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"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: The Sarap Shop, MAMA Oakland, Panchita's Pupusería",
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"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: The Sarap Shop, MAMA Oakland, Panchita’s Pupusería | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 20, episode 11, airs Thursday, October 30, 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 special episode of \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, we’re joined by some of the Bay Area’s most dynamic storytellers. We kick off the show at \u003cstrong>The Sarap Shop\u003c/strong>! Known for fun but familiar twists like their halo-halo milk tea and lechon sisig carbonara mac, it’s no surprise that they’re located at the heart of the Pilipinas Cultural District in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood. Next, we cross the Bay to \u003cstrong>MAMA Oakland\u003c/strong>, where a carefully crafted prix fixe menu maps out Italian-American flavors. Highlights include pork-and-beef meatballs, housemade pastas, chocolate budino, and even a refreshing strawberry-tomato gazpacho — a feast for both savory and sweet lovers. Finally, we head to \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">San Francisco’s Mission District at \u003cstrong>Panchita’s Pupusería & Restaurant\u003c/strong>, where the beloved Salvadoran pupusa takes center stage. A late-night neighborhood staple since 1989, local diners rave about their meat and veggie pupusas alike, always completing the bite with curtido and salsa. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23649\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/CPBA_2011_Group_Food.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1620\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/CPBA_2011_Group_Food.png 1620w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/CPBA_2011_Group_Food-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/CPBA_2011_Group_Food-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/CPBA_2011_Group_Food-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1620px) 100vw, 1620px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thesarapshop.com/\">\u003cstrong>The Sarap Shop\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://mama-oakland.com/\">\u003cstrong>MAMA Oakland\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.panchitaspupuseria.com/\">\u003cstrong>Panchita’s Pupusería & Restaurant \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>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23647\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-2000x2681.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-2000x2681.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-160x214.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-768x1029.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-1146x1536.jpg 1146w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-1528x2048.jpg 1528w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-scaled.jpg 1910w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ca href=\"http://www.seasmoke.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Sea Smoke 2022 Chardonnay\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Sta. Rita Hills, California $95\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nYears ago, I had a chance to experience an amazing vineyard in California — Sea Smoke. The name eloquently explains the place. Located in the rolling Sta. Rita Hills north of Santa Barbara, with close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the cooling influence of what’s dubbed “sea smoke” is apparent in their stunning wines. As the fog flows through the Santa Ynez River canyon, it keeps the climate cool for a long, slow growing season. The grapes ripen and mature but maintain bright acidity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That is the hallmark of Sea Smoke wines, including their world-class lineup of pinot noirs. Sea Smoke’s estate-grown, organically farmed chardonnay, however, is a treasure. It’s a sleek, balanced white with rich lemon cream pie aromas balanced by bright citrus flavors. The texture is layered and lush from 10 months of French oak barrel aging but complemented by a mouth-puckering ping from the vibrant acidity. A wine to savor now with grilled salmon or pork loin, or to save and enjoy a few years from now. Splurge on this new California classic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003cspan class=\"contextualExtensionHighlight ms-font-color-themePrimary ms-border-color-themePrimary ident_1264_1334\" role=\"button\">\u003ca href=\"http://www.cmvineyard.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Centennial Mountain 2021 Nerello Mascalese\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003c/b>\u003cem>\u003cspan class=\"contextualExtensionHighlight ms-font-color-themePrimary ms-border-color-themePrimary ident_1264_1334\" role=\"button\">Sonoma County, California\u003c/span> $59\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nLooking for a wine that is surprising and rare? Seek out the small-lot, Italian-style wines from the acclaimed team behind Rhys Vineyards. Though they have been crafting stylish Nebbiolo from their Centennial Mountain vineyard since 2013, they later planted the first vines from Sicilian varieties in California. These include the unique Carricante (a white grape) and Nerello Mascalese, the red shining star of Sicily’s volcanic Mount Etna area. The team wanted to showcase how expressive these grape varieties could be from their high-altitude vineyard in northern Sonoma.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4413\" data-end=\"4810\">If you’re a Pinot Noir lover, you will find an exquisite alternative in the Centennial Mountain Nerello Mascalese. The hue is sheer purple, indicating a wine of refinement and brightness. The nose is intense with red berry and wild herbal aromas, while the mouthfeel is silky with a hint of taut tannins on the finish. It’s elegant and complex. Expand your wine horizons with this beautiful wine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ca href=\"http://www.jonata.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Jonata 2022 “TODOS” Red Blend\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley, California $60\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nNorthern California’s Sonoma and Napa may have an international reputation, but other Golden State viticultural areas are gaining ground in making world-class wines. One of those spots is the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County on California’s Central Coast. Jonata is a rising star in the area. The name is a nod to an 1845 Spanish land grant named Rancho San Carlos de Jonata.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6370\" data-end=\"6853\">It’s a warm area where hearty red grapes thrive. Jonata began more than two decades ago, quietly planting renegade red varieties such as Syrah and Bordeaux varieties. The Todos — meaning “all” in Spanish — is a powerful blend of primarily Syrah, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The bold, intense wine is inky dark in color with aromas of wild dark berries and spicy black pepper. On the palate, the juicy fruit is complemented by savory, smoky notes wrapped in a plush texture.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong data-start=\"275\" data-end=\"287\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ever wonder where Bay Area celebs grab a bite to unwind? From Filipino comforts…\u003cbr data-start=\"370\" data-end=\"373\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"373\" data-end=\"384\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Every bite is some new wonder.\u003cbr data-start=\"415\" data-end=\"418\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"418\" data-end=\"430\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …to handmade pupusas…\u003cbr data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"459\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"459\" data-end=\"474\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Washington:\u003c/strong> These were some good plantains.\u003cbr data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"509\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"509\" data-end=\"521\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …to seasonal Italian prix fixe plates…\u003cbr data-start=\"564\" data-end=\"567\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"567\" data-end=\"578\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> It felt like home. It felt like community.\u003cbr data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"624\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"636\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …they’re ready to dish just ahead on “Check, Please! Bay Area.”\u003cbr data-start=\"702\" data-end=\"705\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"705\" data-end=\"720\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Boom!\u003cbr data-start=\"726\" data-end=\"729\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"729\" data-end=\"741\">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. Today we’re joined at the “Check, Please!” table by three highly creative Bay Area locals. Adam Savage is the former co-host and executive producer of the “MythBusters” TV series, a New York Times best-selling author of “Every Tool Is a Hammer,” and editor-in-chief of “Tested” on YouTube. Ruby Ibarra is a rapper, songwriter, and director whose work has appeared in hit TV shows and popular video games.\u003cbr data-start=\"1292\" data-end=\"1295\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1306\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> ♪ Shoot you down like the moon ♪ ♪ Wear the crown, I resume ♪\u003cbr data-start=\"1368\" data-end=\"1371\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1383\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But NPR fans may know her best as the winner of the 2025 Tiny Desk Contest. Congratulations there. And Glynn Washington is the co-creator and host of the “Snap Judgment” radio show and podcast…\u003cbr data-start=\"1579\" data-end=\"1582\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1582\" data-end=\"1597\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Downtown Oakland near City Hall, it’s deserted.\u003cbr data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1648\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1660\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …as well as its spinoff podcast, “Spooked.” Welcome, everyone. You ready?\u003cbr data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1739\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1739\" data-end=\"1750\">Savage:\u003c/strong> We are so ready.\u003cbr data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1770\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1770\" data-end=\"1782\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ready for a party.\u003cbr data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1804\" data-end=\"1819\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Let’s do it.\u003cbr data-start=\"1832\" data-end=\"1835\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"1847\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ruby’s up first with a buzzy little eatery that’s redefining what Filipino food can be without sacrificing taste. It’s a colorful spot where the chef’s plant-based options shine just as brightly as the classics. Located in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood, it’s The Sarap Shop.\u003cbr data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2129\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2141\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> Alright, tofu sisig carb, mild, lechon sisig carb in a to-go bag. Sarap Shop is a café, catering, and creative food studio, and we specialize in plant-forward Filipino American comfort food.\u003cbr data-start=\"2332\" data-end=\"2335\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2335\" data-end=\"2345\">James:\u003c/strong> That’s the tofu. I love working with my family. My mouth always waters when I make this dish. [ Chuckles ] Each of the characters behind me are a representation of each of us. I am the garlic god. Kristen is the fried egg. And then JP is the garlic rice bowl. So, sarap is a Tagalog word to describe something that feels good or it tastes good. When we were growing up, our lola used to describe our hugs as sarap. So, when we were coming up with the name Sarap Shop, our food tasted good, and it also made you feel good at the same time.\u003cbr data-start=\"2884\" data-end=\"2887\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2887\" data-end=\"2897\">Reyes:\u003c/strong> A dish that we’re super proud of is our tofu sisig. It was a creative challenge for myself where I was like, “I enjoy these foods. How do I make this vegan or vegetarian?” And almost a game of, like, tricking people to see if they can tell if it’s vegan or not.\u003cbr data-start=\"3159\" data-end=\"3162\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3162\" data-end=\"3172\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Oh, it’s really good.\u003cbr data-start=\"3194\" data-end=\"3197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3197\" data-end=\"3209\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> A lot of the parties we go to, it’s like potlucks, and all of the food touches on your plate. That was our experience growing up. And so one of the dishes we have is our sisig carbonara. My godmother, she would make this carbonara and then my uncle would make a sisig and they would touch and I would be like — I would be the one that would combine it. And so I told JP about that dish, and he’s like, “I’m gonna make it.”\u003cbr data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3636\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3636\" data-end=\"3646\">James:\u003c/strong> Mm. So, adobo is my number-one favorite dish.\u003cbr data-start=\"3692\" data-end=\"3695\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3695\" data-end=\"3707\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> If my brother could tattoo “adobo” on his body, he would totally do it.\u003cbr data-start=\"3779\" data-end=\"3782\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3782\" data-end=\"3792\">James:\u003c/strong> Thick cuts of pork belly with a very sweet, garlicky, soy-forward sauce. It’s addictive.\u003cbr data-start=\"3881\" data-end=\"3884\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3884\" data-end=\"3896\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> I love adobo, too, but then I also really love fried okra. And there was just randomly a day where I was like, “Let’s try to put this on there.” So, it’s just like remixing some of, like, our childhood memories.\u003cbr data-start=\"4108\" data-end=\"4111\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4111\" data-end=\"4121\">Reyes:\u003c/strong> We’re actually inside the Filipino cultural district of San Francisco.\u003cbr data-start=\"4192\" data-end=\"4195\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4195\" data-end=\"4207\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> We love being in the district, and we love having, like, the garage open when we can ’cause people can just drop by. Things like identity and culture, they’re meant to be shared and experimented with. And so the more that we can have, like, food be a vehicle for that, we feel very blessed and lucky to get to do it.\u003cbr data-start=\"4524\" data-end=\"4527\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4527\" data-end=\"4535\">All:\u003c/strong> Hope you like it!\u003cbr data-start=\"4553\" data-end=\"4556\">[ Indistinct conversations, laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"4594\" data-end=\"4597\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4597\" data-end=\"4609\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Ruby, you’re originally from the Philippines, but certainly have been in the Bay Area for a while. And what’s been your inspiration in your music career?\u003cbr data-start=\"4768\" data-end=\"4771\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4771\" data-end=\"4782\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I think a lot of the inspiration that I’ve had in my music is definitely my own experiences. I love to be able to showcase people who I am and where I come from and also give people some light into the stories from my community.\u003cbr data-start=\"5011\" data-end=\"5014\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5014\" data-end=\"5026\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, I think your music showcases diversity, as you said, and I think The Sarap Shop does, too, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"5130\" data-end=\"5133\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5133\" data-end=\"5144\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> They absolutely do.\u003cbr data-start=\"5164\" data-end=\"5167\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5167\" data-end=\"5179\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Let’s talk about that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"11\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> So, I love The Sarap Shop. I’ve been such a huge fan of their food, and I think they’ve become a staple actually in the Filipino American community. They actually used to start as a food truck, and so seeing them grow just makes me very proud.\u003cbr data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"258\" data-is-only-node=\"\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"258\" data-end=\"270\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And the word means, you know, to feel good or to taste good, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"338\" data-end=\"341\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"352\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Yeah, sarap means delicious.\u003cbr data-start=\"381\" data-end=\"384\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"384\" data-end=\"396\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Delicious, right? Did you find it delicious?\u003cbr data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"444\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"444\" data-end=\"455\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I absolutely did. It’s amazing how it is in this little spot that is — Like, I was 20 feet from the door, and I’m like, “I don’t think it’s anywhere near here.” [ Laughter ] And then you walk into this —\u003cbr data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"664\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"676\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> They make you work for it, Adam.\u003cbr data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"712\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"723\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Exactly!\u003cbr data-start=\"732\" data-end=\"735\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"746\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> It’s kind of like a hidden gem.\u003cbr data-start=\"778\" data-end=\"781\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"781\" data-end=\"792\">Savage:\u003c/strong> It feels like a hidden gem. It feels like a secret spot. And, yeah, everything I had there was so comforting. So, I ordered the pork belly adobo, which was phenomenal. And the adobo can be served both as a sandwich and as a rice bowl. And I looked up to the guy who was taking my order, and I was like, “I should get the rice bowl,” and he was like, “Yes, you should get the rice bowl.” And I was like, “That’s the guidance I want.” And then he’s like, “Do you want an egg on it?” And I’m like, “Am I a monster? Of course I want an egg on this.” Stirring of all the fat into the rice. And every bite is a little different. You know, the gold standard is that it’s just like every bite is some new wonder of a mix of the sweet and the savory and the fat and rice.\u003cbr data-start=\"1555\" data-end=\"1558\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1570\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All the good stuff.\u003cbr data-start=\"1590\" data-end=\"1593\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1593\" data-end=\"1604\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And I think — I’m pretty sure that they clocked that I was me, and they gave me some other things, as well.\u003cbr data-start=\"1713\" data-end=\"1716\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1716\" data-end=\"1728\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Oh, nice.\u003cbr data-start=\"1738\" data-end=\"1741\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"1752\">Savage:\u003c/strong> The —\u003cbr data-start=\"1759\" data-end=\"1762\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1774\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You got the VIP treatment.\u003cbr data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1804\" data-end=\"1815\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I did. They gave me an order of the little egg rolls.\u003cbr data-start=\"1869\" data-end=\"1872\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1872\" data-end=\"1883\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Lumpia.\u003cbr data-start=\"1891\" data-end=\"1894\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1894\" data-end=\"1905\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Lumpia, yes.\u003cbr data-start=\"1918\" data-end=\"1921\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1921\" data-end=\"1933\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay. Did you like them?\u003cbr data-start=\"1958\" data-end=\"1961\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"1972\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Oh, my gosh.\u003cbr data-start=\"1985\" data-end=\"1988\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2000\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Crispy little sticks of like —\u003cbr data-start=\"2032\" data-end=\"2035\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2035\" data-end=\"2046\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Crispy. I’ve since looked them up, and the pastry that they’re wrapped in is just — it deep-fries to such a crispy, crispy — Oh, my God, it was fantastic.\u003cbr data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2206\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2206\" data-end=\"2218\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Do you love the lumpias when you go?\u003cbr data-start=\"2255\" data-end=\"2258\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2269\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I love lumpia. It’s pretty much — It’s one of those things where, in a Filipino household, you always have it stocked up in your freezer ready to fry, ready to go.\u003cbr data-start=\"2434\" data-end=\"2437\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2437\" data-end=\"2452\">Washington:\u003c/strong> My experience was — I felt like they must have thought I was Adam as well because I got a very much — it was very personal experience. They were excited to have me there.\u003cbr data-start=\"2625\" data-end=\"2628\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2628\" data-end=\"2640\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"2646\" data-end=\"2649\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2649\" data-end=\"2664\">Washington:\u003c/strong> They were like, “You coming here to try some food? We got some food for you. And I was like, Okay!” I just wanted to get — What do you recommend?” The first one I had was sisig, the pork sisig dish on rice.\u003cbr data-start=\"2872\" data-end=\"2875\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2875\" data-end=\"2887\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm.\u003cbr data-start=\"2895\" data-end=\"2898\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2898\" data-end=\"2913\">Washington:\u003c/strong> It was delicious. And it was like — The, like, pickled vegetables and stuff were all in this beautiful bowl. Again, they came out and said — Someone’s throwing down something like, “What do you think about that there?” I was like, “Yeah!”\u003cbr data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3157\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3157\" data-end=\"3168\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> They need your on-the-spot review.\u003cbr data-start=\"3203\" data-end=\"3206\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3206\" data-end=\"3221\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Right, like, “What do you think?” I’m like, “Yeah, I appreciate that.” And I also ordered a vegan one that was wrapped in, like, a flatbread.\u003cbr data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3366\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3366\" data-end=\"3378\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm.\u003cbr data-start=\"3386\" data-end=\"3389\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3389\" data-end=\"3404\">Washington:\u003c/strong> And that — Again, I’m not s– I ate the pork one first. I ate this up. I literally was cleaning the plate, like, the whole thing. I didn’t want to do that ’cause I didn’t want to clown, but I really did. It was so delicious. It was so flavorful. It was really colorful. The food was amazing to look at.\u003cbr data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3711\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3723\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Do you agree with his description of that?\u003cbr data-start=\"3766\" data-end=\"3769\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3769\" data-end=\"3780\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I’m so happy to hear those descriptions and those words because I feel the exact same way. I feel like, as Filipino food has entered the mainstream, a lot of the focus has been more so on, like, the meats. And so with thinking about health in mind, too, as I get older, I typically order the vegan tofu sisig rice bowl. So, it’s garlic notes, soy sauce, citrusy, over a bed of white rice with a garnish of veggies. And it’s so good. It’s crispy. I love how it has a very bold depth of flavors that just all seem to, like, work together really well.\u003cbr data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4332\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4332\" data-end=\"4343\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Well, I think a lot of Bay Area restaurants will have — if they serve vegan food primarily, they’ll have a meat dish to satisfy.\u003cbr data-start=\"4473\" data-end=\"4476\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4476\" data-end=\"4488\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4498\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4498\" data-end=\"4509\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Or it’s the other way. This felt like every dish, whether meat or vegan, was delivered to be amazing.\u003cbr data-start=\"4611\" data-end=\"4614\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4614\" data-end=\"4625\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"4631\" data-end=\"4634\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4634\" data-end=\"4649\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I don’t love a lot of vegan food sometimes. I eat it because I’m supposed to and all that kind of stuff. [ Laughter ] This was great.\u003cbr data-start=\"4783\" data-end=\"4786\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4786\" data-end=\"4797\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I think the big mistake I made was going alone. I need to go back with at least two people so I can try everything on the menu. As I was leaving, they ran out to give me a drink. [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"4995\" data-end=\"4998\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4998\" data-end=\"5013\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I guess I didn’t get the VIP treatment. I didn’t get any drinks, Adam. I don’t appreciate it.\u003cbr data-start=\"5107\" data-end=\"5110\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5110\" data-end=\"5121\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I took it home.\u003cbr data-start=\"5137\" data-end=\"5140\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5140\" data-end=\"5152\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> They might have recognized you. Okay.\u003cbr data-start=\"5190\" data-end=\"5193\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5193\" data-end=\"5204\">Savage:\u003c/strong> It was a little jar of some purple liquid that was like a smoothie with little chunks in it, which normally bothers me, but was absolutely delicious.\u003cbr data-start=\"5354\" data-end=\"5357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5357\" data-end=\"5368\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Oh, I love that one. That’s actually halo-halo.\u003cbr data-start=\"5416\" data-end=\"5419\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5419\" data-end=\"5430\">Savage:\u003c/strong> That’s what that’s called.\u003cbr data-start=\"5457\" data-end=\"5460\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5460\" data-end=\"5471\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> So, it’s a typical Filipino dessert, and they do it extremely well at Sarap Shop because it’s also plant-based…\u003cbr data-start=\"5585\" data-end=\"5588\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5588\" data-end=\"5599\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"5605\" data-end=\"5608\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5608\" data-end=\"5619\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> …but it’s very refreshing, kind of creamy, too, on the creamy side.\u003cbr data-start=\"5689\" data-end=\"5692\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5692\" data-end=\"5703\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah, super creamy.\u003cbr data-start=\"5723\" data-end=\"5726\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5726\" data-end=\"5738\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah. And what about the pricing? Did you feel that was fair?\u003cbr data-start=\"5800\" data-end=\"5803\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5803\" data-end=\"5814\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Actually, I think what you described about the accessibility of the spaces typifies all three of the restaurants we’re talking about today. They all feel very unassuming, but ludicrously welcoming.\u003cbr data-start=\"6024\" data-end=\"6027\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6027\" data-end=\"6039\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"6045\" data-end=\"6048\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6048\" data-end=\"6059\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And all three were incredibly reasonably priced. And I don’t know about you guys —\u003cbr data-start=\"6143\" data-end=\"6146\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6146\" data-end=\"6158\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Which is hard to find these days when you go out to eat.