas of lemon cream pie, peach blossom, and toasted nuts. It’s a wine to start the meal and continue enjoying throughout, whether you’re serving a hearty brunch casserole or a dinner of veal scallopini or pork loin. Elegance in your glass — all with the pop of a cork.\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.estournel.com/en/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>G d’Estournel 2020\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Médoc, Bordeaux, France $39\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nOne of France’s heralded Bordeaux reds is Cos d’Estournel. Opulent and ageworthy, it’s a coveted collector wine. An alluring alternative that shares the same heritage without the same price tag is G d’Estournel. The appealing front label tells a story all its own. According to their website, “G d’Estournel evokes the wonderment of an explorer returned home from the Far East, his soul replete with luminous memories of majestic Indian elephants, shimmering Burmese gold, the finest of Nepalese silks, the warm glow of Vietnamese lanterns.” Each vintage is a slightly different blend of red Bordeaux grapes, but the stylish 2020 is Merlot dominant with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. Plush and subtly smooth, it is a red to relish.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Contemporary Indian plates in Palo Alto.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Did it live up to the hype?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> It so lived up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Burgers al fresco in Half Moon Bay\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> The bread makes the sandwich.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> The bread makes the sandwich.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And Central Asian cuisine in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> And it really knocked my socks off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just ahead on “Check, Please! Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> You heard it here first. This smacks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Humberto Segura:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it smacks. \u003cem>[laughs]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to “Check, Please! Bay Area,” the show where Bay Area residents review and talk about their favorite restaurants. Now, we have three guests, and each one recommends one of their favorite spots, and the other two go check them out to see what they think. Joining me at the “Check, Please!” table today are three very studious guests—dental student Avani Tumuluri, psychology and brain science student Eliza Bulanti, and scorpion researcher grad student Jacob Gorneau.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Thanks for having me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Avani’s restaurant offers a tempting fusion of Indian and California cuisine. Add in Ayurveda-inspired cocktails, vibrant decor, and it’s the perfect place for a family dinner or a first date. Located in downtown Palo Alto, it’s ROOH.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Apurva Panchal:\u003c/strong> Rooh means “soul” in Persian, and in India also.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Abi Capristo:\u003c/strong> I think ROOH is passion. It’s passion for food, it’s passion for hospitality, it’s passion for putting a twist on traditional food that goes back hundreds of years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Apurva Panchal:\u003c/strong> Alright? Perfect. I grew up in Mumbai. I’m Gujarati. Our food culture was something which had sweet, sour, and spicy—all umami flavors together. At ROOH, we have covered all the regions of India and many lost recipes which people have forgotten to cook.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Abi Capristo:\u003c/strong> We always like to think of nostalgic, but we wrapped it in this beautiful presentation with these vibrant colors and just a tiny bit of a modern twist to all these beautiful traditional dishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Oh! Yo!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Apurva Panchal:\u003c/strong> Also the street food which people used to enjoy during their childhood. That first taste takes them to their childhood memories of family or the place where I was born.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Abi Capristo:\u003c/strong> We all know that Indian cuisine is a lot of vegetarian items, but I think we’ve turned it into such a fun and exciting way of eating vegetarian food that never gets old. It’s always amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Apurva Panchal:\u003c/strong> In Sanskrit, we always say Atithi Devo Bhava. That means the guests should be treated like God. That’s how we follow it as part of our hospitality culture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Abi Capristo:\u003c/strong> It’s so great when people walk in, they’re like, “This is my first time here and I have to be back.” You know, it’s exciting to see people be excited.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, Avani. I mean, this place is really a creative take, right, on Indian street food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I think that I love that it’s a progressive Indian cuisine, but it kind of has a mix of the inspiration of California culture with the Indian culture. I love the decor. I love the atmosphere. You walk in, and it’s just like this shroud of reds and these antique decorations and mirrors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It puts you in the mood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it really puts you in the mood. It really does. I’m ready to eat. I’m ready to have fun.\u003cbr>\n\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You’re ready.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> And I absolutely always go for the Paneer Chili Roll. It looks like a pinwheel, which is really cool because I feel like it marries in the American culture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah, like a lunch snack.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it’s like a classic Lunchable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I think it’s a snackable or something.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah! Snackable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I hear Eliza going, “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Did you have this as well?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I did, and it was phenomenal. I thought that the flavors and the textures, I loved how they wrapped them all up, because the paneer wasn’t super overwhelming, and the crispiness of the kataifi, too, with kind of the smoothness of the paneer was perfect. And then what really put it over the top for me was the chili garlic chutney that it came with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> The flavor of that was phenomenal and just paired with the textures, it was a work of art, like every other dish I had here too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah, absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I had the Assorted Papad, which came with three different chutneys and a bunch of different crispy crackers that were variously seasoned. My favorite one was the chili peanut one. I love peanut flavor, but in particular this peanut was so rich and decadent it almost had like a chocolatey richness to it, which was really delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I loved this menu and that it really emphasized small plates. So my family and I got a lot of them to share, which as an adventurous eater, was so fun for me to get to try so many different things. I think my favorite had to be the Chicken Tikka Kulcha. It was like this warm, round flatbread stuffed with this really flavorful shredded chicken. And then it had this beautiful dollop of za’atar butter and pickled onions on top, and it came out warm so that the butter kind of melted in and the flavors just melded perfectly. It was glorious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So did you get the most of it and then your parents just a little bit?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Exactly. Everyone took a little bite, and I was like, “This one is for me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> And then I also—probably the most beautiful dish I got was the Potato Tikki Chaat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> It was like a cube of really thinly sliced potatoes, and it sat atop this yogurt sauce that was almost like a whipped cream consistency, drizzled with a tamarind sauce and some raspberry seeds. The flavors and the textures were incredible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I really like the Jackfruit Toast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Oh!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I love jackfruit. I feel like if you’re able to season it right, it can be very meaty, and the jackfruit itself is very nicely spiced. And then with that buttery bread on the bottom, oh my gosh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s a nice combination.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I had a Duck Seekh Kebab. I always like duck. I know sometimes people feel like it’s a little on the fatty side of things, but it was just this incredible flavor bomb, the meat itself, and there was some mixed berry chutney on top as well. And so it was really this beautiful balance between tang and spice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> That sounds amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Definitely my favorite dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did they order right? So far?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> They ordered right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Okay, good. Okay, good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> My mouth is watering.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> If you guys ever go again, you should definitely order the Malai Broccoli.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Ooh!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Now, I know it sounds like, “Why would I pay for a broccoli?” But it’s this giant piece, and it’s placed on this creamy daal, which is like lentil-based sauce, and it’s very nicely spiced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Get the broccoli.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I have to try that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I also had a delicious mocktail that went perfectly with the dishes I got. It was the Pink Guava mocktail, and it had these hints of masala spices in it, which I think cut the sweetness of the guava perfectly and really paired nicely with this meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I’m so excited, ’cause I had the same one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> No way! Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> No way! It was so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I tried the Mulberry Sour, which was really refreshing and bright to kind of complement some of those warmer spices. And the thing that really blew my socks off was the Patna Fizz, which is a lychee-flavored cocktail that also has, I believe, some mushroom essence in it. Beautifully purple. Like, it was really amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Wow!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Oh, of course. Of course I had dessert. I always go for the kulfi. If you guys don’t know what it is, it’s sort of an Indian ice cream, and the flavors that they have are like pistachio or saffron, flavors that you wouldn’t really get at your normal supermarket, and it’s just always decorated so beautifully.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> My takeaway was this is amazing. This is a great special-occasion venue. And I wouldn’t necessarily go there on a first date, but I would definitely take someone I really love there and, you know, show my love through these dishes. Like, it’s really a love letter to food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. If you would like to try ROOH, it’s located on University Avenue in Palo Alto, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $60.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Eliza is a big-time burger lover, and she says the absolute best can be found at her casual coastal eatery. Located in Half Moon Bay, it’s The Barn.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> The Barn is casual.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man #2:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Can I steal one of your fries for the dog?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> It’s communal, above all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> It’s put itself on the map as a little oasis and really just part of our ethos, which is…happy people make good food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> It’s so delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> Matter of fact, I find that the best food is generally the simplest. We make everything that we possibly can, and our ingredients come from local purveyors as much as possible. We make the best burger on the coast. I know that could be an arguable statement, but I’m happy to take on anyone else that wants to challenge it. And it’s not because of some secret ingredient. We use our homemade American cheese, sauces, high-quality bun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> I like the beef.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> For sure, one of the highlights for me and a lot of customers is the veggie burger. We cook down a lot of ingredients, primarily mushrooms and farro for building texture. And I’m not a vegetarian, so I honestly have that with a little bacon on top, and it’s fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> Can we talk about the milkshakes? Because there’s something about the milkshakes which you don’t find anywhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> It’s Marianne’s Ice Cream from Santa Cruz, and a splash or two of milk just to be able to blend it together. And then we make our own ingredients to create the flavor, so if it’s chocolate, we’ll make separate chocolate ganache that then gets put into the ice cream.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> Of course, homemade whipped cream.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> Well, yeah. You need to have that a little bit more fun on top.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> Why not? I mean, for the person who has bacon on a veggie burger…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> True.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Matt Haugen:\u003c/strong> …whipped cream on a milkshake is par for the course.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Patrick Hanna:\u003c/strong> So Half Moon Bay, we are on the coast. Restaurant is about a five-minute walk from the sand. Dutch word, it’s called Gezellig. It means “warm,” “comfortable,” “family,” and that’s what this place means to me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Eliza, this spot feels like, you know, you’ve gone to the beach…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …you’ve hung out those gorgeous beaches in Half Moon Bay, and now you need something to eat, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes. 100%. That’s one of my favorite parts about this restaurant is you can really do it all here, whether that’s after a hike by the beach or just hanging out for the day. You can kind of get a sense of that local vibe that represents the quaint town of Half Moon Bay, I think, really well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. What is your favorite?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Oh, yes. Okay. What’s kept me coming back for years? It’s The Pretender. So although I am a beef hamburger-loving person, The Pretender, it is my must-have here. It’s kind of a hearty patty. It’s filled with farro, mushrooms, flax, garlic, and Parmesan, and I know that so well because I’ve even tried to recreate it at home. It’s that good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> \u003cem>[Laughs]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> And then topped with some white cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, lemon-dressed arugula, fresh tomato on a toasted brioche bun. And a tip given to me years ago by a lovely employee was to add pickled beets as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you’re a vegetarian, right? So did you find your way to that dish?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yup. I had The Pretender.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yeah? Okay. What did you think?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I felt like I was pretending to eat a burger. Oh, it was so good. I actually really liked it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What did you have when you went there?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I had a pulled pork sandwich, which was amazing. It was super sweet, super smoky. I have a huge sweet tooth, but I am glad that I ordered the spicy coleslaw on that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I was gonna ask which one you got. You can do it sweet or spicy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I got spicy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah, and the spicy really balanced it out a lot. And, man, the buns themselves were also delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I had the Vegan BBQ one, which I also was a little hesitant about because sometimes, you know, with the vegan versions, you never know. But this one was insane. It was so good ’cause it was with jackfruit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Jackfruit is so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> It really has like that meaty tenderness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, and the ciabatta bread? That bread, oh, it was amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I have to mention the What the Cluck sandwich too, because that also comes on the ciabatta bread. It’s a chicken sandwich. It comes with goat cheese on top, arugula, tomato, and then their housemade Barn buttermilk. And you can opt to get it crispy or grilled. I usually get mine crispy, and I think the creaminess and the tanginess of the goat cheese with the crispiness and the saltiness of the fried chicken, it balances perfectly. And that ciabatta roll, I think, really puts it over the top.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I think a ciabatta holds things in better.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes, it does.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> The bread makes the sandwich.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> The bread makes the sandwich.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, and I didn’t know the buttermilk was housemade.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Because I think that came with — Oh, I’m segueing the Mac Attack.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> The Mac Attack is my very favorite. I always have to get a side of the Mac Attack with whatever main I choose. It’s like a cube of fried mac and cheese, perfectly golden and crispy. It has like a nice crust on it so it doesn’t fall apart, and it’s sprinkled with some flaky sea salt. And you get that nice cheese pull in every bite. And it comes with their housemade buttermilk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I didn’t know it was housemade! That actually made it 10 times better, because this Mac Attack is an actual famous thing in the peninsula.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Everyone talks about it. And so I’ve been feeling left out. I’m like, “Oh, I’m trying this Mac Attack.” I finally got to go, and it’s so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did it live up to the hype?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> It so lived up. Oh, my God. Me and my cousin were like, “Whoa!” Like, it was insane.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Another thing that I tried was the Hot Farmer burger, which is like everything that I’m looking for in anything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Which was a balance of some peppery arugula, fried onions, and that was just sweet, spicy, sour. I was hook, line and sinker.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I did get an amazing drink. It was called — I’m gonna mispronounce this. Olallieberry Lemonade. Olallieberry Lemonade, right? That was good, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> That’s one of the best.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I was like, “What berry is a Olallieberry?” So I looked it up. It’s just a different variation of a blackberry. You guys are like, “Yeah, we knew.” But it didn’t really taste exactly like a blackberry. It almost had this tanginess, and they had full olallieberries at the bottom I could pick out at the end.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Oh, yeah, I did the same thing. I was just waiting to finish it so I could have all of them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you have any desserts?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I did. [Chuckles] Always have to get —\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Eliza’s turning into our dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> She’s the dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> I have a big sweet tooth, and I always have to get a dessert. So my favorite have got to be their milkshakes. They’re just a classic, simple vanilla milkshake topped with a dollop of whipped cream and, again, served in the nice mason jar. Just the perfect sweet to end the meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> That sounds so good. They make their own pastries there too I saw.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes. Okay, so I got an apple pie also a few times ago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Remember, you were working for that. You know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Right! It was topped with this crumbly topping. I mean, it was a big piece too, enough to share, and really, really delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you think that it was a good value?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I think so, yeah. I think it was an excellent value. And I feel like the space is so spread out and large outside that you’d never be wrestling with someone to get a seat or something.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Or if you’re having like a day trip out in Half Moon Bay, it’s a great place to stop on your way in or out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, if you would like to try The Barn, it’s located on Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Jacob’s restaurant is a very rare find indeed. It’s one of only a handful in the Bay Area serving the traditional dishes of an ancient Silk Road empire. Hidden away in San Jose, it’s Kusan Uyghur Cuisine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Yolwas Hashim:\u003c/strong> Just mix it well before you eat it. Kusan Uyghur Cuisine is a modern fusion of the Uyghur foods. And Kusan was this big empire from a thousand years ago. This area covered northwest of China, was based out of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, also the north of India. So the Uyghur people were living in Central Asia, and the place I’m from is called Ürümqi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> How was everything?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Customer:\u003c/strong> Really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> The food, the drinks, just the most easy way to let customers know you and know your culture. Our Uyghur foods have a lot of rich flavors. We have a lot of spice. We make everything fresh daily.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> All the meat is halal. I’m making the laghman. We came early to cook all the lamb, beef, soup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> Our hand-pulled noodles, people all can tell that we make noodle fresh every day. After the noodles have cooked, it’s too hot and we have to cool it down and the noodle can taste more tender.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> Yogurt is the most important part of our history and our foods. When I was little, it was my mom making yogurt for me at home. You eat yogurt a lot because you eat a lot of lamb, so you want to balance the oily meats. We really appreciate each customer that came, so every time my customer finishes the food, we offer them free ice cream.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hashim:\u003c/strong> I feel like everybody can feel more happy and still can remember us — that’s the most important thing. I’m so proud and so happy I have this restaurant in Bay Area because a lot of people, they never tried our food, and I believe that a lot of people love it. So that makes me more even excited.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now this place is really a hidden gem. I mean, is that the appeal for you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I think for me, yeah. I think something I just love about this place is it’s just this beautiful enmeshment of more traditional Eastern Chinese cooking styles and spices, as well as things from Western Asia. And something I really go for is the Black Fungus Salad. They toss black fungus, which is this kind of gelatinous large fungus, with chili oil, a little bit of sesame oil, and a little bit of soy sauce. And then there are a few goji berries sprinkled in there that allow for kind of a… almost like raisin-y sweetness that really offsets and cuts through the fat and the saltiness of the soy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you have this dish?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I had the same thing. I know my reactions are giving it away. I had the same thing. It was so good. I think that was one of my favorite dishes there. I really liked that texture. Your teeth just bite into it really well. Like, it’s really satisfying.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it’s like very — like, almost like a gummy worm or something.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Very toothy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Chili oil gummy worm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What did you start with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Okay, so I didn’t get that, but I’m gonna have to try that next time. I’m so interested now. I got the Samsa to start, which were two little golden pockets of dough stuffed with lamb and topped with sesame seeds, black pepper, and salt. It was a really simple dish, but it really allowed the flavor of the lamb, which I know is really popular in this cuisine, to shine through, and I thought it had a perfect ratio of crust to filling. It was really phenomenal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, it is a meat-heavy cuisine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Was it maybe a little more challenging for a vegetarian?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> It was challenging, but…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But doable?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> No, yeah, exactly. Doable. And I had the laghman for the entree. It was one of the only ones that was vegan, but also, I’m very much considering that part of the culture is to eat meat, you know? And so I really liked that they actually even thought of having a vegan or vegetarian option.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I also got the laghman because it also has an option to have it with lamb. They also give you the option to have it either spicy or not spicy. I got the spicy, which is this very tomatoey stew that’s kind of on a bed of handmade noodles with potatoes, cabbage, some black fungus. Again, it was very nice to have all of those different vegetables and all of the different textures built into this dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I also had their lamb chao-mian.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Both:\u003c/strong> Ooh!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> And I think the typical chao-mian I’m used to is very like soy sauce forward with a few sauteed vegetables. But this was just a very intense cumin stew almost, and it was really incredible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> The one disappointment I did have was when I ordered grilled naan, and it comes with cumin and chili powder, but when it came out, it was just more warmed up and it didn’t have any of the spices on top of it. But, you know, other than that, it was honestly overall, like, really — I do like how they incorporate those spices into the dishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And very interesting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> They really took you on a trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> The spices were phenomenal. Another one of the dishes I got was the Big Plate Chicken, which was recommended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> That is so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> And it was just these juicy, tender pieces of chicken and potatoes and veggies. You could tell they had been simmered for a really long time. And then it was on top of these flat, wide noodles in the best sauce. It was almost like a dry heat. The spiciness hit you after, and it did have so many hints of cumin, allspice, cinnamon. And I found myself — I was dragging my noodles back and forth through the sauce in every bite just to soak it up, because it was that good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> So did you guys get the yogurt drinks that they have?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yes!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> The yogurt is amazing. That tastes homemade as well. I got the Honey Yuzu Peel yogurt drink — so refreshing, especially with the heaviness of the meal itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I had the Honey Lemon one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yes!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> I just highly recommend if you’re going with a few folks, make sure you all get a different yogurt drink to try.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Yeah, ’cause you all try each others. I tried my sister’s, the passionfruit one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jacob Gorneau:\u003c/strong> And they have a milk tea that has butter in it. And if you’re someone who’s really fiending for some rich, rich flavors, there’s a little bit of butter, a little bit of salt. And it’s just, at least for me, an unconventional take on a milk tea, and it was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And any room for desserts?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> I had the Bakali. It was this very dense cake, and it was amazing. It had some spices in it, maybe a little bit of cardamom drizzled with chocolate and caramel on top. It was very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Sounds delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And my dessert queen over here?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Oh, yes. I got the homemade yogurt dessert topped with sliced almonds and honey. Really, really good because I had never had Uyghur cuisine, so I was so excited to try something new, and it really knocked my socks off. I would go back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, if you would like to try Kusan Uyghur Cuisine, it’s located on 4th Street in San Jose. The average tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And now reporter Cecilia Phillips heads to Sonoma County for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> We’re here in Sonoma County for the Fork’n Good Food Festival. Where did the name come from?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mercedes Hernandez:\u003c/strong> Well, I probably can’t really say it. Well, you know, food is pretty effing good, so, like, I thought, like, what better name than the Fork’n Good Food Festival, right? Hi! How are you? Can’t really forget it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> What kind of energy and vibe is gonna be here today?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mercedes Hernandez:\u003c/strong> We have so many amazing local restaurants and food trucks here in Sonoma County, and I wanted to create an event that would bring together the food vendors and the community for a day of just food, fun, live music, and just have a good time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> The name of your business tells part of the story of what you do. So tell me about the name.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> Legacy BBQ originated from my father. My father was a pitmaster here in Sonoma County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Thanks, Joe!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> And so I took up the reins and hopefully will pass it on to my family, so continuing my father’s legacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> I wood-fire tri tip. I have my own rub — salt, pepper, and a little bit of garlic. Get it nice and hot, cut it real thin, and serve it right off the grill. That’s the secret.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Is a tri tip sandwich something that you should be eating with a fork?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> If you can get this down without a fork, I will give you a sandwich for free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> OMG! Ahh! We did it! No forks, baby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Oh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> That is fork’n good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> Chamoy?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Yes, please.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> Chamoy is a sweet, tangy, a little spice kind of paste that you put around your drinks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> I love it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> But you don’t just do drinks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> No. One of my favorite things is a cucumber roll.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> So I love that you’ve done cucumber so I can feel a little bit less guilty about the fact that I’m eating a lot of candy right now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> It’s a well-balanced meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> A good drip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> Right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katia Reyes:\u003c/strong> Now we’re just waiting till it’s fully cooked, and then we start flipping. My name is Katia, and I am owner of Los Mini Pancakes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Enjoy!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #2:\u003c/strong> Yay!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katia Reyes:\u003c/strong> In Mexico, they have the mini pancakes. But I’m actually one of the first ones in Sonoma County that started mini pancakes. My menu is just whatever you want. Unlimited syrup, unlimited toppings. That’s what people like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Okay, so how do you eat these? With your hands?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katia Reyes:\u003c/strong> No, we got forks. Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> \u003cem>[Chuckles]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katia Reyes:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> They’re so fluffy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> I see a lot of bright colors here. What do you specialize in?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Humberto Segura:\u003c/strong> So we made a Hot Cheeto menu. We have Hot Cheeto burgers, Hot Cheeto tamales, crunchwraps, burritos, and corn.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> What have you prepared for me?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Humberto Segura:\u003c/strong> Got the Hot Cheeto mac and cheese burger. It goes with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, patty, cheese, nacho cheese, mac and cheese. We cover the bun with Hot Cheeto dust.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Oh, and there’s Hot Cheetos on the inside, too? [Chuckles] Oh, no! Oh, my God. That was so good. Do you ever say anything, like, right when you eat something, you’re like…?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Humberto Segura:\u003c/strong> It smacks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Oh! You heard it here first. This smacks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Humberto Segura:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it smacks.\u003cem> [Laughs]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I want to thank my great guests on this week’s show, Avani Tumuluri, who cherishes the Chili Paneer Roll at ROOH in Palo Alto; Eliza Bulanti, who always makes room for the Mac Attack at The Barn in Half Moon Bay; and Jacob Gorneau, who introduced us to the fragrant flavors of Kusan Uyghur Cuisine in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on “Check, Please! Bay Area.” I’m Leslie Sbrocco, and I’ll see you then. Cheers!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Avani Tumuluri:\u003c/strong> Cheers!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Eliza Bulanti:\u003c/strong> Whoo-hoo!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Love it, love it, love it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> When you eat something delicious, what do you say when that first little taste hits your lips?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> “Ain’t nothing wrong with that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katia Reyes:\u003c/strong> I say, “This is really bomb.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Keeping it PG, “It’s flipping good.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Is there certain things that you just have to eat or don’t have to eat with a fork?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jeannette Ambriz-Diaz:\u003c/strong> I feel like you’re out of a food festival. There’s no judgment. You should be able to eat with your hands. Get messy. We’re here to try everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> But, hey, there’s nothing wrong with this.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Joseph Edwards:\u003c/strong> Ain’t nothing wrong with that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> Yeah. \u003cem>[Laughs]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/23296/check-please-bay-area-reviews-rooh-the-barn-kusan-uyghur-cuisine",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3845",
"checkplease_9379",
"checkplease_475",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_3731",
"checkplease_8003",
"checkplease_3742",
"checkplease_8155",
"checkplease_9211",
"checkplease_3741",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_8203",
"checkplease_8964",
"checkplease_9307",
"checkplease_91"
],
"tags": [
"checkplease_8957",
"checkplease_8574",
"checkplease_8912",
"checkplease_9381",
"checkplease_9380",
"checkplease_763",
"checkplease_8510",
"checkplease_8873",
"checkplease_8581",
"checkplease_8946",
"checkplease_8547",
"checkplease_8534",
"checkplease_8535",
"checkplease_9362",
"checkplease_8568",
"checkplease_8583",
"checkplease_7985",
"checkplease_9037"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_23287",
"label": "checkplease_9339"
},
"checkplease_23283": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_23283",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23283",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1731036653000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-reviews-the-hideout-kitchen-tostadas-pixiu-mala-hongtang",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: The Hideout Kitchen, Tostadas, Pixiu Mala Hongtang",
"publishDate": 1731036653,
"format": "video",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: The Hideout Kitchen, Tostadas, Pixiu Mala Hongtang | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"term": 9339,