\u003cbr data-start=\"6215\" data-end=\"6218\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6218\" data-end=\"6233\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Yes, it was a bargain. I want to just — They were — That pride of ownership, you can’t fake. You can’t fake it. They were — They just looked, and you’re — “You like that, don’t you? I bet you like that.” [ Laughter ] You can’t fake that, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"6482\" data-end=\"6485\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6485\" data-end=\"6497\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Eagerly awaiting. Right. Eagerly awaiting. I love it. If you would like to try The Sarap Shop, it’s located on Stillman Street in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. The average multi-course tab per person without drinks is around $30. Glynn’s pick takes us to a beloved family-run spot where the spirit of nonna’s kitchen lives on. Here, the vibe is just as important as the food — warm, welcoming and rooted in community. Located just steps from Lake Merritt, it’s MAMA Oakland.\u003cbr data-start=\"6978\" data-end=\"6981\">[ Indistinct conversations ]\u003cbr data-start=\"7009\" data-end=\"7012\">♪♪\u003cbr data-start=\"7014\" data-end=\"7017\">♪♪\u003cbr data-start=\"7019\" data-end=\"7022\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7022\" data-end=\"7036\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> The name of the restaurant is MAMA Oakland ’cause it’s based off of my grandmother, Maria Stacionis. We call her Mama. She was a feisty lady.\u003cbr data-start=\"7178\" data-end=\"7181\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7181\" data-end=\"7195\">Przygocki:\u003c/strong> Okay, guys, this is MAMA’s sugo, tossed with pappardelle, Parmesan cheese, and basil.\u003cbr data-start=\"7281\" data-end=\"7284\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7284\" data-end=\"7298\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> The goal for the service and the vibe at MAMA is to feel like you’re walking into Mama’s house, to feel like, “Oh, my gosh, I’m so glad you’re here.” It feels convivial. It feels warm. It feels comfortable. The entire restaurant is based around the idea of sugo, MAMA’s sugo. It’s like the quintessential Italian American red sauce. Josiah, my business partner and husband, and I had this idea like, “What if we made a restaurant and it just served sugo? And then we were like, “Maybe we need a couple more things than just one dish.”\u003cbr data-start=\"7833\" data-end=\"7836\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7836\" data-end=\"7850\">Przygocki:\u003c/strong> The format of our menu is a three-course prix fixe menu. It changes based off of seasonality. So it’s always gonna have five or six fruits and vegetables that are super prime and ready to go. I am a basil freak. I’m a fennel freak. And anything that is, like, super fatty and delicious. If it’s gonna put me in a coma after I eat it, I want it.\u003cbr data-start=\"8195\" data-end=\"8198\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8198\" data-end=\"8212\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> The signature dish besides sugo is definitely meatballs.\u003cbr data-start=\"8269\" data-end=\"8272\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8272\" data-end=\"8286\">Przygocki:\u003c/strong> The key to a really great meatball is don’t over mix it and make sure that you have enough fat, so we do double pork to beef.\u003cbr data-start=\"8412\" data-end=\"8415\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8415\" data-end=\"8429\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> I remember Mama teaching me how to make meatballs because she’s, like, borderline inappropriate. There was a lot of talk about… manipulating the balls.\u003cbr data-start=\"8583\" data-end=\"8586\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8586\" data-end=\"8600\">Przygocki:\u003c/strong> [ Laughs ]\u003cbr data-start=\"8611\" data-end=\"8614\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8614\" data-end=\"8624\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Mmm!\u003cbr data-start=\"8629\" data-end=\"8632\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8632\" data-end=\"8646\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> It’s your first time here?\u003cbr data-start=\"8673\" data-end=\"8676\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8676\" data-end=\"8686\">Woman:\u003c/strong> It’s our first time here.\u003cbr data-start=\"8712\" data-end=\"8715\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8715\" data-end=\"8729\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> Oh, amazing.\u003cbr data-start=\"8742\" data-end=\"8745\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8745\" data-end=\"8755\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003cbr data-start=\"8763\" data-end=\"8766\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8766\" data-end=\"8780\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> You go back to your favorite restaurants because, like, oh, you want that one thing, you want that same feeling that you experienced.\u003cbr data-start=\"8914\" data-end=\"8917\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8917\" data-end=\"8931\">Przygocki:\u003c/strong> There are so many people that walk up to me at the line and actually pass me and go directly into the kitchen, and they say, “You guys did a fantastic job. We’re so happy.\u003cbr data-start=\"9103\" data-end=\"9106\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9106\" data-end=\"9120\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> Mama is up there in heaven. She is having a dance party, she’s drinking wine, and she is stoked. She is so grateful that people come in here and look like they’re at our house having an amazing time.\u003cbr data-start=\"9320\" data-end=\"9323\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9323\" data-end=\"9335\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Glynn, how did you find MAMA?\u003cbr data-start=\"9370\" data-end=\"9373\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9373\" data-end=\"9388\">Washington:\u003c/strong> This is in my neighborhood, the Grand Lake neighborhood of Oakland.\u003cbr data-start=\"9456\" data-end=\"9459\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9459\" data-end=\"9471\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr data-start=\"9478\" data-end=\"9481\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9481\" data-end=\"9496\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I go there a lot, and so they give me the Adam treatment, which is, if I have to wait even a moment, they’ll come out and hand a glass of wine while I’m waiting, which is fabulous. It feels so continental and delicious.\u003cbr data-start=\"9716\" data-end=\"9719\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9719\" data-end=\"9731\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you feel so special.\u003cbr data-start=\"9756\" data-end=\"9759\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9759\" data-end=\"9774\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I feel so special. I was like, “Did I do ‘MythBusters’?” [ Laughter ] I really — It’s really, really great. You want to know the move. This is the move.\u003cbr data-start=\"9928\" data-end=\"9931\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9931\" data-end=\"9943\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, attention. Pro tip. Pro tip.\u003cbr data-start=\"9978\" data-end=\"9981\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9981\" data-end=\"9992\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Take notes.\u003cbr data-start=\"10004\" data-end=\"10007\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10007\" data-end=\"10018\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"10024\" data-end=\"10027\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10027\" data-end=\"10042\">Washington:\u003c/strong> This is what you do at MAMA’s. MAMA’s is a prix fixe menu.\u003cbr data-start=\"10101\" data-end=\"10104\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10104\" data-end=\"10116\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm.\u003cbr data-start=\"10124\" data-end=\"10127\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10127\" data-end=\"10142\">Washington:\u003c/strong> They’re gonna have two different things. They have a soup and a salad. They’re gonna have a pasta dish, and they’re gonna have dessert. You and your companion should get one, and you get the other.\u003cbr data-start=\"10340\" data-end=\"10343\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10343\" data-end=\"10354\">Savage:\u003c/strong> We did the move. We ordered everything on the menu.\u003cbr data-start=\"10406\" data-end=\"10409\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10409\" data-end=\"10424\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Right, right.\u003cbr data-start=\"10438\" data-end=\"10441\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10441\" data-end=\"10452\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And then we split it all. The soup was a gazpacho, which they brought out with some of the ingredients on and then they poured the gazpacho over it. I’m a soup guy.\u003cbr data-start=\"10617\" data-end=\"10620\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10620\" data-end=\"10632\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"10638\" data-end=\"10641\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10641\" data-end=\"10652\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I love any kind of soup. The gazpacho was cold. It was crisp. It was fantastic.\u003cbr data-start=\"10732\" data-end=\"10735\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10735\" data-end=\"10746\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I also did the Glynn method. I went with my husband, and we decided to just do one of each so we can try everything on the menu. I really remember the crostata. It was just so refreshing. It was just incredible to start off the three-course meal. And then afterwards we had the campanelle pasta. And I loved how that tomato sauce wasn’t very strong. It was nice and light. It’s unique. I don’t think I’ve had a pasta sauce that tasted exactly like that.\u003cbr data-start=\"11200\" data-end=\"11203\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11203\" data-end=\"11214\">Savage:\u003c/strong> The other thing that I particularly loved was the pappardelle. I love just the widest noodle I could possibly get.\u003cbr data-start=\"11329\" data-end=\"11332\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11332\" data-end=\"11344\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Me too.\u003cbr data-start=\"11352\" data-end=\"11355\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11355\" data-end=\"11366\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And the pappardelle was fantastic.\u003cbr data-start=\"11401\" data-end=\"11404\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11404\" data-end=\"11416\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And again, these rotate and they change, so you —\u003cbr data-start=\"11467\" data-end=\"11470\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11470\" data-end=\"11485\">Washington:\u003c/strong> You never know. You never know.\u003cbr data-start=\"11517\" data-end=\"11520\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11520\" data-end=\"11531\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> That’s why you got to keep going.\u003cbr data-start=\"11565\" data-end=\"11568\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11568\" data-end=\"11580\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s right.\u003cbr data-start=\"11594\" data-end=\"11597\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11597\" data-end=\"11608\">Savage:\u003c/strong> There’s something I really loved about the add-ons which was unique.\u003cbr data-start=\"11677\" data-end=\"11680\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11680\" data-end=\"11692\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So you can order the prix fixe, but then do the add-ons, like $10 more for meatballs and things like.\u003cbr data-start=\"11794\" data-end=\"11797\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11797\" data-end=\"11808\">Savage:\u003c/strong> The add-ons were where the savory arrived. Like, the dishes themselves were a little more on the sweet and vegetable side.\u003cbr data-start=\"11931\" data-end=\"11934\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11934\" data-end=\"11946\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Interesting.\u003cbr data-start=\"11959\" data-end=\"11962\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11962\" data-end=\"11973\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And then the add-ons delivered this wonderful savory note for all the other dishes.\u003cbr data-start=\"12057\" data-end=\"12060\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12060\" data-end=\"12072\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr data-start=\"12079\" data-end=\"12082\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12082\" data-end=\"12097\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I’ll say this. You got to get the meatballs.\u003cbr data-start=\"12142\" data-end=\"12145\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12145\" data-end=\"12156\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Bingo.\u003cbr data-start=\"12163\" data-end=\"12166\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12166\" data-end=\"12181\">Washington:\u003c/strong> You have to get the meatballs.\u003cbr data-start=\"12212\" data-end=\"12215\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12215\" data-end=\"12227\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I was waiting for that.\u003cbr data-start=\"12251\" data-end=\"12254\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12254\" data-end=\"12269\">Washington:\u003c/strong> The meatballs are like — The meatballs are not an add-on. You have to order —\u003cbr data-start=\"12349\" data-end=\"12352\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12352\" data-end=\"12363\">Savage:\u003c/strong> It’s true.\u003cbr data-start=\"12374\" data-end=\"12377\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12377\" data-end=\"12392\">Washington:\u003c/strong> They’re meatballs.\u003cbr data-start=\"12411\" data-end=\"12414\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12414\" data-end=\"12426\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Again, pro tip.\u003cbr data-start=\"12442\" data-end=\"12445\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12445\" data-end=\"12460\">Washington:\u003c/strong> The meatballs are part of the meal, and the focaccia and the sauce of whatever pasta dish you do, you’ve got to do one of these numbers a lot. You got to do that, yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"12629\" data-end=\"12632\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12632\" data-end=\"12644\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah. Okay, what about dessert?\u003cbr data-start=\"12676\" data-end=\"12679\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12679\" data-end=\"12690\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Wait, wait, wait. Before we get to dessert, there was a palate cleanser.\u003cbr data-start=\"12763\" data-end=\"12766\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12766\" data-end=\"12778\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Oh!\u003cbr data-start=\"12782\" data-end=\"12785\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12785\" data-end=\"12796\">Savage:\u003c/strong> They brought us some little ball of lemon granitas in some cherry syrup.\u003cbr data-start=\"12869\" data-end=\"12872\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12872\" data-end=\"12884\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you guys get that treatment?!\u003cbr data-start=\"12918\" data-end=\"12921\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12921\" data-end=\"12936\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I don’t know what happened.\u003cbr data-start=\"12964\" data-end=\"12967\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12967\" data-end=\"12978\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I was not informed.\u003cbr data-start=\"12998\" data-end=\"13001\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13001\" data-end=\"13016\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Again. It keeps happening, and I’m against the whole thing. I don’t appreciate what is going down here. I do not appreciate it. No lemon granitas in cherry syrup.\u003cbr data-start=\"13179\" data-end=\"13182\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13182\" data-end=\"13194\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> “It’s Adam Savage! We got to bring him something!”\u003cbr data-start=\"13245\" data-end=\"13248\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13248\" data-end=\"13263\">Washington:\u003c/strong> It’s outrageous. [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"13293\" data-end=\"13296\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13296\" data-end=\"13308\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, go ahead, VIP. [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"13342\" data-end=\"13345\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13345\" data-end=\"13356\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Tell us what else we don’t know.\u003cbr data-start=\"13389\" data-end=\"13392\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13392\" data-end=\"13403\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Well, I thought the foot rub was a great ending to the meal. [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"13477\" data-end=\"13480\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13480\" data-end=\"13492\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ooh. So?\u003cbr data-start=\"13501\" data-end=\"13504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13504\" data-end=\"13515\">Savage:\u003c/strong> The desserts were spectacular.\u003cbr data-start=\"13546\" data-end=\"13549\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13549\" data-end=\"13561\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, which one did you have?\u003cbr data-start=\"13591\" data-end=\"13594\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13594\" data-end=\"13605\">Savage:\u003c/strong> There was a chocolate and a cheesecake. I ate most of the cheesecake. My wife ate most of the chocolate.\u003cbr data-start=\"13710\" data-end=\"13713\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13713\" data-end=\"13725\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> There you go. That sounds fair.\u003cbr data-start=\"13757\" data-end=\"13760\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13760\" data-end=\"13771\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I had both as well, and what I really appreciated about the cheesecake is — I’m typically not a cheesecake fan. To me, most of the time, it’s just too rich and just too much. Like, one bite, that’s good enough for me. But I almost finished the entire plate and then took it away from my husband. And it was just so good. I felt like the berries that they added on top gave it a nice touch to kind of balance the flavor so it wasn’t, like, kind of too much. And then the chocolate — I don’t know if it was, like, a mousse. That was also rich and creamy and very delicious. And the portions are perfect.\u003cbr data-start=\"14375\" data-end=\"14378\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14378\" data-end=\"14393\">Washington:\u003c/strong> When I was there, I guess they called it the end of the stone fruit season. And so I had an apricot something or another deliciousness that they whipped up. It was fantastic. I think whenever you go there — They’re not gonna have that. That’s gonna be gone because they’ve moved on.\u003cbr data-start=\"14677\" data-end=\"14680\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14680\" data-end=\"14692\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But there’ll be two other choices.\u003cbr data-start=\"14727\" data-end=\"14730\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14730\" data-end=\"14745\">Washington:\u003c/strong> There’ll be two other choices, and they’re gonna be delicious as well. It’s like, I trust these people.\u003cbr data-start=\"14849\" data-end=\"14852\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14852\" data-end=\"14863\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"14869\" data-end=\"14872\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14872\" data-end=\"14887\">Washington:\u003c/strong> At least, I did before Adam got the special situation going on there. [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"14970\" data-end=\"14973\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14973\" data-end=\"14985\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> He’s got this down. I can’t wait to hear about the next restaurant. Alright, if you would like to try MAMA Oakland, it’s located on Grand Avenue in Oakland’s Lake Merritt neighborhood, and the average multi-course tab per person without drinks is around $60.\u003cbr>\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"12\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Adam’s pick is a cozy spot where the scent of masa and melting cheese has filled the air for more than 35 years. It’s a Salvadoran restaurant where handmade pupusas and other Latin American specialties keep generations of diners — and Adam — coming back for more. Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, it’s Panchita’s Pupuseria & Restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n\u003cdiv class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"a80d708a-6018-49bc-b125-2f88965c7a65\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-1\">\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"9092\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">♪♪\u003cbr data-start=\"368\" data-end=\"371\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"371\" data-end=\"381\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003cbr data-start=\"392\" data-end=\"395\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"395\" data-end=\"406\">Campos:\u003c/strong> El Salvador is the house of pupusas. And the pupusa is fresh masa with any kind of meat or vegetable inside. And we roll it and grill it. The pupusa you can eat anytime, in the morning, in the afternoon, at night. That’s the good thing to pupusas. My mother started Panchita’s in 1976. We started with nothing. Every day we buy everything and we sell it and we buy again and we sell it and we buy again. That’s the way we started. But in 1989, I opened my own Panchita’s. This is Panchita’s #2. Everybody asks me, “How do you make those so good pupusas?” So, my mother showed me how to do those really good pupusas. That’s spinach. That’s cheese. I always tell everybody this is my mother’s recipe. That’s like my legado. Here in Panchita’s, we have our 30 kinds of pupusas. I added every year one different kind. These ones are good. My favorite thing in the menu is the sopa de gallina. Every day it’s fresh, and the gallina is the mother of the chicken. That’s why the soup is so good. [ Up-tempo guitar music plays ] I really like this place. Always here for people who really need job, food. People who are hungry, this is the place to come in. My two daughters — they are really working hard. I want to see this next generation and still pupusas will be here.\u003cbr data-start=\"1673\" data-end=\"1676\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1676\" data-end=\"1686\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Oh, my God!\u003cbr data-start=\"1698\" data-end=\"1701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1712\">Campos:\u003c/strong> I never be tired to eating pupusas. I hope you, too. [ Laughs ] Ooh! [ Laughs ]\u003cbr data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1795\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1795\" data-end=\"1807\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, Adam, it sounds like you’ve been living in the Mission as long as the restaurant has been open, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1922\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"1933\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Pretty much.\u003cbr data-start=\"1946\" data-end=\"1949\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"1961\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"1970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1970\" data-end=\"1981\">Savage:\u003c/strong> So, Panchita’s has been a part of my entire Mission journey since 1990 in San Francisco. I eat there maybe once a week. I’ve taken heads of state and astronauts there. I love that the interior is weirdly painted trompe l’oeil, almost like a favela, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"2237\" data-end=\"2240\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"2252\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2261\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2261\" data-end=\"2272\">Savage:\u003c/strong> With, like, corrugated roofing and hurricane fencing, but it’s all trompe l’oeil.\u003cbr data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2357\" data-end=\"2369\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"2375\" data-end=\"2378\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2389\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And the pupusas are just one of my main comfort-food dishes.\u003cbr data-start=\"2450\" data-end=\"2453\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2465\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And it’s one of the best words to say, isn’t it? Everybody say it.\u003cbr data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2535\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2535\" data-end=\"2543\">All:\u003c/strong> Pupusas.\u003cbr data-start=\"2552\" data-end=\"2555\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2555\" data-end=\"2566\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003cbr data-start=\"2571\" data-end=\"2574\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2574\" data-end=\"2586\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s a great word to say.\u003cbr data-start=\"2612\" data-end=\"2615\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2626\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Totally. Now, the main thing about a pupusa is that you want to eat it with the slaw and the red sauce. And you got to dump the slaw on, and then you drown it in the red sauce, which is not super spicy. And my favorite pupusa is the mixed, which is pork and vegetables with the cheese. It’s like a little bit of everything I want in my meal.\u003cbr data-start=\"2968\" data-end=\"2971\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2971\" data-end=\"2983\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And that lovely masa, yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"3011\" data-end=\"3014\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3014\" data-end=\"3025\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And then I always — I love their plátanos, the plantains with the crema and the refried beans, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3131\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3131\" data-end=\"3143\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Uh, over here. I can feel — I feel Glynn going, “This is it.”\u003cbr data-start=\"3206\" data-end=\"3209\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3209\" data-end=\"3224\">Washington:\u003c/strong> This is the move. This is the move. I don’t know from pupusas. I don’t. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. But I do know from plantains, and these were some good plantains right here, just the crisp but sweet. You’ve got the avocado, the sour cream right there. You can kind of like get a little bit of it all in one bite. Boom! It was like — That was my favorite aspect of the meal.\u003cbr data-start=\"3602\" data-end=\"3605\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3605\" data-end=\"3616\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"3622\" data-end=\"3625\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3625\" data-end=\"3637\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What about you, Ruby?\u003cbr data-start=\"3659\" data-end=\"3662\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3662\" data-end=\"3673\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I just fell in love with the pupusa. So, I’ve only had a handful of pupusas so far in my life, but, hands down, the mushroom and garlic one that I had at Panchita’s has to be for me, my personal opinion, the best pupusas I’ve ever had. And it was just creamy, cheesy. The mushrooms inside were seasoned very well. I appreciate it also how there was a nice kind of char on the outside of the pupusas. I think there was also some excess cheese, which gave it a nice crisp, so when you bit into it, I’m like, “Oh, my gosh, this is so good.”\u003cbr data-start=\"4211\" data-end=\"4214\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4214\" data-end=\"4226\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Is there really excess cheese, though?\u003cbr data-start=\"4265\" data-end=\"4268\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4268\" data-end=\"4279\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> You can never have too much cheese.\u003cbr data-start=\"4315\" data-end=\"4318\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4330\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You can never have too much cheese.\u003cbr data-start=\"4366\" data-end=\"4369\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4369\" data-end=\"4384\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I got the pupusa you mentioned, the mushroom, and I got a pork and beef one. This was not sitting in the back somewhere. They made that for me like 30 seconds before they put it on the plate, which was really, really wonderful. And I just loved it.\u003cbr data-start=\"4633\" data-end=\"4636\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4636\" data-end=\"4647\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> And this was another restaurant, I think, out of the three that we’ve had where, again, it felt like home. It felt like community. And for me growing up, me and my family didn’t eat a lot of restaurants. We usually ate at home. So when I go to restaurants like Panchita’s and it gives you a sense of home, that sense of, like, home-cooked meals…\u003cbr data-start=\"4995\" data-end=\"4998\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4998\" data-end=\"5010\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr data-start=\"5017\" data-end=\"5020\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5020\" data-end=\"5031\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> …I just love that. And it has that nostalgic feel to it.\u003cbr data-start=\"5090\" data-end=\"5093\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5093\" data-end=\"5104\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I’ve eaten at a lot of great restaurants where I felt just like a customer.