"site": "checkplease"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 9, airs Thursday, November 7, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Our culinary exploration begins in Lafayette at \u003cstrong>The Hideout Kitchen\u003c/strong>, where diners enjoy elevated comfort food in a cozy, hidden gem of a restaurant, featuring dishes like mascarpone toast and honey fried chicken. Next, the journey takes us to San Jose at \u003cstrong>Tostadas\u003c/strong>, a lively spot known for its creative and colorful Mexican fare, with standout dishes like tostadas de birria and birria bacon cheeseburgers. Then, it’s off to Oakland at \u003cstrong>Pixiu Mala Hongtang\u003c/strong>, where the bold, numbing spices of Sichuan cuisine are showcased in fiery hot pots, offering a customizable dining experience featuring dozens of different ingredients. Finally, reporter Cecilia Phillips visits \u003cstrong>The Menagerie Oddities Market\u003c/strong> onboard the USS Hornet in Alameda for the World Goth Day Festival, where she explores a quirky market filled with curious and unusual finds, from taxidermy to artisanal food creations that delight and surprise.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23279\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23279\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Francis Penrose, Sonya Holcombe and Piña Bleep from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.hideoutkitchen.com/\">\u003cstrong>The Hideout Kitchen\u003c/strong> (Lafayette)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://tostadassj.com/\">\u003cstrong>Tostadas\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://pixiufnc.com/layout/eng/home.php?go=main\">\u003cstrong>Pixiu Mala Hongtang\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://themenagerieodditiesmarket.com/\">\u003cstrong>The Menagerie Oddities Market\u003c/strong> (Alameda)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23312\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-800x1008.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1008\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-800x1008.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-1020x1285.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-160x202.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-768x968.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-1219x1536.jpg 1219w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-1625x2048.jpg 1625w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-1920x2419.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-scaled.jpg 2032w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.adamiprosecco.it/en/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Adami 2022 “Vigneto Giardino” Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Rive di Colbertaldo\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy $30\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>A stunning sparkler from the highest-quality tier of Prosecco Superiore. Adami has been producing noted Prosecco in northern Italy for more than 90 years. This is the winery’s historic flagship bottling due to its lineage. It hails from a single-vineyard cru from vines nearly a century old. The wine is stylish and crisp, with inviting citrus aromas and nutty intensity. With a price tag of only $30, it is a wine worth twice the price and one to seek out when looking for the best in bubbly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://dollywines.com/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Dolly 2023 Chardonnay\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>California $15\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nVivacious singer Dolly Parton is in the wine game now, bringing her joyful personality to bottlings from still to sparkling. The brand’s goal is to bring friends and family together with well-priced, easy-drinking wines. The deliciously fruit-forward Dolly Chardonnay is a white with a kiss of oaky spiciness and a touch of vibrancy. On the website, they describe the hue of the white as “reminiscent of a morning sun in the Smoky Mountains.” Sounds like a song to me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://farniente.com/wineries/post-and-beam\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Post & Beam 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Napa Valley, California $55\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nAs part of the Far Niente family of wines, Post & Beam takes its inspiration from the historic barns at Nickel & Nickel Winery in Napa Valley. This luscious Cabernet Sauvignon includes a touch of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, adding complexity and depth. Dark fruit notes and a hint of cocoa come through on the nose, with a mouthfeel that is rich and elegant. If you want a classically styled Napa Cabernet Sauvignon without a huge price tag, this beauty is the answer.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> A honey of a fried chicken in Lafayette…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> And I thought, “Bingo, right there.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> …mouthwatering Mexican birria in San Jose…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Bring it on. \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> …and a build-your-own hot-pot spot in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I have not stopped thinking about it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Just ahead on “Check, Please! Bay Area.” It’s all about the salsa!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> It’s all about the salsa! \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em> \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Yeah. \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i> Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to “Check, Please! Bay Area,” the show where Bay Area residents review and talk about their favorite restaurants. We have three guests, and each one recommends one of their favorite spots, and the other two go check them out to see what they think. Joining me at the “Check, Please!” table today — VP of sales Francis Penrose, tattoo artist and karaoke host Piña Bleep, and communications professional Sonya Holcombe. Welcome, everyone. Are you ready for a show?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> So happy to be here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Whenever Sonya gets asked, “Let’s do lunch” by her friends, she knows exactly where to meet up. For more than a decade, she’s found the perfect midday retreat at a warm and welcoming hometown hangout. Located in Lafayette, it’s The Hideout Kitchen and Café.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>JB Balingit\u003c/strong>: What you drinking? \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em> The Hideout Kitchen is a place that feels familiar. It’s comfortable when you walk in, whether it be the first time or your 100th time, you’ll find some familiarity with the people the hospitality and the food,\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #1:\u003c/strong> The texture, the pesto.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #2:\u003c/strong> So good. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>JB Balingit:\u003c/strong> Our menu is a reflection of my culinary upbringing. There’s a lot of influence of my childhood. Spanish Filipino-style cooking. Lots of stewing, lots of braising, lots of grilling. And a lot of seafood. But it’s also a reflection of my career in the Bay Area as a chef for the last 15 years. I found my lane. And I would call it California comfort food. When we first opened, I really needed a signature dish, which was our waffle sandwich. Two waffles with a country-fried steak, some cheese, an over-easy egg, country gravy… Wish I could tell you what is in all this, but I won’t. …and some powdered sugar and a nugget of butter. All right, brother, And we ask you to eat it with a little bit of syrup and Tabasco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> It’s good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>JB Balingit:\u003c/strong> I’m having fun with some of our seasonal items, like our pork chop is delicious right now. The tuna melt panini you can’t go wrong with, Our porchetta on polenta is one of my favorites. You know, people talk about the vibe a lot when they come into our restaurants, and I love music, it’s my first love. And I love a lot of independent artists, I love a lot of mainstream R&B. And so the energy in the music plays a big part of the overall vibe. Thank you, brother. I hope that when you dine here, you feel the sense of community, because California comfort food encompasses so many different cultures. And no matter what culture you belong to or what ethnicity you belong to, you’ll find something that feels like home to you here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> So you’ve been going to this place, Sonya, for over a decade.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> And the reason why is…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> So one of the things that originally brought me into the restaurant was that I heard that the owner was from the Philippines, and although not a Filipino restaurant, my mom’s from the Philippines, so I was intrigued by that. And then the mixture of that with the ambiance, the atmosphere of it being just this elevated comfort-food vibe, it was just a home run for me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> All right, so what do you start with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> My favorite starter is the kale and pancetta salad. When it comes out, it has this fluffy, billowy pile of parmesan on top, crispy chickpeas, and it has apples and apricots that give it that sweet balance. And fresh kale, broccoli.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Is it a big salad or is it small?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> it’s very big, so you can definitely share it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I loved the mascarpone toast, and the French bread was toasted really nicely, so it was a nice texture of crunchy bread and buttery mascarpone with some almonds and the truffle honey. Just so many flavors that were really nice. And textures. I’m a big textures person. I love my textures. So having that balance of both, absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I’m the type of guy that goes straight for the entrée. So I didn’t even go for an appetizer. So I went straight to the honey fried chicken. And in fact the plating was very nice. That kale, I was a little hesitant because I’m not a kale person, right? I always think it’s going to be bitter or something like that, but it was braised. I could have eaten a whole plate of it. Seriously, I could have eaten a whole plate of that side.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> You are a kale believer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I am. Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> “Kale” yeah!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Smashed potatoes were cold. I was just a little surprised at that. Right? But then I cut into that chicken, just hearing the crisp, it was like, okay, here comes the test. I took a bite. The umami flavor of the truffle honey was really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I agree with everything you just said, other than the fact that the smashed potatoes were cold. That’s too bad, but they’re amazing. But the chicken, it’s just that, like, salty, but with the sweet, totally moist. I’ve had it dozens of times and it’s never been a disappointment. It’s always delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Anything else?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> The sweet potato fries are home run. I am not a big sweet potato fry person. I prefer the traditional potatoes. And we actually got both. The crunch on those sweet potato fries were just so perfect. And then inside it’s like this creamy potato. They’re really, really delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I had the baked rigatoni and cheese, which I love cheese. Yeah, it was really good. It was definitely a very homey mac and cheese. And then that crispy breadcrumb on top was just a nice touch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> And they say “Spanish spices” in the menu. And it’s like adult mac and cheese.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> And what about something to drink alongside your meal?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I usually have a glass of wine. They have a really nice wine list.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I had an Arnold Palmer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Oh, nice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I take a sip of it and immediately I said, “Why is this Arnold Palmer so good?” \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em> Then he laughed. He says, “Because we make our own lemonade.” And I thought, “Bingo, right there.” So I took a second sip, and of course I finished it on the second sip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Did you have anything else?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> You know, I did, Leslie. I ordered the dessert. And when he mentioned to me that there was a pear tart, I was in the mood for fruit. So I thought, “This will be perfect.” So when they brought it out, I was surprised ’cause it was a few pears on a puff pastry with a few black figs on there. I’m not a fig person, okay?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Ah. Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> But it had ice cream on there, it was warm, and it was good. Actually, I want to mention that I went back the following week, and I will go back again because I love their menu, and it makes me want to try more of the stuff, especially the rigatoni that you talked about.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Well, did you feel like you got good value?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I think that the prices were quite fair. I loved all the staff there because when I asked for my check, I went like this, and my partner was like, “That might not be very appropriate.” And so I was like, “Is that appropriate?” I asked.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Yeah, that’s cute.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> And then we were all laughing about it. I did feel like it was more upscale, so I wouldn’t necessarily, personally, go for lunch. But if I’m balling on a budget, I will. And if I’m in Lafayette, maybe so.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Well, go with Francis and he’ll pay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I’ll take care of you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Okay, let’s go. \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I’m so happy you guys liked it and enjoyed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> That’s great. Well, if you would like to try The Hideout Kitchen and Café, it’s located on Lafayette Circle in Lafayette, and the average lunch tab per person without drinks is around $45. Francis’s job takes him south of the border nearly every other week. On all those travels, he’s developed an appreciation for the regional cuisine of Tijuana and Guadalajara. In between trips, when he’s hoping to satisfy those cravings, there’s just one spot he thinks is up to the task. Located in San Jose’s Midtown, it’s Tostadas. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Grab it, grab it. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> Tostadas is always a party.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carla Garcia:\u003c/strong> Everybody says it’s a vibe because people come and enjoy the moment they walk in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> \u003cem>[Speaking Spanish]\u003c/em> We started our restaurant in 2019, me and Alex, the two brothers. They call us the Tostadas Brothers. And Carla is amazing. She helps us with our Midtown location.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carla Garcia:\u003c/strong> So we’re family here. We want you to feel like a family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> There we go. We decided that you could do a lot with tostadas, from breakfast and lunch to dinner. We do different colors, from a blue corn to a red tostada that’s made out of tomato. We always do double tostada to get the nice crunch. One reason Tostadas got known for is we break the rules toward traditional Mexican food. We try to innovate with our flavors, like our bacon birria burger. You must try it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #1:\u003c/strong> Is that a pizza?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #2:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carla Garcia:\u003c/strong> We do have our birria pizzadilla. It’s a quesadilla, but it has birria and it’s formed like a pizza, so it’s really, really good. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em> My mom’s name is Maria. She comes by sometimes and makes sure everything’s tasting the same. We know that we’re doing the right thing when she comes and enjoys everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> Every cocktail that we created, it’s only created at Tostadas. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carla Garcia:\u003c/strong> We have a drink called mega cantaro, which is more for big parties. They have a whole bottle of tequila. People enjoy seeing the big bottles going into the cantaro.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> Shot on the house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Holy moly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> We always say each guest is a family for us.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Child:\u003c/strong> It looks good already, but it’s hot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carla Garcia:\u003c/strong> I just want everybody to leave happy from here and just make everybody feel welcome.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> So, Francis, you spend a lot of time in Mexico. What is it about Tostadas that makes it so similar to your experiences in Mexico?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> The way the food looks, the presentation. And they have such a wide menu. I mean, I’ve had friends order the octopus. It’s beautiful when it comes out. To me, that reminds me clearly of when I go to Guadalajara\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> There’s such beautiful food around Guadalajara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Oh, Guadalajara is wonderful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Unbelievable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> So I did not know what birria tacos were when I first got in there. So it was a beautiful plate. Three tacos. I could see the beef just oozing out and the cheese, the way they sprinkled the onions and the cilantro on it. And then there’s this birria sauce. And I thought, “Okay, this is kind of like a French dip.” And I bit into it and I was like, “What the heck?” \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i> This thing was just so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I’ve always loved a beef au jus, and it’s just that juicy dipping sauce, and it’s amazing. But I started with the guacamole. Absolutely delicious. It came in like, you know, pestle and mortar. It had four giant homemade chips that were just delicious. So you break them up and you eat the guacamole with them. It had cotija cheese on top with sprouts, radishes. They like radishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> They do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> And I love radishes, so that was fun for me. It’s a little spice in there and then limes for you to add yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I got these esquites, which is a childhood favorite of mine, which is corn, mayonnaise, cheese, chile. And it was good. It was a nice portion. It was served in the molcajete, which I was like, “Oh! Just like my childhood.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Is that what it’s called? The molcajete?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Yeah. And I loved that. It really did take me back ’cause that’s where I’m from. I’m from Mexico. So it was really nice to walk into this place and see all these icons like Selena and luchadores with me enjoying dinner. And what I loved was that right when I sat down, they gave me chips and salsa, which, oh, my gosh, I asked for some to take home because it was so delicious. And every time that the waiter came by, I was like, “Another one, please, another.” \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I really like the Pacific catch tostada. It’s just so refreshing. It has the shrimp, it has the crab, the pickled onions. They put it on two tostada shells. I’m the guy that will eat it with just one, and when the stuff falls off, it’s like, okay, I can make a second tostada. But then they have the birria tostadas. It’s that beef. I just love the taste of the beef, and it’s a great tostada.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Another thing that I ordered was the carne con su jugo, which was this unique, delicious dish which had pieces of beef, pinto beans on the side, and then it had the radishes, the limes, and there was bacon, and it gave you three cheese enchiladas on the side, which you sort of scooped up. Oh!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> That’s a big plate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> It was a big plate, and it was so unusual and delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I started off with the veggie poblano tacos, which had poblano, corn, mushrooms on two corn tortillas, and I wanted more flavor from them. As a vegetarian, sometimes you just want that flavor that a meat plate would have as well. But I did love the presentation and the rest of the food was definitely true to my culture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> What else did you try?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I had the taquitos de papa, and those came with about four taquitos. And that was delicious. Again, the duality of the crispiness of the tortilla with the mashed potatoes inside was really nice. With the salsa. The salsa. \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em> Talk about the salsa.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> It’s all about the salsa!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> It’s all about the salsa.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> The drink menu is amazing. There are so many different drinks. They had a non-alcoholic michelada. It has all that spicy shrimp on there. It has the tamarind stick. That drink was a meal in itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I started with the mango margarita, and there was a tajin rim on it that had a flower. It was just beautiful. Very beautiful presentation. I didn’t feel like I was having lunch. I felt like I was having dinner or a cocktail at a nightclub.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Taking a little virtual vacation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Exactly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I had the aguas frescas which are longtime favorite of mine because they blend lots of flavors. I had the pineapple mango, which, Piña — I love piña.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Do you ever get dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I’ll tell you, for the first time I ordered the churros. They came out with ice cream on it and some chocolate drizzle on there. Usually I’m too full to order dessert, but I did this because I had my niece and my nephew there. It was very good. I mean, they killed it. They killed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> You got one bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I got one bite out of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> \u003cem>[Speaking Spanish]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> The staff was amazing. Everybody there was just so kind and so nice. And I’m a sucker for good service. I love when people are welcoming because it makes me feel like I’m supposed to be there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Makes a difference, doesn’t it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> It does. Absolutely does.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> If you would like to try Tostadas, it’s located on San Carlos Street in San Jose, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $35. Remember those Choose Your Own Adventure books we all read as kids? Well, that’s pretty much how you order off the menu at Piña’s favorite place. With dozens of ingredients to choose from, there’s no end to the customizable hot pots that diners can dream up. Located in Oakland, it’s Pixiu Mala Hongtang. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Summer Min:\u003c/strong> The name is Pixiu Mala Hongtang comes from the Chinese mythical animals. Pixiu brings wealth and good fortune. Pixiu Mala Hongtang is a make-your-own-bowl-style restaurant. We have two options — soup and stir-fry. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em> Both are really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #1:\u003c/strong> Hello!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #2:\u003c/strong> Hi!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Summer Min:\u003c/strong> Our salad bar is really fresh. When customer comes in, they pick the ingredients they want, and then we bring it to our kitchen and we cook it. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em> We have about 40 ingredients. So I’m not sure how many combinations that you can make, but it’s a lot. Some people come to the restaurant and then they ask me, “Is it spicy?” Then I say, “If you don’t like spicy, I suggest the mala tang.” You can choose the spicy to level four. For the level four, it makes me sweat. A lot. If customer chooses spice level four, I always keep watching them. Then I bring them like a banana milk. Tanghulu is a Chinese dessert. We have many types of tanghulu. American doesn’t think tomato is a fruit, but in Korea tomato is a fruit with the sugar. So it’s not shocking for us. But please just come to try it because it’s actually really good. I hope everyone tries mala tang. I hope they had fun when they pick the ingredients themselves. Like customer feels more special because the food is only for them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> All right, hot pots are a thing. It is so much fun to go to a hot pot restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> My friends and I have a running joke of calling it Soup Palace because it is really the royalty of soup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Yeah. It is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> You get to choose what you want. I’m kind of a picky eater, so having that opportunity to choose everything and know what’s going into it and being cooked so perfectly all into one beautiful pot of soup or stir-fry, it’s amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> So with all those ways to customize it, do you tend to stick with one sort of set of ingredients, or do you mix it up? I do mix it up because they definitely have different vegetarian options, but I do definitely go with my all-stars, which are the lotus root, the broccoli, pumpkin slices, cheese rice cakes. I love to garnish it with cilantro. And then where I get adventurous is the spice level because sometimes I’m like, “No, I’m good on spice.” And sometimes I’m like, “Bring it on.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Have you done hot pot?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I had never done it before.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> A hot-pot spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> A hot-pot spot. Never been to a hot-pot spot. And I love customizing, so I was in my element. I had the bok choy, broccoli, spinach, tons of different mushrooms. All these mushrooms I had never even heard of before, and I threw a bunch of those in. And then, because I’m not a vegetarian, I added the bacon. Turned it into a soup, which is called the mala tang, with the clear glass noodles. And I had it sort of medium spicy, which I think I might go down a little bit because it was still very spicy. But it was delicious. Really, really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Okay, and Francis, what about you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Well, I’ll tell you, any place you can construct your own meal I love. And they were very kind and explaining how everything was. I should have listened when they said they charge by the pound because I didn’t even think about it, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Two pounds later.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> So I came there with a friend, and her and I just pretty much just put everything in there. On the stir-fry, In terms of the proteins, I put the shrimp. They even had the imitation crab. I love an imitation crab, I’ll admit that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I do too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I’ll admit that. And I added beef. I love a glass noodle. I added the ramen, and I actually added the udon too as well. We sat down and when the food came out, this enormous bowl came out and I was like, “Oh, my God, this will feed a family of four or five.” The spicy level — I used to love to cry when I eat, okay? This, at the medium, it was spicy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Yeah. It’s spicy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> How many times did it take you to figure out not to overload it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Oh, well, that’s another thing that my friends and I always do. “How much did you spend? How much did you spend?” And whoever gets the lowest, you know, has to buy a round of drinks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Cute.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> But that’s what I love the most about this place, is that I’ve had friends go and spend $8 and get a good amount of soup. So the range of prices and the flexibility is so necessary for people living in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> And it’s so healthy. You can add so many vegetables in there. And then the savory broth that they add to the soup is just so delicious. We also had the gyoza as a side. They were so crispy, deep-fried with a beautiful soy sauce. I will definitely be going back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Oh, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> What about drinks?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> So for drinks they have soju. And it’s really cute because they have the soju mascot everywhere. It’s a little frog/ But they also have this very interesting drink called Sac Sac, which is orange juice pulp as a drink.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Is it very thick?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> It’s a bit thick, yeah. But it’s just very refreshing. And you have many different options for dessert. The tanghulu is viral sensation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> It’s beautiful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> It’s candied fruit on a stick. And the crunch you get when you bite into that, and then the juice that comes out from the fruit is…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I can’t describe how delicious it was. I have not stopped thinking about it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Those blueberries popped in my mouth. And the sugar wasn’t as sweet as I thought. It’s a hard shell, but it breaks nicely in there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I had grapes and strawberries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I love the grapes one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Were just so delicious. And the gentleman there was saying that they make it every few hours fresh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> That dessert, it’s picture-perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> It’s like artwork.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Yeah. Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Edible art. \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Well, speaking of art, I have to have you tell us, Piña, about your shoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I call these shoes my “chee-toes” ’cause there’s cheese and there’s toes. \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em> One of my favorite memories is I took a bunch of friends for Halloween, and that was so much fun, and I wore these shoes. A little homage to one of my favorite memories there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> All right, if you would like to try Pixiu Mala Hongtang, it’s located on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $30. And now reporter Cecilia Phillips heads to Alameda for some peculiar sights and gothic bites. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Garcia: The Menagerie Oddities Market, it’s a place for people to come together in all things odd. We like to call it an ODDventure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> You want to play air hockey?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> Today we’re celebrating World Goth Day, and we’re on the USS Hornet in Alameda.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Why the USS Hornet? This spot has some history.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> It’s supposed to be haunted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> What is goth?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> Goth was born out of the post-punk era. We bond over music.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Whoo!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> We bond over fashion, art, and community.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> 30 altogether.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> Everything here is handmade by goth artists. You’ll find taxidermy, skulls, tarot readers. So everything that you want to find that’s goth, you can find it here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> And goth food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> Goth food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> That’s really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jennifer Bechkoff:\u003c/strong> In a coffin? Okay. I sell coffee in a coffin and I donate to bat conservation. So because, you know, bats are a keystone species and they’re being threatened right now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Larisa Chapman:\u003c/strong> Hi, ladies. I’m Big Top Sweet Shop, and I do hand-painted, responsibly sourced chocolates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> I heard you both have a collaboration today, though. Are you working together?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Larisa Chapman:\u003c/strong> Coffee and chocolate are a natural thing to go together. And so I do have an anatomically correct heart. And I actually use that all the time. It’s one of my regular shapes, ’cause creepy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> All right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Larisa Chapman:\u003c/strong> Cheers, everybody.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Oh, my gosh. It, like, exploded with coffee inside. It’s, like, liquidy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Larisa Chapman:\u003c/strong> Surprise.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> It’s an amazing collaboration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> There you go, my love.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> That’s the raven’s eye.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> What goes into it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Vodka, some Malibu rum, blue curacao, also raspberry liqueur. And then there’s a gummy eyeball.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Mm!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> That’s the raven. \u003cem>[Woman laughs]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mac Senour:\u003c/strong> We’re Phileas Fogg’s Fabulous Confections. For the goth event we did goth black donuts and we did a black ice cream with a red sauce on top of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Well, I’m going to try this. I’ve seen that this is going to make my teeth gothified. All right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mac Senour:\u003c/strong> Here we go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Is it goth?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mac Senour:\u003c/strong>Oh, absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Is there any foods that you would love to see get the goth treatment?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> I love tacos, so I would like to see a black taco. All-black taco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> I’d love to see a squid-ink bread used within a pizza. Therefore dark pizza.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> A multitude of, like, grays and blacks, frozen yogurt, all different flavors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #2:\u003c/strong> I need black cake to go with my black ice cream and my black icing. And I want the cake to be red velvet on the inside so it looks like it’s bleeding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #3:\u003c/strong> Would people want to eat a bowl of black cereal?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> 50 shades of black. Woman #2: 50 shades of black.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #3:\u003c/strong> You would call them…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Fruit Loops, maybe?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #3:\u003c/strong> Sad Loops, I guess? Or \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> You’d be surprised who is a closet goth. We have moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, teachers, lawyers, doctors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Goth is for everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> Goth is for everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Alive or dead. \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> I have to thank my terrific guests on this week’s show. Frances Francis Penrose, who always says sí to the birria tacos at Tostadas in San Jose. Piña Bleep, who likes to mix it up at Pixiu Mala Hongtang in Oakland. And Sonya Holcombe, whose happy place is The Hideout Kitchen and Café in Lafayette. Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on “Check, Please! Bay Area.” I’m Leslie Sbrocco, and I’ll see you then. Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Together:\u003c/strong> Cheers!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Whoo! Awesome!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Cheers. So fun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> I like things shaped obscure. Freaky things like bats. Hearts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Gothified.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Gothify it, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Mozzeria not only supports the deaf community, but they also have fantastic pizzas. They specialize in wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas that you can get right off the truck. Sign language. and Neapolitan pizza is their language of love. Look at this. So you eat everything?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Yeah. My creature. Dead or alive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Oh, my God.\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1731037032,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 222,
"wordCount": 5916
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: The Hideout Kitchen, Tostadas, Pixiu Mala Hongtang | KQED",
"description": "Bay Area foodies review elevated comfort food in Lafayette, standout Mexican fare in San Jose and bold Sichuan cuisine in Oakland.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Bay Area foodies review elevated comfort food in Lafayette, standout Mexican fare in San Jose and bold Sichuan cuisine in Oakland.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: The Hideout Kitchen, Tostadas, Pixiu Mala Hongtang",
"datePublished": "2024-11-07T19:30:53-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-11-07T19:37:12-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"videoEmbed": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip3O33aJFLU",
"sticky": false,