\u003cbr data-start=\"5180\" data-end=\"5183\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5183\" data-end=\"5195\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"5201\" data-end=\"5204\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5204\" data-end=\"5215\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And in all three of the places that we ate, I felt like I was being fed by people whose joy was feeding.\u003cbr data-start=\"5320\" data-end=\"5323\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5323\" data-end=\"5338\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Wow.\u003cbr data-start=\"5343\" data-end=\"5346\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5346\" data-end=\"5357\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Right? Just giving you that succor.\u003cbr data-start=\"5393\" data-end=\"5396\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5396\" data-end=\"5408\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> He says that because he gets the VIP treatment.\u003cbr data-start=\"5456\" data-end=\"5459\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5459\" data-end=\"5474\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Well, again — [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"5502\" data-end=\"5505\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5505\" data-end=\"5516\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I’m never gonna live that down.\u003cbr data-start=\"5548\" data-end=\"5551\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5551\" data-end=\"5566\">Washington:\u003c/strong> This place — I don’t know from the VIP treatment, Adam, but I felt like I got it with the dessert empanada. This empanada had some sort of leche cream in it, maybe some more plantain stuff. It was crispy and hot, but delicious. You stick your finger in there, and you lick that leche stuff off of it. It was just — It was really — I don’t — I don’t know that I’ve ever had something quite like that before.\u003cbr data-start=\"5977\" data-end=\"5980\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5980\" data-end=\"5992\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"5998\" data-end=\"6001\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6001\" data-end=\"6016\">Washington:\u003c/strong> It was really wonderful.\u003cbr data-start=\"6041\" data-end=\"6044\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6044\" data-end=\"6055\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I usually have their Mexican wedding cookies as a dessert. I’ve never tried that. I’m gonna have to.\u003cbr data-start=\"6156\" data-end=\"6159\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6159\" data-end=\"6171\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You’ve never tried it in all the years you’ve been there?\u003cbr data-start=\"6229\" data-end=\"6232\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6232\" data-end=\"6247\">Washington:\u003c/strong> They only brought it out for me. It’s not available in stores because…\u003cbr data-start=\"6320\" data-end=\"6323\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6323\" data-end=\"6335\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> The win goes to Glynn.\u003cbr data-start=\"6358\" data-end=\"6361\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6361\" data-end=\"6376\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Right, right. In the end, yes.\u003cbr data-start=\"6407\" data-end=\"6410\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6410\" data-end=\"6421\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I did want to mention their horchata. They have agua frescas and they revolve and they’re seasonal. I’m particularly addicted to horchata. I love — And theirs has —\u003cbr data-start=\"6588\" data-end=\"6591\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6591\" data-end=\"6603\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Talk about texture. It’s really about texture.\u003cbr data-start=\"6650\" data-end=\"6653\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6653\" data-end=\"6664\">Savage:\u003c/strong> It is texture, and their horchata has a little grit to it, which I want. That’s what I like out of my horchata, yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"6782\" data-end=\"6785\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6785\" data-end=\"6796\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I wish I had tried the horchata, but I did have, like, the Jarritos that they had. And they have a wide selection of beverages, so I’m gonna have to go back next time and try a little bit more. Yeah, I felt like the price was really fair, too, especially for the amount of food that you get. That was a sizable plate, and it’s completely filled. And I would say though, that the — I mean, ’cause it is in a busy part of the city where parking was a little bit challenging, but it’s well worth it.\u003cbr data-start=\"7294\" data-end=\"7297\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7297\" data-end=\"7308\">Savage:\u003c/strong> There is a parking garage half a block away on Hoff Street.\u003cbr data-start=\"7368\" data-end=\"7371\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7371\" data-end=\"7383\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> There we go. See? Another inside tip right there when you go back. If you would like to try Panchita’s Pupuseria & Restaurant, it’s located on 16th Street in San Francisco’s Mission District. The average multi-course tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003cbr data-start=\"7645\" data-end=\"7648\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7648\" data-end=\"7660\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Looking for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try?\u003cbr data-start=\"7716\" data-end=\"7719\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7719\" data-end=\"7732\">Phillips:\u003c/strong> [ Laughs ]\u003cbr data-start=\"7743\" data-end=\"7746\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7746\" data-end=\"7758\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Check out “Cecilia Tries It” online at kqed.org/checkplease. I have to thank my fabulous guests on this week’s show — Adam Savage, who practically nosedives into the red sauce at Panchita’s Pupuseria & Restaurant in San Francisco, Ruby Ibarra, who loves the vegan twist on Filipino favorites at the Sarap Shop in San Francisco, and Glynn Washington, whose home away from home just might be MAMA Oakland. 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. And cheers to you.\u003cbr data-start=\"8351\" data-end=\"8354\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8354\" data-end=\"8365\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003cbr data-start=\"8373\" data-end=\"8376\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8376\" data-end=\"8388\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What do you think of the places we featured today? Join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook at @kqedfood.\u003cbr data-start=\"8501\" data-end=\"8504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8504\" data-end=\"8514\">Reyes:\u003c/strong> We started as a pop up. We were dating and explored getting married.\u003cbr data-start=\"8583\" data-end=\"8586\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8586\" data-end=\"8598\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> We started talking about it, and when I saw the price of a wedding, I was like, “It’s the same price as a food truck. Do you want to just buy that instead?”\u003cbr data-start=\"8755\" data-end=\"8758\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8758\" data-end=\"8768\">Reyes:\u003c/strong> Go into a business contract and stuff?\u003cbr data-start=\"8807\" data-end=\"8810\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8810\" data-end=\"8822\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"8828\" data-end=\"8831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8831\" data-end=\"8841\">James:\u003c/strong> When we first started our business, our parents were our honorary interns. My dad was like, “You can roll this many lumpia in this amount of time because your mom and I did it. So, if you’re not doing it that way, you need to work faster.” [ Laughs ]\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\">\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\">\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-center\">\n\u003cdiv>\n\u003cdiv class=\"inline-flex border border-gray-100 dark:border-gray-700 rounded-xl\">\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-token-text-secondary flex items-center justify-center gap-4 px-4 py-2.5 text-sm whitespace-nowrap\">\u003c/div>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003c/div>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 20, episode 11, airs Thursday, October 30, 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 special episode of \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, we’re joined by some of the Bay Area’s most dynamic storytellers. We kick off the show at \u003cstrong>The Sarap Shop\u003c/strong>! Known for fun but familiar twists like their halo-halo milk tea and lechon sisig carbonara mac, it’s no surprise that they’re located at the heart of the Pilipinas Cultural District in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood. Next, we cross the Bay to \u003cstrong>MAMA Oakland\u003c/strong>, where a carefully crafted prix fixe menu maps out Italian-American flavors. Highlights include pork-and-beef meatballs, housemade pastas, chocolate budino, and even a refreshing strawberry-tomato gazpacho — a feast for both savory and sweet lovers. Finally, we head to \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">San Francisco’s Mission District at \u003cstrong>Panchita’s Pupusería & Restaurant\u003c/strong>, where the beloved Salvadoran pupusa takes center stage. A late-night neighborhood staple since 1989, local diners rave about their meat and veggie pupusas alike, always completing the bite with curtido and salsa. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23649\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/CPBA_2011_Group_Food.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1620\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/CPBA_2011_Group_Food.png 1620w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/CPBA_2011_Group_Food-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/CPBA_2011_Group_Food-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/CPBA_2011_Group_Food-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1620px) 100vw, 1620px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thesarapshop.com/\">\u003cstrong>The Sarap Shop\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://mama-oakland.com/\">\u003cstrong>MAMA Oakland\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.panchitaspupuseria.com/\">\u003cstrong>Panchita’s Pupusería & Restaurant \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>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-23647\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-2000x2681.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-2000x2681.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-160x214.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-768x1029.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-1146x1536.jpg 1146w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-1528x2048.jpg 1528w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/11/2011_Wines-scaled.jpg 1910w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ca href=\"http://www.seasmoke.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Sea Smoke 2022 Chardonnay\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Sta. Rita Hills, California $95\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nYears ago, I had a chance to experience an amazing vineyard in California — Sea Smoke. The name eloquently explains the place. Located in the rolling Sta. Rita Hills north of Santa Barbara, with close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the cooling influence of what’s dubbed “sea smoke” is apparent in their stunning wines. As the fog flows through the Santa Ynez River canyon, it keeps the climate cool for a long, slow growing season. The grapes ripen and mature but maintain bright acidity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That is the hallmark of Sea Smoke wines, including their world-class lineup of pinot noirs. Sea Smoke’s estate-grown, organically farmed chardonnay, however, is a treasure. It’s a sleek, balanced white with rich lemon cream pie aromas balanced by bright citrus flavors. The texture is layered and lush from 10 months of French oak barrel aging but complemented by a mouth-puckering ping from the vibrant acidity. A wine to savor now with grilled salmon or pork loin, or to save and enjoy a few years from now. Splurge on this new California classic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003cspan class=\"contextualExtensionHighlight ms-font-color-themePrimary ms-border-color-themePrimary ident_1264_1334\" role=\"button\">\u003ca href=\"http://www.cmvineyard.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Centennial Mountain 2021 Nerello Mascalese\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003c/b>\u003cem>\u003cspan class=\"contextualExtensionHighlight ms-font-color-themePrimary ms-border-color-themePrimary ident_1264_1334\" role=\"button\">Sonoma County, California\u003c/span> $59\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nLooking for a wine that is surprising and rare? Seek out the small-lot, Italian-style wines from the acclaimed team behind Rhys Vineyards. Though they have been crafting stylish Nebbiolo from their Centennial Mountain vineyard since 2013, they later planted the first vines from Sicilian varieties in California. These include the unique Carricante (a white grape) and Nerello Mascalese, the red shining star of Sicily’s volcanic Mount Etna area. The team wanted to showcase how expressive these grape varieties could be from their high-altitude vineyard in northern Sonoma.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4413\" data-end=\"4810\">If you’re a Pinot Noir lover, you will find an exquisite alternative in the Centennial Mountain Nerello Mascalese. The hue is sheer purple, indicating a wine of refinement and brightness. The nose is intense with red berry and wild herbal aromas, while the mouthfeel is silky with a hint of taut tannins on the finish. It’s elegant and complex. Expand your wine horizons with this beautiful wine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>\u003ca href=\"http://www.jonata.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Jonata 2022 “TODOS” Red Blend\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley, California $60\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nNorthern California’s Sonoma and Napa may have an international reputation, but other Golden State viticultural areas are gaining ground in making world-class wines. One of those spots is the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County on California’s Central Coast. Jonata is a rising star in the area. The name is a nod to an 1845 Spanish land grant named Rancho San Carlos de Jonata.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6370\" data-end=\"6853\">It’s a warm area where hearty red grapes thrive. Jonata began more than two decades ago, quietly planting renegade red varieties such as Syrah and Bordeaux varieties. The Todos — meaning “all” in Spanish — is a powerful blend of primarily Syrah, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The bold, intense wine is inky dark in color with aromas of wild dark berries and spicy black pepper. On the palate, the juicy fruit is complemented by savory, smoky notes wrapped in a plush texture.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong data-start=\"275\" data-end=\"287\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ever wonder where Bay Area celebs grab a bite to unwind? From Filipino comforts…\u003cbr data-start=\"370\" data-end=\"373\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"373\" data-end=\"384\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Every bite is some new wonder.\u003cbr data-start=\"415\" data-end=\"418\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"418\" data-end=\"430\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …to handmade pupusas…\u003cbr data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"459\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"459\" data-end=\"474\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Washington:\u003c/strong> These were some good plantains.\u003cbr data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"509\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"509\" data-end=\"521\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …to seasonal Italian prix fixe plates…\u003cbr data-start=\"564\" data-end=\"567\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"567\" data-end=\"578\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> It felt like home. It felt like community.\u003cbr data-start=\"621\" data-end=\"624\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"636\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …they’re ready to dish just ahead on “Check, Please! Bay Area.”\u003cbr data-start=\"702\" data-end=\"705\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"705\" data-end=\"720\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Boom!\u003cbr data-start=\"726\" data-end=\"729\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"729\" data-end=\"741\">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. Today we’re joined at the “Check, Please!” table by three highly creative Bay Area locals. Adam Savage is the former co-host and executive producer of the “MythBusters” TV series, a New York Times best-selling author of “Every Tool Is a Hammer,” and editor-in-chief of “Tested” on YouTube. Ruby Ibarra is a rapper, songwriter, and director whose work has appeared in hit TV shows and popular video games.\u003cbr data-start=\"1292\" data-end=\"1295\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1306\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> ♪ Shoot you down like the moon ♪ ♪ Wear the crown, I resume ♪\u003cbr data-start=\"1368\" data-end=\"1371\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1383\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But NPR fans may know her best as the winner of the 2025 Tiny Desk Contest. Congratulations there. And Glynn Washington is the co-creator and host of the “Snap Judgment” radio show and podcast…\u003cbr data-start=\"1579\" data-end=\"1582\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1582\" data-end=\"1597\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Downtown Oakland near City Hall, it’s deserted.\u003cbr data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1648\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1660\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …as well as its spinoff podcast, “Spooked.” Welcome, everyone. You ready?\u003cbr data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1739\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1739\" data-end=\"1750\">Savage:\u003c/strong> We are so ready.\u003cbr data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1770\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1770\" data-end=\"1782\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ready for a party.\u003cbr data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1804\" data-end=\"1819\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Let’s do it.\u003cbr data-start=\"1832\" data-end=\"1835\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"1847\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ruby’s up first with a buzzy little eatery that’s redefining what Filipino food can be without sacrificing taste. It’s a colorful spot where the chef’s plant-based options shine just as brightly as the classics. Located in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood, it’s The Sarap Shop.\u003cbr data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2129\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2141\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> Alright, tofu sisig carb, mild, lechon sisig carb in a to-go bag. Sarap Shop is a café, catering, and creative food studio, and we specialize in plant-forward Filipino American comfort food.\u003cbr data-start=\"2332\" data-end=\"2335\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2335\" data-end=\"2345\">James:\u003c/strong> That’s the tofu. I love working with my family. My mouth always waters when I make this dish. [ Chuckles ] Each of the characters behind me are a representation of each of us. I am the garlic god. Kristen is the fried egg. And then JP is the garlic rice bowl. So, sarap is a Tagalog word to describe something that feels good or it tastes good. When we were growing up, our lola used to describe our hugs as sarap. So, when we were coming up with the name Sarap Shop, our food tasted good, and it also made you feel good at the same time.\u003cbr data-start=\"2884\" data-end=\"2887\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2887\" data-end=\"2897\">Reyes:\u003c/strong> A dish that we’re super proud of is our tofu sisig. It was a creative challenge for myself where I was like, “I enjoy these foods. How do I make this vegan or vegetarian?” And almost a game of, like, tricking people to see if they can tell if it’s vegan or not.\u003cbr data-start=\"3159\" data-end=\"3162\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3162\" data-end=\"3172\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Oh, it’s really good.\u003cbr data-start=\"3194\" data-end=\"3197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3197\" data-end=\"3209\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> A lot of the parties we go to, it’s like potlucks, and all of the food touches on your plate. That was our experience growing up. And so one of the dishes we have is our sisig carbonara. My godmother, she would make this carbonara and then my uncle would make a sisig and they would touch and I would be like — I would be the one that would combine it. And so I told JP about that dish, and he’s like, “I’m gonna make it.”\u003cbr data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3636\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3636\" data-end=\"3646\">James:\u003c/strong> Mm. So, adobo is my number-one favorite dish.\u003cbr data-start=\"3692\" data-end=\"3695\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3695\" data-end=\"3707\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> If my brother could tattoo “adobo” on his body, he would totally do it.\u003cbr data-start=\"3779\" data-end=\"3782\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3782\" data-end=\"3792\">James:\u003c/strong> Thick cuts of pork belly with a very sweet, garlicky, soy-forward sauce. It’s addictive.\u003cbr data-start=\"3881\" data-end=\"3884\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3884\" data-end=\"3896\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> I love adobo, too, but then I also really love fried okra. And there was just randomly a day where I was like, “Let’s try to put this on there.” So, it’s just like remixing some of, like, our childhood memories.\u003cbr data-start=\"4108\" data-end=\"4111\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4111\" data-end=\"4121\">Reyes:\u003c/strong> We’re actually inside the Filipino cultural district of San Francisco.\u003cbr data-start=\"4192\" data-end=\"4195\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4195\" data-end=\"4207\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> We love being in the district, and we love having, like, the garage open when we can ’cause people can just drop by. Things like identity and culture, they’re meant to be shared and experimented with. And so the more that we can have, like, food be a vehicle for that, we feel very blessed and lucky to get to do it.\u003cbr data-start=\"4524\" data-end=\"4527\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4527\" data-end=\"4535\">All:\u003c/strong> Hope you like it!\u003cbr data-start=\"4553\" data-end=\"4556\">[ Indistinct conversations, laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"4594\" data-end=\"4597\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4597\" data-end=\"4609\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Ruby, you’re originally from the Philippines, but certainly have been in the Bay Area for a while. And what’s been your inspiration in your music career?\u003cbr data-start=\"4768\" data-end=\"4771\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4771\" data-end=\"4782\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I think a lot of the inspiration that I’ve had in my music is definitely my own experiences. I love to be able to showcase people who I am and where I come from and also give people some light into the stories from my community.\u003cbr data-start=\"5011\" data-end=\"5014\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5014\" data-end=\"5026\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, I think your music showcases diversity, as you said, and I think The Sarap Shop does, too, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"5130\" data-end=\"5133\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5133\" data-end=\"5144\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> They absolutely do.\u003cbr data-start=\"5164\" data-end=\"5167\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5167\" data-end=\"5179\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Let’s talk about that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"11\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> So, I love The Sarap Shop. I’ve been such a huge fan of their food, and I think they’ve become a staple actually in the Filipino American community. They actually used to start as a food truck, and so seeing them grow just makes me very proud.\u003cbr data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"258\" data-is-only-node=\"\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"258\" data-end=\"270\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And the word means, you know, to feel good or to taste good, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"338\" data-end=\"341\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"352\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Yeah, sarap means delicious.\u003cbr data-start=\"381\" data-end=\"384\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"384\" data-end=\"396\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Delicious, right? Did you find it delicious?\u003cbr data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"444\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"444\" data-end=\"455\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I absolutely did. It’s amazing how it is in this little spot that is — Like, I was 20 feet from the door, and I’m like, “I don’t think it’s anywhere near here.” [ Laughter ] And then you walk into this —\u003cbr data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"664\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"676\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> They make you work for it, Adam.\u003cbr data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"712\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"723\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Exactly!\u003cbr data-start=\"732\" data-end=\"735\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"746\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> It’s kind of like a hidden gem.\u003cbr data-start=\"778\" data-end=\"781\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"781\" data-end=\"792\">Savage:\u003c/strong> It feels like a hidden gem. It feels like a secret spot. And, yeah, everything I had there was so comforting. So, I ordered the pork belly adobo, which was phenomenal. And the adobo can be served both as a sandwich and as a rice bowl. And I looked up to the guy who was taking my order, and I was like, “I should get the rice bowl,” and he was like, “Yes, you should get the rice bowl.” And I was like, “That’s the guidance I want.” And then he’s like, “Do you want an egg on it?” And I’m like, “Am I a monster? Of course I want an egg on this.” Stirring of all the fat into the rice. And every bite is a little different. You know, the gold standard is that it’s just like every bite is some new wonder of a mix of the sweet and the savory and the fat and rice.\u003cbr data-start=\"1555\" data-end=\"1558\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1570\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All the good stuff.\u003cbr data-start=\"1590\" data-end=\"1593\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1593\" data-end=\"1604\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And I think — I’m pretty sure that they clocked that I was me, and they gave me some other things, as well.\u003cbr data-start=\"1713\" data-end=\"1716\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1716\" data-end=\"1728\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Oh, nice.\u003cbr data-start=\"1738\" data-end=\"1741\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"1752\">Savage:\u003c/strong> The —\u003cbr data-start=\"1759\" data-end=\"1762\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1774\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You got the VIP treatment.\u003cbr data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1804\" data-end=\"1815\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I did. They gave me an order of the little egg rolls.\u003cbr data-start=\"1869\" data-end=\"1872\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1872\" data-end=\"1883\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Lumpia.\u003cbr data-start=\"1891\" data-end=\"1894\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1894\" data-end=\"1905\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Lumpia, yes.\u003cbr data-start=\"1918\" data-end=\"1921\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1921\" data-end=\"1933\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay. Did you like them?\u003cbr data-start=\"1958\" data-end=\"1961\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"1972\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Oh, my gosh.\u003cbr data-start=\"1985\" data-end=\"1988\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2000\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Crispy little sticks of like —\u003cbr data-start=\"2032\" data-end=\"2035\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2035\" data-end=\"2046\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Crispy. I’ve since looked them up, and the pastry that they’re wrapped in is just — it deep-fries to such a crispy, crispy — Oh, my God, it was fantastic.\u003cbr data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2206\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2206\" data-end=\"2218\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Do you love the lumpias when you go?