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/23283/check-please-bay-area-reviews-the-hideout-kitchen-tostadas-pixiu-mala-hongtang",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 9, airs Thursday, November 7, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Our culinary exploration begins in Lafayette at \u003cstrong>The Hideout Kitchen\u003c/strong>, where diners enjoy elevated comfort food in a cozy, hidden gem of a restaurant, featuring dishes like mascarpone toast and honey fried chicken. Next, the journey takes us to San Jose at \u003cstrong>Tostadas\u003c/strong>, a lively spot known for its creative and colorful Mexican fare, with standout dishes like tostadas de birria and birria bacon cheeseburgers. Then, it’s off to Oakland at \u003cstrong>Pixiu Mala Hongtang\u003c/strong>, where the bold, numbing spices of Sichuan cuisine are showcased in fiery hot pots, offering a customizable dining experience featuring dozens of different ingredients. Finally, reporter Cecilia Phillips visits \u003cstrong>The Menagerie Oddities Market\u003c/strong> onboard the USS Hornet in Alameda for the World Goth Day Festival, where she explores a quirky market filled with curious and unusual finds, from taxidermy to artisanal food creations that delight and surprise.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23279\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23279\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/10/CPBA_1909_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Francis Penrose, Sonya Holcombe and Piña Bleep from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.hideoutkitchen.com/\">\u003cstrong>The Hideout Kitchen\u003c/strong> (Lafayette)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://tostadassj.com/\">\u003cstrong>Tostadas\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://pixiufnc.com/layout/eng/home.php?go=main\">\u003cstrong>Pixiu Mala Hongtang\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://themenagerieodditiesmarket.com/\">\u003cstrong>The Menagerie Oddities Market\u003c/strong> (Alameda)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23312\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-800x1008.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1008\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-800x1008.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-1020x1285.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-160x202.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-768x968.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-1219x1536.jpg 1219w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-1625x2048.jpg 1625w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-1920x2419.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/11/1909_Wines-scaled.jpg 2032w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.adamiprosecco.it/en/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Adami 2022 “Vigneto Giardino” Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Rive di Colbertaldo\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy $30\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>A stunning sparkler from the highest-quality tier of Prosecco Superiore. Adami has been producing noted Prosecco in northern Italy for more than 90 years. This is the winery’s historic flagship bottling due to its lineage. It hails from a single-vineyard cru from vines nearly a century old. The wine is stylish and crisp, with inviting citrus aromas and nutty intensity. With a price tag of only $30, it is a wine worth twice the price and one to seek out when looking for the best in bubbly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://dollywines.com/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Dolly 2023 Chardonnay\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>California $15\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nVivacious singer Dolly Parton is in the wine game now, bringing her joyful personality to bottlings from still to sparkling. The brand’s goal is to bring friends and family together with well-priced, easy-drinking wines. The deliciously fruit-forward Dolly Chardonnay is a white with a kiss of oaky spiciness and a touch of vibrancy. On the website, they describe the hue of the white as “reminiscent of a morning sun in the Smoky Mountains.” Sounds like a song to me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://farniente.com/wineries/post-and-beam\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Post & Beam 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Napa Valley, California $55\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nAs part of the Far Niente family of wines, Post & Beam takes its inspiration from the historic barns at Nickel & Nickel Winery in Napa Valley. This luscious Cabernet Sauvignon includes a touch of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, adding complexity and depth. Dark fruit notes and a hint of cocoa come through on the nose, with a mouthfeel that is rich and elegant. If you want a classically styled Napa Cabernet Sauvignon without a huge price tag, this beauty is the answer.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> A honey of a fried chicken in Lafayette…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> And I thought, “Bingo, right there.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> …mouthwatering Mexican birria in San Jose…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Bring it on. \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> …and a build-your-own hot-pot spot in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I have not stopped thinking about it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Just ahead on “Check, Please! Bay Area.” It’s all about the salsa!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> It’s all about the salsa! \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em> \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Yeah. \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i> Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to “Check, Please! Bay Area,” the show where Bay Area residents review and talk about their favorite restaurants. We have three guests, and each one recommends one of their favorite spots, and the other two go check them out to see what they think. Joining me at the “Check, Please!” table today — VP of sales Francis Penrose, tattoo artist and karaoke host Piña Bleep, and communications professional Sonya Holcombe. Welcome, everyone. Are you ready for a show?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> So happy to be here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Whenever Sonya gets asked, “Let’s do lunch” by her friends, she knows exactly where to meet up. For more than a decade, she’s found the perfect midday retreat at a warm and welcoming hometown hangout. Located in Lafayette, it’s The Hideout Kitchen and Café.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>JB Balingit\u003c/strong>: What you drinking? \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em> The Hideout Kitchen is a place that feels familiar. It’s comfortable when you walk in, whether it be the first time or your 100th time, you’ll find some familiarity with the people the hospitality and the food,\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #1:\u003c/strong> The texture, the pesto.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #2:\u003c/strong> So good. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>JB Balingit:\u003c/strong> Our menu is a reflection of my culinary upbringing. There’s a lot of influence of my childhood. Spanish Filipino-style cooking. Lots of stewing, lots of braising, lots of grilling. And a lot of seafood. But it’s also a reflection of my career in the Bay Area as a chef for the last 15 years. I found my lane. And I would call it California comfort food. When we first opened, I really needed a signature dish, which was our waffle sandwich. Two waffles with a country-fried steak, some cheese, an over-easy egg, country gravy… Wish I could tell you what is in all this, but I won’t. …and some powdered sugar and a nugget of butter. All right, brother, And we ask you to eat it with a little bit of syrup and Tabasco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> It’s good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>JB Balingit:\u003c/strong> I’m having fun with some of our seasonal items, like our pork chop is delicious right now. The tuna melt panini you can’t go wrong with, Our porchetta on polenta is one of my favorites. You know, people talk about the vibe a lot when they come into our restaurants, and I love music, it’s my first love. And I love a lot of independent artists, I love a lot of mainstream R&B. And so the energy in the music plays a big part of the overall vibe. Thank you, brother. I hope that when you dine here, you feel the sense of community, because California comfort food encompasses so many different cultures. And no matter what culture you belong to or what ethnicity you belong to, you’ll find something that feels like home to you here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> So you’ve been going to this place, Sonya, for over a decade.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> And the reason why is…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> So one of the things that originally brought me into the restaurant was that I heard that the owner was from the Philippines, and although not a Filipino restaurant, my mom’s from the Philippines, so I was intrigued by that. And then the mixture of that with the ambiance, the atmosphere of it being just this elevated comfort-food vibe, it was just a home run for me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> All right, so what do you start with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> My favorite starter is the kale and pancetta salad. When it comes out, it has this fluffy, billowy pile of parmesan on top, crispy chickpeas, and it has apples and apricots that give it that sweet balance. And fresh kale, broccoli.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Is it a big salad or is it small?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> it’s very big, so you can definitely share it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I loved the mascarpone toast, and the French bread was toasted really nicely, so it was a nice texture of crunchy bread and buttery mascarpone with some almonds and the truffle honey. Just so many flavors that were really nice. And textures. I’m a big textures person. I love my textures. So having that balance of both, absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I’m the type of guy that goes straight for the entrée. So I didn’t even go for an appetizer. So I went straight to the honey fried chicken. And in fact the plating was very nice. That kale, I was a little hesitant because I’m not a kale person, right? I always think it’s going to be bitter or something like that, but it was braised. I could have eaten a whole plate of it. Seriously, I could have eaten a whole plate of that side.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> You are a kale believer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I am. Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> “Kale” yeah!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Smashed potatoes were cold. I was just a little surprised at that. Right? But then I cut into that chicken, just hearing the crisp, it was like, okay, here comes the test. I took a bite. The umami flavor of the truffle honey was really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I agree with everything you just said, other than the fact that the smashed potatoes were cold. That’s too bad, but they’re amazing. But the chicken, it’s just that, like, salty, but with the sweet, totally moist. I’ve had it dozens of times and it’s never been a disappointment. It’s always delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Anything else?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> The sweet potato fries are home run. I am not a big sweet potato fry person. I prefer the traditional potatoes. And we actually got both. The crunch on those sweet potato fries were just so perfect. And then inside it’s like this creamy potato. They’re really, really delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I had the baked rigatoni and cheese, which I love cheese. Yeah, it was really good. It was definitely a very homey mac and cheese. And then that crispy breadcrumb on top was just a nice touch.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> And they say “Spanish spices” in the menu. And it’s like adult mac and cheese.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> And what about something to drink alongside your meal?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I usually have a glass of wine. They have a really nice wine list.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I had an Arnold Palmer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Oh, nice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I take a sip of it and immediately I said, “Why is this Arnold Palmer so good?” \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em> Then he laughed. He says, “Because we make our own lemonade.” And I thought, “Bingo, right there.” So I took a second sip, and of course I finished it on the second sip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Did you have anything else?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> You know, I did, Leslie. I ordered the dessert. And when he mentioned to me that there was a pear tart, I was in the mood for fruit. So I thought, “This will be perfect.” So when they brought it out, I was surprised ’cause it was a few pears on a puff pastry with a few black figs on there. I’m not a fig person, okay?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Ah. Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> But it had ice cream on there, it was warm, and it was good. Actually, I want to mention that I went back the following week, and I will go back again because I love their menu, and it makes me want to try more of the stuff, especially the rigatoni that you talked about.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Well, did you feel like you got good value?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I think that the prices were quite fair. I loved all the staff there because when I asked for my check, I went like this, and my partner was like, “That might not be very appropriate.” And so I was like, “Is that appropriate?” I asked.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Yeah, that’s cute.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> And then we were all laughing about it. I did feel like it was more upscale, so I wouldn’t necessarily, personally, go for lunch. But if I’m balling on a budget, I will. And if I’m in Lafayette, maybe so.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Well, go with Francis and he’ll pay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I’ll take care of you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Okay, let’s go. \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I’m so happy you guys liked it and enjoyed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> That’s great. Well, if you would like to try The Hideout Kitchen and Café, it’s located on Lafayette Circle in Lafayette, and the average lunch tab per person without drinks is around $45. Francis’s job takes him south of the border nearly every other week. On all those travels, he’s developed an appreciation for the regional cuisine of Tijuana and Guadalajara. In between trips, when he’s hoping to satisfy those cravings, there’s just one spot he thinks is up to the task. Located in San Jose’s Midtown, it’s Tostadas. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Grab it, grab it. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> Tostadas is always a party.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carla Garcia:\u003c/strong> Everybody says it’s a vibe because people come and enjoy the moment they walk in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> \u003cem>[Speaking Spanish]\u003c/em> We started our restaurant in 2019, me and Alex, the two brothers. They call us the Tostadas Brothers. And Carla is amazing. She helps us with our Midtown location.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carla Garcia:\u003c/strong> So we’re family here. We want you to feel like a family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> There we go. We decided that you could do a lot with tostadas, from breakfast and lunch to dinner. We do different colors, from a blue corn to a red tostada that’s made out of tomato. We always do double tostada to get the nice crunch. One reason Tostadas got known for is we break the rules toward traditional Mexican food. We try to innovate with our flavors, like our bacon birria burger. You must try it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #1:\u003c/strong> Is that a pizza?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #2:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carla Garcia:\u003c/strong> We do have our birria pizzadilla. It’s a quesadilla, but it has birria and it’s formed like a pizza, so it’s really, really good. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em> My mom’s name is Maria. She comes by sometimes and makes sure everything’s tasting the same. We know that we’re doing the right thing when she comes and enjoys everything.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> Every cocktail that we created, it’s only created at Tostadas. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carla Garcia:\u003c/strong> We have a drink called mega cantaro, which is more for big parties. They have a whole bottle of tequila. People enjoy seeing the big bottles going into the cantaro.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> Shot on the house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Holy moly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> We always say each guest is a family for us.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Child:\u003c/strong> It looks good already, but it’s hot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carla Garcia:\u003c/strong> I just want everybody to leave happy from here and just make everybody feel welcome.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> So, Francis, you spend a lot of time in Mexico. What is it about Tostadas that makes it so similar to your experiences in Mexico?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> The way the food looks, the presentation. And they have such a wide menu. I mean, I’ve had friends order the octopus. It’s beautiful when it comes out. To me, that reminds me clearly of when I go to Guadalajara\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> There’s such beautiful food around Guadalajara.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Oh, Guadalajara is wonderful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Unbelievable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> So I did not know what birria tacos were when I first got in there. So it was a beautiful plate. Three tacos. I could see the beef just oozing out and the cheese, the way they sprinkled the onions and the cilantro on it. And then there’s this birria sauce. And I thought, “Okay, this is kind of like a French dip.” And I bit into it and I was like, “What the heck?” \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i> This thing was just so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I’ve always loved a beef au jus, and it’s just that juicy dipping sauce, and it’s amazing. But I started with the guacamole. Absolutely delicious. It came in like, you know, pestle and mortar. It had four giant homemade chips that were just delicious. So you break them up and you eat the guacamole with them. It had cotija cheese on top with sprouts, radishes. They like radishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> They do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> And I love radishes, so that was fun for me. It’s a little spice in there and then limes for you to add yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I got these esquites, which is a childhood favorite of mine, which is corn, mayonnaise, cheese, chile. And it was good. It was a nice portion. It was served in the molcajete, which I was like, “Oh! Just like my childhood.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Is that what it’s called? The molcajete?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Yeah. And I loved that. It really did take me back ’cause that’s where I’m from. I’m from Mexico. So it was really nice to walk into this place and see all these icons like Selena and luchadores with me enjoying dinner. And what I loved was that right when I sat down, they gave me chips and salsa, which, oh, my gosh, I asked for some to take home because it was so delicious. And every time that the waiter came by, I was like, “Another one, please, another.” \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I really like the Pacific catch tostada. It’s just so refreshing. It has the shrimp, it has the crab, the pickled onions. They put it on two tostada shells. I’m the guy that will eat it with just one, and when the stuff falls off, it’s like, okay, I can make a second tostada. But then they have the birria tostadas. It’s that beef. I just love the taste of the beef, and it’s a great tostada.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Another thing that I ordered was the carne con su jugo, which was this unique, delicious dish which had pieces of beef, pinto beans on the side, and then it had the radishes, the limes, and there was bacon, and it gave you three cheese enchiladas on the side, which you sort of scooped up. Oh!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> That’s a big plate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> It was a big plate, and it was so unusual and delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I started off with the veggie poblano tacos, which had poblano, corn, mushrooms on two corn tortillas, and I wanted more flavor from them. As a vegetarian, sometimes you just want that flavor that a meat plate would have as well. But I did love the presentation and the rest of the food was definitely true to my culture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> What else did you try?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I had the taquitos de papa, and those came with about four taquitos. And that was delicious. Again, the duality of the crispiness of the tortilla with the mashed potatoes inside was really nice. With the salsa. The salsa. \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em> Talk about the salsa.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> It’s all about the salsa!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> It’s all about the salsa.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> The drink menu is amazing. There are so many different drinks. They had a non-alcoholic michelada. It has all that spicy shrimp on there. It has the tamarind stick. That drink was a meal in itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I started with the mango margarita, and there was a tajin rim on it that had a flower. It was just beautiful. Very beautiful presentation. I didn’t feel like I was having lunch. I felt like I was having dinner or a cocktail at a nightclub.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Taking a little virtual vacation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Exactly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I had the aguas frescas which are longtime favorite of mine because they blend lots of flavors. I had the pineapple mango, which, Piña — I love piña.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Do you ever get dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I’ll tell you, for the first time I ordered the churros. They came out with ice cream on it and some chocolate drizzle on there. Usually I’m too full to order dessert, but I did this because I had my niece and my nephew there. It was very good. I mean, they killed it. They killed it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> You got one bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I got one bite out of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Victor Garcia:\u003c/strong> \u003cem>[Speaking Spanish]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> The staff was amazing. Everybody there was just so kind and so nice. And I’m a sucker for good service. I love when people are welcoming because it makes me feel like I’m supposed to be there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Makes a difference, doesn’t it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> It does. Absolutely does.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> If you would like to try Tostadas, it’s located on San Carlos Street in San Jose, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $35. Remember those Choose Your Own Adventure books we all read as kids? Well, that’s pretty much how you order off the menu at Piña’s favorite place. With dozens of ingredients to choose from, there’s no end to the customizable hot pots that diners can dream up. Located in Oakland, it’s Pixiu Mala Hongtang. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Summer Min:\u003c/strong> The name is Pixiu Mala Hongtang comes from the Chinese mythical animals. Pixiu brings wealth and good fortune. Pixiu Mala Hongtang is a make-your-own-bowl-style restaurant. We have two options — soup and stir-fry. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em> Both are really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #1:\u003c/strong> Hello!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #2:\u003c/strong> Hi!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Summer Min:\u003c/strong> Our salad bar is really fresh. When customer comes in, they pick the ingredients they want, and then we bring it to our kitchen and we cook it. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em> We have about 40 ingredients. So I’m not sure how many combinations that you can make, but it’s a lot. Some people come to the restaurant and then they ask me, “Is it spicy?” Then I say, “If you don’t like spicy, I suggest the mala tang.” You can choose the spicy to level four. For the level four, it makes me sweat. A lot. If customer chooses spice level four, I always keep watching them. Then I bring them like a banana milk. Tanghulu is a Chinese dessert. We have many types of tanghulu. American doesn’t think tomato is a fruit, but in Korea tomato is a fruit with the sugar. So it’s not shocking for us. But please just come to try it because it’s actually really good. I hope everyone tries mala tang. I hope they had fun when they pick the ingredients themselves. Like customer feels more special because the food is only for them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> All right, hot pots are a thing. It is so much fun to go to a hot pot restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> My friends and I have a running joke of calling it Soup Palace because it is really the royalty of soup.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Yeah. It is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> You get to choose what you want. I’m kind of a picky eater, so having that opportunity to choose everything and know what’s going into it and being cooked so perfectly all into one beautiful pot of soup or stir-fry, it’s amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> So with all those ways to customize it, do you tend to stick with one sort of set of ingredients, or do you mix it up? I do mix it up because they definitely have different vegetarian options, but I do definitely go with my all-stars, which are the lotus root, the broccoli, pumpkin slices, cheese rice cakes. I love to garnish it with cilantro. And then where I get adventurous is the spice level because sometimes I’m like, “No, I’m good on spice.” And sometimes I’m like, “Bring it on.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Have you done hot pot?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I had never done it before.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> A hot-pot spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> A hot-pot spot. Never been to a hot-pot spot. And I love customizing, so I was in my element. I had the bok choy, broccoli, spinach, tons of different mushrooms. All these mushrooms I had never even heard of before, and I threw a bunch of those in. And then, because I’m not a vegetarian, I added the bacon. Turned it into a soup, which is called the mala tang, with the clear glass noodles. And I had it sort of medium spicy, which I think I might go down a little bit because it was still very spicy. But it was delicious. Really, really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Okay, and Francis, what about you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Well, I’ll tell you, any place you can construct your own meal I love. And they were very kind and explaining how everything was. I should have listened when they said they charge by the pound because I didn’t even think about it, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Two pounds later.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> So I came there with a friend, and her and I just pretty much just put everything in there. On the stir-fry, In terms of the proteins, I put the shrimp. They even had the imitation crab. I love an imitation crab, I’ll admit that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I do too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> I’ll admit that. And I added beef. I love a glass noodle. I added the ramen, and I actually added the udon too as well. We sat down and when the food came out, this enormous bowl came out and I was like, “Oh, my God, this will feed a family of four or five.” The spicy level — I used to love to cry when I eat, okay? This, at the medium, it was spicy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Yeah. It’s spicy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> How many times did it take you to figure out not to overload it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Oh, well, that’s another thing that my friends and I always do. “How much did you spend? How much did you spend?” And whoever gets the lowest, you know, has to buy a round of drinks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Cute.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> But that’s what I love the most about this place, is that I’ve had friends go and spend $8 and get a good amount of soup. So the range of prices and the flexibility is so necessary for people living in the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> And it’s so healthy. You can add so many vegetables in there. And then the savory broth that they add to the soup is just so delicious. We also had the gyoza as a side. They were so crispy, deep-fried with a beautiful soy sauce. I will definitely be going back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Oh, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> What about drinks?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> So for drinks they have soju. And it’s really cute because they have the soju mascot everywhere. It’s a little frog/ But they also have this very interesting drink called Sac Sac, which is orange juice pulp as a drink.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Is it very thick?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> It’s a bit thick, yeah. But it’s just very refreshing. And you have many different options for dessert. The tanghulu is viral sensation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> It’s beautiful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> It’s candied fruit on a stick. And the crunch you get when you bite into that, and then the juice that comes out from the fruit is…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I can’t describe how delicious it was. I have not stopped thinking about it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Those blueberries popped in my mouth. And the sugar wasn’t as sweet as I thought. It’s a hard shell, but it breaks nicely in there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> I had grapes and strawberries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I love the grapes one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Were just so delicious. And the gentleman there was saying that they make it every few hours fresh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> That dessert, it’s picture-perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> It’s like artwork.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Francis Penrose:\u003c/b> Yeah. Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> Edible art. \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Well, speaking of art, I have to have you tell us, Piña, about your shoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Piña Bleep:\u003c/b> I call these shoes my “chee-toes” ’cause there’s cheese and there’s toes. \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em> One of my favorite memories is I took a bunch of friends for Halloween, and that was so much fun, and I wore these shoes. A little homage to one of my favorite memories there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> All right, if you would like to try Pixiu Mala Hongtang, it’s located on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $30. And now reporter Cecilia Phillips heads to Alameda for some peculiar sights and gothic bites. \u003cem>[music playing]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Garcia: The Menagerie Oddities Market, it’s a place for people to come together in all things odd. We like to call it an ODDventure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> You want to play air hockey?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> Today we’re celebrating World Goth Day, and we’re on the USS Hornet in Alameda.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Why the USS Hornet? This spot has some history.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> It’s supposed to be haunted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> What is goth?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> Goth was born out of the post-punk era. We bond over music.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Whoo!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> We bond over fashion, art, and community.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> 30 altogether.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> Everything here is handmade by goth artists. You’ll find taxidermy, skulls, tarot readers. So everything that you want to find that’s goth, you can find it here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> And goth food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> Goth food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> That’s really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jennifer Bechkoff:\u003c/strong> In a coffin? Okay. I sell coffee in a coffin and I donate to bat conservation. So because, you know, bats are a keystone species and they’re being threatened right now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Larisa Chapman:\u003c/strong> Hi, ladies. I’m Big Top Sweet Shop, and I do hand-painted, responsibly sourced chocolates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> I heard you both have a collaboration today, though. Are you working together?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Larisa Chapman:\u003c/strong> Coffee and chocolate are a natural thing to go together. And so I do have an anatomically correct heart. And I actually use that all the time. It’s one of my regular shapes, ’cause creepy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> All right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Larisa Chapman:\u003c/strong> Cheers, everybody.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Oh, my gosh. It, like, exploded with coffee inside. It’s, like, liquidy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Larisa Chapman:\u003c/strong> Surprise.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> It’s an amazing collaboration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> There you go, my love.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> That’s the raven’s eye.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> What goes into it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Vodka, some Malibu rum, blue curacao, also raspberry liqueur. And then there’s a gummy eyeball.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Mm!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> That’s the raven. \u003cem>[Woman laughs]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mac Senour:\u003c/strong> We’re Phileas Fogg’s Fabulous Confections. For the goth event we did goth black donuts and we did a black ice cream with a red sauce on top of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Well, I’m going to try this. I’ve seen that this is going to make my teeth gothified. All right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mac Senour:\u003c/strong> Here we go.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Is it goth?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Mac Senour:\u003c/strong>Oh, absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Is there any foods that you would love to see get the goth treatment?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> I love tacos, so I would like to see a black taco. All-black taco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> I’d love to see a squid-ink bread used within a pizza. Therefore dark pizza.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman:\u003c/strong> A multitude of, like, grays and blacks, frozen yogurt, all different flavors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #2:\u003c/strong> I need black cake to go with my black ice cream and my black icing. And I want the cake to be red velvet on the inside so it looks like it’s bleeding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #3:\u003c/strong> Would people want to eat a bowl of black cereal?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> 50 shades of black. Woman #2: 50 shades of black.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #3:\u003c/strong> You would call them…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Fruit Loops, maybe?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Woman #3:\u003c/strong> Sad Loops, I guess? Or \u003ci>[Laughs]\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> You’d be surprised who is a closet goth. We have moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, teachers, lawyers, doctors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Goth is for everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Connstance Garcia:\u003c/strong> Goth is for everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Alive or dead. \u003cem>[Laughter]\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> I have to thank my terrific guests on this week’s show. Frances Francis Penrose, who always says sí to the birria tacos at Tostadas in San Jose. Piña Bleep, who likes to mix it up at Pixiu Mala Hongtang in Oakland. And Sonya Holcombe, whose happy place is The Hideout Kitchen and Café in Lafayette. Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on “Check, Please! Bay Area.” I’m Leslie Sbrocco, and I’ll see you then. Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Together:\u003c/strong> Cheers!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/b> Whoo! Awesome!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Sonya Holcombe:\u003c/b> Cheers. So fun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> I like things shaped obscure. Freaky things like bats. Hearts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Gothified.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Gothify it, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Mozzeria not only supports the deaf community, but they also have fantastic pizzas. They specialize in wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas that you can get right off the truck. Sign language. and Neapolitan pizza is their language of love. Look at this. So you eat everything?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Man:\u003c/strong> Yeah. My creature. Dead or alive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/b> Oh, my God.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/23283/check-please-bay-area-reviews-the-hideout-kitchen-tostadas-pixiu-mala-hongtang",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_7989",
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3845",
"checkplease_475",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_3740",
"checkplease_3730",
"checkplease_9210",
"checkplease_3731",
"checkplease_3871",
"checkplease_8137",
"checkplease_3753",
"checkplease_9212",
"checkplease_3764",
"checkplease_3741",
"checkplease_3738",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_8964",
"checkplease_9307",
"checkplease_91"
],
"tags": [
"checkplease_8912",
"checkplease_763",
"checkplease_9175",
"checkplease_9157",
"checkplease_8548",
"checkplease_9382",
"checkplease_8821",
"checkplease_9361",
"checkplease_8946",
"checkplease_9091",
"checkplease_8573",
"checkplease_8509",
"checkplease_8568",
"checkplease_8583",
"checkplease_7985",
"checkplease_9037"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_23284",
"label": "checkplease_9339"
},
"checkplease_23255": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_23255",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "23255",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1728583191000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-is-back-in-november-with-a-fresh-menu-of-new-episodes",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area Is Back in November With a Fresh Menu of New Episodes!",
"publishDate": 1728583191,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area Is Back in November With a Fresh Menu of New Episodes! | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"term": 9339,
"site": "checkplease"
},
"content": "\u003cp>Ready to discover some new Bay Area flavors? \u003cstrong>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/strong> is back in November with handpicked recommendations for local restaurants you won’t want to miss! On each episode of this James Beard and Emmy Award-winning series, three locals sit down with host Leslie Sbrocco to rave about their favorite neighborhood eats. After checking out each other’s spots, they join Sbrocco to discuss, debate and dish on their dining experiences. From 12-hour lamb shoulder tandoor in San Francisco to rich, bold flavors of Central Asian dishes in San Jose, we’ve scoured the Bay for the best bites and standout spots so you don’t have to! Join us for four new episodes, \u003cstrong>Thursdays beginning November 7 at 7:30pm on KQED 9\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"315\" height=\"560\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/jzfYQlwmeDo\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>November 7\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>• A hidden gem featuring elevated comfort food like mascarpone toast and honey fried chicken at \u003cstrong>The Hideout Kitchen\u003c/strong> (Lafayette)\u003cbr>\n• Creative and colorful Mexican fare, featuring tostadas de birria and birria bacon cheeseburgers at \u003cstrong>Tostadas\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003cbr>\n• Fiery hot pots with numbing Sichuan spices and customizable ingredients at \u003cstrong>Pixiu Mala Hongtang\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003cbr>\n• “Cecilia Tries It” explores Goth-themed treats from specialty donuts to artisanal chocolates onboard the USS Hornet at \u003cstrong>The Menagerie Oddities Market\u003c/strong> (Alameda)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>November 14\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>• A vibrant and warm spot serving açaí bowls and other Brazilian favorites at \u003cstrong>World Green Açaí Bowl & Juice\u003c/strong> (Larkspur)\u003cbr>\n• Contemporary Mediterranean flavors like 12-hour lamb shoulder tandoor and wild pistachio coffee at \u003cstrong>Dalida\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003cbr>\n• Delicious Mexican favorites like platos de carne and tacos de pescado from the family-owned \u003cstrong>Villa Corona\u003c/strong> (Napa)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>November 21\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>• Thin-crust, crispy-edged pizzas since 1968 from a beloved local institution at \u003cstrong>Cicero’s Pizza\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003cbr>\n• Comforting breakfast and lunch classics like chicken fried steak and sweet cream pancakes at \u003cstrong>Cafe Soleil\u003c/strong> (El Sobrante)\u003cbr>\n• Fresh, sustainably sourced seafood with breathtaking views of Tomales Bay at \u003cstrong>Tony’s Seafood Restaurant\u003c/strong> (Marshall)\u003cbr>\n• “Cecilia Tries It” explores the journey of oysters from ocean to table at \u003cstrong>Hog Island Oyster Farm\u003c/strong> (Marshall)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>November 28\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>• Traditional Indian flavors with innovative techniques like paneer chili rolls and jackfruit toast at \u003cstrong>ROOH\u003c/strong> (Palo Alto)\u003cbr>\n• Juicy, creatively topped burgers, fried mac and cheese and other season American comforts served al fresco at \u003cstrong>The Barn\u003c/strong> (Half Moon Bay)\u003cbr>\n• Boldly flavored Central Asian dishes like hand-pulled noodles and big plate chicken at \u003cstrong>Kusan Uyghur Cuisine\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003cbr>\n• “Cecilia Tries It” samples gourmet eats from local Sonoma bites to globally inspired street food at the \u003cstrong>Fork’n Good Food Festival\u003c/strong> (Rohnert Park)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Is your favorite restaurant missing from the lineup? There’s still time to shout out your go-to spot! We’re on the lookout for our next round of guests, and we want to hear from you. Nominate your can’t-miss picks and apply to be a guest now at \u003ca href=\"http://kqed.org/checkplease/apply\">kqed.org/checkplease/apply\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1728593670,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": true,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 14,
"wordCount": 522
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area Is Back in November With a Fresh Menu of New Episodes! | KQED",
"description": "Check, Please! Bay Area host Leslie Sbrocco leads four new episodes of the beloved KQED show, where locals share their favorite restaurants.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Check, Please! Bay Area host Leslie Sbrocco leads four new episodes of the beloved KQED show, where locals share their favorite restaurants.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area Is Back in November With a Fresh Menu of New Episodes!",
"datePublished": "2024-10-10T10:59:51-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-10-10T13:54:30-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"sticky": false,
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/23255/check-please-bay-area-is-back-in-november-with-a-fresh-menu-of-new-episodes",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Ready to discover some new Bay Area flavors? \u003cstrong>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/strong> is back in November with handpicked recommendations for local restaurants you won’t want to miss! On each episode of this James Beard and Emmy Award-winning series, three locals sit down with host Leslie Sbrocco to rave about their favorite neighborhood eats. After checking out each other’s spots, they join Sbrocco to discuss, debate and dish on their dining experiences. From 12-hour lamb shoulder tandoor in San Francisco to rich, bold flavors of Central Asian dishes in San Jose, we’ve scoured the Bay for the best bites and standout spots so you don’t have to! Join us for four new episodes, \u003cstrong>Thursdays beginning November 7 at 7:30pm on KQED 9\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"315\" height=\"560\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/jzfYQlwmeDo\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>November 7\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>• A hidden gem featuring elevated comfort food like mascarpone toast and honey fried chicken at \u003cstrong>The Hideout Kitchen\u003c/strong> (Lafayette)\u003cbr>\n• Creative and colorful Mexican fare, featuring tostadas de birria and birria bacon cheeseburgers at \u003cstrong>Tostadas\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003cbr>\n• Fiery hot pots with numbing Sichuan spices and customizable ingredients at \u003cstrong>Pixiu Mala Hongtang\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003cbr>\n• “Cecilia Tries It” explores Goth-themed treats from specialty donuts to artisanal chocolates onboard the USS Hornet at \u003cstrong>The Menagerie Oddities Market\u003c/strong> (Alameda)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>November 14\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>• A vibrant and warm spot serving açaí bowls and other Brazilian favorites at \u003cstrong>World Green Açaí Bowl & Juice\u003c/strong> (Larkspur)\u003cbr>\n• Contemporary Mediterranean flavors like 12-hour lamb shoulder tandoor and wild pistachio coffee at \u003cstrong>Dalida\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003cbr>\n• Delicious Mexican favorites like platos de carne and tacos de pescado from the family-owned \u003cstrong>Villa Corona\u003c/strong> (Napa)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>November 21\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>• Thin-crust, crispy-edged pizzas since 1968 from a beloved local institution at \u003cstrong>Cicero’s Pizza\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003cbr>\n• Comforting breakfast and lunch classics like chicken fried steak and sweet cream pancakes at \u003cstrong>Cafe Soleil\u003c/strong> (El Sobrante)\u003cbr>\n• Fresh, sustainably sourced seafood with breathtaking views of Tomales Bay at \u003cstrong>Tony’s Seafood Restaurant\u003c/strong> (Marshall)\u003cbr>\n• “Cecilia Tries It” explores the journey of oysters from ocean to table at \u003cstrong>Hog Island Oyster Farm\u003c/strong> (Marshall)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>November 28\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>• Traditional Indian flavors with innovative techniques like paneer chili rolls and jackfruit toast at \u003cstrong>ROOH\u003c/strong> (Palo Alto)\u003cbr>\n• Juicy, creatively topped burgers, fried mac and cheese and other season American comforts served al fresco at \u003cstrong>The Barn\u003c/strong> (Half Moon Bay)\u003cbr>\n• Boldly flavored Central Asian dishes like hand-pulled noodles and big plate chicken at \u003cstrong>Kusan Uyghur Cuisine\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003cbr>\n• “Cecilia Tries It” samples gourmet eats from local Sonoma bites to globally inspired street food at the \u003cstrong>Fork’n Good Food Festival\u003c/strong> (Rohnert Park)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Is your favorite restaurant missing from the lineup? There’s still time to shout out your go-to spot! We’re on the lookout for our next round of guests, and we want to hear from you. Nominate your can’t-miss picks and apply to be a guest now at \u003ca href=\"http://kqed.org/checkplease/apply\">kqed.org/checkplease/apply\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/23255/check-please-bay-area-is-back-in-november-with-a-fresh-menu-of-new-episodes",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_7989",
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3845",
"checkplease_9359",
"checkplease_475",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_3730",
"checkplease_3740",
"checkplease_8922",
"checkplease_3731",
"checkplease_8003",
"checkplease_3849",
"checkplease_8137",
"checkplease_8139",
"checkplease_9360",
"checkplease_3753",
"checkplease_9275",
"checkplease_3742",
"checkplease_3472",
"checkplease_9212",
"checkplease_3764",
"checkplease_8155",
"checkplease_3741",
"checkplease_3738",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_8203",
"checkplease_3729",
"checkplease_3739",
"checkplease_8964",
"checkplease_3874",
"checkplease_9307",
"checkplease_91"
],
"tags": [
"checkplease_8715",
"checkplease_9371",
"checkplease_763",
"checkplease_9370",
"checkplease_9298",
"checkplease_9368",
"checkplease_8548",
"checkplease_8879",
"checkplease_9377",
"checkplease_8510",
"checkplease_9373",
"checkplease_9376",
"checkplease_9361",
"checkplease_8641",
"checkplease_8528",
"checkplease_8579",
"checkplease_8547",
"checkplease_8509",
"checkplease_8534",
"checkplease_8535",
"checkplease_9365",
"checkplease_9362",
"checkplease_9374",
"checkplease_8518",
"checkplease_8568",
"checkplease_8583",
"checkplease_9375",
"checkplease_9363",
"checkplease_9366",
"checkplease_9372",
"checkplease_9364",
"checkplease_9369",
"checkplease_9367"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_23258",
"label": "checkplease_9339"
},
"checkplease_22275": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_22275",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "22275",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1721961054000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-reviews-orchard-city-kitchen-hironori-craft-ramen-las-cazuelas",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Orchard City Kitchen, HiroNori Craft Ramen, Las Cazuelas",
"publishDate": 1721961054,
"format": "video",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Orchard City Kitchen, HiroNori Craft Ramen, Las Cazuelas | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"term": 9339,
"site": "checkplease"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 8, airs Wednesday, July 25, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check, Please! Bay Area is scoring big with three guests from \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/\">\u003cstrong>Bay FC\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, the region’s first ever National Women’s Soccer League team! Diners kickoff at Michelin-recognized \u003cstrong>Orchard City Kitchen\u003c/strong> in Campbell, where New American dishes with bold flavors are inspired by a blend of different cultures, like garlic noodles and Korean fried chicken. Next, our guests get the ball rolling at \u003cstrong>HiroNori Craft Ramen\u003c/strong> in Cupertino where they deliver Japanese craft ramen with elaborately-flavored broth and artisan-crafted noodles. Lastly, they visit \u003cstrong>Las Cazuelas\u003c/strong> in San Jose’s historic Alameda District, an old school favorite that’s been offering delicious, affordable Mexican dishes to the community since 1960. Finally, reporter Cecilia Phillips racks up wins for her taste buds as she heads to Paypal Park to try food truck fare that fans enjoy on Bay FC game days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_22277\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-22277\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-2048x1365.png 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-1920x1280.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Toss Boade, Caprice Dydasco and Danielle Slaton from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://orchardcitykitchen.com\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Butter House (Seaside)\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":9153,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"16\":9}'>Orchard City Kitchen \u003c/span>\u003c/strong>(Campbell)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://hironori.com\">\u003cstrong>HiroNori Craft Ramen\u003c/strong> (Cupertino)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://lascazuelasrestaurants.com\">\u003cstrong>Las Cazuelas\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/paypal-park/\">\u003cstrong>Paypal Park Game Day Food Trucks \u003c/strong>(San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-22268\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait.jpg 640w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait-160x200.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>My name is Josh Decolongon, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/jdecolongon\">audience engagement producer\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. For this episode, I’m helping out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography\">host\u003c/a> Leslie Sbrocco with some tasting notes on the wine, beer and spirits the guests and Leslie had on set during the taping of the show!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-22279\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines-800x450.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines-800x450.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines-1020x574.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines-160x90.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://digby-fine-english.com/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Digby NV “Fine English” Brut\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>England $45\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nThis Pinot-driven sparkler from England starts off with plum, red apple, and bits of Rainier cherry that open up to a streak of yeast and minerality. Dry and light-footed but present — not brash, but just enough footing to make its mark. Creamy mousse on the palate opening up to apple skin, almonds and cinnamon. Shows poise and restraint but not shy by any means. Great value!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.aqueria.com/en/vins/tavel/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Château de Aqueria 2021 Tavel\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Tavel, Rhône Valley, France $22\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nI’m not a fan of the plethora of rosés that tend to be overly elegant and offer nothing but crisp citrus and red fruit as background extras with no real main character. Tavel is where I head to for a safer gamble when it comes to complexity. This Grenache-based rosé centers around rhubarb and raspberry — something in the middle of ripe and vegetal, like eating berries during a summer hike through a forest. Weightier than one might expect on the palate, with cleansing and acidity and an earthy ending worthy of a charcuterie board or BBQ chicken. A steal for $22. Tip: drink this one closer to room temperature.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://prosper-maufoux.com/en\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Prosper Maufoux 2020 “Domaine Vigne au Roy” Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits\u003c/span>\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, Côtes de Nuits, Bourgogne, France $30\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nIt can be really hard to find relatively affordable and characterful Pinot Noir from Burgundy, which can make sense given its temperamental nature. This hits the spot, though, with a combination of ripe strawberries and black cherries along with a hint of cola that, dare I say, almost gives it a hint of California. Dry and lithe, silky and fresh, opening up to an earthy savory quality. I wouldn’t pair this with a steak, but it’s versatile enough for a backyard BBQ.\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1725579362,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 11,
"wordCount": 588
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Orchard City Kitchen, HiroNori Craft Ramen, Las Cazuelas | KQED",
"description": "Bay Area foodies review New American fusion bites in Campbell, craft ramen in Cupertino and old school Mexican fare in San Jose.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Bay Area foodies review New American fusion bites in Campbell, craft ramen in Cupertino and old school Mexican fare in San Jose.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Orchard City Kitchen, HiroNori Craft Ramen, Las Cazuelas",
"datePublished": "2024-07-25T19:30:54-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-09-05T16:36:02-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"videoEmbed": "https://youtu.be/9jI6I5vMsdY",
"sticky": false,
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/22275/check-please-bay-area-reviews-orchard-city-kitchen-hironori-craft-ramen-las-cazuelas",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 8, airs Wednesday, July 25, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check, Please! Bay Area is scoring big with three guests from \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/\">\u003cstrong>Bay FC\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, the region’s first ever National Women’s Soccer League team! Diners kickoff at Michelin-recognized \u003cstrong>Orchard City Kitchen\u003c/strong> in Campbell, where New American dishes with bold flavors are inspired by a blend of different cultures, like garlic noodles and Korean fried chicken. Next, our guests get the ball rolling at \u003cstrong>HiroNori Craft Ramen\u003c/strong> in Cupertino where they deliver Japanese craft ramen with elaborately-flavored broth and artisan-crafted noodles. Lastly, they visit \u003cstrong>Las Cazuelas\u003c/strong> in San Jose’s historic Alameda District, an old school favorite that’s been offering delicious, affordable Mexican dishes to the community since 1960. Finally, reporter Cecilia Phillips racks up wins for her taste buds as she heads to Paypal Park to try food truck fare that fans enjoy on Bay FC game days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_22277\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-22277\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-2048x1365.png 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Guests-1920x1280.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Toss Boade, Caprice Dydasco and Danielle Slaton from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://orchardcitykitchen.com\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Butter House (Seaside)\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":9153,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"16\":9}'>Orchard City Kitchen \u003c/span>\u003c/strong>(Campbell)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://hironori.com\">\u003cstrong>HiroNori Craft Ramen\u003c/strong> (Cupertino)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://lascazuelasrestaurants.com\">\u003cstrong>Las Cazuelas\u003c/strong> (San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/paypal-park/\">\u003cstrong>Paypal Park Game Day Food Trucks \u003c/strong>(San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-22268\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait.jpg 640w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait-160x200.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>My name is Josh Decolongon, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/jdecolongon\">audience engagement producer\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. For this episode, I’m helping out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography\">host\u003c/a> Leslie Sbrocco with some tasting notes on the wine, beer and spirits the guests and Leslie had on set during the taping of the show!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-22279\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines-800x450.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines-800x450.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines-1020x574.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines-160x90.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1908Wines.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://digby-fine-english.com/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Digby NV “Fine English” Brut\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>England $45\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nThis Pinot-driven sparkler from England starts off with plum, red apple, and bits of Rainier cherry that open up to a streak of yeast and minerality. Dry and light-footed but present — not brash, but just enough footing to make its mark. Creamy mousse on the palate opening up to apple skin, almonds and cinnamon. Shows poise and restraint but not shy by any means. Great value!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.aqueria.com/en/vins/tavel/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Château de Aqueria 2021 Tavel\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Tavel, Rhône Valley, France $22\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nI’m not a fan of the plethora of rosés that tend to be overly elegant and offer nothing but crisp citrus and red fruit as background extras with no real main character. Tavel is where I head to for a safer gamble when it comes to complexity. This Grenache-based rosé centers around rhubarb and raspberry — something in the middle of ripe and vegetal, like eating berries during a summer hike through a forest. Weightier than one might expect on the palate, with cleansing and acidity and an earthy ending worthy of a charcuterie board or BBQ chicken. A steal for $22. Tip: drink this one closer to room temperature.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://prosper-maufoux.com/en\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Prosper Maufoux 2020 “Domaine Vigne au Roy” Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits\u003c/span>\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, Côtes de Nuits, Bourgogne, France $30\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nIt can be really hard to find relatively affordable and characterful Pinot Noir from Burgundy, which can make sense given its temperamental nature. This hits the spot, though, with a combination of ripe strawberries and black cherries along with a hint of cola that, dare I say, almost gives it a hint of California. Dry and lithe, silky and fresh, opening up to an earthy savory quality. I wouldn’t pair this with a steak, but it’s versatile enough for a backyard BBQ.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/22275/check-please-bay-area-reviews-orchard-city-kitchen-hironori-craft-ramen-las-cazuelas",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3845",
"checkplease_250",
"checkplease_8131",
"checkplease_9105",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_8643",
"checkplease_3731",
"checkplease_3847",
"checkplease_3871",
"checkplease_3753",
"checkplease_3741",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_8964",
"checkplease_9307",
"checkplease_91"
],
"tags": [
"checkplease_8957",
"checkplease_8574",
"checkplease_8714",
"checkplease_8991",
"checkplease_763",
"checkplease_8645",
"checkplease_9049",
"checkplease_9351",
"checkplease_9245",
"checkplease_8794",
"checkplease_9350",
"checkplease_8946",
"checkplease_9091",
"checkplease_8573",
"checkplease_9352",
"checkplease_8568",
"checkplease_8583",
"checkplease_7985",
"checkplease_8900",
"checkplease_9037"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_22282",
"label": "checkplease_9339"
},
"checkplease_22264": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_22264",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "22264",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1721874678000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-reviews-eggys-neighborhood-kitchen-la-gare-lao-table",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Eggy's Neighborhood Kitchen, La Gare, Lao Table",
"publishDate": 1721874678,
"format": "video",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen, La Gare, Lao Table | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 7, airs Wednesday, July 24, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">On this episode of \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the guests begin their culinary journey in Berkeley at \u003cstrong>Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen\u003c/strong>. Established in 2023, Eggy’s lives up to its name with a variety of delicious breakfast go-tos, ranging from churro waffles to chilaquiles, and Bellinis to benedicts. Next, guests stop by \u003cstrong>La Gare\u003c/strong> in Santa Rosa, a romantic hideaway that stays true to its Swiss-French roots, serving decadent European fare since 1979. Then, \u003cstrong>Lao Table\u003c/strong> in San Francisco brings the bold and colorful flavors of Laos to the Bay. Here, contemporary cooking techniques create flavorful Laotian dishes like panang lamb curry, a thick curry lamb stew with kaffir lime leaves.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_22267\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-22267\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-800x533.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-1020x680.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-1920x1280.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Ed Locker, Jean Calixto and Danielle Cheiken from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://eggysneighborhoodkitchen.com\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Butter House (Seaside)\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":9153,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"16\":9}'>Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen \u003c/span>\u003c/strong>(Berkeley)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://lagarerestaurant.com/\">\u003cstrong>La Gare\u003c/strong> (Santa Rosa)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://laotablesf.com\">\u003cstrong>Lao Table\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-22268\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait.jpg 640w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait-160x200.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>My name is Josh Decolongon, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/jdecolongon\">audience engagement producer\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. For this episode, I’m helping out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography\">host\u003c/a> Leslie Sbrocco with some tasting notes on the wine, beer and spirits the guests and Leslie had on set during the taping of the show!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-22269\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines-800x450.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines-800x450.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines-1020x574.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines-160x90.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.iconic-spirits.com/awayuki-gin\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Awayuki Strawberry Flavored Gin\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Nara Prefecture, Japan $40\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nBeautifully perfumed, starting somewhere in between strawberry ice cream and dried roses, while juniper fills out the bass notes. Just as two-toned on the palate as the floral character gives way to a strawberry ribbon, before ending dry and herbal. Not for the lover of the traditional, which means this is perfect for me. Literally Doja Cat and SZA’s “Kiss Me More” in liquid form. Lovely on its own, on the rocks, or with seltzer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cantinecastellodiverduno.it/en/portfolio/s-ciopet/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Castello di Verduno 2019 “S-ciopét” Rosato Dosaggio Zero\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Piemonte, Italy $54\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>I’m definitely always down for alternative, off-the-beaten path sparkling wines. This beautiful onion skin hue gives notes of apricot, orange zest, a hint of nuts, and a touch of dried red fruit on the nose. It’s much less shy on the palate with a striking combination of red apple, raspberries, and lemon, a bolt of acidity giving way to a runway of savory yeast. Dry and lively: unique enough to enjoy on its own, but hefty enough to stand up to a charcuterie board.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reverdito.it/en/vino/langhe-nascetta-doc/\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Reverdito 2022 Nascetta\u003c/span>\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Langhe, Piemonte, Italy $21\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nPale lemon color with an initial swirl of intense pear, citrus, and stone fruit on the nose, opening up with some honey, and accented by a hint of sea spray. The equally expressive palate almost gives a slight sensation of freshly-squeezed orange juice, down to the scant herbaceousness of the zest, finishing with an pleasant bitterness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp> \u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1725579364,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 11,
"wordCount": 485
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Eggy's Neighborhood Kitchen, La Gare, Lao Table | KQED",
"description": "Bay Area foodies review Mexican-inspired brunch in Berkeley, French fare in Santa Rosa and contemporary Laotian delights in San Francisco.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Bay Area foodies review Mexican-inspired brunch in Berkeley, French fare in Santa Rosa and contemporary Laotian delights in San Francisco.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Eggy's Neighborhood Kitchen, La Gare, Lao Table",
"datePublished": "2024-07-24T19:31:18-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-09-05T16:36:04-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"videoEmbed": "https://youtu.be/ZSJsj9mu_6U",
"source": "Food",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/food",
"sticky": false,
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/22264/check-please-bay-area-reviews-eggys-neighborhood-kitchen-la-gare-lao-table",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 7, airs Wednesday, July 24, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">On this episode of \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the guests begin their culinary journey in Berkeley at \u003cstrong>Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen\u003c/strong>. Established in 2023, Eggy’s lives up to its name with a variety of delicious breakfast go-tos, ranging from churro waffles to chilaquiles, and Bellinis to benedicts. Next, guests stop by \u003cstrong>La Gare\u003c/strong> in Santa Rosa, a romantic hideaway that stays true to its Swiss-French roots, serving decadent European fare since 1979. Then, \u003cstrong>Lao Table\u003c/strong> in San Francisco brings the bold and colorful flavors of Laos to the Bay. Here, contemporary cooking techniques create flavorful Laotian dishes like panang lamb curry, a thick curry lamb stew with kaffir lime leaves.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_22267\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-22267\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-800x533.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-1020x680.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_group02-1920x1280.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Ed Locker, Jean Calixto and Danielle Cheiken from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://eggysneighborhoodkitchen.com\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Butter House (Seaside)\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":9153,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"16\":9}'>Eggy’s Neighborhood Kitchen \u003c/span>\u003c/strong>(Berkeley)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://lagarerestaurant.com/\">\u003cstrong>La Gare\u003c/strong> (Santa Rosa)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://laotablesf.com\">\u003cstrong>Lao Table\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-22268\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait.jpg 640w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/joshdecolongonportrait-160x200.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>My name is Josh Decolongon, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/jdecolongon\">audience engagement producer\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. For this episode, I’m helping out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography\">host\u003c/a> Leslie Sbrocco with some tasting notes on the wine, beer and spirits the guests and Leslie had on set during the taping of the show!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-22269\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines-800x450.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines-800x450.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines-1020x574.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines-160x90.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1907_Wines.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.iconic-spirits.com/awayuki-gin\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Awayuki Strawberry Flavored Gin\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Nara Prefecture, Japan $40\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nBeautifully perfumed, starting somewhere in between strawberry ice cream and dried roses, while juniper fills out the bass notes. Just as two-toned on the palate as the floral character gives way to a strawberry ribbon, before ending dry and herbal. Not for the lover of the traditional, which means this is perfect for me. Literally Doja Cat and SZA’s “Kiss Me More” in liquid form. Lovely on its own, on the rocks, or with seltzer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cantinecastellodiverduno.it/en/portfolio/s-ciopet/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Castello di Verduno 2019 “S-ciopét” Rosato Dosaggio Zero\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Piemonte, Italy $54\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>I’m definitely always down for alternative, off-the-beaten path sparkling wines. This beautiful onion skin hue gives notes of apricot, orange zest, a hint of nuts, and a touch of dried red fruit on the nose. It’s much less shy on the palate with a striking combination of red apple, raspberries, and lemon, a bolt of acidity giving way to a runway of savory yeast. Dry and lively: unique enough to enjoy on its own, but hefty enough to stand up to a charcuterie board.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.reverdito.it/en/vino/langhe-nascetta-doc/\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Reverdito 2022 Nascetta\u003c/span>\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Langhe, Piemonte, Italy $21\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nPale lemon color with an initial swirl of intense pear, citrus, and stone fruit on the nose, opening up with some honey, and accented by a hint of sea spray. The equally expressive palate almost gives a slight sensation of freshly-squeezed orange juice, down to the scant herbaceousness of the zest, finishing with an pleasant bitterness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp> \u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/22264/check-please-bay-area-reviews-eggys-neighborhood-kitchen-la-gare-lao-table",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3845",
"checkplease_3763",
"checkplease_3873",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_9210",
"checkplease_3740",
"checkplease_3730",
"checkplease_3731",
"checkplease_9200",
"checkplease_3761",
"checkplease_3871",
"checkplease_8103",
"checkplease_3753",
"checkplease_3742",
"checkplease_3472",
"checkplease_3738",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_3739",
"checkplease_3729",
"checkplease_9209",
"checkplease_8114",
"checkplease_9307"
],
"tags": [
"checkplease_8508",
"checkplease_8633",
"checkplease_1368",
"checkplease_763",
"checkplease_9347",
"checkplease_8602",
"checkplease_8865",
"checkplease_9348",
"checkplease_9349",
"checkplease_8881",
"checkplease_9357",
"checkplease_8946",
"checkplease_9091",
"checkplease_8573",
"checkplease_8518",
"checkplease_8546",
"checkplease_7985",
"checkplease_9037"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_22271",
"label": "source_checkplease_22264"
},
"checkplease_22257": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_22257",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "22257",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1721788239000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-reviews-town-fare-la-traviata-piglet-co",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Town Fare, La Traviata, Piglet & Co.",
"publishDate": 1721788239,