\u003cbr data-start=\"2255\" data-end=\"2258\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2269\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I love lumpia. It’s pretty much — It’s one of those things where, in a Filipino household, you always have it stocked up in your freezer ready to fry, ready to go.\u003cbr data-start=\"2434\" data-end=\"2437\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2437\" data-end=\"2452\">Washington:\u003c/strong> My experience was — I felt like they must have thought I was Adam as well because I got a very much — it was very personal experience. They were excited to have me there.\u003cbr data-start=\"2625\" data-end=\"2628\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2628\" data-end=\"2640\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"2646\" data-end=\"2649\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2649\" data-end=\"2664\">Washington:\u003c/strong> They were like, “You coming here to try some food? We got some food for you. And I was like, Okay!” I just wanted to get — What do you recommend?” The first one I had was sisig, the pork sisig dish on rice.\u003cbr data-start=\"2872\" data-end=\"2875\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2875\" data-end=\"2887\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm.\u003cbr data-start=\"2895\" data-end=\"2898\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2898\" data-end=\"2913\">Washington:\u003c/strong> It was delicious. And it was like — The, like, pickled vegetables and stuff were all in this beautiful bowl. Again, they came out and said — Someone’s throwing down something like, “What do you think about that there?” I was like, “Yeah!”\u003cbr data-start=\"3154\" data-end=\"3157\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3157\" data-end=\"3168\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> They need your on-the-spot review.\u003cbr data-start=\"3203\" data-end=\"3206\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3206\" data-end=\"3221\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Right, like, “What do you think?” I’m like, “Yeah, I appreciate that.” And I also ordered a vegan one that was wrapped in, like, a flatbread.\u003cbr data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3366\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3366\" data-end=\"3378\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm.\u003cbr data-start=\"3386\" data-end=\"3389\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3389\" data-end=\"3404\">Washington:\u003c/strong> And that — Again, I’m not s– I ate the pork one first. I ate this up. I literally was cleaning the plate, like, the whole thing. I didn’t want to do that ’cause I didn’t want to clown, but I really did. It was so delicious. It was so flavorful. It was really colorful. The food was amazing to look at.\u003cbr data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3711\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3723\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Do you agree with his description of that?\u003cbr data-start=\"3766\" data-end=\"3769\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3769\" data-end=\"3780\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I’m so happy to hear those descriptions and those words because I feel the exact same way. I feel like, as Filipino food has entered the mainstream, a lot of the focus has been more so on, like, the meats. And so with thinking about health in mind, too, as I get older, I typically order the vegan tofu sisig rice bowl. So, it’s garlic notes, soy sauce, citrusy, over a bed of white rice with a garnish of veggies. And it’s so good. It’s crispy. I love how it has a very bold depth of flavors that just all seem to, like, work together really well.\u003cbr data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4332\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4332\" data-end=\"4343\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Well, I think a lot of Bay Area restaurants will have — if they serve vegan food primarily, they’ll have a meat dish to satisfy.\u003cbr data-start=\"4473\" data-end=\"4476\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4476\" data-end=\"4488\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4498\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4498\" data-end=\"4509\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Or it’s the other way. This felt like every dish, whether meat or vegan, was delivered to be amazing.\u003cbr data-start=\"4611\" data-end=\"4614\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4614\" data-end=\"4625\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"4631\" data-end=\"4634\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4634\" data-end=\"4649\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I don’t love a lot of vegan food sometimes. I eat it because I’m supposed to and all that kind of stuff. [ Laughter ] This was great.\u003cbr data-start=\"4783\" data-end=\"4786\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4786\" data-end=\"4797\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I think the big mistake I made was going alone. I need to go back with at least two people so I can try everything on the menu. As I was leaving, they ran out to give me a drink. [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"4995\" data-end=\"4998\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4998\" data-end=\"5013\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I guess I didn’t get the VIP treatment. I didn’t get any drinks, Adam. I don’t appreciate it.\u003cbr data-start=\"5107\" data-end=\"5110\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5110\" data-end=\"5121\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I took it home.\u003cbr data-start=\"5137\" data-end=\"5140\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5140\" data-end=\"5152\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> They might have recognized you. Okay.\u003cbr data-start=\"5190\" data-end=\"5193\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5193\" data-end=\"5204\">Savage:\u003c/strong> It was a little jar of some purple liquid that was like a smoothie with little chunks in it, which normally bothers me, but was absolutely delicious.\u003cbr data-start=\"5354\" data-end=\"5357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5357\" data-end=\"5368\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Oh, I love that one. That’s actually halo-halo.\u003cbr data-start=\"5416\" data-end=\"5419\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5419\" data-end=\"5430\">Savage:\u003c/strong> That’s what that’s called.\u003cbr data-start=\"5457\" data-end=\"5460\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5460\" data-end=\"5471\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> So, it’s a typical Filipino dessert, and they do it extremely well at Sarap Shop because it’s also plant-based…\u003cbr data-start=\"5585\" data-end=\"5588\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5588\" data-end=\"5599\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"5605\" data-end=\"5608\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5608\" data-end=\"5619\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> …but it’s very refreshing, kind of creamy, too, on the creamy side.\u003cbr data-start=\"5689\" data-end=\"5692\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5692\" data-end=\"5703\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah, super creamy.\u003cbr data-start=\"5723\" data-end=\"5726\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5726\" data-end=\"5738\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah. And what about the pricing? Did you feel that was fair?\u003cbr data-start=\"5800\" data-end=\"5803\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5803\" data-end=\"5814\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Absolutely. Actually, I think what you described about the accessibility of the spaces typifies all three of the restaurants we’re talking about today. They all feel very unassuming, but ludicrously welcoming.\u003cbr data-start=\"6024\" data-end=\"6027\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6027\" data-end=\"6039\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"6045\" data-end=\"6048\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6048\" data-end=\"6059\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And all three were incredibly reasonably priced. And I don’t know about you guys —\u003cbr data-start=\"6143\" data-end=\"6146\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6146\" data-end=\"6158\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Which is hard to find these days when you go out to eat.\u003cbr data-start=\"6215\" data-end=\"6218\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6218\" data-end=\"6233\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Yes, it was a bargain. I want to just — They were — That pride of ownership, you can’t fake. You can’t fake it. They were — They just looked, and you’re — “You like that, don’t you? I bet you like that.” [ Laughter ] You can’t fake that, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"6482\" data-end=\"6485\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6485\" data-end=\"6497\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Eagerly awaiting. Right. Eagerly awaiting. I love it. If you would like to try The Sarap Shop, it’s located on Stillman Street in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. The average multi-course tab per person without drinks is around $30. Glynn’s pick takes us to a beloved family-run spot where the spirit of nonna’s kitchen lives on. Here, the vibe is just as important as the food — warm, welcoming and rooted in community. Located just steps from Lake Merritt, it’s MAMA Oakland.\u003cbr data-start=\"6978\" data-end=\"6981\">[ Indistinct conversations ]\u003cbr data-start=\"7009\" data-end=\"7012\">♪♪\u003cbr data-start=\"7014\" data-end=\"7017\">♪♪\u003cbr data-start=\"7019\" data-end=\"7022\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7022\" data-end=\"7036\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> The name of the restaurant is MAMA Oakland ’cause it’s based off of my grandmother, Maria Stacionis. We call her Mama. She was a feisty lady.\u003cbr data-start=\"7178\" data-end=\"7181\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7181\" data-end=\"7195\">Przygocki:\u003c/strong> Okay, guys, this is MAMA’s sugo, tossed with pappardelle, Parmesan cheese, and basil.\u003cbr data-start=\"7281\" data-end=\"7284\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7284\" data-end=\"7298\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> The goal for the service and the vibe at MAMA is to feel like you’re walking into Mama’s house, to feel like, “Oh, my gosh, I’m so glad you’re here.” It feels convivial. It feels warm. It feels comfortable. The entire restaurant is based around the idea of sugo, MAMA’s sugo. It’s like the quintessential Italian American red sauce. Josiah, my business partner and husband, and I had this idea like, “What if we made a restaurant and it just served sugo? And then we were like, “Maybe we need a couple more things than just one dish.”\u003cbr data-start=\"7833\" data-end=\"7836\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7836\" data-end=\"7850\">Przygocki:\u003c/strong> The format of our menu is a three-course prix fixe menu. It changes based off of seasonality. So it’s always gonna have five or six fruits and vegetables that are super prime and ready to go. I am a basil freak. I’m a fennel freak. And anything that is, like, super fatty and delicious. If it’s gonna put me in a coma after I eat it, I want it.\u003cbr data-start=\"8195\" data-end=\"8198\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8198\" data-end=\"8212\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> The signature dish besides sugo is definitely meatballs.\u003cbr data-start=\"8269\" data-end=\"8272\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8272\" data-end=\"8286\">Przygocki:\u003c/strong> The key to a really great meatball is don’t over mix it and make sure that you have enough fat, so we do double pork to beef.\u003cbr data-start=\"8412\" data-end=\"8415\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8415\" data-end=\"8429\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> I remember Mama teaching me how to make meatballs because she’s, like, borderline inappropriate. There was a lot of talk about… manipulating the balls.\u003cbr data-start=\"8583\" data-end=\"8586\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8586\" data-end=\"8600\">Przygocki:\u003c/strong> [ Laughs ]\u003cbr data-start=\"8611\" data-end=\"8614\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8614\" data-end=\"8624\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Mmm!\u003cbr data-start=\"8629\" data-end=\"8632\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8632\" data-end=\"8646\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> It’s your first time here?\u003cbr data-start=\"8673\" data-end=\"8676\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8676\" data-end=\"8686\">Woman:\u003c/strong> It’s our first time here.\u003cbr data-start=\"8712\" data-end=\"8715\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8715\" data-end=\"8729\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> Oh, amazing.\u003cbr data-start=\"8742\" data-end=\"8745\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8745\" data-end=\"8755\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003cbr data-start=\"8763\" data-end=\"8766\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8766\" data-end=\"8780\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> You go back to your favorite restaurants because, like, oh, you want that one thing, you want that same feeling that you experienced.\u003cbr data-start=\"8914\" data-end=\"8917\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8917\" data-end=\"8931\">Przygocki:\u003c/strong> There are so many people that walk up to me at the line and actually pass me and go directly into the kitchen, and they say, “You guys did a fantastic job. We’re so happy.\u003cbr data-start=\"9103\" data-end=\"9106\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9106\" data-end=\"9120\">Stacionis:\u003c/strong> Mama is up there in heaven. She is having a dance party, she’s drinking wine, and she is stoked. She is so grateful that people come in here and look like they’re at our house having an amazing time.\u003cbr data-start=\"9320\" data-end=\"9323\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9323\" data-end=\"9335\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Glynn, how did you find MAMA?\u003cbr data-start=\"9370\" data-end=\"9373\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9373\" data-end=\"9388\">Washington:\u003c/strong> This is in my neighborhood, the Grand Lake neighborhood of Oakland.\u003cbr data-start=\"9456\" data-end=\"9459\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9459\" data-end=\"9471\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr data-start=\"9478\" data-end=\"9481\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9481\" data-end=\"9496\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I go there a lot, and so they give me the Adam treatment, which is, if I have to wait even a moment, they’ll come out and hand a glass of wine while I’m waiting, which is fabulous. It feels so continental and delicious.\u003cbr data-start=\"9716\" data-end=\"9719\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9719\" data-end=\"9731\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you feel so special.\u003cbr data-start=\"9756\" data-end=\"9759\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9759\" data-end=\"9774\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I feel so special. I was like, “Did I do ‘MythBusters’?” [ Laughter ] I really — It’s really, really great. You want to know the move. This is the move.\u003cbr data-start=\"9928\" data-end=\"9931\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9931\" data-end=\"9943\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, attention. Pro tip. Pro tip.\u003cbr data-start=\"9978\" data-end=\"9981\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9981\" data-end=\"9992\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Take notes.\u003cbr data-start=\"10004\" data-end=\"10007\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10007\" data-end=\"10018\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"10024\" data-end=\"10027\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10027\" data-end=\"10042\">Washington:\u003c/strong> This is what you do at MAMA’s. MAMA’s is a prix fixe menu.\u003cbr data-start=\"10101\" data-end=\"10104\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10104\" data-end=\"10116\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm.\u003cbr data-start=\"10124\" data-end=\"10127\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10127\" data-end=\"10142\">Washington:\u003c/strong> They’re gonna have two different things. They have a soup and a salad. They’re gonna have a pasta dish, and they’re gonna have dessert. You and your companion should get one, and you get the other.\u003cbr data-start=\"10340\" data-end=\"10343\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10343\" data-end=\"10354\">Savage:\u003c/strong> We did the move. We ordered everything on the menu.\u003cbr data-start=\"10406\" data-end=\"10409\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10409\" data-end=\"10424\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Right, right.\u003cbr data-start=\"10438\" data-end=\"10441\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10441\" data-end=\"10452\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And then we split it all. The soup was a gazpacho, which they brought out with some of the ingredients on and then they poured the gazpacho over it. I’m a soup guy.\u003cbr data-start=\"10617\" data-end=\"10620\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10620\" data-end=\"10632\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"10638\" data-end=\"10641\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10641\" data-end=\"10652\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I love any kind of soup. The gazpacho was cold. It was crisp. It was fantastic.\u003cbr data-start=\"10732\" data-end=\"10735\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10735\" data-end=\"10746\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I also did the Glynn method. I went with my husband, and we decided to just do one of each so we can try everything on the menu. I really remember the crostata. It was just so refreshing. It was just incredible to start off the three-course meal. And then afterwards we had the campanelle pasta. And I loved how that tomato sauce wasn’t very strong. It was nice and light. It’s unique. I don’t think I’ve had a pasta sauce that tasted exactly like that.\u003cbr data-start=\"11200\" data-end=\"11203\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11203\" data-end=\"11214\">Savage:\u003c/strong> The other thing that I particularly loved was the pappardelle. I love just the widest noodle I could possibly get.\u003cbr data-start=\"11329\" data-end=\"11332\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11332\" data-end=\"11344\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Me too.\u003cbr data-start=\"11352\" data-end=\"11355\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11355\" data-end=\"11366\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And the pappardelle was fantastic.\u003cbr data-start=\"11401\" data-end=\"11404\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11404\" data-end=\"11416\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And again, these rotate and they change, so you —\u003cbr data-start=\"11467\" data-end=\"11470\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11470\" data-end=\"11485\">Washington:\u003c/strong> You never know. You never know.\u003cbr data-start=\"11517\" data-end=\"11520\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11520\" data-end=\"11531\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> That’s why you got to keep going.\u003cbr data-start=\"11565\" data-end=\"11568\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11568\" data-end=\"11580\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s right.\u003cbr data-start=\"11594\" data-end=\"11597\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11597\" data-end=\"11608\">Savage:\u003c/strong> There’s something I really loved about the add-ons which was unique.\u003cbr data-start=\"11677\" data-end=\"11680\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11680\" data-end=\"11692\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So you can order the prix fixe, but then do the add-ons, like $10 more for meatballs and things like.\u003cbr data-start=\"11794\" data-end=\"11797\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11797\" data-end=\"11808\">Savage:\u003c/strong> The add-ons were where the savory arrived. Like, the dishes themselves were a little more on the sweet and vegetable side.\u003cbr data-start=\"11931\" data-end=\"11934\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11934\" data-end=\"11946\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Interesting.\u003cbr data-start=\"11959\" data-end=\"11962\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"11962\" data-end=\"11973\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And then the add-ons delivered this wonderful savory note for all the other dishes.\u003cbr data-start=\"12057\" data-end=\"12060\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12060\" data-end=\"12072\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr data-start=\"12079\" data-end=\"12082\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12082\" data-end=\"12097\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I’ll say this. You got to get the meatballs.\u003cbr data-start=\"12142\" data-end=\"12145\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12145\" data-end=\"12156\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Bingo.\u003cbr data-start=\"12163\" data-end=\"12166\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12166\" data-end=\"12181\">Washington:\u003c/strong> You have to get the meatballs.\u003cbr data-start=\"12212\" data-end=\"12215\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12215\" data-end=\"12227\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I was waiting for that.\u003cbr data-start=\"12251\" data-end=\"12254\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12254\" data-end=\"12269\">Washington:\u003c/strong> The meatballs are like — The meatballs are not an add-on. You have to order —\u003cbr data-start=\"12349\" data-end=\"12352\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12352\" data-end=\"12363\">Savage:\u003c/strong> It’s true.\u003cbr data-start=\"12374\" data-end=\"12377\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12377\" data-end=\"12392\">Washington:\u003c/strong> They’re meatballs.\u003cbr data-start=\"12411\" data-end=\"12414\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12414\" data-end=\"12426\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Again, pro tip.\u003cbr data-start=\"12442\" data-end=\"12445\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12445\" data-end=\"12460\">Washington:\u003c/strong> The meatballs are part of the meal, and the focaccia and the sauce of whatever pasta dish you do, you’ve got to do one of these numbers a lot. You got to do that, yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"12629\" data-end=\"12632\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12632\" data-end=\"12644\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah. Okay, what about dessert?\u003cbr data-start=\"12676\" data-end=\"12679\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12679\" data-end=\"12690\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Wait, wait, wait. Before we get to dessert, there was a palate cleanser.\u003cbr data-start=\"12763\" data-end=\"12766\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12766\" data-end=\"12778\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Oh!\u003cbr data-start=\"12782\" data-end=\"12785\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12785\" data-end=\"12796\">Savage:\u003c/strong> They brought us some little ball of lemon granitas in some cherry syrup.\u003cbr data-start=\"12869\" data-end=\"12872\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12872\" data-end=\"12884\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you guys get that treatment?!\u003cbr data-start=\"12918\" data-end=\"12921\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12921\" data-end=\"12936\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I don’t know what happened.\u003cbr data-start=\"12964\" data-end=\"12967\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"12967\" data-end=\"12978\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I was not informed.\u003cbr data-start=\"12998\" data-end=\"13001\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13001\" data-end=\"13016\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Again. It keeps happening, and I’m against the whole thing. I don’t appreciate what is going down here. I do not appreciate it. No lemon granitas in cherry syrup.\u003cbr data-start=\"13179\" data-end=\"13182\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13182\" data-end=\"13194\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> “It’s Adam Savage! We got to bring him something!”\u003cbr data-start=\"13245\" data-end=\"13248\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13248\" data-end=\"13263\">Washington:\u003c/strong> It’s outrageous. [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"13293\" data-end=\"13296\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13296\" data-end=\"13308\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, go ahead, VIP. [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"13342\" data-end=\"13345\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13345\" data-end=\"13356\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Tell us what else we don’t know.\u003cbr data-start=\"13389\" data-end=\"13392\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13392\" data-end=\"13403\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Well, I thought the foot rub was a great ending to the meal. [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"13477\" data-end=\"13480\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13480\" data-end=\"13492\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ooh. So?\u003cbr data-start=\"13501\" data-end=\"13504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13504\" data-end=\"13515\">Savage:\u003c/strong> The desserts were spectacular.\u003cbr data-start=\"13546\" data-end=\"13549\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13549\" data-end=\"13561\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, which one did you have?\u003cbr data-start=\"13591\" data-end=\"13594\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13594\" data-end=\"13605\">Savage:\u003c/strong> There was a chocolate and a cheesecake. I ate most of the cheesecake. My wife ate most of the chocolate.\u003cbr data-start=\"13710\" data-end=\"13713\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13713\" data-end=\"13725\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> There you go. That sounds fair.\u003cbr data-start=\"13757\" data-end=\"13760\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"13760\" data-end=\"13771\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I had both as well, and what I really appreciated about the cheesecake is — I’m typically not a cheesecake fan. To me, most of the time, it’s just too rich and just too much. Like, one bite, that’s good enough for me. But I almost finished the entire plate and then took it away from my husband. And it was just so good. I felt like the berries that they added on top gave it a nice touch to kind of balance the flavor so it wasn’t, like, kind of too much. And then the chocolate — I don’t know if it was, like, a mousse. That was also rich and creamy and very delicious. And the portions are perfect.\u003cbr data-start=\"14375\" data-end=\"14378\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14378\" data-end=\"14393\">Washington:\u003c/strong> When I was there, I guess they called it the end of the stone fruit season. And so I had an apricot something or another deliciousness that they whipped up. It was fantastic. I think whenever you go there — They’re not gonna have that. That’s gonna be gone because they’ve moved on.\u003cbr data-start=\"14677\" data-end=\"14680\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14680\" data-end=\"14692\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But there’ll be two other choices.\u003cbr data-start=\"14727\" data-end=\"14730\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14730\" data-end=\"14745\">Washington:\u003c/strong> There’ll be two other choices, and they’re gonna be delicious as well. It’s like, I trust these people.\u003cbr data-start=\"14849\" data-end=\"14852\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14852\" data-end=\"14863\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"14869\" data-end=\"14872\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14872\" data-end=\"14887\">Washington:\u003c/strong> At least, I did before Adam got the special situation going on there. [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"14970\" data-end=\"14973\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"14973\" data-end=\"14985\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> He’s got this down. I can’t wait to hear about the next restaurant. Alright, if you would like to try MAMA Oakland, it’s located on Grand Avenue in Oakland’s Lake Merritt neighborhood, and the average multi-course tab per person without drinks is around $60.\u003cbr>\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"12\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Adam’s pick is a cozy spot where the scent of masa and melting cheese has filled the air for more than 35 years. It’s a Salvadoran restaurant where handmade pupusas and other Latin American specialties keep generations of diners — and Adam — coming back for more. Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, it’s Panchita’s Pupuseria & Restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n\u003cdiv class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"a80d708a-6018-49bc-b125-2f88965c7a65\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-1\">\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling\">\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"9092\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">♪♪\u003cbr data-start=\"368\" data-end=\"371\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"371\" data-end=\"381\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003cbr data-start=\"392\" data-end=\"395\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"395\" data-end=\"406\">Campos:\u003c/strong> El Salvador is the house of pupusas. And the pupusa is fresh masa with any kind of meat or vegetable inside. And we roll it and grill it. The pupusa you can eat anytime, in the morning, in the afternoon, at night. That’s the good thing to pupusas. My mother started Panchita’s in 1976. We started with nothing. Every day we buy everything and we sell it and we buy again and we sell it and we buy again. That’s the way we started. But in 1989, I opened my own Panchita’s. This is Panchita’s #2. Everybody asks me, “How do you make those so good pupusas?” So, my mother showed me how to do those really good pupusas. That’s spinach. That’s cheese. I always tell everybody this is my mother’s recipe. That’s like my legado. Here in Panchita’s, we have our 30 kinds of pupusas. I added every year one different kind. These ones are good. My favorite thing in the menu is the sopa de gallina. Every day it’s fresh, and the gallina is the mother of the chicken. That’s why the soup is so good. [ Up-tempo guitar music plays ] I really like this place. Always here for people who really need job, food. People who are hungry, this is the place to come in. My two daughters — they are really working hard. I want to see this next generation and still pupusas will be here.