"format": "video",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Town Fare, La Traviata, Piglet & Co. | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 6, airs Tuesday, July 23, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Located inside the Oakland Museum of California, \u003cstrong>Town Fare by Michele McQueen\u003c/strong> specializes in creative takes on comforting soul food – think sweet potato waffles and low country shrimp and grits. Next up comes \u003cstrong>La Traviata\u003c/strong> in San Francisco’s Mission District, where Italian classics like prosciutto e melone and lasagna bolognese are served with a lively side of opera music. Lastly, San Francisco’s \u003cstrong>Piglet & Co.\u003c/strong> brings guests a non-traditional twist on sumptuous Taiwanese flavors, from mala BBQ pork ribs to honey walnut shrimp pork toast. Reporter Cecilia Phillips rounds out this week’s episode with a visit to the \u003cstrong>Redwood City Kiwanis Farmers Market\u003c/strong>, the oldest farmers market on the Peninsula.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_22258\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-22258\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-800x533.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-1020x680.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-1920x1280.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Nik Dehejia, Carly Schwartz and Andrew Kaufteil from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://townfarecafe.com\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Butter House (Seaside)\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":9153,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"16\":9}'>Town Fare by Michele McQueen \u003c/span>\u003c/strong>(Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://orderlatraviata.com\">\u003cstrong>La Traviata\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.pigletandco.com\">\u003cstrong>Piglet & Co.\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-22259\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2021\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-scaled.jpg 2021w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-800x1013.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-1020x1292.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-160x203.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-768x973.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-1213x1536.jpg 1213w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-1617x2048.jpg 1617w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-1920x2432.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2021px) 100vw, 2021px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.esporao.com/en/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">2022 Esporão Reserva Branco\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Alentejo, Portugal $23\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nAs a lover of Portuguese wines, I constantly recommend them for a combination of uniqueness, quality, and affordability. One of my top picks for all three of these criteria are the wines from Esporão. Their Reserva line hailing from an area called the Alentejo, truly represents Portugal in a glass. This lusciously fresh white is crafted from a blend of local grape varieties named Antão Vaz, Arinto, and Roupeiro. What results is a wine with vibrancy and complexity that pairs with a variety of dishes including delicate grilled fish and spicy pulled pork. Dry yet fruity, it’s a white wine for warm days and cool nights.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003ca style=\"color: #339966\" href=\"https://lapostollewines.com/en/home/\">2022 Lapostolle ‘Grand Selection’ Sauvignon Blanc\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Valle Del Rapel, Chile $15\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nHaving had the privilege to travel to Chile multiple times, one of my most memorable visits was to Lapostolle’s winery in Apalta. Founded in 1994 by French owners Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet, of the famed, centuries-old French wine and spirits family, Lapostolle has become a key player in Chile. Their Chilean wines range from affordable sippers to collectable bottles ranking among the world’s best. As the winery says, their wines are French in essence, Chilean by birth. This lively, lovely Sauvignon Blanc certainly encapsulates that phrase. The white’s crisp, citrus flavors are accented by mineral-laden complexity. A classic yet affordable sipper that ranks among my “best value whites” on the market today.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.dallaterra.com/tech-sheet/tenuta-whitaker-mozia-grillo-sicilia-doc\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">2022 Tenuta Whitaker ‘Mozia’ Grillo\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Sicilia DOC, Italy $30\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nGrillo (\u003cem>pronounced GREE-low\u003c/em>) from Sicily is a hidden treasure in the world of white wine. A local grape variety known for producing fortified Marsala, the last decade has seen a rise in dry versions from Sicily. The Mozia Grillo, however, is a culinary treasure. Full-bodied with peach flavors and floral, herbal aromas, it’s a singular white that is meant to savor alone or with food. Why is it so special? Mozia is a small island in the Marsala lagoon in Sicily. In the 1800’s the Whitaker family bought the historic island. They partnered with highly regarded Sicilian wine producer, Tasca d’Almerita, to make a limited amount of Grillo from Mozia. A beauty to sip.\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1725579366,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 10,
"wordCount": 625
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Town Fare, La Traviata, Piglet & Co. | KQED",
"description": "Bay Area foodies review creative soul food in Oakland, Italian fare & opera in San Francisco and twists on Taiwanese plates in San Francisco.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Bay Area foodies review creative soul food in Oakland, Italian fare & opera in San Francisco and twists on Taiwanese plates in San Francisco.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Town Fare, La Traviata, Piglet & Co.",
"datePublished": "2024-07-23T19:30:39-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-09-05T16:36:06-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"videoEmbed": "https://youtu.be/ZPJMMo1KIwQ",
"source": "Food",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/food",
"sticky": false,
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/22257/check-please-bay-area-reviews-town-fare-la-traviata-piglet-co",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 6, airs Tuesday, July 23, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Located inside the Oakland Museum of California, \u003cstrong>Town Fare by Michele McQueen\u003c/strong> specializes in creative takes on comforting soul food – think sweet potato waffles and low country shrimp and grits. Next up comes \u003cstrong>La Traviata\u003c/strong> in San Francisco’s Mission District, where Italian classics like prosciutto e melone and lasagna bolognese are served with a lively side of opera music. Lastly, San Francisco’s \u003cstrong>Piglet & Co.\u003c/strong> brings guests a non-traditional twist on sumptuous Taiwanese flavors, from mala BBQ pork ribs to honey walnut shrimp pork toast. Reporter Cecilia Phillips rounds out this week’s episode with a visit to the \u003cstrong>Redwood City Kiwanis Farmers Market\u003c/strong>, the oldest farmers market on the Peninsula.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_22258\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-22258\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-800x533.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-1020x680.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_group2-1920x1280.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Nik Dehejia, Carly Schwartz and Andrew Kaufteil from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://townfarecafe.com\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Butter House (Seaside)\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":9153,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"16\":9}'>Town Fare by Michele McQueen \u003c/span>\u003c/strong>(Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://orderlatraviata.com\">\u003cstrong>La Traviata\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.pigletandco.com\">\u003cstrong>Piglet & Co.\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-22259\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2021\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-scaled.jpg 2021w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-800x1013.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-1020x1292.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-160x203.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-768x973.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-1213x1536.jpg 1213w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-1617x2048.jpg 1617w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1906_wines-1920x2432.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2021px) 100vw, 2021px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.esporao.com/en/\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">2022 Esporão Reserva Branco\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Alentejo, Portugal $23\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nAs a lover of Portuguese wines, I constantly recommend them for a combination of uniqueness, quality, and affordability. One of my top picks for all three of these criteria are the wines from Esporão. Their Reserva line hailing from an area called the Alentejo, truly represents Portugal in a glass. This lusciously fresh white is crafted from a blend of local grape varieties named Antão Vaz, Arinto, and Roupeiro. What results is a wine with vibrancy and complexity that pairs with a variety of dishes including delicate grilled fish and spicy pulled pork. Dry yet fruity, it’s a white wine for warm days and cool nights.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003ca style=\"color: #339966\" href=\"https://lapostollewines.com/en/home/\">2022 Lapostolle ‘Grand Selection’ Sauvignon Blanc\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Valle Del Rapel, Chile $15\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nHaving had the privilege to travel to Chile multiple times, one of my most memorable visits was to Lapostolle’s winery in Apalta. Founded in 1994 by French owners Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet, of the famed, centuries-old French wine and spirits family, Lapostolle has become a key player in Chile. Their Chilean wines range from affordable sippers to collectable bottles ranking among the world’s best. As the winery says, their wines are French in essence, Chilean by birth. This lively, lovely Sauvignon Blanc certainly encapsulates that phrase. The white’s crisp, citrus flavors are accented by mineral-laden complexity. A classic yet affordable sipper that ranks among my “best value whites” on the market today.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.dallaterra.com/tech-sheet/tenuta-whitaker-mozia-grillo-sicilia-doc\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">2022 Tenuta Whitaker ‘Mozia’ Grillo\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Sicilia DOC, Italy $30\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nGrillo (\u003cem>pronounced GREE-low\u003c/em>) from Sicily is a hidden treasure in the world of white wine. A local grape variety known for producing fortified Marsala, the last decade has seen a rise in dry versions from Sicily. The Mozia Grillo, however, is a culinary treasure. Full-bodied with peach flavors and floral, herbal aromas, it’s a singular white that is meant to savor alone or with food. Why is it so special? Mozia is a small island in the Marsala lagoon in Sicily. In the 1800’s the Whitaker family bought the historic island. They partnered with highly regarded Sicilian wine producer, Tasca d’Almerita, to make a limited amount of Grillo from Mozia. A beauty to sip.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/22257/check-please-bay-area-reviews-town-fare-la-traviata-piglet-co",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3845",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_3740",
"checkplease_3730",
"checkplease_9210",
"checkplease_3731",
"checkplease_9200",
"checkplease_3751",
"checkplease_3871",
"checkplease_9212",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_3729",
"checkplease_9209",
"checkplease_3739",
"checkplease_9307",
"checkplease_3934",
"checkplease_8175",
"checkplease_9338"
],
"tags": [
"checkplease_763",
"checkplease_8548",
"checkplease_9162",
"checkplease_8566",
"checkplease_8946",
"checkplease_8798",
"checkplease_8509",
"checkplease_8518",
"checkplease_8707",
"checkplease_9007",
"checkplease_9005",
"checkplease_9329",
"checkplease_9328",
"checkplease_7985",
"checkplease_9037"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_22260",
"label": "source_checkplease_22257"
},
"checkplease_22247": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "checkplease_22247",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "22247",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1721701852000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "check-please-bay-area-reviews-lita-simurgh-bakery-and-cafe-porterhouse",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: LITA, Simurgh Bakery and Cafe, Porterhouse",
"publishDate": 1721701852,
"format": "video",
"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: LITA, Simurgh Bakery and Cafe, Porterhouse | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 5, airs Monday, July 22, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>First up, East Coast meets West Coast at \u003cstrong>LITA\u003c/strong> in Walnut Creek, where guests enjoy Caribbean-Latin staples with Miami influences. Then, in Emeryville at \u003cstrong>Simurgh Bakery & Cafe\u003c/strong> come Turkish delights featuring twists on baklava, bagels and borek, all made fresh daily. Last up, guests visit \u003cstrong>Porterhouse\u003c/strong>, a classic steakhouse nestled in San Mateo that serves up dry-aged steaks and sensational flambées.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_22248\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-22248\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-800x533.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-1020x680.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-1920x1280.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Tina Wentworth, Justin Mallet and Thuy Nguyen from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://litawalnutcreek.com\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Butter House (Seaside)\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":9153,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"16\":9}'>LITA \u003c/span>\u003c/strong>(Walnut Creek)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://simurghbakery.com/cafe\">\u003cstrong>Simurgh Bakery & Cafe\u003c/strong> (Emeryville)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://porterhousesanmateo.com\">\u003cstrong>Porterhouse\u003c/strong> (San Mateo)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-22253\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-800x755.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"755\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-800x755.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-1020x962.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-160x151.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-768x725.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-1536x1449.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-2048x1932.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-1920x1811.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located on the southeastern tip of Australia, Victoria is home to more than 21 wine subregions. These include famed places and styles from the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Rutherglen. A coastal area where mountain ranges lead to expansive plains dotted by lakes, creeks, and rivers, this cool-climate growing region produces wines known for their diversity, intensity, and elegance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://zilziewinesusa.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cb>2023 Zilzie Sauvignon Blanc\u003c/b>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Victoria, Australia $19\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nFour generations of the Forbes family have lived with their agricultural roots firmly planted in Victoria. In the early 1980’s Ian and Ross Forbes planted vineyards, which redefined their family’s future as vintners. Their wines hit the mark with mouthwatering complexity. This crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blanc smacks of citrus with hints of herbal freshness. It’s a perfect pairing with spicy fare, grilled fish, and green or fruit salads.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.fowleswines.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">2021 Fowles ‘Ladies who Shoot their Lunch’ Wild Ferment Chardonnay\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Victoria, Australia $35\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nHaving fun with wine is a Fowles family trademark. Their ‘Ladies who Shoot their Lunch’ wines pay tribute to the family’s farming and hunting heritage. They are crafted with the goal of complementing the earthy, intense flavors of wild game. This full-bodied Chardonnay overflows with tropical stone fruit aromas of peach and mango tempered on the palate with a kick of minerality and a kiss of spicy oak. Fermented with wild yeast, which adds layers of flavor, this delicious Chardonnay is ideal to sip alone or with hearty fare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.fowleswines.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">2021 Fowles ‘Farm to Table’ Pinot Noir\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Victoria, Australia $18\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>The Fowles are a family of sheep farmers and grape growers. Dating to the early 1830s, their homestead in Victoria gives a rare glimpse of Australia’s agricultural past. Located in the rugged Strathbogie Ranges, the wines hailing from this cool-climate region capture food-friendly vibrancy along with palate-pleasing ripeness. This strawberry-scented beauty is layered with spice and a hint of rose petal earthiness. Elegant and juicy, it not only pairs with pork (as the whimsical label indicates) but also with fatty fish dishes and grilled mushroom and red pepper kabobs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003ca style=\"color: #339966\" href=\"http://www.Chalmers.com.au\">2021 Chalmers Nero d’Avola\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Heathcote, Victoria, Australia $29\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nNot only winemakers, the Chalmers family also sports titles of sustainable vineyard growers and grape vine nursery owners. They focus on crafting and growing Italian grape varieties out of passion and serendipity. Nero d’Avola normally hails from Sicily in Italy, but the Chalmers’ unique version captures the light and lovely side of the hearty red grape. Bright berry flavors combine with earthy aromas and a touch of floral notes in a racy red that can be chilled and enjoyed for warm weather sipping.\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1725579368,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 12,
"wordCount": 628
},
"headData": {
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: LITA, Simurgh Bakery and Cafe, Porterhouse | KQED",
"description": "Bay Area foodies review Caribbean-Latin fare in Walnut Creek, twists on Turkish delights in Emeryville and dry-aged steaks in San Mateo.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "Bay Area foodies review Caribbean-Latin fare in Walnut Creek, twists on Turkish delights in Emeryville and dry-aged steaks in San Mateo.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: LITA, Simurgh Bakery and Cafe, Porterhouse",
"datePublished": "2024-07-22T19:30:52-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-09-05T16:36:08-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"videoEmbed": "https://youtu.be/huGUL3VfSMY",
"source": "Food",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/food",
"sticky": false,
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/checkplease/22247/check-please-bay-area-reviews-lita-simurgh-bakery-and-cafe-porterhouse",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 5, airs Monday, July 22, at 7:30 pm, on KQED 9. See other \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/tv/programs/index.jsp?pgmid=14084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">television airtimes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>First up, East Coast meets West Coast at \u003cstrong>LITA\u003c/strong> in Walnut Creek, where guests enjoy Caribbean-Latin staples with Miami influences. Then, in Emeryville at \u003cstrong>Simurgh Bakery & Cafe\u003c/strong> come Turkish delights featuring twists on baklava, bagels and borek, all made fresh daily. Last up, guests visit \u003cstrong>Porterhouse\u003c/strong>, a classic steakhouse nestled in San Mateo that serves up dry-aged steaks and sensational flambées.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_22248\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-22248\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-800x533.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-1020x680.jpeg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_group1-1920x1280.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Tina Wentworth, Justin Mallet and Thuy Nguyen from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://litawalnutcreek.com\">\u003cstrong>\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"The Butter House (Seaside)\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":9153,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"9\":1,\"10\":1,\"11\":4,\"12\":0,\"16\":9}'>LITA \u003c/span>\u003c/strong>(Walnut Creek)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://simurghbakery.com/cafe\">\u003cstrong>Simurgh Bakery & Cafe\u003c/strong> (Emeryville)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://porterhousesanmateo.com\">\u003cstrong>Porterhouse\u003c/strong> (San Mateo)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_20123\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-20123\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2019/04/Leslie-Headshot-Smokey-copy-800x540.jpg\" alt=\"Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine\" width=\"800\" height=\"540\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco sipping wine \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Leslie Sbrocco)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>My name is Leslie Sbrocco, and I’m the \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/checkplease/host-biography/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">host\u003c/a> of \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>. Each week, I’ll share my tasting notes about the wine, beer and spirits the guests and I drank on set during the taping of the show.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-22253\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-800x755.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"755\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-800x755.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-1020x962.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-160x151.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-768x725.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-1536x1449.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-2048x1932.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2024/07/1905_Wines-1920x1811.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located on the southeastern tip of Australia, Victoria is home to more than 21 wine subregions. These include famed places and styles from the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Rutherglen. A coastal area where mountain ranges lead to expansive plains dotted by lakes, creeks, and rivers, this cool-climate growing region produces wines known for their diversity, intensity, and elegance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://zilziewinesusa.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cb>2023 Zilzie Sauvignon Blanc\u003c/b>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Victoria, Australia $19\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nFour generations of the Forbes family have lived with their agricultural roots firmly planted in Victoria. In the early 1980’s Ian and Ross Forbes planted vineyards, which redefined their family’s future as vintners. Their wines hit the mark with mouthwatering complexity. This crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blanc smacks of citrus with hints of herbal freshness. It’s a perfect pairing with spicy fare, grilled fish, and green or fruit salads.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.fowleswines.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">2021 Fowles ‘Ladies who Shoot their Lunch’ Wild Ferment Chardonnay\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Victoria, Australia $35\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nHaving fun with wine is a Fowles family trademark. Their ‘Ladies who Shoot their Lunch’ wines pay tribute to the family’s farming and hunting heritage. They are crafted with the goal of complementing the earthy, intense flavors of wild game. This full-bodied Chardonnay overflows with tropical stone fruit aromas of peach and mango tempered on the palate with a kick of minerality and a kiss of spicy oak. Fermented with wild yeast, which adds layers of flavor, this delicious Chardonnay is ideal to sip alone or with hearty fare.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"http://www.fowleswines.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">2021 Fowles ‘Farm to Table’ Pinot Noir\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Victoria, Australia $18\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>The Fowles are a family of sheep farmers and grape growers. Dating to the early 1830s, their homestead in Victoria gives a rare glimpse of Australia’s agricultural past. Located in the rugged Strathbogie Ranges, the wines hailing from this cool-climate region capture food-friendly vibrancy along with palate-pleasing ripeness. This strawberry-scented beauty is layered with spice and a hint of rose petal earthiness. Elegant and juicy, it not only pairs with pork (as the whimsical label indicates) but also with fatty fish dishes and grilled mushroom and red pepper kabobs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003ca style=\"color: #339966\" href=\"http://www.Chalmers.com.au\">2021 Chalmers Nero d’Avola\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/strong>\u003cem>Heathcote, Victoria, Australia $29\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nNot only winemakers, the Chalmers family also sports titles of sustainable vineyard growers and grape vine nursery owners. They focus on crafting and growing Italian grape varieties out of passion and serendipity. Nero d’Avola normally hails from Sicily in Italy, but the Chalmers’ unique version captures the light and lovely side of the hearty red grape. Bright berry flavors combine with earthy aromas and a touch of floral notes in a racy red that can be chilled and enjoyed for warm weather sipping.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/checkplease/22247/check-please-bay-area-reviews-lita-simurgh-bakery-and-cafe-porterhouse",
"authors": [
"11084"
],
"programs": [
"checkplease_9339"
],
"categories": [
"checkplease_3758",
"checkplease_3784",
"checkplease_3750",
"checkplease_3730",
"checkplease_3740",
"checkplease_8033",
"checkplease_3731",
"checkplease_3871",
"checkplease_3754",
"checkplease_9186",
"checkplease_3741",
"checkplease_10",
"checkplease_8061",
"checkplease_9307",
"checkplease_91",
"checkplease_7975",
"checkplease_7947",
"checkplease_7949"
],
"tags": [
"checkplease_9356",
"checkplease_8894",
"checkplease_763",
"checkplease_8548",
"checkplease_8553",
"checkplease_8519",
"checkplease_8583",
"checkplease_8609",
"checkplease_9060",
"checkplease_8569"
],
"featImg": "checkplease_22255",
"label": "source_checkplease_22247"
}
},
"podcastsReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"podcasts": {}
},
"radioProgramsReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"radioPrograms": {}
},
"radioSearchSegmentsReducer": {},
"programsReducer": {
"all-things-considered": {
"id": "all-things-considered",
"title": "All Things Considered",
"info": "Every weekday, \u003cem>All Things Considered\u003c/em> hosts Robert Siegel, Audie Cornish, Ari Shapiro, and Kelly McEvers present the program's trademark mix of news, interviews, commentaries, reviews, and offbeat features. Michel Martin hosts on the weekends.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 1pm-2pm, 4:30pm-6:30pm\u003cbr />SAT-SUN 5pm-6pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/All-Things-Considered-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/all-things-considered/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/all-things-considered"
},
"american-suburb-podcast": {
"id": "american-suburb-podcast",
"title": "American Suburb: The Podcast",
"tagline": "The flip side of gentrification, told through one town",
"info": "Gentrification is changing cities across America, forcing people from neighborhoods they have long called home. Call them the displaced. Now those priced out of the Bay Area are looking for a better life in an unlikely place. American Suburb follows this migration to one California town along the Delta, 45 miles from San Francisco. But is this once sleepy suburb ready for them?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/American-Suburb-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/news/series/american-suburb-podcast",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 19
},
"link": "/news/series/american-suburb-podcast/",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/RBrW",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?mt=2&id=1287748328",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/American-Suburb-p1086805/",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/series/american-suburb-podcast/feed/podcast",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkMzMDExODgxNjA5"
}
},
"baycurious": {
"id": "baycurious",
"title": "Bay Curious",
"tagline": "Exploring the Bay Area, one question at a time",
"info": "KQED’s new podcast, Bay Curious, gets to the bottom of the mysteries — both profound and peculiar — that give the Bay Area its unique identity. And we’ll do it with your help! You ask the questions. You decide what Bay Curious investigates. And you join us on the journey to find the answers.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bay-Curious-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Bay Curious",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/news/series/baycurious",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 3
},
"link": "/podcasts/baycurious",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bay-curious/id1172473406",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/500557090/bay-curious",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/category/bay-curious-podcast/feed/podcast",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9a90d476-aa04-455d-9a4c-0871ed6216d4/bay-curious",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/bay-curious",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/6O76IdmhixfijmhTZLIJ8k"
}
},
"bbc-world-service": {
"id": "bbc-world-service",
"title": "BBC World Service",
"info": "The day's top stories from BBC News compiled twice daily in the week, once at weekends.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9pm-10pm, TUE-FRI 1am-2am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BBC-World-Service-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_world_service",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "BBC World Service"
},
"link": "/radio/program/bbc-world-service",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/global-news-podcast/id135067274?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/BBC-World-Service-p455581/",
"rss": "https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/p02nq0gn.rss"
}
},
"californiareport": {
"id": "californiareport",
"title": "The California Report",
"tagline": "California, day by day",
"info": "KQED’s statewide radio news program providing daily coverage of issues, trends and public policy decisions.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The California Report",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareport",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 8
},
"link": "/californiareport",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kqeds-the-california-report/id79681292",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/26099305-72af-4542-9dde-ac1807fe36d5/kqed-s-the-california-report",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432285393/the-california-report",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqedfm-kqeds-the-california-report-podcast-8838",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcram/feed/podcast"
}
},
"californiareportmagazine": {
"id": "californiareportmagazine",
"title": "The California Report Magazine",
"tagline": "Your state, your stories",
"info": "Every week, The California Report Magazine takes you on a road trip for the ears: to visit the places and meet the people who make California unique. The in-depth storytelling podcast from the California Report.",
"airtime": "FRI 4:30pm-5pm, 6:30pm-7pm, 11pm-11:30pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Magazine-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The California Report Magazine",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareportmagazine",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 10
},
"link": "/californiareportmagazine",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-california-report-magazine/id1314750545",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM3NjkwNjk1OTAz",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/564733126/the-california-report-magazine",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-california-report-magazine",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcrmag/feed/podcast"
}
},
"city-arts": {
"id": "city-arts",
"title": "City Arts & Lectures",
"info": "A one-hour radio program to hear celebrated writers, artists and thinkers address contemporary ideas and values, often discussing the creative process. Please note: tapes or transcripts are not available",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/cityartsandlecture-300x300.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.cityarts.net/",
"airtime": "SUN 1pm-2pm, TUE 10pm, WED 1am",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "City Arts & Lectures"
},
"link": "https://www.cityarts.net",
"subscribe": {
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/City-Arts-and-Lectures-p692/",
"rss": "https://www.cityarts.net/feed/"
}
},
"closealltabs": {
"id": "closealltabs",
"title": "Close All Tabs",
"tagline": "Your irreverent guide to the trends redefining our world",
"info": "Close All Tabs breaks down how digital culture shapes our world through thoughtful insights and irreverent humor.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAT_2_Tile-scaled.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Close All Tabs",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 1
},
"link": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/close-all-tabs/id214663465",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC6993880386",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/92d9d4ac-67a3-4eed-b10a-fb45d45b1ef2/close-all-tabs",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/6LAJFHnGK1pYXYzv6SIol6?si=deb0cae19813417c"
}
},
"code-switch-life-kit": {
"id": "code-switch-life-kit",
"title": "Code Switch / Life Kit",
"info": "\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em>, which listeners will hear in the first part of the hour, has fearless and much-needed conversations about race. Hosted by journalists of color, the show tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and more.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em>, which will be in the second part of the hour, guides you through spaces and feelings no one prepares you for — from finances to mental health, from workplace microaggressions to imposter syndrome, from relationships to parenting. The show features experts with real world experience and shares their knowledge. Because everyone needs a little help being human.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch\">\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/lifekit\">\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />",
"airtime": "SUN 9pm-10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Code-Switch-Life-Kit-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/code-switch-life-kit",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/1112190608?mt=2&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnByLm9yZy9yc3MvcG9kY2FzdC5waHA_aWQ9NTEwMzEy",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3bExJ9JQpkwNhoHvaIIuyV",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510312/podcast.xml"
}
},
"commonwealth-club": {
"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
"airtime": "THU 10pm, FRI 1am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.commonwealthclub.org/podcasts",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
"link": "/radio/program/commonwealth-club",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/commonwealth-club-of-california-podcast/id976334034?mt=2",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Commonwealth-Club-of-California-p1060/"
}
},
"forum": {
"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/forum",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 9
},
"link": "/forum",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kqeds-forum/id73329719",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM5NTU3MzgxNjMz",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432307980/forum",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqedfm-kqeds-forum-podcast",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC9557381633"
}
},
"freakonomics-radio": {
"id": "freakonomics-radio",
"title": "Freakonomics Radio",
"info": "Freakonomics Radio is a one-hour award-winning podcast and public-radio project hosted by Stephen Dubner, with co-author Steve Levitt as a regular guest. It is produced in partnership with WNYC.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/freakonomicsRadio.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/4s8b",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/freakonomicsradio"
}
},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "Fresh Air",
"info": "Hosted by Terry Gross, \u003cem>Fresh Air from WHYY\u003c/em> is the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues. One of public radio's most popular programs, Fresh Air features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 7pm-8pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fresh-Air-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/fresh-air",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/4s8b",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Fresh-Air-p17/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/381444908/podcast.xml"
}
},
"here-and-now": {
"id": "here-and-now",
"title": "Here & Now",
"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
"airtime": "MON-THU 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Here-And-Now-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/here-and-now",
"subsdcribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?mt=2&id=426698661",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Here--Now-p211/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510051/podcast.xml"
}
},
"hidden-brain": {
"id": "hidden-brain",
"title": "Hidden Brain",
"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/hiddenbrain.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain",
"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "NPR"
},
"link": "/radio/program/hidden-brain",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Science-Podcasts/Hidden-Brain-p787503/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510308/podcast.xml"
}
},
"how-i-built-this": {
"id": "how-i-built-this",
"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/howIBuiltThis.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this",
"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/3zxy",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/How-I-Built-This-p910896/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510313/podcast.xml"
}
},
"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
"imageAlt": "KQED Hyphenación",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 15
},
"link": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hyphenaci%C3%B3n/id1191591838",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/2p3Fifq96nw9BPcmFdIq0o?si=39209f7b25774f38",
"youtube": "https://www.youtube.com/c/kqedarts",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6c3dd23c-93fb-4aab-97ba-1725fa6315f1/hyphenaci%C3%B3n",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC2275451163"
}
},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/790253322/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1492194549",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/series/jerrybrown/feed/podcast/",
"tuneIn": "http://tun.in/pjGcK",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/54C1dmuyFyKMFttY6X2j6r?si=K8SgRCoISNK6ZbjpXrX5-w",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/44420f75-3b0e-4301-ab3b-16da6b09e543/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown"
}
},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/xtTd",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Latino-USA-p621/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=201853034&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/APM-Marketplace-p88/",
"rss": "https://feeds.publicradio.org/public_feeds/marketplace-pm/rss/rss"
}
},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Masters-of-Scale-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WaitWhat"
},
"link": "/radio/program/masters-of-scale",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "http://mastersofscale.app.link/",
"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindshift-podcast/id1078765985",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/464615685/mind-shift-podcast",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/stories-teachers-share",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxSpNYZKNprFLCl7eEtyx"
}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567098962",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDM2MC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbD9zYz1nb29nbGVwb2RjYXN0cw",
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/onourwatch",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/0OLWoyizopu6tY1XiuX70x",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-Our-Watch-p1436229/",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/show/on-our-watch",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510360/podcast.xml"
}
},
"on-the-media": {
"id": "on-the-media",
"title": "On The Media",
"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm-3pm, MON 12am-1am",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/onTheMedia.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/otm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wnyc"