\u003cbr data-start=\"1673\" data-end=\"1676\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1676\" data-end=\"1686\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Oh, my God!\u003cbr data-start=\"1698\" data-end=\"1701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1712\">Campos:\u003c/strong> I never be tired to eating pupusas. I hope you, too. [ Laughs ] Ooh! [ Laughs ]\u003cbr data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1795\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1795\" data-end=\"1807\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, Adam, it sounds like you’ve been living in the Mission as long as the restaurant has been open, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1922\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"1933\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Pretty much.\u003cbr data-start=\"1946\" data-end=\"1949\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"1961\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"1970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1970\" data-end=\"1981\">Savage:\u003c/strong> So, Panchita’s has been a part of my entire Mission journey since 1990 in San Francisco. I eat there maybe once a week. I’ve taken heads of state and astronauts there. I love that the interior is weirdly painted trompe l’oeil, almost like a favela, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"2237\" data-end=\"2240\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"2252\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2261\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2261\" data-end=\"2272\">Savage:\u003c/strong> With, like, corrugated roofing and hurricane fencing, but it’s all trompe l’oeil.\u003cbr data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2357\" data-end=\"2369\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"2375\" data-end=\"2378\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2389\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And the pupusas are just one of my main comfort-food dishes.\u003cbr data-start=\"2450\" data-end=\"2453\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2465\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And it’s one of the best words to say, isn’t it? Everybody say it.\u003cbr data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2535\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2535\" data-end=\"2543\">All:\u003c/strong> Pupusas.\u003cbr data-start=\"2552\" data-end=\"2555\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2555\" data-end=\"2566\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003cbr data-start=\"2571\" data-end=\"2574\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2574\" data-end=\"2586\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s a great word to say.\u003cbr data-start=\"2612\" data-end=\"2615\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2626\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Totally. Now, the main thing about a pupusa is that you want to eat it with the slaw and the red sauce. And you got to dump the slaw on, and then you drown it in the red sauce, which is not super spicy. And my favorite pupusa is the mixed, which is pork and vegetables with the cheese. It’s like a little bit of everything I want in my meal.\u003cbr data-start=\"2968\" data-end=\"2971\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2971\" data-end=\"2983\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And that lovely masa, yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"3011\" data-end=\"3014\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3014\" data-end=\"3025\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And then I always — I love their plátanos, the plantains with the crema and the refried beans, right?\u003cbr data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3131\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3131\" data-end=\"3143\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Uh, over here. I can feel — I feel Glynn going, “This is it.”\u003cbr data-start=\"3206\" data-end=\"3209\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3209\" data-end=\"3224\">Washington:\u003c/strong> This is the move. This is the move. I don’t know from pupusas. I don’t. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. But I do know from plantains, and these were some good plantains right here, just the crisp but sweet. You’ve got the avocado, the sour cream right there. You can kind of like get a little bit of it all in one bite. Boom! It was like — That was my favorite aspect of the meal.\u003cbr data-start=\"3602\" data-end=\"3605\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3605\" data-end=\"3616\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"3622\" data-end=\"3625\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3625\" data-end=\"3637\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What about you, Ruby?\u003cbr data-start=\"3659\" data-end=\"3662\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3662\" data-end=\"3673\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I just fell in love with the pupusa. So, I’ve only had a handful of pupusas so far in my life, but, hands down, the mushroom and garlic one that I had at Panchita’s has to be for me, my personal opinion, the best pupusas I’ve ever had. And it was just creamy, cheesy. The mushrooms inside were seasoned very well. I appreciate it also how there was a nice kind of char on the outside of the pupusas. I think there was also some excess cheese, which gave it a nice crisp, so when you bit into it, I’m like, “Oh, my gosh, this is so good.”\u003cbr data-start=\"4211\" data-end=\"4214\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4214\" data-end=\"4226\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Is there really excess cheese, though?\u003cbr data-start=\"4265\" data-end=\"4268\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4268\" data-end=\"4279\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> You can never have too much cheese.\u003cbr data-start=\"4315\" data-end=\"4318\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4330\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You can never have too much cheese.\u003cbr data-start=\"4366\" data-end=\"4369\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4369\" data-end=\"4384\">Washington:\u003c/strong> I got the pupusa you mentioned, the mushroom, and I got a pork and beef one. This was not sitting in the back somewhere. They made that for me like 30 seconds before they put it on the plate, which was really, really wonderful. And I just loved it.\u003cbr data-start=\"4633\" data-end=\"4636\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4636\" data-end=\"4647\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> And this was another restaurant, I think, out of the three that we’ve had where, again, it felt like home. It felt like community. And for me growing up, me and my family didn’t eat a lot of restaurants. We usually ate at home. So when I go to restaurants like Panchita’s and it gives you a sense of home, that sense of, like, home-cooked meals…\u003cbr data-start=\"4995\" data-end=\"4998\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4998\" data-end=\"5010\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr data-start=\"5017\" data-end=\"5020\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5020\" data-end=\"5031\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> …I just love that. And it has that nostalgic feel to it.\u003cbr data-start=\"5090\" data-end=\"5093\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5093\" data-end=\"5104\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I’ve eaten at a lot of great restaurants where I felt just like a customer.\u003cbr data-start=\"5180\" data-end=\"5183\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5183\" data-end=\"5195\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"5201\" data-end=\"5204\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5204\" data-end=\"5215\">Savage:\u003c/strong> And in all three of the places that we ate, I felt like I was being fed by people whose joy was feeding.\u003cbr data-start=\"5320\" data-end=\"5323\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5323\" data-end=\"5338\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Wow.\u003cbr data-start=\"5343\" data-end=\"5346\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5346\" data-end=\"5357\">Savage:\u003c/strong> Right? Just giving you that succor.\u003cbr data-start=\"5393\" data-end=\"5396\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5396\" data-end=\"5408\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> He says that because he gets the VIP treatment.\u003cbr data-start=\"5456\" data-end=\"5459\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5459\" data-end=\"5474\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Well, again — [ Laughter ]\u003cbr data-start=\"5502\" data-end=\"5505\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5505\" data-end=\"5516\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I’m never gonna live that down.\u003cbr data-start=\"5548\" data-end=\"5551\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5551\" data-end=\"5566\">Washington:\u003c/strong> This place — I don’t know from the VIP treatment, Adam, but I felt like I got it with the dessert empanada. This empanada had some sort of leche cream in it, maybe some more plantain stuff. It was crispy and hot, but delicious. You stick your finger in there, and you lick that leche stuff off of it. It was just — It was really — I don’t — I don’t know that I’ve ever had something quite like that before.\u003cbr data-start=\"5977\" data-end=\"5980\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5980\" data-end=\"5992\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"5998\" data-end=\"6001\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6001\" data-end=\"6016\">Washington:\u003c/strong> It was really wonderful.\u003cbr data-start=\"6041\" data-end=\"6044\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6044\" data-end=\"6055\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I usually have their Mexican wedding cookies as a dessert. I’ve never tried that. I’m gonna have to.\u003cbr data-start=\"6156\" data-end=\"6159\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6159\" data-end=\"6171\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You’ve never tried it in all the years you’ve been there?\u003cbr data-start=\"6229\" data-end=\"6232\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6232\" data-end=\"6247\">Washington:\u003c/strong> They only brought it out for me. It’s not available in stores because…\u003cbr data-start=\"6320\" data-end=\"6323\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6323\" data-end=\"6335\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> The win goes to Glynn.\u003cbr data-start=\"6358\" data-end=\"6361\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6361\" data-end=\"6376\">Washington:\u003c/strong> Right, right. In the end, yes.\u003cbr data-start=\"6407\" data-end=\"6410\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6410\" data-end=\"6421\">Savage:\u003c/strong> I did want to mention their horchata. They have agua frescas and they revolve and they’re seasonal. I’m particularly addicted to horchata. I love — And theirs has —\u003cbr data-start=\"6588\" data-end=\"6591\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6591\" data-end=\"6603\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Talk about texture. It’s really about texture.\u003cbr data-start=\"6650\" data-end=\"6653\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6653\" data-end=\"6664\">Savage:\u003c/strong> It is texture, and their horchata has a little grit to it, which I want. That’s what I like out of my horchata, yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"6782\" data-end=\"6785\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6785\" data-end=\"6796\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> I wish I had tried the horchata, but I did have, like, the Jarritos that they had. And they have a wide selection of beverages, so I’m gonna have to go back next time and try a little bit more. Yeah, I felt like the price was really fair, too, especially for the amount of food that you get. That was a sizable plate, and it’s completely filled. And I would say though, that the — I mean, ’cause it is in a busy part of the city where parking was a little bit challenging, but it’s well worth it.\u003cbr data-start=\"7294\" data-end=\"7297\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7297\" data-end=\"7308\">Savage:\u003c/strong> There is a parking garage half a block away on Hoff Street.\u003cbr data-start=\"7368\" data-end=\"7371\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7371\" data-end=\"7383\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> There we go. See? Another inside tip right there when you go back. If you would like to try Panchita’s Pupuseria & Restaurant, it’s located on 16th Street in San Francisco’s Mission District. The average multi-course tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003cbr data-start=\"7645\" data-end=\"7648\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7648\" data-end=\"7660\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Looking for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try?\u003cbr data-start=\"7716\" data-end=\"7719\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7719\" data-end=\"7732\">Phillips:\u003c/strong> [ Laughs ]\u003cbr data-start=\"7743\" data-end=\"7746\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7746\" data-end=\"7758\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Check out “Cecilia Tries It” online at kqed.org/checkplease. I have to thank my fabulous guests on this week’s show — Adam Savage, who practically nosedives into the red sauce at Panchita’s Pupuseria & Restaurant in San Francisco, Ruby Ibarra, who loves the vegan twist on Filipino favorites at the Sarap Shop in San Francisco, and Glynn Washington, whose home away from home just might be MAMA Oakland. 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. And cheers to you.\u003cbr data-start=\"8351\" data-end=\"8354\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8354\" data-end=\"8365\">Ibarra:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003cbr data-start=\"8373\" data-end=\"8376\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8376\" data-end=\"8388\">Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What do you think of the places we featured today? Join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook at @kqedfood.\u003cbr data-start=\"8501\" data-end=\"8504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8504\" data-end=\"8514\">Reyes:\u003c/strong> We started as a pop up. We were dating and explored getting married.\u003cbr data-start=\"8583\" data-end=\"8586\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8586\" data-end=\"8598\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> We started talking about it, and when I saw the price of a wedding, I was like, “It’s the same price as a food truck. Do you want to just buy that instead?”\u003cbr data-start=\"8755\" data-end=\"8758\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8758\" data-end=\"8768\">Reyes:\u003c/strong> Go into a business contract and stuff?\u003cbr data-start=\"8807\" data-end=\"8810\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8810\" data-end=\"8822\">Kristen:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr data-start=\"8828\" data-end=\"8831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8831\" data-end=\"8841\">James:\u003c/strong> When we first started our business, our parents were our honorary interns. My dad was like, “You can roll this many lumpia in this amount of time because your mom and I did it. 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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> officially turns 20 this fall! The beloved KQED James Beard and Emmy Award-winning series continues its 20th season with a pair of celebrity episodes featuring guest spots by current and former Golden State Warriors and prominent Bay Area storytellers, as well as an anniversary episode that gives a behind-the-scenes look at the program with highlights from the show’s history.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">On October 30, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please!\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> welcomes former Golden State Warriors \u003c/span>\u003cb>Festus Ezeli\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and \u003c/span>\u003cb>Adonal Foyle\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, along with current player \u003c/span>\u003cb>Trayce Jackson-Davis\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. They’ll share some of their favorite spots where players and the team like to unwind and to celebrate. On November 6, the show will break from its traditional panel-style format with a documentary that looks back at 20 years. From casting to studio tapings to filming on location, the show’s producers spill the tea on what it takes to pull each episode together. Host \u003c/span>\u003cb>Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and former guests, including \u003c/span>\u003cb>Liam Mayclem\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, \u003c/span>\u003cb>Lyrics Born\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and \u003c/span>\u003cb>Sister Roma\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, share thoughts on the show’s most memorable moments, both controversial and hilarious. And on November 13, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please!\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> will gather three very different Bay Area storytellers at the dinner table — \u003c/span>\u003cb>Adam Savage\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, former \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mythbusters\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> host and current editor-in-chief of \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Adam Savage’s Tested\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on YouTube; \u003c/span>\u003cb>Ruby Ibarra\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, local rapper, producer and recent NPR Tiny Desk contest winner; and \u003c/span>\u003cb>Glynn Washington\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, co-creator and host of the radio and podcast series Snap Judgment, and its spinoff podcast series, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spooked\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">KQED launched \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on November 3, 2005 with a simple premise: to welcome local diners — not professional food critics — to share about their favorite restaurants. Each episode Leslie Sbrocco joins three Bay Area residents who recommend their “can’t miss” dining destinations. After anonymously visiting each other’s restaurant recommendations, the guests come on the show to champion, celebrate and critique their experiences with humor, enthusiasm and sincerity. Over the course of two decades, Check, Please! has introduced viewers to more than 800 restaurants across more than 300 episodes.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This fall, we’re leaving it all on the court: from cheesy Salvadoran pupusas at a beloved neighborhood spot, to pizza crafted by a three-time World Pizza Champion, to a look back over the two decades of KQED’s iconic show. Don’t miss the premiere of four new episodes, \u003c/span>\u003cb>Thursdays at 7:30 PM on KQED 9, starting on October 30\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>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/_3LSzLo5yF4\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">October 30 – Golden State Warriors Special Episode featuring Festus Ezeli, Adonal Foyle, Trayce Jackson-Davis\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>North Beach Restaurant\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, a historic Italian restaurant with vintage elegance, features housemade pastas and other standouts including hearty, creamy lasagna bolognese and classic chicken al mattone.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>House of Nanking\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in Chinatown, a beloved institution since the 1980s, dishes out Chinese-American favorites including the house sizzling fried rice and Nanking’s sesame chicken, both longtime fan favorites.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>Bon Délire\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on the Embarcadero delivers French bistro fare with a modern twist, from buttery steak frites to their rich and tender duck confit, a tribute to owner Kais Boudizi’s Parisian roots.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In Cecilia Tries It, reporter Cecilia Phillips heads to the \u003c/span>\u003cb>Chase Center\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> where she digs into what Dub Nation is eating and soaks up the vibrant community energy.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">November 6 – 20th Anniversary Special\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In a first-of-its-kind episode, \u003c/span>\u003cem>\u003cb>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/b>\u003c/em>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> celebrates twenty years on air with a look back at the moments that made it a local food institution. In this special documentary we’ll hear from dozens of former guests and restaurateurs, host Leslie Sbrocco and the \u003cem>Check, Please!\u003c/em> producers as they spill the tea on everything from fiery debates to the program’s decades-long evolution.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">November 13 – Bay Area Storytellers\u003c/span> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> featuring Adam Savage, Ruby Ibarra, Glynn Washington\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At \u003c/span>\u003cb>Panchita’s Pupusería & Restaurant\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Francisco\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">‘s Mission District, the beloved Salvadoran pupusa with curtido and salsa takes center stage in a late-night neighborhood staple since 1989.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Known for fun but familiar twists like their halo-halo milk tea and lechon sisig carbonara mac, it’s no surprise that \u003c/span>\u003cb>The Sarap Shop\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is located at the heart of the Pilipinas Cultural District in \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Francisco\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s South of Market neighborhood.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">A carefully crafted prix fixe menu maps out Italian-American flavors at \u003c/span>\u003cb>MAMA Oakland\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, where pork-and-beef meatballs, housemade sugo, and chocolate budino, are highlights for both savory and sweet lovers.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">November 20\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>DACHA\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, in \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Francisco\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s Lower Nob Hill, pairs comforting Eastern European dishes with California flair like syrniki brulee and sweet or savory blinchiki, alongside an elaborate mixology program, in a sleek, modern setting.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In downtown \u003c/span>\u003cb>Berkeley\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, \u003c/span>\u003cb>Pizzeria da Lau\u003c/b>\u003cstrong>r\u003c/strong>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cstrong>a\u003c/strong> serves up something for every pizza lover — from New York to Detroit, Sicilian to grandma style — by Chef Laura Meyer, a three-time World Pizza Champion and the first woman and first American to win Italy’s teglia category.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">In \u003cb>Petaluma\u003c/b>, \u003cb>Brigitte Bistro\u003c/b> channels the flavors of Southern France through Chef Nick Ronan’s childhood memories — think soupe à l’oignon, steak tartare, and île flottante, all infused with a spirit of love and joie de vivre.\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",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\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/_3LSzLo5yF4'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/_3LSzLo5yF4'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">October 30 – Golden State Warriors Special Episode featuring Festus Ezeli, Adonal Foyle, Trayce Jackson-Davis\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>North Beach Restaurant\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, a historic Italian restaurant with vintage elegance, features housemade pastas and other standouts including hearty, creamy lasagna bolognese and classic chicken al mattone.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>House of Nanking\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in Chinatown, a beloved institution since the 1980s, dishes out Chinese-American favorites including the house sizzling fried rice and Nanking’s sesame chicken, both longtime fan favorites.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>Bon Délire\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on the Embarcadero delivers French bistro fare with a modern twist, from buttery steak frites to their rich and tender duck confit, a tribute to owner Kais Boudizi’s Parisian roots.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In Cecilia Tries It, reporter Cecilia Phillips heads to the \u003c/span>\u003cb>Chase Center\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> where she digs into what Dub Nation is eating and soaks up the vibrant community energy.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">November 6 – 20th Anniversary Special\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In a first-of-its-kind episode, \u003c/span>\u003cem>\u003cb>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/b>\u003c/em>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> celebrates twenty years on air with a look back at the moments that made it a local food institution. In this special documentary we’ll hear from dozens of former guests and restaurateurs, host Leslie Sbrocco and the \u003cem>Check, Please!\u003c/em> producers as they spill the tea on everything from fiery debates to the program’s decades-long evolution.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">November 13 – Bay Area Storytellers\u003c/span> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> featuring Adam Savage, Ruby Ibarra, Glynn Washington\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At \u003c/span>\u003cb>Panchita’s Pupusería & Restaurant\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Francisco\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">‘s Mission District, the beloved Salvadoran pupusa with curtido and salsa takes center stage in a late-night neighborhood staple since 1989.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Known for fun but familiar twists like their halo-halo milk tea and lechon sisig carbonara mac, it’s no surprise that \u003c/span>\u003cb>The Sarap Shop\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is located at the heart of the Pilipinas Cultural District in \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Francisco\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s South of Market neighborhood.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">A carefully crafted prix fixe menu maps out Italian-American flavors at \u003c/span>\u003cb>MAMA Oakland\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, where pork-and-beef meatballs, housemade sugo, and chocolate budino, are highlights for both savory and sweet lovers.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">November 20\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cb>DACHA\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, in \u003c/span>\u003cb>San Francisco\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">’s Lower Nob Hill, pairs comforting Eastern European dishes with California flair like syrniki brulee and sweet or savory blinchiki, alongside an elaborate mixology program, in a sleek, modern setting.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In downtown \u003c/span>\u003cb>Berkeley\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, \u003c/span>\u003cb>Pizzeria da Lau\u003c/b>\u003cstrong>r\u003c/strong>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cstrong>a\u003c/strong> serves up something for every pizza lover — from New York to Detroit, Sicilian to grandma style — by Chef Laura Meyer, a three-time World Pizza Champion and the first woman and first American to win Italy’s teglia category.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">In \u003cb>Petaluma\u003c/b>, \u003cb>Brigitte Bistro\u003c/b> channels the flavors of Southern France through Chef Nick Ronan’s childhood memories — think soupe à l’oignon, steak tartare, and île flottante, all infused with a spirit of love and joie de vivre.\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>",
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"slug": "check-please-bay-area-reviews-kahnfections-twelvemonth-pucquio",
"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Kahnfections, Twelvemonth, Pucquio",
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"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Kahnfections, Twelvemonth, Pucquio | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 20, episode 4, airs Thursday, May 1, 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>Nestled in San Francisco’s Mission District, \u003cstrong>Kahnfections\u003c/strong> is a beloved bakery that fills the air with the mouthwatering scents of butter and sugar each morning. Regulars swear by the chocolate croissants, glazed cinnamon rolls, and the indulgent bacon-cheddar-scallion biscuit sandwiches, each made with the kind of care that only a true neighborhood spot can offer. Down the Peninsula in Burlingame, \u003cstrong>Twelvemonth\u003c/strong> is elevating sustainable and plant-based dining in a sleek and elegant space. Diners are treated to creative, vegetable-driven dishes like crispy maitake mushrooms, the umami-packed panzanella alla puttanesca, and a surprisingly rich potted pudding served with chocolate custard, edible “soil” and hazelnut praline. Finally, in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, \u003cstrong>Pucquio\u003c/strong> transports diners to Peru with its vibrant flavors that feature indigenous ingredients. The cebiche de pescado, featuring pristine fish and sweet potato bathed in citrus and spice, is a masterclass in balance, while the chupe de camarones, a rich, deeply comforting shrimp bisque, showcases the depth of Peruvian cuisine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23481\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-23481 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Manali Gokhale, Chris Carroll and Liza Fiorentinos from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://kahnfections.com/\">\u003cstrong>Kahnfections\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.twelvemonthburlingame.com/\">\u003cstrong>Twelvemonth\u003c/strong> (Burlingame)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.pucquio.com/\">\u003cstrong>Pucquio \u003c/strong>(Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"183\" data-end=\"247\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"183\" data-end=\"202\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Breakfast biscuit heaven in San Francisco…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"299\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"268\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> It’s so fantastically buttery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"301\" data-end=\"363\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"301\" data-end=\"320\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Plant-forward fine dining in Burlingame…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"446\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"386\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I said, “What, what, what, what?” It’s really unbelievable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"512\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"467\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And contemporary Peruvian plates in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"514\" data-end=\"572\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"514\" data-end=\"532\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> You realize, “Holy cow, it’s all gone.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"669\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"593\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just ahead on \u003cem data-start=\"608\" data-end=\"634\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em> Like eating the top of the muffin.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"671\" data-end=\"705\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"671\" data-end=\"690\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yeah, exactly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"707\" data-end=\"722\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"1257\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"743\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to \u003cem data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"805\">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=\"1047\" data-end=\"1063\">Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are clean-energy program manager \u003cstrong data-start=\"1109\" data-end=\"1127\">Manali Gokhale\u003c/strong>, plant business owner \u003cstrong data-start=\"1150\" data-end=\"1170\">Liza Fiorentinos\u003c/strong>, and high school teacher \u003cstrong data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1213\">Chris Carroll\u003c/strong>. Welcome, everyone. Ready for a great show?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1282\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1277\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1322\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1305\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Yes, absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1586\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1343\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Manali’s breakfast spot is proof-positive that good things come in small packages. It’s a tiny bakery that packs big flavors into hot, buttery, build-your-own biscuit sandwiches. Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, it’s Kahnfections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"1603\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1605\" data-end=\"1691\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1605\" data-end=\"1614\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> I think a bakery can really be a community gathering spot. It is happy food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1693\" data-end=\"1801\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1693\" data-end=\"1702\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> Nobody comes into a bakery in a bad mood. Or if they do, they tend to leave in a much better mood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1803\" data-end=\"1818\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1820\" data-end=\"2224\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1820\" data-end=\"1829\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> Kahnfections is kind of old-school American meets French. Our best seller, carrot cake, was kind of the impetus behind what was going to be at Kahnfections. But then when I went to pastry school, I really fell in love with croissants and making them. And we do 10 different varieties. Our scones are baked with a house-made scone glaze, just that finishing touch that put it right over the top.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2226\" data-end=\"2376\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2226\" data-end=\"2235\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> It’s really hard to find a good breakfast sandwich, particularly on a buttermilk biscuit, and that’s kind of a thing we’ve become known for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2513\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2387\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> We make our eggs fresh to order in a kind of French omelet style, so that it takes on a little bit of a soufflé-like texture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2515\" data-end=\"2589\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2515\" data-end=\"2525\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Each breakfast sandwich roughly gets about one and a half eggs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2591\" data-end=\"2726\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2591\" data-end=\"2600\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> I think the key to a good biscuit is not overworking the dough and doing it by hand. We make about 1,200 biscuits every week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2728\" data-end=\"2768\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2728\" data-end=\"2737\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> That’s 50,000 biscuits a year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2770\" data-end=\"2891\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2770\" data-end=\"2779\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> That’s a lot of biscuits. That’s a lot of butter. Some of our most loyal customers are the four-legged variety.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2893\" data-end=\"2944\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2893\" data-end=\"2902\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> Yeah, we do have house-made dog biscuits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2946\" data-end=\"3012\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2946\" data-end=\"2955\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> People tell us that their dogs bring them to the bakery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3014\" data-end=\"3126\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3014\" data-end=\"3023\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> We do like the furry friends. We have people who come by every day. This is their morning coffee spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3153\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3138\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Vanilla latte?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3155\" data-end=\"3571\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3155\" data-end=\"3164\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> They’ll grab a table and they’ll be out there for an hour and a half, and we love that. We’ve been approached, “Oh, you know, do you want to do, like, a ghost kitchen where you can make your sandwiches and we’ll deliver them out everywhere?” I was like, “No, we don’t want to do that.” We like to see people eat the food and get satisfaction out of it. We get satisfaction out of them getting satisfaction.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3573\" data-end=\"3701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3573\" data-end=\"3582\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> We just really love that we’ve become part of these people’s lives. We appreciate them so much and they appreciate us.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3703\" data-end=\"3718\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3836\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3739\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, Manali, when you go for breakfast, do you tend towards the sweet or the savory or a mixture?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3838\" data-end=\"4358\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3838\" data-end=\"3857\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Ideally, I really like to have both, and they actually have a pretty wide variety of your classic pastries, you know, croissants, muffins, scones. But what made me really fall in love with it is their breakfast sandwich. It’s an egg and cheese on a biscuit. But this is no ordinary biscuit. It’s almost indescribable but I’m going to try. It’s soft, it’s fluffy, it’s so fantastically buttery and also really generously sized. The other thing I really like about it is that it’s totally customizable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4360\" data-end=\"4385\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4360\" data-end=\"4370\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Bacon and egg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4387\" data-end=\"4671\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4387\" data-end=\"4406\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> I usually go for their dill, Swiss, and scallion biscuit. Then I’ll get cheddar cheese. And then for the spread, I go back and forth between either the garlic aioli or the lemon aioli. I think they both pack a lot of flavor. Just depends what I’m feeling that day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4673\" data-end=\"4727\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4673\" data-end=\"4692\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Depends if you’re kissing anybody.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4729\" data-end=\"4831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4729\" data-end=\"4748\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yes, exactly. Yeah. I’m curious. Did you guys get the sandwich when you guys went?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4833\" data-end=\"4879\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4833\" data-end=\"4852\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You got to have a biscuit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4881\" data-end=\"5195\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4881\" data-end=\"4902\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I didn’t get the sandwich, but I must have ordered like five biscuits and three of the scones. And my favorite was the bacon cheddar scallion. It was unbelievable. I don’t usually have bacon. It was delicious. It was bready without being over-chewy. Just absolutely delicious. What about you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5197\" data-end=\"5922\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5197\" data-end=\"5215\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> 100% the biscuit sandwich. I got the traditional buttermilk biscuit with egg, added bacon with the garlic spread. And there are hamburgers that are smaller than this. And I think for me, what is super key about that is just how fluffy and light and delicious that egg was. And by the way, I feel like I’m a bacon connoisseur. The bacon there was particularly thick and crispy. Absolutely fantastic. I could tell that I was eating at a wonderful place, just by virtue of sitting next to these two gentlemen who got their sandwiches, opened up their bags, and made this guttural noise. It wasn’t — It wasn’t a word. It was sort of like a grunt. And I heard nothing from these guys for like five, six minutes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5924\" data-end=\"6161\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5924\" data-end=\"5943\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> I totally sympathize with those cavemen because the sandwiches come wrapped in foil, and it just feels like you’re unwrapping a present. Like, you tear it open. It’s hot. It’s fresh out the oven. Absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6163\" data-end=\"6276\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6163\" data-end=\"6181\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> We went back the next day just to say how wonderful this place was. We went back the next day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6278\" data-end=\"6323\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6278\" data-end=\"6297\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That is a true testament.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6325\" data-end=\"6367\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6325\" data-end=\"6343\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> Absolutely, absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6369\" data-end=\"7014\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6369\" data-end=\"6388\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> That makes me so happy. They also have a mushroom Gruyère croissant. It’s a square croissant and the crust is just perfectly flaky, like you want a croissant to be, really buttery with a very generous amount of filling in the middle. And the mushroom and Gruyère is such a great combination. They also have a cute little individual quiche of the day, and the crust is nice and thin, but still really flaky and buttery, so you get a good ratio of filling to crust. And the filling is really custardy soft, and they have a different flavor every day, so you never know what you’re going to get. But I haven’t gone wrong so far.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7016\" data-end=\"7243\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7016\" data-end=\"7034\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> The weekends is where you can get a cinnamon roll, and the icing that is on top of that cinnamon roll is baseball-like. It’s almost the size of a baseball itself, on top of this incredibly rich cinnamon roll.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7245\" data-end=\"7303\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7245\" data-end=\"7264\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Are you an unwinder of cinnamon rolls?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7305\" data-end=\"7494\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7305\" data-end=\"7323\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> No. Knife through the middle, knife through the middle of that. I want all of those flavors all at once — the middle of that bun, the icing that’s on top all in one bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7496\" data-end=\"7522\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7496\" data-end=\"7506\">Woman:\u003c/strong> It’s delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7524\" data-end=\"7826\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7524\" data-end=\"7545\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I had the sour cherry almond scone. And what I love about it — I don’t like things that are, like, super sweet. And this was just the right touch of savory and sweet. There was a pop of almond in it. The cherries had like a nice chew to them and it was just a nice, crumbly scone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7828\" data-end=\"7913\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7828\" data-end=\"7847\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, what did you get to drink with it? Are you a coffee drinker?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7915\" data-end=\"8020\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7915\" data-end=\"7936\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I am a coffee drinker. I got a delicious iced caffè latte with oat milk. Very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8022\" data-end=\"8314\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8022\" data-end=\"8041\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> I’m actually not a big coffee drinker, but they have a really good European-style hot chocolate. Very decadent. It’s really thick, super chocolaty. It’s sweet, but not too sweet. So the richness isn’t overwhelming. It’s still manageable. And yeah, delicious on a cold day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8316\" data-end=\"8659\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8316\" data-end=\"8334\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> They have a pain au chocolat there. I loved the chocolate that was inside of it. There was a ton of it. I think the downfall of those kinds of pastries is that there’s not enough chocolate. At Kahnfections, they really do ensure that you get an incredible bite of chocolate with every bite of pain au chocolat that you have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8661\" data-end=\"9059\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8661\" data-end=\"8680\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> They also have these fantastic mini cupcakes. My favorite is their carrot cake one. A great balance of frosting to cake, which I feel is very important for a cupcake and just packed full of raisins and spices. Super moist, really delicious, and just a tiny little bite. So, you know, if you’re already really full from your sandwich, you’re not going to put things over the top.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9061\" data-end=\"9559\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9061\" data-end=\"9079\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> I think one thing to note is there is a place to sit inside, but other than that, if you want to dine there, you are sitting outside. And on the morning that we went, it was a little bit chilly, so I had a tall cup of coffee. They had heavy cream, which is how I take my coffee, and it was perfect. As a matter of fact, they were kind enough to top it off a little bit when the breakfast sandwich arrived. Just another reason why this is a place I will return to again and again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9561\" data-end=\"9622\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9561\" data-end=\"9582\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I would definitely go back. Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9624\" data-end=\"9648\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9624\" data-end=\"9642\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> 100%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9650\" data-end=\"9677\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9650\" data-end=\"9671\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9679\" data-end=\"9853\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9679\" data-end=\"9698\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. If you would like to try Kahnfections, it’s located on 20th Street in San Francisco, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $20.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"98\" data-end=\"353\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"98\" data-end=\"117\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Liza’s passion is plant-focused interior design. She loves to fill homes and workspaces with living art, so it’s no wonder her favorite restaurant has an equally plant-centric approach. Located in downtown Burlingame, it’s Twelvemonth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"355\" data-end=\"370\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"726\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"387\">Bob Trahan:\u003c/strong> I think a lot of people have this general notion of vegan cuisine sort of being bland and just a lot of vegetables. When I set out to create Twelvemonth, I really wanted to create a destination for all of life’s occasions where the food was sort of incidentally plant-based. You know, it’s delicious, nutritious, and hey, it’s all plants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"728\" data-end=\"757\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"728\" data-end=\"736\">Man:\u003c/strong> Mm, mm, that’s good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"759\" data-end=\"1176\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"759\" data-end=\"774\">Bob Trahan:\u003c/strong> I love our cuisine. It’s sort of global fusion through a California lens. I think a lot about sustainability. We really focus on microseasonal food and just truly unlock every flavor. This features Brentwood corn. It was picked this morning. We’re not the type of place that makes a tomato taste like fish. We’re the type of place that makes you say, “That’s the best tomato I’ve ever had in my life.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1193\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1188\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Mmm!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1485\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1210\">Bob Trahan:\u003c/strong> Other important aspects of sustainability come down to trying to use every part of everything, as well as reuse components that other places might consider, you know, used up. My favorite item in the menu is our bean stew. I intend to never, ever, ever take it off the menu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1508\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1495\">Man:\u003c/strong> Good, buddy?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"2240\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"1525\">Bob Trahan:\u003c/strong> I love it. It’s a very long cooking process, but lots of love and thought along the way. If you’re thoughtful with every step from your broth to the finish, you can just infuse tons of flavor. We have a beautiful bar that has three lovely private rooms off them, and then our main dining room is just this huge, glorious space. But another thing I love about the space is actually the acoustics. There’s not as much echoing or loudness as you might expect. You can still have an intimate dinner with whoever. I hope when people experience Twelvemonth, it changes their opinion of vegan cuisine so they realize that plant-based food can be delicious. My favorite review is, “I’m an omnivore, but I love this place.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2242\" data-end=\"2424\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2242\" data-end=\"2261\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, Liza, it’s interesting that we’re getting, I think, more and more restaurants that are solely plant-focused and plant-forward. How did you discover this spot?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2712\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2447\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> So a friend of mine called me because I had been plant-based for a while and she said, “Have you been to that new place Twelvemonth in Burlingame?” And I said, “No, what, what, what, what?” And I immediately made a reservation and went over there. It is fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2714\" data-end=\"2783\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2714\" data-end=\"2733\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What do you start with, with a menu of that size?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2785\" data-end=\"3100\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2785\" data-end=\"2806\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Our go-to is definitely the bean stew. It’s in a tomato broth. It’s got some kale and other spices and focaccia, which, oh, my God, just melts in your mouth. So, it gives you the impression that you’re eating beef. But it’s not. There’s nothing. It’s all plant-based. It’s really unbelievable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3102\" data-end=\"3526\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3102\" data-end=\"3121\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We also started with the bean stew. And can I just say from the first bite I was transported to another world. It was amazing. And I don’t eat a lot of meat, so maybe I’m not the best person to say this, but this tastes really meaty. It’s like very smoky. It has this really deep, rich flavor. This is so much more than just a pot of beans. So much more has gone into this to make it taste so incredible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3528\" data-end=\"3888\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3528\" data-end=\"3546\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> I really want to highlight their breaded mushrooms — very lightly breaded, dusted with a little bit of chili powder and the dip that it comes with, very similar to an aioli with a bit of spice. Not too much heat, but maybe a few seconds after your first or second bite. The mushrooms are an absolute don’t miss out because it was incredible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3890\" data-end=\"4372\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3890\" data-end=\"3909\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We got the panzanella alla puttanesca. First of all, I love a bread-based salad. You really can’t go wrong there. But it’s focaccia and a lot of fresh tomato. And somehow the focaccia really absorbs all the delicious flavors and juice from the tomato, but still stays really crisp. And it has these crispy capers and pickled cucumbers in it. So you just have all these different bursts of flavor and different textures. It’s just this really fresh-tasting salad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4374\" data-end=\"4580\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4374\" data-end=\"4395\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I go for the charred cabbage salad. It’s, of course, extremely healthy. It’s got a nice little bite to it. The texture of it is great. The spice of it is really good. Did you try that?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4582\" data-end=\"4933\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4582\" data-end=\"4600\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> I didn’t, but I had what’s called the BBQ, the barbecue plate, which — meat eater from the Midwest — I know what I think I’m looking at, but it is actually a plate of lentils, and it comes with a barbecue sauce paired with some greens and some pears. And for me, the very first bite was a bit unique, certainly because I know what —\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4935\" data-end=\"4977\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4935\" data-end=\"4954\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> “This isn’t barbecue!”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4979\" data-end=\"5086\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4979\" data-end=\"4997\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> It’s not barbecue. By the second and third bite, I was eating just this incredible dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5088\" data-end=\"5490\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5088\" data-end=\"5107\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> As one of our entrées, we shared the corn pasta, which was amazing. It had so much fresh corn flavor. The sauce was so flavorful, and you had a lot in every bite. And there was this coconut feta on top, which added a little bit of extra flavor. They also had these Cajun corn cracklins over the top, which added a little bit of extra crunch and flavor to the dish. It was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5492\" data-end=\"5863\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5492\" data-end=\"5510\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> My neighbor had the Japanese curry tofu served with rice, and the server comes out and pours the curry on top of the pieces of tofu. A little bit spicy, but certainly not something that would turn people off. It was a G-rated curry, as it were. [laughs] But again, a completely unique dish. And it made me forget that I was at a plant-based restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5865\" data-end=\"6048\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5865\" data-end=\"5884\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> I had the not paella, which was like paella, but not. It’s actually just socarrat, which is the rice that’s, like, at the bottom of the pan and gets really crispy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6050\" data-end=\"6089\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6050\" data-end=\"6069\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s the best part.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6091\" data-end=\"6220\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6091\" data-end=\"6110\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> It’s the best part. And they just — they only have that in the dish. They just get rid of all the rest of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6222\" data-end=\"6281\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6222\" data-end=\"6241\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s like eating the top of the muffin.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6283\" data-end=\"6586\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6283\" data-end=\"6302\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. And then it had really colorful sauces. It was a broccoli mayo and a romesco sauce. Had this, like, red and green going on and had lots of veggies in it. It was super crispy and just delicious. I’d never seen anything like that before. I was really impressed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6588\" data-end=\"6661\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6588\" data-end=\"6607\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you have anything to sip alongside your meal?