},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-media/id73330715?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-the-Media-p69/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/onthemedia"
}
},
"pbs-newshour": {
"id": "pbs-newshour",
"title": "PBS NewsHour",
"info": "Analysis, background reports and updates from the PBS NewsHour putting today's news in context.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBS-News-Hour-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "pbs"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pbs-newshour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pbs-newshour-full-show/id394432287?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/PBS-NewsHour---Full-Show-p425698/",
"rss": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/feeds/rss/podcasts/show"
}
},
"perspectives": {
"id": "perspectives",
"title": "Perspectives",
"tagline": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991",
"info": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Perspectives_Tile_Final.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Perspectives",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/perspectives/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 14
},
"link": "/perspectives",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id73801135",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432309616/perspectives",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/perspectives/category/perspectives/feed/",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93dzIua3FlZC5vcmcvcGVyc3BlY3RpdmVzL2NhdGVnb3J5L3BlcnNwZWN0aXZlcy9mZWVkLw"
}
},
"planet-money": {
"id": "planet-money",
"title": "Planet Money",
"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/sections/money/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/M4f5",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business--Economics-Podcasts/Planet-Money-p164680/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510289/podcast.xml"
}
},
"politicalbreakdown": {
"id": "politicalbreakdown",
"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Political-Breakdown-2024-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Political Breakdown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 5
},
"link": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/political-breakdown/id1327641087",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e0c2d153-ad36-4c8d-901d-f1da6a724824/political-breakdown",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/572155894/political-breakdown",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/political-breakdown",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/07RVyIjIdk2WDuVehvBMoN",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/political-breakdown/feed/podcast"
}
},
"possible": {
"id": "possible",
"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Possible-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.possible.fm/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Possible"
},
"link": "/radio/program/possible",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/possible/id1677184070",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/730YpdUSNlMyPQwNnyjp4k"
}
},
"pri-the-world": {
"id": "pri-the-world",
"title": "PRI's The World: Latest Edition",
"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pri.org/programs/the-world",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "PRI"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pri-the-world",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pris-the-world-latest-edition/id278196007?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/PRIs-The-World-p24/",
"rss": "http://feeds.feedburner.com/pri/theworld"
}
},
"radiolab": {
"id": "radiolab",
"title": "Radiolab",
"info": "A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and many more.",
"airtime": "SUN 12am-1am, SAT 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/radiolab1400.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/radiolab/",
"meta": {
"site": "science",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/radiolab",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radiolab/id152249110?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/RadioLab-p68032/",
"rss": "https://feeds.wnyc.org/radiolab"
}
},
"reveal": {
"id": "reveal",
"title": "Reveal",
"info": "Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX, Reveal is public radios first one-hour weekly radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting. Credible, fact based and without a partisan agenda, Reveal combines the power and artistry of driveway moment storytelling with data-rich reporting on critically important issues. The result is stories that inform and inspire, arming our listeners with information to right injustices, hold the powerful accountable and improve lives.Reveal is hosted by Al Letson and showcases the award-winning work of CIR and newsrooms large and small across the nation. In a radio and podcast market crowded with choices, Reveal focuses on important and often surprising stories that illuminate the world for our listeners.",
"airtime": "SAT 4pm-5pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/reveal300px.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/reveal",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/reveal/id886009669",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Reveal-p679597/",
"rss": "http://feeds.revealradio.org/revealpodcast"
}
},
"rightnowish": {
"id": "rightnowish",
"title": "Rightnowish",
"tagline": "Art is where you find it",
"info": "Rightnowish digs into life in the Bay Area right now… ish. Journalist Pendarvis Harshaw takes us to galleries painted on the sides of liquor stores in West Oakland. We'll dance in warehouses in the Bayview, make smoothies with kids in South Berkeley, and listen to classical music in a 1984 Cutlass Supreme in Richmond. Every week, Pen talks to movers and shakers about how the Bay Area shapes what they create, and how they shape the place we call home.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rightnowish-Podcast-Tile-500x500-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Rightnowish with Pendarvis Harshaw",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/rightnowish",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 16
},
"link": "/podcasts/rightnowish",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/721590300/rightnowish",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/programs/rightnowish/feed/podcast",
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rightnowish/id1482187648",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/rightnowish",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkMxMjU5MTY3NDc4",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/7kEJuafTzTVan7B78ttz1I"
}
},
"science-friday": {
"id": "science-friday",
"title": "Science Friday",
"info": "Science Friday is a weekly science talk show, broadcast live over public radio stations nationwide. Each week, the show focuses on science topics that are in the news and tries to bring an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand. Panels of expert guests join host Ira Flatow, a veteran science journalist, to discuss science and to take questions from listeners during the call-in portion of the program.",
"airtime": "FRI 11am-1pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Science-Friday-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/science-friday",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/science-friday",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=73329284&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Science-Friday-p394/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/science-friday"
}
},
"snap-judgment": {
"id": "snap-judgment",
"title": "Snap Judgment",
"tagline": "Real stories with killer beats",
"info": "The Snap Judgment radio show and podcast mixes real stories with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic radio. Snap's musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. This is storytelling... with a BEAT!! Snap first aired on public radio stations nationwide in July 2010. Today, Snap Judgment airs on over 450 public radio stations and is brought to the airwaves by KQED & PRX.",
"airtime": "SAT 1pm-2pm, 9pm-10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Snap-Judgment-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Snap Judgment",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://snapjudgment.org",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 4
},
"link": "https://snapjudgment.org",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/snap-judgment/id283657561",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/449018144/snap-judgment",
"stitcher": "https://www.pandora.com/podcast/snap-judgment/PC:241?source=stitcher-sunset",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3Cct7ZWmxHNAtLgBTqjC5v",
"rss": "https://snap.feed.snapjudgment.org/"
}
},
"soldout": {
"id": "soldout",
"title": "SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America",
"tagline": "A new future for housing",
"info": "Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sold-Out-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/soldout",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 13
},
"link": "/podcasts/soldout",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/911586047/s-o-l-d-o-u-t-a-new-future-for-housing",
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-sold-out-rethinking-housing-in-america/id1531354937",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/soldout",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/38dTBSk2ISFoPiyYNoKn1X",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/sold-out-rethinking-housing-in-america",
"tunein": "https://tunein.com/radio/SOLD-OUT-Rethinking-Housing-in-America-p1365871/"
}
},
"spooked": {
"id": "spooked",
"title": "Spooked",
"tagline": "True-life supernatural stories",
"info": "",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spooked-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Spooked",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://spookedpodcast.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 7
},
"link": "https://spookedpodcast.org/",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spooked/id1279361017",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/549547848/snap-judgment-presents-spooked",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/76571Rfl3m7PLJQZKQIGCT",
"rss": "https://feeds.simplecast.com/TBotaapn"
}
},
"tech-nation": {
"id": "tech-nation",
"title": "Tech Nation Radio Podcast",
"info": "Tech Nation is a weekly public radio program, hosted by Dr. Moira Gunn. Founded in 1993, it has grown from a simple interview show to a multi-faceted production, featuring conversations with noted technology and science leaders, and a weekly science and technology-related commentary.",
"airtime": "FRI 10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tech-Nation-Radio-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://technation.podomatic.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "science",
"source": "Tech Nation Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/tech-nation",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://technation.podomatic.com/rss2.xml"
}
},
"ted-radio-hour": {
"id": "ted-radio-hour",
"title": "TED Radio Hour",
"info": "The TED Radio Hour is a journey through fascinating ideas, astonishing inventions, fresh approaches to old problems, and new ways to think and create.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm, SAT 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/tedRadioHour.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/?showDate=2018-06-22",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/ted-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/8vsS",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=523121474&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/TED-Radio-Hour-p418021/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510298/podcast.xml"
}
},
"thebay": {
"id": "thebay",
"title": "The Bay",
"tagline": "Local news to keep you rooted",
"info": "Host Devin Katayama walks you through the biggest story of the day with reporters and newsmakers.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Bay-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Bay",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/thebay",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 2
},
"link": "/podcasts/thebay",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bay/id1350043452",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d800ea4c-7a2c-42f2-b861-edaf78a5db0b/the-bay",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/586725995/the-bay",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-bay",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/4BIKBKIujizLHlIlBNaAqQ",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC8259786327"
}
},
"thelatest": {
"id": "thelatest",
"title": "The Latest",
"tagline": "Trusted local news in real time",
"info": "",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Latest-2025-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Latest",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/thelatest",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 6
},
"link": "/thelatest",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-latest-from-kqed/id1197721799",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1257949365/the-latest-from-k-q-e-d",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/5KIIXMgM9GTi5AepwOYvIZ?si=bd3053fec7244dba",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC9137121918"
}
},
"theleap": {
"id": "theleap",
"title": "The Leap",
"tagline": "What if you closed your eyes, and jumped?",
"info": "Stories about people making dramatic, risky changes, told by award-winning public radio reporter Judy Campbell.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Leap-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Leap",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/theleap",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 17
},
"link": "/podcasts/theleap",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leap/id1046668171",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/447248267/the-leap",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-leap",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3sSlVHHzU0ytLwuGs1SD1U",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/programs/the-leap/feed/podcast"
}
},
"the-moth-radio-hour": {
"id": "the-moth-radio-hour",
"title": "The Moth Radio Hour",
"info": "Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. The storyteller and the audience embark on a high-wire act of shared experience which is both terrifying and exhilarating. Since 2008, The Moth podcast has featured many of our favorite stories told live on Moth stages around the country. For information on all of our programs and live events, visit themoth.org.",
"airtime": "SAT 8pm-9pm and SUN 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/theMoth.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://themoth.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "prx"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-moth-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moth-podcast/id275699983?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/The-Moth-p273888/",
"rss": "http://feeds.themoth.org/themothpodcast"
}
},
"the-new-yorker-radio-hour": {
"id": "the-new-yorker-radio-hour",
"title": "The New Yorker Radio Hour",
"info": "The New Yorker Radio Hour is a weekly program presented by the magazine's editor, David Remnick, and produced by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker. Each episode features a diverse mix of interviews, profiles, storytelling, and an occasional burst of humor inspired by the magazine, and shaped by its writers, artists, and editors. This isn't a radio version of a magazine, but something all its own, reflecting the rich possibilities of audio storytelling and conversation. Theme music for the show was composed and performed by Merrill Garbus of tUnE-YArDs.",
"airtime": "SAT 10am-11am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-New-Yorker-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/tnyradiohour",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-new-yorker-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1050430296",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/New-Yorker-Radio-Hour-p803804/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/newyorkerradiohour"
}
},
"the-sam-sanders-show": {
"id": "the-sam-sanders-show",
"title": "The Sam Sanders Show",
"info": "One of public radio's most dynamic voices, Sam Sanders helped launch The NPR Politics Podcast and hosted NPR's hit show It's Been A Minute. Now, the award-winning host returns with something brand new, The Sam Sanders Show. Every week, Sam Sanders and friends dig into the culture that shapes our lives: what's driving the biggest trends, how artists really think, and even the memes you can't stop scrolling past. Sam is beloved for his way of unpacking the world and bringing you up close to fresh currents and engaging conversations. The Sam Sanders Show is smart, funny and always a good time.",
"airtime": "FRI 12-1pm AND SAT 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-Sam-Sanders-Show-Podcast-Tile-400x400-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.kcrw.com/shows/the-sam-sanders-show/latest",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "KCRW"
},
"link": "https://www.kcrw.com/shows/the-sam-sanders-show/latest",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://feed.cdnstream1.com/zjb/feed/download/ac/28/59/ac28594c-e1d0-4231-8728-61865cdc80e8.xml"
}
},
"the-splendid-table": {
"id": "the-splendid-table",
"title": "The Splendid Table",
"info": "\u003cem>The Splendid Table\u003c/em> hosts our nation's conversations about cooking, sustainability and food culture.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Splendid-Table-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.splendidtable.org/",
"airtime": "SUN 10-11 pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-splendid-table"
},
"this-american-life": {
"id": "this-american-life",
"title": "This American Life",
"info": "This American Life is a weekly public radio show, heard by 2.2 million people on more than 500 stations. Another 2.5 million people download the weekly podcast. It is hosted by Ira Glass, produced in collaboration with Chicago Public Media, delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange, and has won all of the major broadcasting awards.",
"airtime": "SAT 12pm-1pm, 7pm-8pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/thisAmericanLife.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.thisamericanlife.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wbez"
},
"link": "/radio/program/this-american-life",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=201671138&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"rss": "https://www.thisamericanlife.org/podcast/rss.xml"
}
},
"tinydeskradio": {
"id": "tinydeskradio",
"title": "Tiny Desk Radio",
"info": "We're bringing the best of Tiny Desk to the airwaves, only on public radio.",
"airtime": "SUN 8pm and SAT 9pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/300x300-For-Member-Station-Logo-Tiny-Desk-Radio-@2x.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/g-s1-52030/tiny-desk-radio",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/tinydeskradio",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/g-s1-52030/rss.xml"
}
},
"wait-wait-dont-tell-me": {
"id": "wait-wait-dont-tell-me",
"title": "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!",
"info": "Peter Sagal and Bill Kurtis host the weekly NPR News quiz show alongside some of the best and brightest news and entertainment personalities.",
"airtime": "SUN 10am-11am, SAT 11am-12pm, SAT 6pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Wait-Wait-Podcast-Tile-300x300-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/wait-wait-dont-tell-me",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/Xogv",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=121493804&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Wait-Wait-Dont-Tell-Me-p46/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/344098539/podcast.xml"
}
},
"weekend-edition-saturday": {
"id": "weekend-edition-saturday",
"title": "Weekend Edition Saturday",
"info": "Weekend Edition Saturday wraps up the week's news and offers a mix of analysis and features on a wide range of topics, including arts, sports, entertainment, and human interest stories. The two-hour program is hosted by NPR's Peabody Award-winning Scott Simon.",
"airtime": "SAT 5am-10am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Weekend-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-saturday/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/weekend-edition-saturday"
},
"weekend-edition-sunday": {
"id": "weekend-edition-sunday",
"title": "Weekend Edition Sunday",
"info": "Weekend Edition Sunday features interviews with newsmakers, artists, scientists, politicians, musicians, writers, theologians and historians. The program has covered news events from Nelson Mandela's 1990 release from a South African prison to the capture of Saddam Hussein.",
"airtime": "SUN 5am-10am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Weekend-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-sunday/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/weekend-edition-sunday"
}
},
"racesReducer": {},
"racesGenElectionReducer": {},
"racesGenElection2026Reducer": {},
"radioSchedulesReducer": {},
"listsReducer": {
"posts/checkplease?category=cuisine": {
"isFetching": false,
"latestQuery": {
"from": 24,
"size": 12
},
"vitalsOnly": false,
"totalRequested": 12,
"isLoading": false,
"isLoadingMore": true,
"total": {
"value": 385,
"relation": "eq"
},
"items": [
"checkplease_23431",
"checkplease_23409",
"checkplease_23386",
"checkplease_23361",
"checkplease_23346",
"checkplease_23296",
"checkplease_23283",
"checkplease_23255",
"checkplease_22275",
"checkplease_22264",
"checkplease_22257",
"checkplease_22247"
],
"complete": true
}
},
"recallGuideReducer": {
"intros": {},
"policy": {},
"candidates": {}
},
"savedArticleReducer": {
"articles": [],
"status": {}
},
"newslettersReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"newsletters": {},
"isSubscribing": false,
"isUnsubscribing": false,
"subscribedNewsletters": {}
},
"termsReducer": {
"about": {
"name": "About",
"type": "terms",
"id": "about",
"slug": "about",
"link": "/about",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"arts": {
"name": "Arts & Culture",
"grouping": [
"arts",
"pop",
"trulyca"
],
"description": "KQED Arts provides daily in-depth coverage of the Bay Area's music, art, film, performing arts, literature and arts news, as well as cultural commentary and criticism.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts",
"slug": "arts",
"link": "/arts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"artschool": {
"name": "Art School",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "artschool",
"slug": "artschool",
"link": "/artschool",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"bayareabites": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "bayareabites",
"slug": "bayareabites",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"bayareahiphop": {
"name": "Bay Area Hiphop",
"type": "terms",
"id": "bayareahiphop",
"slug": "bayareahiphop",
"link": "/bayareahiphop",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"campaign21": {
"name": "Campaign 21",
"type": "terms",
"id": "campaign21",
"slug": "campaign21",
"link": "/campaign21",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"careers": {
"name": "Careers",
"type": "terms",
"id": "careers",
"slug": "careers",
"link": "/careers",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"checkplease": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease",
"slug": "checkplease",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"education": {
"name": "Education",
"grouping": [
"education"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "education",
"slug": "education",
"link": "/education",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"elections": {
"name": "Elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "elections",
"slug": "elections",
"link": "/elections",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"events": {
"name": "Events",
"type": "terms",
"id": "events",
"slug": "events",
"link": "/events",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"event": {
"name": "Event",
"alias": "events",
"type": "terms",
"id": "event",
"slug": "event",
"link": "/event",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"filmschoolshorts": {
"name": "Film School Shorts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "filmschoolshorts",
"slug": "filmschoolshorts",
"link": "/filmschoolshorts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"food": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "food",
"slug": "food",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"forum": {
"name": "Forum",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/forum?",
"parent": "news",
"type": "terms",
"id": "forum",
"slug": "forum",
"link": "/forum",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"futureofyou": {
"name": "Future of You",
"grouping": [
"science",
"futureofyou"
],
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "futureofyou",
"slug": "futureofyou",
"link": "/futureofyou",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"jpepinheart": {
"name": "KQED food",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/food,bayareabites,checkplease",
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "jpepinheart",
"slug": "jpepinheart",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"liveblog": {
"name": "Live Blog",
"type": "terms",
"id": "liveblog",
"slug": "liveblog",
"link": "/liveblog",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"livetv": {
"name": "Live TV",
"parent": "tv",
"type": "terms",
"id": "livetv",
"slug": "livetv",
"link": "/livetv",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"lowdown": {
"name": "The Lowdown",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/lowdown?",
"parent": "news",
"type": "terms",
"id": "lowdown",
"slug": "lowdown",
"link": "/lowdown",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"mindshift": {
"name": "Mindshift",
"parent": "news",
"description": "MindShift explores the future of education by highlighting the innovative – and sometimes counterintuitive – ways educators and parents are helping all children succeed.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "mindshift",
"slug": "mindshift",
"link": "/mindshift",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"news": {
"name": "News",
"grouping": [
"news",
"forum"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "news",
"slug": "news",
"link": "/news",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"newsletters": {
"name": "newsletters",
"type": "terms",
"id": "newsletters",
"slug": "newsletters",
"link": "/newsletters",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"perspectives": {
"name": "Perspectives",
"parent": "radio",
"type": "terms",
"id": "perspectives",
"slug": "perspectives",
"link": "/perspectives",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"podcasts": {
"name": "Podcasts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "podcasts",
"slug": "podcasts",
"link": "/podcasts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"pop": {
"name": "Pop",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "pop",
"slug": "pop",
"link": "/pop",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"pressroom": {
"name": "Pressroom",
"type": "terms",
"id": "pressroom",
"slug": "pressroom",
"link": "/pressroom",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"quest": {
"name": "Quest",
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "quest",
"slug": "quest",
"link": "/quest",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"radio": {
"name": "Radio",
"grouping": [
"forum",
"perspectives"
],
"description": "Listen to KQED Public Radio – home of Forum and The California Report – on 88.5 FM in San Francisco, 89.3 FM in Sacramento, 88.3 FM in Santa Rosa and 88.1 FM in Martinez.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "radio",
"slug": "radio",
"link": "/radio",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"root": {
"name": "KQED",
"image": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"imageWidth": 1200,
"imageHeight": 630,
"headData": {
"title": "KQED | News, Radio, Podcasts, TV | Public Media for Northern California",
"description": "KQED provides public radio, television, and independent reporting on issues that matter to the Bay Area. We’re the NPR and PBS member station for Northern California."
},
"type": "terms",
"id": "root",
"slug": "root",
"link": "/root",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"science": {
"name": "Science",
"grouping": [
"science",
"futureofyou"
],
"description": "KQED Science brings you award-winning science and environment coverage from the Bay Area and beyond.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "science",
"slug": "science",
"link": "/science",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"stateofhealth": {
"name": "State of Health",
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "stateofhealth",
"slug": "stateofhealth",
"link": "/stateofhealth",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"support": {
"name": "Support",
"type": "terms",
"id": "support",
"slug": "support",
"link": "/support",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"thedolist": {
"name": "The Do List",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "thedolist",
"slug": "thedolist",
"link": "/thedolist",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"trulyca": {
"name": "Truly CA",
"grouping": [
"arts",
"pop",
"trulyca"
],
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "trulyca",
"slug": "trulyca",
"link": "/trulyca",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"tv": {
"name": "TV",
"type": "terms",
"id": "tv",
"slug": "tv",
"link": "/tv",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"voterguide": {
"name": "Voter Guide",
"parent": "elections",
"alias": "elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "voterguide",
"slug": "voterguide",
"link": "/voterguide",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"guiaelectoral": {
"name": "Guia Electoral",
"parent": "elections",
"alias": "elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "guiaelectoral",
"slug": "guiaelectoral",
"link": "/guiaelectoral",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"checkplease_category_cuisine": {
"isLoading": true
},
"checkplease_3750": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3750",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3750",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "cuisine Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 161,
"slug": "cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/cuisine"
},
"source_checkplease_22264": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_checkplease_22264",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Food",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/food",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_checkplease_22257": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_checkplease_22257",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Food",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/food",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_checkplease_22247": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_checkplease_22247",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Food",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/food",
"isLoading": false
},
"checkplease_9339": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9339",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9339",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Check Please!",
"slug": "check-please",
"taxonomy": "program",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Check Please! Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1710,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/program/check-please"
},
"checkplease_3758": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3758",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3758",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "american",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "american Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 173,
"slug": "american",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/american"
},
"checkplease_3845": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3845",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3845",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "asian",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "asian Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 232,
"slug": "asian-fusion",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/asian-fusion"
},
"checkplease_3763": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3763",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3763",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "berkeley",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "berkeley Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 179,
"slug": "berkeley-east-bay-restaurant-info",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/berkeley-east-bay-restaurant-info"
},
"checkplease_8009": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8009",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8009",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "burgers",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "burgers Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 376,
"slug": "burgers",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/burgers"
},
"checkplease_250": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_250",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "250",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "california",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "california Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 172,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/california"
},
"checkplease_9210": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9210",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9210",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "east bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "east bay Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1581,
"slug": "east-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/east-bay"
},
"checkplease_3730": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3730",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3730",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "east bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "east bay Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 146,
"slug": "east-bay-reviews",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/east-bay-reviews"
},
"checkplease_3740": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3740",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3740",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "east bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "east bay Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 158,
"slug": "east-bay-restaurant-info",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/east-bay-restaurant-info"
},
"checkplease_3731": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3731",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3731",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "episodes",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "episodes Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 149,
"slug": "episodes",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/episodes"
},
"checkplease_3859": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3859",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3859",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "hawaiian",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "hawaiian Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 266,
"slug": "hawaiian-asian-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/hawaiian-asian-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_3847": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3847",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3847",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "japanese",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "japanese Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 170,
"slug": "japanese-asian-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/japanese-asian-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9212": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9212",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9212",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "oakland",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "oakland Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1583,
"slug": "oakland",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/oakland"
},
"checkplease_3764": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3764",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3764",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "oakland east bay restaurant info",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "oakland east bay restaurant info Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 180,
"slug": "oakland-east-bay-restaurant-info",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/oakland-east-bay-restaurant-info"
},
"checkplease_8155": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8155",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8155",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "palo alto",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "palo alto Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 522,
"slug": "palo-alto",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/palo-alto"
},
"checkplease_3741": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3741",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3741",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "peninsula / south bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "peninsula / south bay Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 159,
"slug": "south-bay-restaurant-info",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/south-bay-restaurant-info"
},
"checkplease_3738": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3738",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3738",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "restaurant info",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "restaurant info Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 156,
"slug": "restaurant-info",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/restaurant-info"
},
"checkplease_10": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_10",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "10",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "reviews",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "reviews Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 15,
"slug": "reviews",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/reviews"
},
"checkplease_9427": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9427",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9427",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "season 20",
"slug": "season-20",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "season 20 - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1798,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/season-20"
},
"checkplease_8957": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8957",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8957",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "american cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "american cuisine Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1328,
"slug": "american-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/american-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_8574": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8574",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8574",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "american food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "american food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 943,
"slug": "american-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/american-food"
},
"checkplease_8508": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8508",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8508",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "berkeley",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "berkeley Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 877,
"slug": "berkeley",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/berkeley"
},
"checkplease_763": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_763",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "763",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "check please bay area",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "check please bay area Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 37,
"slug": "check-please-bay-area",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/check-please-bay-area"
},
"checkplease_8548": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8548",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8548",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "east bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "east bay Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 917,
"slug": "east-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/east-bay"
},
"checkplease_9245": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9245",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9245",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "japanese cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "japanese cuisine Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1616,
"slug": "japanese-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/japanese-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_8794": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8794",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8794",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "japanese food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "japanese food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1163,
"slug": "japanese-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/japanese-food"
},
"checkplease_8509": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8509",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8509",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "oakland",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "oakland Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 878,
"slug": "oakland",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/oakland"
},
"checkplease_8534": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8534",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8534",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "palo alto",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "palo alto Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 903,
"slug": "palo-alto",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/palo-alto"
},
"checkplease_8535": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8535",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8535",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "peninsula",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "peninsula Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 904,
"slug": "peninsula",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/peninsula"
},
"checkplease_9289": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9289",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9289",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Berkeley",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Berkeley Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1660,
"slug": "berkeley",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/interest/berkeley"
},
"checkplease_9288": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9288",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9288",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "East Bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "East Bay Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1659,
"slug": "east-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/interest/east-bay"
},
"checkplease_9296": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9296",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9296",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Entertainment",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Entertainment Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1667,
"slug": "entertainment",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/interest/entertainment"
},
"checkplease_9282": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9282",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9282",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Food and Drink",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Food and Drink Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1653,
"slug": "food-and-drink",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/interest/food-and-drink"
},
"checkplease_9277": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9277",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9277",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Oakland",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Oakland Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1648,
"slug": "oakland",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/interest/oakland"
},
"checkplease_9291": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9291",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9291",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Peninsula",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Peninsula Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1662,
"slug": "peninsula",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/interest/peninsula"
},
"checkplease_9067": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9067",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9067",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "benicia",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "benicia Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1438,
"slug": "benicia",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/benicia"
},
"checkplease_3873": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3873",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3873",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "breakfast / brunch",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "breakfast / brunch Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 168,
"slug": "breakfast-brunch",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/breakfast-brunch"
},
"checkplease_8022": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8022",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8022",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "burlingame",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "burlingame Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 389,
"slug": "burlingame",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/burlingame"
},
"checkplease_475": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_475",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "475",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "chinese",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "chinese Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 174,
"slug": "chinese",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/chinese"
},
"checkplease_8180": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8180",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8180",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "fremont",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "fremont Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 547,
"slug": "fremont",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/fremont"
},
"checkplease_3761": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3761",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3761",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "french",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "french Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 177,
"slug": "french-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/french-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_3751": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3751",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3751",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "italian",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "italian Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 162,
"slug": "italian-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/italian-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9407": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9407",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9407",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "malaysian",
"slug": "malaysian",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "malaysian - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1778,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/malaysian"
},
"checkplease_3472": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3472",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3472",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "north bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "north bay Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 148,
"slug": "north-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/north-bay"
},
"checkplease_8187": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8187",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8187",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "peruvian",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "peruvian Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 554,
"slug": "peruvian",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/peruvian"
},
"checkplease_9408": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9408",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9408",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "pleasanton",
"slug": "pleasanton",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "pleasanton - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1779,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/pleasanton"
},
"checkplease_3739": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3739",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3739",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "san francisco",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "san francisco Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 157,
"slug": "san-francisco-restaurant-info",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/san-francisco-restaurant-info"
},
"checkplease_3729": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3729",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3729",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "san francisco",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "san francisco Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 145,
"slug": "reviews-san-francisco",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/reviews-san-francisco"
},
"checkplease_9209": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9209",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9209",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "san francisco",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "san francisco Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1580,
"slug": "san-francisco",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/san-francisco"
},
"checkplease_8964": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8964",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8964",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "san jose",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "san jose Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1335,
"slug": "san-jose",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/san-jose"
},
"checkplease_91": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_91",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "91",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "south bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "south bay Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 147,
"slug": "south-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/south-bay"
},
"checkplease_108": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_108",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "108",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "vegetarian, vegan",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "vegetarian, vegan Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 165,
"slug": "vegetarian",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/vegetarian"
},
"checkplease_8776": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8776",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8776",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "bakery",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "bakery Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1145,
"slug": "bakery",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/bakery"
},
"checkplease_9071": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9071",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9071",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "benicia",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "benicia Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1442,
"slug": "benicia",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/benicia"
},
"checkplease_9423": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9423",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9423",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "bhangra and beats",
"slug": "bhangra-and-beats",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "bhangra and beats - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1794,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/bhangra-and-beats"
},
"checkplease_8633": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8633",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8633",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "breakfast",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "breakfast Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1002,
"slug": "breakfast",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/breakfast"
},
"checkplease_8584": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8584",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8584",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "burlingame",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "burlingame Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 953,
"slug": "burlingame",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/burlingame"
},
"checkplease_9411": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9411",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9411",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "cato's ale house",
"slug": "catos-ale-house",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "cato's ale house - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1782,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/catos-ale-house"
},
"checkplease_9175": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9175",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9175",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "chinese cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "chinese cuisine Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1546,
"slug": "chinese-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/chinese-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9157": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9157",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9157",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "chinese food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "chinese food Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1528,
"slug": "chinese-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/chinese-food"
},
"checkplease_9419": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9419",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9419",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "curry leaves bistro",
"slug": "curry-leaves-bistro",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "curry leaves bistro - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1790,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/curry-leaves-bistro"
},
"checkplease_9410": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9410",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9410",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "ethel's fancy",
"slug": "ethels-fancy",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "ethel's fancy - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1781,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/ethels-fancy"
},
"checkplease_8676": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8676",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8676",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "fremont",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "fremont Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1045,
"slug": "fremont",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/fremont"
},
"checkplease_8602": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8602",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8602",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "french cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "french cuisine Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 971,
"slug": "french-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/french-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_8865": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8865",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8865",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "french food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "french food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1236,
"slug": "french-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/french-food"
},
"checkplease_9417": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9417",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9417",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "got plate lunch",
"slug": "got-plate-lunch",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "got plate lunch - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1788,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/got-plate-lunch"
},
"checkplease_9242": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9242",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9242",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "hawaiian cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "hawaiian cuisine Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1613,
"slug": "hawaiian-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/hawaiian-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_8972": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8972",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8972",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "hawaiian food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "hawaiian food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1343,
"slug": "hawaiian-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/hawaiian-food"
},
"checkplease_9162": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9162",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9162",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "italian cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "italian cuisine Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1533,
"slug": "italian-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/italian-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_8566": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8566",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8566",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "italian food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "italian food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 935,
"slug": "italian-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/italian-food"
},
"checkplease_9420": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9420",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9420",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "kahnfections",
"slug": "kahnfections",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "kahnfections - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1791,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/kahnfections"
},
"checkplease_9412": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9412",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9412",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "kiku sushi",
"slug": "kiku-sushi",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "kiku sushi - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1783,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/kiku-sushi"
},
"checkplease_9415": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9415",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9415",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "le papillon",
"slug": "le-papillon",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "le papillon - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1786,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/le-papillon"
},
"checkplease_9424": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9424",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9424",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "malaysian cuisine",
"slug": "malaysian-cuisine",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "malaysian cuisine - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1795,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/malaysian-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_8661": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8661",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8661",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "malaysian food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "malaysian food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1030,
"slug": "malaysian-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/malaysian-food"
},
"checkplease_9409": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9409",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9409",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "niles",
"slug": "niles",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "niles - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1780,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/niles"
},
"checkplease_9416": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9416",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9416",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "niles farmers market",
"slug": "niles-farmers-market",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "niles farmers market - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1787,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/niles-farmers-market"
},
"checkplease_9414": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9414",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9414",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "peony seafood",
"slug": "peony-seafood",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "peony seafood - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1785,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/peony-seafood"
},
"checkplease_9426": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9426",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9426",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "peruvian cuisine",
"slug": "peruvian-cuisine",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "peruvian cuisine - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1797,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/peruvian-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9425": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9425",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9425",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "peruvian food",
"slug": "peruvian-food",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "peruvian food - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1796,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/peruvian-food"
},
"checkplease_8556": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8556",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8556",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "pleasanton",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "pleasanton Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 925,
"slug": "pleasanton",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/pleasanton"
},
"checkplease_9422": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9422",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9422",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "pucquio",
"slug": "pucquio",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "pucquio - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1793,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/pucquio"
},
"checkplease_8518": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8518",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8518",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "san francisco",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "san francisco Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 887,
"slug": "san-francisco",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/san-francisco"
},
"checkplease_8568": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8568",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8568",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "san jose",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "san jose Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 937,
"slug": "san-jose",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/san-jose"
},
"checkplease_9413": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9413",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9413",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "skillet'z cafe",
"slug": "skilletz-cafe",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "skillet'z cafe - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1784,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/skilletz-cafe"
},
"checkplease_9421": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9421",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9421",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "twelvemonth",
"slug": "twelvemonth",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "twelvemonth - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1792,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/twelvemonth"
},
"checkplease_9254": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9254",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9254",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "vegan cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "vegan cuisine Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1625,
"slug": "vegan-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/vegan-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9033": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9033",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9033",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "vegan food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "vegan food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1404,
"slug": "vegan-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/vegan-food"
},
"checkplease_9418": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9418",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9418",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "via del corso",
"slug": "via-del-corso",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "via del corso - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1789,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/via-del-corso"
},
"checkplease_9200": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9200",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9200",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "food Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1571,
"slug": "food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/food"
},
"checkplease_3742": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3742",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3742",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "north bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "north bay Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 160,
"slug": "north-bay-restaurant-info",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/north-bay-restaurant-info"
},
"checkplease_9307": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9307",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9307",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "season 19",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "season 19 Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1678,
"slug": "season-19",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/season-19"
},
"checkplease_3934": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3934",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3934",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "soul food, cajun, creole",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "soul food, cajun, creole Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 201,
"slug": "soul-food-cajun-creole",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/soul-food-cajun-creole"
},
"checkplease_9336": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9336",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9336",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "tiburon",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "tiburon Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1707,
"slug": "tiburon",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/tiburon"
},
"checkplease_9406": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9406",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9406",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "american cusine",
"slug": "american-cusine",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "american cusine - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1777,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/american-cusine"
},
"checkplease_8547": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8547",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8547",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "north bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "north bay Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 916,
"slug": "north-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/north-bay"
},
"checkplease_8707": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8707",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8707",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "soul food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "soul food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1076,
"slug": "soul-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/soul-food"
},
"checkplease_9007": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9007",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9007",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "southern cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "southern cuisine Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1378,
"slug": "southern-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/southern-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9005": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9005",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9005",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "southern food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "southern food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1376,
"slug": "southern-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/southern-food"
},
"checkplease_9317": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9317",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9317",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "tiburon",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "tiburon Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1688,
"slug": "tiburon",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/tiburon"
},
"checkplease_9290": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9290",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9290",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "North Bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "North Bay Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1661,
"slug": "north-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/interest/north-bay"
},
"checkplease_9276": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9276",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9276",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "San Francisco",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "San Francisco Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1647,
"slug": "san-francisco",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/interest/san-francisco"
},
"checkplease_3760": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3760",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3760",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "barbeque",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "barbeque Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 176,
"slug": "barbeque",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/barbeque"
},
"checkplease_9105": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9105",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9105",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "cecilia tries it",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "cecilia tries it Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1476,
"slug": "cecilia-tries-it",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/cecilia-tries-it"
},
"checkplease_2876": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_2876",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "2876",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "delicatessen",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "delicatessen Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 224,
"slug": "delicatessen",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/delicatessen"
},
"checkplease_9403": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9403",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9403",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "jewish",
"slug": "jewish",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "jewish - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1774,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/jewish"
},
"checkplease_8597": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8597",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8597",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "pleasant hill",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "pleasant hill Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 966,
"slug": "pleasant-hill",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/pleasant-hill"
},
"checkplease_8114": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8114",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8114",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "santa rosa",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "santa rosa Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 481,
"slug": "santa-rosa",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/santa-rosa"
},
"checkplease_8175": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8175",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8175",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "southern",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "southern Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 542,
"slug": "southern",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/southern"
},
"checkplease_9278": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9278",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9278",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "South Bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "South Bay Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1649,
"slug": "south-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/interest/south-bay"
},
"checkplease_7989": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_7989",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "7989",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "alameda",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "alameda Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 356,
"slug": "alameda",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/alameda"
},
"checkplease_8103": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8103",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8103",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "laos",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "laos Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 470,
"slug": "laos",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/laos"
},
"checkplease_8061": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8061",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8061",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "san mateo",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "san mateo Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 428,
"slug": "san-mateo",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/san-mateo"
},
"checkplease_1477": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_1477",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "1477",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "spanish, latin",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "spanish, latin Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 182,
"slug": "spanish",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/spanish"
},
"checkplease_8715": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8715",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8715",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "alameda",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "alameda Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1084,
"slug": "alameda",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/alameda"
},
"checkplease_9385": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9385",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9385",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "apple fritter",
"slug": "apple-fritter",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "apple fritter - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1756,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/apple-fritter"
},
"checkplease_9390": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9390",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9390",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "bhan mae vane",
"slug": "bhan-mae-vane",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "bhan mae vane - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1761,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/bhan-mae-vane"
},
"checkplease_8912": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8912",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8912",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "cecilia tries it",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "cecilia tries it Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1283,
"slug": "cecilia-tries-it",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/cecilia-tries-it"
},
"checkplease_9398": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9398",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9398",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "check please",
"slug": "check-please",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "check please - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1769,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/check-please"
},
"checkplease_9397": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9397",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9397",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "cpma",
"slug": "cpma",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "cpma - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1768,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/cpma"
},
"checkplease_9388": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9388",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9388",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "crescent bistro",
"slug": "crescent-bistro",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "crescent bistro - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1759,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/crescent-bistro"
},
"checkplease_9392": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9392",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9392",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "district",
"slug": "district",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "district - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1763,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/district"
},