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6663\" data-end=\"6854\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6663\" data-end=\"6684\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I did. The flower spritz is delicious. Non-alcoholic elderflower, butterfly pea flower, some lemon, and club soda. Absolutely so refreshing, even actually in the winter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6856\" data-end=\"6884\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6856\" data-end=\"6866\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Ooh! I like that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6886\" data-end=\"7151\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6886\" data-end=\"6904\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> I had a drink called The Garden Party, which is made with a little bit of sparkling water, but flavors of cucumber and mint and some apple cider vinegar. Extremely refreshing. So for someone who doesn’t consume alcohol, this was a great beverage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7153\" data-end=\"7216\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7153\" data-end=\"7172\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. More food. What else did you have?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7218\" data-end=\"7493\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7218\" data-end=\"7239\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Dessert. We have got to talk about the dessert. The chocolate dessert actually comes in a little flower pot near and dear to my heart. And a little shovel. You can’t — Like, we are all grabbing for it. It’s quite rich and dense and absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7495\" data-end=\"7540\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7495\" data-end=\"7514\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And creatively presented.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7542\" data-end=\"7576\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7542\" data-end=\"7563\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Beautifully.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7578\" data-end=\"7827\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7578\" data-end=\"7597\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We also got the toasted red miso cake, which was a little bit on the salty side for me, but still delicious, really unique flavors. And it came with this berry coulis, which was a really great way to kind of balance out the miso.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7829\" data-end=\"8068\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7829\" data-end=\"7847\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> I didn’t have room for dessert. I will have to go back to try some of these because it sounds incredible, but it also goes to show just how great the meal itself was because I was so satisfied that I just couldn’t do it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8070\" data-end=\"8229\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8070\" data-end=\"8089\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I thought each dish was so creative. Really, things I hadn’t tried before, and I would definitely recommend it to friends and family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8231\" data-end=\"8403\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8231\" data-end=\"8250\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. If you would like to try Twelvemonth, it’s located on Lorton Avenue in Burlingame, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $75.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"113\" data-end=\"369\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"113\" data-end=\"132\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Chris is a big meat and potatoes guy, and he’s now found a Peruvian take on that classic combination that he can’t get enough of. Anytime he’s craving a savory lomo saltado, he heads to Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, home to Pucquio.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"371\" data-end=\"386\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"1120\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"407\">Carlos Moreira:\u003c/strong> I’m making the dressing for the potato for your next course. The flavors of Peru are limitless. There are different regions. There’s the coast, there’s sea, there’s land, there’s highlands. As a Peruvian and as a cook, we want to send a message to the people. We wanted to introduce them to our culture. The kitchen of Pucquio tries to evoke all the flavors from Peru, from most of the staple dishes that we have there, but since we’re in California, we added an additional twist to it. A good example of that will be the tacu-tacu de mariscos, our interpretation of a classic Peruvian dish, but made completely different with beurre blanc on it and different elements that we get from our “stash” in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1480\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1141\">Carlos Moreira:\u003c/strong> One of the most representative dishes in our cuisine is the ceviche, without a doubt. It’s a ritual. The Mochicas probably were the first humans to start fishing and marinate raw fish. We admire and appreciate more about the freshness of the fish itself and how the nuances of that fish are brought by combining with the spice and citrus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1821\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1501\">Carlos Moreira:\u003c/strong> One of our desserts, bombitas de carretilla, it brings me a lot of memories from my childhood in every aspect. Similar to a beignet, but we stuff it with fermented sweet potato and dulce de leche. My favorite item on the menu is every single one of them. They’re like my kids. I might have a favorite. I won’t tell you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1823\" data-end=\"2112\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1823\" data-end=\"1842\">Carlos Moreira:\u003c/strong> The name of the restaurant, Pucquio, is Quechua for “spring water,” and for us it’s a reflection of something pure and transparent, which is our mission to our community. Hello, hello. I really hope they feel touched, satisfied, happy, and raving about this restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2114\" data-end=\"2129\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2131\" data-end=\"2275\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2131\" data-end=\"2150\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, Chris, talk about what’s unique about this space, right? A very intimate dining room and that open sort of kitchen feel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2403\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2295\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> For sure. One thing about Pucquio that I love is that the interior seats about 18 people. It is very small.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2451\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2424\">Carlos Moreira:\u003c/strong> You know where to find me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2581\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2471\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> And there are four seats at the pass where you can sit and watch the chef and the sous chef work their magic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2686\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2602\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So what do you get when you walk in that door and you start smelling all that food?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"3248\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2706\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> The first thing we have is the cebiche de clásico. This dish is made with a wonderfully flavored rockfish. It sits on a bed of greens with some red onions and Peruvian nuts that give every bite that you have just a little bit of crunch, a little bit of texture. They serve this dish with a relatively large spoon. But for me, because I think lifting the plate and drinking from it is a bit rude, I can at least scoop some of that citric juice and just sort of finish my ceviche with that, which is a great way to end that particular starter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3250\" data-end=\"3504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3250\" data-end=\"3269\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We also started with the cebiche de pescado, and it was amazing. And I especially loved how the marinade is, as you said, very, very acidic. I felt the sweet potato really balanced that out and made it overall a really delicious dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3506\" data-end=\"3556\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3506\" data-end=\"3525\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you use the big spoon too?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3558\" data-end=\"3756\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3558\" data-end=\"3577\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> I did use the big spoon to get the extra juice. And the Peruvian corn is so fun. I’ve never seen corn kernels that big before, but it really adds that extra bite and fun texture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3758\" data-end=\"3918\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3758\" data-end=\"3779\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> So actually, I just want to jump in and talk about Kevin, who was actually our welcome wagon when we first got there. He is exceptional…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3920\" data-end=\"3962\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3920\" data-end=\"3930\">Kevin:\u003c/strong> This is coming from Susanville.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3964\" data-end=\"4367\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3964\" data-end=\"3985\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> …describing everything because it was one of my first times having Peruvian cuisine. So, my appetizer was the cebiche de truchae, which actually had a little bit of skin. It had fennel, yucca, and a little bit of caviar. And I loved there was a lot of acidity to it, but it was a combination of like the lemon and lime and some of the green leaves, which made it extremely tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4369\" data-end=\"4412\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4369\" data-end=\"4388\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What about you, Manali?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4414\" data-end=\"4840\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4414\" data-end=\"4433\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We got two entrées, so one of them was the arroz de mariscos, which was a Peruvian take on paella. Delicious. It had Gulf prawns, squid, and rockfish in it. And the arroz, the rice had squid ink in it as well, so it was super creamy. It had that fun, you know, dark black color that you get with squid ink. Really incredible. And, again, it had that Peruvian corn in it that I’m just totally obsessed with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4842\" data-end=\"4929\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4842\" data-end=\"4863\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Kevin actually explained that there are 84 types of corn in Peru.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4931\" data-end=\"4964\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4931\" data-end=\"4950\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> That’s a lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4966\" data-end=\"5007\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4966\" data-end=\"4987\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Yeah. That’s a lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5009\" data-end=\"5482\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5009\" data-end=\"5028\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Our second one, we got the tacu-tacu de mariscos, which was more of a rice and beans dish. They sound very similar, both like rice with different types of seafood, but very different in terms of the flavor. The rice and beans were cooked so perfectly. The beans were really tender. And it came with this beurre vert, which was this very herbaceous green sauce that was also very creamy and went great with the very fresh seafood that was served with it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5484\" data-end=\"5747\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5484\" data-end=\"5505\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> So, we also had the chupe de camarones, which is — it’s like a cross between like a shrimp bisque and a shrimp chowder, and it comes with like a poached egg. It comes with some rice, and it’s a complex taste. It’s delicious. Don’t miss that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5749\" data-end=\"5808\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5749\" data-end=\"5768\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. From the ceviche, what’s next?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5810\" data-end=\"6207\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5810\" data-end=\"5828\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> It is definitely a meat-centric, protein-centric restaurant. And so the lomo saltado is a marinated steak served with steak fries, white rice, some marinated tomatoes and onions, and if you wish, you can get a fried egg on top of the rice, so you can have all these various flavors in each bite that you have of the lomo saltado. And then you realize, “Holy cow, it’s all gone.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6209\" data-end=\"6264\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6209\" data-end=\"6228\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> This isn’t just steak and potatoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6266\" data-end=\"6300\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6266\" data-end=\"6284\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> Absolutely not.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6302\" data-end=\"6351\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6302\" data-end=\"6321\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Any other main dishes to try?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6353\" data-end=\"6862\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6353\" data-end=\"6371\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> Yes, the adobo de chancho is a pork dish that when you are served this dish, Kevin will bring you your silverware, which is a fork and a spoon. Rarely, if ever, have I gone to a restaurant where there is no knife, because the pork is so soft and tender that you use the spoon with the fork to break it apart, and then it’s paired with these braised beans, small pieces of pork belly, and red onions that create this multi-textural bite. And it’s melt-in-your-mouth pork, an incredible dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6864\" data-end=\"6891\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6864\" data-end=\"6883\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6893\" data-end=\"7197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6893\" data-end=\"6911\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> They have a beverage called the maracuya, which is a passion fruit drink. And that to me is a sipping drink that you can enjoy throughout the entire meal. I say that as someone who often gets two with every dining experience, but it’s fantastically sweet and rich as a beverage can be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7199\" data-end=\"7391\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7199\" data-end=\"7218\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I had the spritz del dia, which I guess was kind of an aperitivo of the day. Delicious. Had a nice flavor. It was very light, refreshing, and went well with the meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7393\" data-end=\"7693\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7393\" data-end=\"7414\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> So, we wanted to have a Chardonnay, which Kevin said they don’t carry, and he made a recommendation, and it was such an amazing recommendation. I want to say it’s called the Rebolledo. I’m not sure about the pronunciation. We ended up having two bottles. That’s how good it was.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7695\" data-end=\"7745\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7695\" data-end=\"7713\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> That’s awesome. That’s awesome.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7747\" data-end=\"7843\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7747\" data-end=\"7766\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Can’t remember the name after the first bottle. Alright. Desserts. Desserts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7845\" data-end=\"8148\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7845\" data-end=\"7864\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We got the bombitas, which were these little doughnut holes. They were so fresh. Super hot. They were filled with dulce de leche and then came with a pisco crème anglaise, which was great because it had just a little bit of sour to kind of cut through the sweetness of the doughnuts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8150\" data-end=\"8205\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8150\" data-end=\"8169\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It sounds like a must-have dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8207\" data-end=\"8233\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8207\" data-end=\"8228\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8235\" data-end=\"8267\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8235\" data-end=\"8254\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Any dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8269\" data-end=\"8362\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8269\" data-end=\"8290\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> That was my must-have dessert as well. Like, the four of us split that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8364\" data-end=\"8411\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8364\" data-end=\"8383\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So would you go back again?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8413\" data-end=\"8446\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8413\" data-end=\"8434\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8448\" data-end=\"8685\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8448\" data-end=\"8467\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I totally agree with you. It was an interesting experience where it felt like a very upscale experience. But at the same time, I felt like I was in someone’s home. It was — It’s hard to balance those two things.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8687\" data-end=\"8731\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8687\" data-end=\"8706\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Quite a passion project.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8733\" data-end=\"8763\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8733\" data-end=\"8751\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8765\" data-end=\"8952\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8765\" data-end=\"8784\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. If you would like to try Pucquio, it’s located on College Avenue in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood. The average tab per person without drinks is around $45.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8954\" data-end=\"9090\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8954\" data-end=\"8973\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Looking for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try? Check out “Cecilia Tries It” online at kqed.org/checkplease.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9092\" data-end=\"9604\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9092\" data-end=\"9111\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I have to thank my great guests on this week’s show — \u003cstrong data-start=\"9166\" data-end=\"9184\">Manali Gokhale\u003c/strong>, lover of the hot buttermilk biscuits at Kahnfections in San Francisco, \u003cstrong data-start=\"9257\" data-end=\"9277\">Liza Fiorentinos\u003c/strong>, who savors every drop of bean stew at Twelvemonth in Burlingame, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"9348\" data-end=\"9365\">Chris Carroll\u003c/strong>, who adores the adobo de chancho at Pucquio in Oakland. Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on \u003cem data-start=\"9513\" data-end=\"9539\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em> I’m \u003cstrong data-start=\"9544\" data-end=\"9562\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>, and I’ll see you then. Cheers, everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9606\" data-end=\"9622\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9606\" data-end=\"9614\">All:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9624\" data-end=\"9885\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9624\" data-end=\"9633\">Judy Khan:\u003c/strong> We just really enjoy doing whatever we can to make people happy. We usually have at least two cakes in the pastry case, mini cupcakes, mini tarts, the typical cookies and brownies, and things like that. I really enjoy watching people enjoy their food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9887\" data-end=\"9923\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9887\" data-end=\"9897\">Woman:\u003c/strong> This sandwich is so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9925\" data-end=\"9962\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9925\" data-end=\"9934\">Judy Khan:\u003c/strong> That’s what does it for me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9964\" data-end=\"10004\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9964\" data-end=\"9972\">Man:\u003c/strong> Do the whole thing in one bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"10006\" data-end=\"10053\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10006\" data-end=\"10017\">Man #2:\u003c/strong> One bite’s a little much, actually.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"10055\" data-end=\"10077\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10055\" data-end=\"10066\">Guests:\u003c/strong> [laughing]\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 20, episode 4, airs Thursday, May 1, 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>Nestled in San Francisco’s Mission District, \u003cstrong>Kahnfections\u003c/strong> is a beloved bakery that fills the air with the mouthwatering scents of butter and sugar each morning. Regulars swear by the chocolate croissants, glazed cinnamon rolls, and the indulgent bacon-cheddar-scallion biscuit sandwiches, each made with the kind of care that only a true neighborhood spot can offer. Down the Peninsula in Burlingame, \u003cstrong>Twelvemonth\u003c/strong> is elevating sustainable and plant-based dining in a sleek and elegant space. Diners are treated to creative, vegetable-driven dishes like crispy maitake mushrooms, the umami-packed panzanella alla puttanesca, and a surprisingly rich potted pudding served with chocolate custard, edible “soil” and hazelnut praline. Finally, in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, \u003cstrong>Pucquio\u003c/strong> transports diners to Peru with its vibrant flavors that feature indigenous ingredients. The cebiche de pescado, featuring pristine fish and sweet potato bathed in citrus and spice, is a masterclass in balance, while the chupe de camarones, a rich, deeply comforting shrimp bisque, showcases the depth of Peruvian cuisine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23481\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-23481 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/05/2004_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Manali Gokhale, Chris Carroll and Liza Fiorentinos from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://kahnfections.com/\">\u003cstrong>Kahnfections\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.twelvemonthburlingame.com/\">\u003cstrong>Twelvemonth\u003c/strong> (Burlingame)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.pucquio.com/\">\u003cstrong>Pucquio \u003c/strong>(Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"183\" data-end=\"247\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"183\" data-end=\"202\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Breakfast biscuit heaven in San Francisco…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"299\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"268\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> It’s so fantastically buttery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"301\" data-end=\"363\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"301\" data-end=\"320\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Plant-forward fine dining in Burlingame…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"446\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"386\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I said, “What, what, what, what?” It’s really unbelievable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"512\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"467\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And contemporary Peruvian plates in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"514\" data-end=\"572\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"514\" data-end=\"532\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> You realize, “Holy cow, it’s all gone.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"669\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"593\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just ahead on \u003cem data-start=\"608\" data-end=\"634\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em> Like eating the top of the muffin.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"671\" data-end=\"705\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"671\" data-end=\"690\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yeah, exactly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"707\" data-end=\"722\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"1257\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"743\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to \u003cem data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"805\">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=\"1047\" data-end=\"1063\">Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are clean-energy program manager \u003cstrong data-start=\"1109\" data-end=\"1127\">Manali Gokhale\u003c/strong>, plant business owner \u003cstrong data-start=\"1150\" data-end=\"1170\">Liza Fiorentinos\u003c/strong>, and high school teacher \u003cstrong data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1213\">Chris Carroll\u003c/strong>. Welcome, everyone. Ready for a great show?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1282\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1277\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1322\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1305\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Yes, absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1586\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1343\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Manali’s breakfast spot is proof-positive that good things come in small packages. It’s a tiny bakery that packs big flavors into hot, buttery, build-your-own biscuit sandwiches. Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, it’s Kahnfections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"1603\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1605\" data-end=\"1691\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1605\" data-end=\"1614\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> I think a bakery can really be a community gathering spot. It is happy food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1693\" data-end=\"1801\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1693\" data-end=\"1702\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> Nobody comes into a bakery in a bad mood. Or if they do, they tend to leave in a much better mood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1803\" data-end=\"1818\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1820\" data-end=\"2224\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1820\" data-end=\"1829\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> Kahnfections is kind of old-school American meets French. Our best seller, carrot cake, was kind of the impetus behind what was going to be at Kahnfections. But then when I went to pastry school, I really fell in love with croissants and making them. And we do 10 different varieties. Our scones are baked with a house-made scone glaze, just that finishing touch that put it right over the top.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2226\" data-end=\"2376\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2226\" data-end=\"2235\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> It’s really hard to find a good breakfast sandwich, particularly on a buttermilk biscuit, and that’s kind of a thing we’ve become known for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2513\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2387\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> We make our eggs fresh to order in a kind of French omelet style, so that it takes on a little bit of a soufflé-like texture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2515\" data-end=\"2589\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2515\" data-end=\"2525\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Each breakfast sandwich roughly gets about one and a half eggs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2591\" data-end=\"2726\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2591\" data-end=\"2600\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> I think the key to a good biscuit is not overworking the dough and doing it by hand. We make about 1,200 biscuits every week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2728\" data-end=\"2768\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2728\" data-end=\"2737\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> That’s 50,000 biscuits a year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2770\" data-end=\"2891\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2770\" data-end=\"2779\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> That’s a lot of biscuits. That’s a lot of butter. Some of our most loyal customers are the four-legged variety.