"checkplease_9391": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9391",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9391",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "emmy's spaghetti shack",
"slug": "emmys-spaghetti-shack",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "emmy's spaghetti shack - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1762,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/emmys-spaghetti-shack"
},
"checkplease_9389": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9389",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9389",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "ferry plaza farmers market",
"slug": "ferry-plaza-farmers-market",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "ferry plaza farmers market - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1760,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/ferry-plaza-farmers-market"
},
"checkplease_9383": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9383",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9383",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "fikscue",
"slug": "fikscue",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "fikscue - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1754,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/fikscue"
},
"checkplease_9386": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9386",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9386",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "grossman's noshery & bar",
"slug": "grossmans-noshery-bar",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "grossman's noshery & bar - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1757,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/grossmans-noshery-bar"
},
"checkplease_9393": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9393",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9393",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "gumbo social",
"slug": "gumbo-social",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "gumbo social - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1764,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/gumbo-social"
},
"checkplease_9387": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9387",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9387",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "jackie's place",
"slug": "jackies-place",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "jackie's place - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1758,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/jackies-place"
},
"checkplease_8598": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8598",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8598",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "pleasant hill",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "pleasant hill Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 967,
"slug": "pleasant-hill",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/pleasant-hill"
},
"checkplease_9395": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9395",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9395",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "pomet",
"slug": "pomet",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "pomet - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1766,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/pomet"
},
"checkplease_8519": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8519",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8519",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "san mateo",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "san mateo Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 888,
"slug": "san-mateo",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/san-mateo"
},
"checkplease_8546": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8546",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8546",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "santa rosa",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "santa rosa Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 915,
"slug": "santa-rosa",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/santa-rosa"
},
"checkplease_8583": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8583",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8583",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "south bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "south bay Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 952,
"slug": "south-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/south-bay"
},
"checkplease_9394": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9394",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9394",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "the bungalow kitchen",
"slug": "the-bungalow-kitchen",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "the bungalow kitchen - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1765,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/the-bungalow-kitchen"
},
"checkplease_9384": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9384",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9384",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "the pawnshop",
"slug": "the-pawnshop",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "the pawnshop - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1755,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/the-pawnshop"
},
"checkplease_9396": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9396",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9396",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "tubiron",
"slug": "tubiron",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "tubiron - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1767,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/tubiron"
},
"checkplease_9379": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9379",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9379",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "central asian",
"slug": "central-asian",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "central asian - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1750,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/central-asian"
},
"checkplease_8003": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8003",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8003",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "half moon bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "half moon bay Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 370,
"slug": "half-moon-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/half-moon-bay"
},
"checkplease_9211": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9211",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9211",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "peninsula",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "peninsula Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1582,
"slug": "peninsula",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/peninsula"
},
"checkplease_8203": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8203",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8203",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "rohnert park",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "rohnert park Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 570,
"slug": "rohnert-park",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/rohnert-park"
},
"checkplease_9381": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9381",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9381",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "central asian cuisine",
"slug": "central-asian-cuisine",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "central asian cuisine - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1752,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/central-asian-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9380": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9380",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9380",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "central asian food",
"slug": "central-asian-food",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "central asian food - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1751,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/central-asian-food"
},
"checkplease_8510": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8510",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8510",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "half moon bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "half moon bay Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 879,
"slug": "half-moon-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/half-moon-bay"
},
"checkplease_8873": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8873",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8873",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "indian cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "indian cuisine Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1244,
"slug": "indian-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/indian-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_8581": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8581",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8581",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "indian food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "indian food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 950,
"slug": "indian-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/indian-food"
},
"checkplease_8946": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8946",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8946",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "leslie sbrocco",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "leslie sbrocco Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1317,
"slug": "leslie-sbrocco",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/leslie-sbrocco"
},
"checkplease_9362": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9362",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9362",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "rohnert park",
"slug": "rohnert-park",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "rohnert park - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1733,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/rohnert-park"
},
"checkplease_7985": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_7985",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "7985",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "wine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "wine Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 352,
"slug": "wine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/wine"
},
"checkplease_9037": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9037",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9037",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "wine tips",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "wine tips Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1408,
"slug": "wine-tips",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/wine-tips"
},
"checkplease_3871": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3871",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3871",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "kqed food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "kqed food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 272,
"slug": "kqed-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/kqed-food"
},
"checkplease_8137": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8137",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8137",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "lafayette",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "lafayette Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 504,
"slug": "lafayette",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/lafayette"
},
"checkplease_3753": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3753",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3753",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "mexican",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "mexican Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 164,
"slug": "mexican-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/mexican-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9382": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9382",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9382",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "korean cuisine",
"slug": "korean-cuisine",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "korean cuisine - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1753,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/korean-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_8821": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8821",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8821",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "korean food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "korean food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1190,
"slug": "korean-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/korean-food"
},
"checkplease_9361": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9361",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9361",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "lafayette",
"slug": "lafayette",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "lafayette - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1732,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/lafayette"
},
"checkplease_9091": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9091",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9091",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "mexican cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "mexican cuisine Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1462,
"slug": "mexican-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/mexican-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_8573": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8573",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8573",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "mexican food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "mexican food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 942,
"slug": "mexican-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/mexican-food"
},
"checkplease_9359": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9359",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9359",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "brazilian",
"slug": "brazilian",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "brazilian - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1730,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/brazilian"
},
"checkplease_8922": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8922",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8922",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "el sobrante",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "el sobrante Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1293,
"slug": "el-sobrante",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/el-sobrante"
},
"checkplease_3849": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3849",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3849",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "indian",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "indian Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 163,
"slug": "indian-asian-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/indian-asian-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_8139": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8139",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8139",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "larkspur",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "larkspur Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 506,
"slug": "larkspur",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/larkspur"
},
"checkplease_9360": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9360",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9360",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "marshall",
"slug": "marshall",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "marshall - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1731,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/marshall"
},
"checkplease_9275": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9275",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9275",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "napa",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "napa Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1646,
"slug": "napa-north-bay-restaurant-info",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/napa-north-bay-restaurant-info"
},
"checkplease_3874": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3874",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3874",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "seafood",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "seafood Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 169,
"slug": "seafood-american-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/seafood-american-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9371": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9371",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9371",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "cafe soleil",
"slug": "cafe-soleil",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "cafe soleil - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1742,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/cafe-soleil"
},
"checkplease_9370": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9370",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9370",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "cicero's pizza",
"slug": "ciceros-pizza",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "cicero's pizza - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1741,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/ciceros-pizza"
},
"checkplease_9298": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9298",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9298",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "cpba",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "cpba Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1669,
"slug": "cpba",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/cpba"
},
"checkplease_9368": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9368",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9368",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "dalida",
"slug": "dalida",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "dalida - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1739,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/dalida"
},
"checkplease_8879": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8879",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8879",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "el sobrante",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "el sobrante Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1250,
"slug": "el-sobrante",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/el-sobrante"
},
"checkplease_9377": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9377",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9377",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "fork'n good food festival",
"slug": "forkn-good-food-festival",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "fork'n good food festival - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1748,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/forkn-good-food-festival"
},
"checkplease_9373": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9373",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9373",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "hog island oyster farm",
"slug": "hog-island-oyster-farm",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "hog island oyster farm - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1744,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/hog-island-oyster-farm"
},
"checkplease_9376": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9376",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9376",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "kusan uyghur cuisine",
"slug": "kusan-uyghur-cuisine",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "kusan uyghur cuisine - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1747,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/kusan-uyghur-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_8641": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8641",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8641",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "larkspur",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "larkspur Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1010,
"slug": "larkspur",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/larkspur"
},
"checkplease_8528": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8528",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8528",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "marshall",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "marshall Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 897,
"slug": "marshall",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/marshall"
},
"checkplease_8579": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8579",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8579",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "napa",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "napa Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 948,
"slug": "napa",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/napa"
},
"checkplease_9365": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9365",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9365",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "pixiu mala hongtang",
"slug": "pixiu-mala-hongtang",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "pixiu mala hongtang - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1736,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/pixiu-mala-hongtang"
},
"checkplease_9374": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9374",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9374",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "rooh",
"slug": "rooh",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "rooh - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1745,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/rooh"
},
"checkplease_9375": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9375",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9375",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "the barn",
"slug": "the-barn",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "the barn - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1746,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/the-barn"
},
"checkplease_9363": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9363",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9363",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "the hideout kitchen",
"slug": "the-hideout-kitchen",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "the hideout kitchen - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1734,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/the-hideout-kitchen"
},
"checkplease_9366": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9366",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9366",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "the menagerie oddities market",
"slug": "the-menagerie-oddities-market",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "the menagerie oddities market - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1737,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/the-menagerie-oddities-market"
},
"checkplease_9372": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9372",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9372",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "tony's seafood restaurant",
"slug": "tonys-seafood-restaurant",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "tony's seafood restaurant - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1743,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/tonys-seafood-restaurant"
},
"checkplease_9364": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9364",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9364",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "tostadas",
"slug": "tostadas",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "tostadas - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1735,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/tostadas"
},
"checkplease_9369": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9369",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9369",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "villa corona",
"slug": "villa-corona",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "villa corona - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1740,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/villa-corona"
},
"checkplease_9367": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9367",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9367",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "world green açaí bowl & juice",
"slug": "world-green-acai-bowl-juice",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "world green açaí bowl & juice - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1738,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/world-green-acai-bowl-juice"
},
"checkplease_8131": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8131",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8131",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "campbell",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "campbell Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 498,
"slug": "campbell",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/campbell"
},
"checkplease_8643": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8643",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8643",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "cupertino",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "cupertino Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1012,
"slug": "cupertino",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/cupertino"
},
"checkplease_8714": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8714",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8714",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "asian fusion",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "asian fusion Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1083,
"slug": "asian-fusion",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/asian-fusion"
},
"checkplease_8991": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8991",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8991",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "campbell",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "campbell Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1362,
"slug": "campbell",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/campbell"
},
"checkplease_8645": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8645",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8645",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "cupertino",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "cupertino Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1014,
"slug": "cupertino",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/cupertino"
},
"checkplease_9049": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9049",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9049",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "fusion",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "fusion Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1420,
"slug": "fusion",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/fusion"
},
"checkplease_9351": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9351",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9351",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "hironori craft ramen",
"slug": "hironori-craft-ramen",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "hironori craft ramen Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1722,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/hironori-craft-ramen"
},
"checkplease_9350": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9350",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9350",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "las cazuelas",
"slug": "las-cazuelas",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "las cazuelas Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1721,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/las-cazuelas"
},
"checkplease_9352": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9352",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9352",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "orchard city kitchen",
"slug": "orchard-city-kitchen",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "orchard city kitchen Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1723,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/orchard-city-kitchen"
},
"checkplease_8900": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8900",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8900",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Wine Pairings",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Wine Pairings Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1271,
"slug": "wine-pairings",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/wine-pairings"
},
"checkplease_1368": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_1368",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "1368",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "brunch",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "brunch Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 29,
"slug": "brunch",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/brunch"
},
"checkplease_9347": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9347",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9347",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "eggy's neighborhood kitchen",
"slug": "eggys-neighborhood-kitchen",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "eggy's neighborhood kitchen Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1718,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/eggys-neighborhood-kitchen"
},
"checkplease_9348": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9348",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9348",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "la gare",
"slug": "la-gare",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "la gare Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1719,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/la-gare"
},
"checkplease_9349": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9349",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9349",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "lao table",
"slug": "lao-table",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "lao table Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1720,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/lao-table"
},
"checkplease_8881": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8881",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8881",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "laotian cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "laotian cuisine Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1252,
"slug": "laotian-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/laotian-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9357": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9357",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9357",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "laotian food",
"slug": "laotian-food",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "laotian food Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1728,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/laotian-food"
},
"checkplease_9338": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9338",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9338",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "taiwanese",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "taiwanese Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1709,
"slug": "taiwanese",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/taiwanese"
},
"checkplease_8798": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8798",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8798",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "mission district",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "mission district Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1167,
"slug": "mission-district",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/mission-district"
},
"checkplease_9329": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9329",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9329",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "taiwanese cuisine",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "taiwanese cuisine Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1700,
"slug": "taiwanese-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/taiwanese-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9328": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9328",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9328",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "taiwanese food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "taiwanese food Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1699,
"slug": "taiwanese-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/taiwanese-food"
},
"checkplease_3784": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3784",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3784",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "caribbean",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "caribbean Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 194,
"slug": "caribbean",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/caribbean"
},
"checkplease_8033": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8033",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8033",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "emeryville",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "emeryville Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 400,
"slug": "emeryville",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/emeryville"
},
"checkplease_3754": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_3754",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "3754",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "mediterranean",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "mediterranean Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 166,
"slug": "mediterranean-cuisine",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/mediterranean-cuisine"
},
"checkplease_9186": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9186",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9186",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "middle eastern",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "middle eastern Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1557,
"slug": "middle-eastern",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/middle-eastern"
},
"checkplease_7975": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_7975",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "7975",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "steakhouse",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "steakhouse Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 342,
"slug": "steakhouse",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/steakhouse"
},
"checkplease_7947": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_7947",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "7947",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "turkish",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "turkish Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 314,
"slug": "turkish",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/turkish"
},
"checkplease_7949": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_7949",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "7949",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "walnut creek",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "walnut creek Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 316,
"slug": "walnut-creek",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/category/walnut-creek"
},
"checkplease_9356": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9356",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9356",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "balkan food",
"slug": "balkan-food",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "balkan food Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 1727,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/balkan-food"
},
"checkplease_8894": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8894",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8894",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "caribbean food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "caribbean food Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1265,
"slug": "caribbean-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/caribbean-food"
},
"checkplease_8553": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8553",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8553",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "emeryville",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "emeryville Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 922,
"slug": "emeryville",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/emeryville"
},
"checkplease_8609": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8609",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8609",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "steakhouse",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "steakhouse Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 978,
"slug": "steakhouse",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/steakhouse"
},
"checkplease_9060": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_9060",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "9060",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "turkish food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "turkish food Archives - Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1431,
"slug": "turkish-food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/turkish-food"
},
"checkplease_8569": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease_8569",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "checkplease",
"id": "8569",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "walnut creek",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "walnut creek Archives | Check, Please! Bay Area",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 938,
"slug": "walnut-creek",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/checkplease/tag/walnut-creek"
}
},
"userPermissionsReducer": {
"wpLoggedIn": false
},
"eventsReducer": {},
"fssReducer": {},
"tvDailyScheduleReducer": {},
"tvWeeklyScheduleReducer": {},
"tvPrimetimeScheduleReducer": {},
"tvMonthlyScheduleReducer": {},
"userAccountReducer": {
"user": {
"email": null,
"emailStatus": "EMAIL_UNVALIDATED",
"loggedStatus": "LOGGED_OUT",
"loggingChecked": false,
"articles": [],
"firstName": null,
"lastName": null,
"phoneNumber": null,
"fetchingMembership": false,
"membershipError": false,
"memberships": [
{
"id": null,
"startDate": null,
"firstName": null,
"lastName": null,
"familyNumber": null,
"memberNumber": null,
"memberSince": null,
"expirationDate": null,
"pfsEligible": false,
"isSustaining": false,
"membershipLevel": "Prospect",
"membershipStatus": "Non Member",
"lastGiftDate": null,
"renewalDate": null,
"lastDonationAmount": null
}
]
},
"authModal": {
"isOpen": false,
"view": "LANDING_VIEW"
},
"error": null
},
"youthMediaReducer": {},
"checkPleaseReducer": {
"filterData": {
"region": {
"key": "Restaurant Region",
"filters": [
"Any Region"
]
},
"cuisine": {
"key": "Restaurant Cuisine",
"filters": [
"Any Cuisine"
]
}
},
"restaurantDataById": {},
"restaurantIdsSorted": [],
"error": null
},
"userAgentReducer": {
"userAgent": "Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)",
"isBot": true
}
}