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2893\" data-end=\"2944\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2893\" data-end=\"2902\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> Yeah, we do have house-made dog biscuits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2946\" data-end=\"3012\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2946\" data-end=\"2955\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> People tell us that their dogs bring them to the bakery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3014\" data-end=\"3126\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3014\" data-end=\"3023\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> We do like the furry friends. We have people who come by every day. This is their morning coffee spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3153\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3138\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Vanilla latte?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3155\" data-end=\"3571\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3155\" data-end=\"3164\">Mark Kahn:\u003c/strong> They’ll grab a table and they’ll be out there for an hour and a half, and we love that. We’ve been approached, “Oh, you know, do you want to do, like, a ghost kitchen where you can make your sandwiches and we’ll deliver them out everywhere?” I was like, “No, we don’t want to do that.” We like to see people eat the food and get satisfaction out of it. We get satisfaction out of them getting satisfaction.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3573\" data-end=\"3701\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3573\" data-end=\"3582\">Judy Kahn:\u003c/strong> We just really love that we’ve become part of these people’s lives. We appreciate them so much and they appreciate us.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3703\" data-end=\"3718\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3836\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3739\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, Manali, when you go for breakfast, do you tend towards the sweet or the savory or a mixture?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3838\" data-end=\"4358\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3838\" data-end=\"3857\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Ideally, I really like to have both, and they actually have a pretty wide variety of your classic pastries, you know, croissants, muffins, scones. But what made me really fall in love with it is their breakfast sandwich. It’s an egg and cheese on a biscuit. But this is no ordinary biscuit. It’s almost indescribable but I’m going to try. It’s soft, it’s fluffy, it’s so fantastically buttery and also really generously sized. The other thing I really like about it is that it’s totally customizable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4360\" data-end=\"4385\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4360\" data-end=\"4370\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Bacon and egg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4387\" data-end=\"4671\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4387\" data-end=\"4406\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> I usually go for their dill, Swiss, and scallion biscuit. Then I’ll get cheddar cheese. And then for the spread, I go back and forth between either the garlic aioli or the lemon aioli. I think they both pack a lot of flavor. Just depends what I’m feeling that day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4673\" data-end=\"4727\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4673\" data-end=\"4692\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Depends if you’re kissing anybody.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4729\" data-end=\"4831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4729\" data-end=\"4748\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yes, exactly. Yeah. I’m curious. Did you guys get the sandwich when you guys went?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4833\" data-end=\"4879\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4833\" data-end=\"4852\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You got to have a biscuit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4881\" data-end=\"5195\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4881\" data-end=\"4902\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I didn’t get the sandwich, but I must have ordered like five biscuits and three of the scones. And my favorite was the bacon cheddar scallion. It was unbelievable. I don’t usually have bacon. It was delicious. It was bready without being over-chewy. Just absolutely delicious. What about you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5197\" data-end=\"5922\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5197\" data-end=\"5215\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> 100% the biscuit sandwich. I got the traditional buttermilk biscuit with egg, added bacon with the garlic spread. And there are hamburgers that are smaller than this. And I think for me, what is super key about that is just how fluffy and light and delicious that egg was. And by the way, I feel like I’m a bacon connoisseur. The bacon there was particularly thick and crispy. Absolutely fantastic. I could tell that I was eating at a wonderful place, just by virtue of sitting next to these two gentlemen who got their sandwiches, opened up their bags, and made this guttural noise. It wasn’t — It wasn’t a word. It was sort of like a grunt. And I heard nothing from these guys for like five, six minutes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5924\" data-end=\"6161\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5924\" data-end=\"5943\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> I totally sympathize with those cavemen because the sandwiches come wrapped in foil, and it just feels like you’re unwrapping a present. Like, you tear it open. It’s hot. It’s fresh out the oven. Absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6163\" data-end=\"6276\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6163\" data-end=\"6181\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> We went back the next day just to say how wonderful this place was. We went back the next day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6278\" data-end=\"6323\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6278\" data-end=\"6297\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That is a true testament.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6325\" data-end=\"6367\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6325\" data-end=\"6343\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> Absolutely, absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6369\" data-end=\"7014\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6369\" data-end=\"6388\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> That makes me so happy. They also have a mushroom Gruyère croissant. It’s a square croissant and the crust is just perfectly flaky, like you want a croissant to be, really buttery with a very generous amount of filling in the middle. And the mushroom and Gruyère is such a great combination. They also have a cute little individual quiche of the day, and the crust is nice and thin, but still really flaky and buttery, so you get a good ratio of filling to crust. And the filling is really custardy soft, and they have a different flavor every day, so you never know what you’re going to get. But I haven’t gone wrong so far.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7016\" data-end=\"7243\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7016\" data-end=\"7034\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> The weekends is where you can get a cinnamon roll, and the icing that is on top of that cinnamon roll is baseball-like. It’s almost the size of a baseball itself, on top of this incredibly rich cinnamon roll.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7245\" data-end=\"7303\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7245\" data-end=\"7264\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Are you an unwinder of cinnamon rolls?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7305\" data-end=\"7494\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7305\" data-end=\"7323\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> No. Knife through the middle, knife through the middle of that. I want all of those flavors all at once — the middle of that bun, the icing that’s on top all in one bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7496\" data-end=\"7522\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7496\" data-end=\"7506\">Woman:\u003c/strong> It’s delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7524\" data-end=\"7826\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7524\" data-end=\"7545\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I had the sour cherry almond scone. And what I love about it — I don’t like things that are, like, super sweet. And this was just the right touch of savory and sweet. There was a pop of almond in it. The cherries had like a nice chew to them and it was just a nice, crumbly scone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7828\" data-end=\"7913\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7828\" data-end=\"7847\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, what did you get to drink with it? Are you a coffee drinker?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7915\" data-end=\"8020\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7915\" data-end=\"7936\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I am a coffee drinker. I got a delicious iced caffè latte with oat milk. Very good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8022\" data-end=\"8314\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8022\" data-end=\"8041\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> I’m actually not a big coffee drinker, but they have a really good European-style hot chocolate. Very decadent. It’s really thick, super chocolaty. It’s sweet, but not too sweet. So the richness isn’t overwhelming. It’s still manageable. And yeah, delicious on a cold day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8316\" data-end=\"8659\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8316\" data-end=\"8334\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> They have a pain au chocolat there. I loved the chocolate that was inside of it. There was a ton of it. I think the downfall of those kinds of pastries is that there’s not enough chocolate. At Kahnfections, they really do ensure that you get an incredible bite of chocolate with every bite of pain au chocolat that you have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8661\" data-end=\"9059\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8661\" data-end=\"8680\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> They also have these fantastic mini cupcakes. My favorite is their carrot cake one. A great balance of frosting to cake, which I feel is very important for a cupcake and just packed full of raisins and spices. Super moist, really delicious, and just a tiny little bite. So, you know, if you’re already really full from your sandwich, you’re not going to put things over the top.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9061\" data-end=\"9559\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9061\" data-end=\"9079\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> I think one thing to note is there is a place to sit inside, but other than that, if you want to dine there, you are sitting outside. And on the morning that we went, it was a little bit chilly, so I had a tall cup of coffee. They had heavy cream, which is how I take my coffee, and it was perfect. As a matter of fact, they were kind enough to top it off a little bit when the breakfast sandwich arrived. Just another reason why this is a place I will return to again and again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9561\" data-end=\"9622\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9561\" data-end=\"9582\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I would definitely go back. Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9624\" data-end=\"9648\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9624\" data-end=\"9642\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> 100%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9650\" data-end=\"9677\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9650\" data-end=\"9671\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9679\" data-end=\"9853\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9679\" data-end=\"9698\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. If you would like to try Kahnfections, it’s located on 20th Street in San Francisco, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $20.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"98\" data-end=\"353\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"98\" data-end=\"117\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Liza’s passion is plant-focused interior design. She loves to fill homes and workspaces with living art, so it’s no wonder her favorite restaurant has an equally plant-centric approach. Located in downtown Burlingame, it’s Twelvemonth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"355\" data-end=\"370\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"726\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"372\" data-end=\"387\">Bob Trahan:\u003c/strong> I think a lot of people have this general notion of vegan cuisine sort of being bland and just a lot of vegetables. When I set out to create Twelvemonth, I really wanted to create a destination for all of life’s occasions where the food was sort of incidentally plant-based. You know, it’s delicious, nutritious, and hey, it’s all plants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"728\" data-end=\"757\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"728\" data-end=\"736\">Man:\u003c/strong> Mm, mm, that’s good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"759\" data-end=\"1176\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"759\" data-end=\"774\">Bob Trahan:\u003c/strong> I love our cuisine. It’s sort of global fusion through a California lens. I think a lot about sustainability. We really focus on microseasonal food and just truly unlock every flavor. This features Brentwood corn. It was picked this morning. We’re not the type of place that makes a tomato taste like fish. We’re the type of place that makes you say, “That’s the best tomato I’ve ever had in my life.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1193\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1188\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Mmm!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1485\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1210\">Bob Trahan:\u003c/strong> Other important aspects of sustainability come down to trying to use every part of everything, as well as reuse components that other places might consider, you know, used up. My favorite item in the menu is our bean stew. I intend to never, ever, ever take it off the menu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1508\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1495\">Man:\u003c/strong> Good, buddy?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"2240\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"1525\">Bob Trahan:\u003c/strong> I love it. It’s a very long cooking process, but lots of love and thought along the way. If you’re thoughtful with every step from your broth to the finish, you can just infuse tons of flavor. We have a beautiful bar that has three lovely private rooms off them, and then our main dining room is just this huge, glorious space. But another thing I love about the space is actually the acoustics. There’s not as much echoing or loudness as you might expect. You can still have an intimate dinner with whoever. I hope when people experience Twelvemonth, it changes their opinion of vegan cuisine so they realize that plant-based food can be delicious. My favorite review is, “I’m an omnivore, but I love this place.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2242\" data-end=\"2424\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2242\" data-end=\"2261\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, Liza, it’s interesting that we’re getting, I think, more and more restaurants that are solely plant-focused and plant-forward. How did you discover this spot?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2712\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2447\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> So a friend of mine called me because I had been plant-based for a while and she said, “Have you been to that new place Twelvemonth in Burlingame?” And I said, “No, what, what, what, what?” And I immediately made a reservation and went over there. It is fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2714\" data-end=\"2783\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2714\" data-end=\"2733\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What do you start with, with a menu of that size?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2785\" data-end=\"3100\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2785\" data-end=\"2806\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Our go-to is definitely the bean stew. It’s in a tomato broth. It’s got some kale and other spices and focaccia, which, oh, my God, just melts in your mouth. So, it gives you the impression that you’re eating beef. But it’s not. There’s nothing. It’s all plant-based. It’s really unbelievable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3102\" data-end=\"3526\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3102\" data-end=\"3121\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We also started with the bean stew. And can I just say from the first bite I was transported to another world. It was amazing. And I don’t eat a lot of meat, so maybe I’m not the best person to say this, but this tastes really meaty. It’s like very smoky. It has this really deep, rich flavor. This is so much more than just a pot of beans. So much more has gone into this to make it taste so incredible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3528\" data-end=\"3888\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3528\" data-end=\"3546\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> I really want to highlight their breaded mushrooms — very lightly breaded, dusted with a little bit of chili powder and the dip that it comes with, very similar to an aioli with a bit of spice. Not too much heat, but maybe a few seconds after your first or second bite. The mushrooms are an absolute don’t miss out because it was incredible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3890\" data-end=\"4372\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3890\" data-end=\"3909\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We got the panzanella alla puttanesca. First of all, I love a bread-based salad. You really can’t go wrong there. But it’s focaccia and a lot of fresh tomato. And somehow the focaccia really absorbs all the delicious flavors and juice from the tomato, but still stays really crisp. And it has these crispy capers and pickled cucumbers in it. So you just have all these different bursts of flavor and different textures. It’s just this really fresh-tasting salad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4374\" data-end=\"4580\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4374\" data-end=\"4395\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I go for the charred cabbage salad. It’s, of course, extremely healthy. It’s got a nice little bite to it. The texture of it is great. The spice of it is really good. Did you try that?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4582\" data-end=\"4933\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4582\" data-end=\"4600\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> I didn’t, but I had what’s called the BBQ, the barbecue plate, which — meat eater from the Midwest — I know what I think I’m looking at, but it is actually a plate of lentils, and it comes with a barbecue sauce paired with some greens and some pears. And for me, the very first bite was a bit unique, certainly because I know what —\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4935\" data-end=\"4977\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4935\" data-end=\"4954\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> “This isn’t barbecue!”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4979\" data-end=\"5086\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4979\" data-end=\"4997\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> It’s not barbecue. By the second and third bite, I was eating just this incredible dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5088\" data-end=\"5490\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5088\" data-end=\"5107\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> As one of our entrées, we shared the corn pasta, which was amazing. It had so much fresh corn flavor. The sauce was so flavorful, and you had a lot in every bite. And there was this coconut feta on top, which added a little bit of extra flavor. They also had these Cajun corn cracklins over the top, which added a little bit of extra crunch and flavor to the dish. It was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5492\" data-end=\"5863\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5492\" data-end=\"5510\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> My neighbor had the Japanese curry tofu served with rice, and the server comes out and pours the curry on top of the pieces of tofu. A little bit spicy, but certainly not something that would turn people off. It was a G-rated curry, as it were. [laughs] But again, a completely unique dish. And it made me forget that I was at a plant-based restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5865\" data-end=\"6048\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5865\" data-end=\"5884\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> I had the not paella, which was like paella, but not. It’s actually just socarrat, which is the rice that’s, like, at the bottom of the pan and gets really crispy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6050\" data-end=\"6089\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6050\" data-end=\"6069\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s the best part.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6091\" data-end=\"6220\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6091\" data-end=\"6110\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> It’s the best part. And they just — they only have that in the dish. They just get rid of all the rest of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6222\" data-end=\"6281\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6222\" data-end=\"6241\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s like eating the top of the muffin.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6283\" data-end=\"6586\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6283\" data-end=\"6302\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. And then it had really colorful sauces. It was a broccoli mayo and a romesco sauce. Had this, like, red and green going on and had lots of veggies in it. It was super crispy and just delicious. I’d never seen anything like that before. I was really impressed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6588\" data-end=\"6661\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6588\" data-end=\"6607\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you have anything to sip alongside your meal?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6663\" data-end=\"6854\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6663\" data-end=\"6684\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> I did. The flower spritz is delicious. Non-alcoholic elderflower, butterfly pea flower, some lemon, and club soda. Absolutely so refreshing, even actually in the winter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6856\" data-end=\"6884\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6856\" data-end=\"6866\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Ooh! I like that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6886\" data-end=\"7151\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6886\" data-end=\"6904\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> I had a drink called The Garden Party, which is made with a little bit of sparkling water, but flavors of cucumber and mint and some apple cider vinegar. Extremely refreshing. So for someone who doesn’t consume alcohol, this was a great beverage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7153\" data-end=\"7216\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7153\" data-end=\"7172\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. More food. What else did you have?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7218\" data-end=\"7493\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7218\" data-end=\"7239\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Dessert. We have got to talk about the dessert. The chocolate dessert actually comes in a little flower pot near and dear to my heart. And a little shovel. You can’t — Like, we are all grabbing for it. It’s quite rich and dense and absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7495\" data-end=\"7540\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7495\" data-end=\"7514\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And creatively presented.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7542\" data-end=\"7576\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7542\" data-end=\"7563\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Beautifully.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7578\" data-end=\"7827\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7578\" data-end=\"7597\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We also got the toasted red miso cake, which was a little bit on the salty side for me, but still delicious, really unique flavors. And it came with this berry coulis, which was a really great way to kind of balance out the miso.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7829\" data-end=\"8068\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7829\" data-end=\"7847\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> I didn’t have room for dessert. I will have to go back to try some of these because it sounds incredible, but it also goes to show just how great the meal itself was because I was so satisfied that I just couldn’t do it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8070\" data-end=\"8229\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8070\" data-end=\"8089\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I thought each dish was so creative. Really, things I hadn’t tried before, and I would definitely recommend it to friends and family.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8231\" data-end=\"8403\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8231\" data-end=\"8250\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. If you would like to try Twelvemonth, it’s located on Lorton Avenue in Burlingame, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $75.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"113\" data-end=\"369\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"113\" data-end=\"132\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Chris is a big meat and potatoes guy, and he’s now found a Peruvian take on that classic combination that he can’t get enough of. Anytime he’s craving a savory lomo saltado, he heads to Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood, home to Pucquio.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"371\" data-end=\"386\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"1120\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"407\">Carlos Moreira:\u003c/strong> I’m making the dressing for the potato for your next course. The flavors of Peru are limitless. There are different regions. There’s the coast, there’s sea, there’s land, there’s highlands. As a Peruvian and as a cook, we want to send a message to the people. We wanted to introduce them to our culture. The kitchen of Pucquio tries to evoke all the flavors from Peru, from most of the staple dishes that we have there, but since we’re in California, we added an additional twist to it. A good example of that will be the tacu-tacu de mariscos, our interpretation of a classic Peruvian dish, but made completely different with beurre blanc on it and different elements that we get from our “stash” in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1480\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1141\">Carlos Moreira:\u003c/strong> One of the most representative dishes in our cuisine is the ceviche, without a doubt. It’s a ritual. The Mochicas probably were the first humans to start fishing and marinate raw fish. We admire and appreciate more about the freshness of the fish itself and how the nuances of that fish are brought by combining with the spice and citrus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1821\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1501\">Carlos Moreira:\u003c/strong> One of our desserts, bombitas de carretilla, it brings me a lot of memories from my childhood in every aspect. Similar to a beignet, but we stuff it with fermented sweet potato and dulce de leche. My favorite item on the menu is every single one of them. They’re like my kids. I might have a favorite. I won’t tell you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1823\" data-end=\"2112\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1823\" data-end=\"1842\">Carlos Moreira:\u003c/strong> The name of the restaurant, Pucquio, is Quechua for “spring water,” and for us it’s a reflection of something pure and transparent, which is our mission to our community. Hello, hello. I really hope they feel touched, satisfied, happy, and raving about this restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2114\" data-end=\"2129\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2131\" data-end=\"2275\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2131\" data-end=\"2150\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, Chris, talk about what’s unique about this space, right? A very intimate dining room and that open sort of kitchen feel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2403\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2295\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> For sure. One thing about Pucquio that I love is that the interior seats about 18 people. It is very small.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2451\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2424\">Carlos Moreira:\u003c/strong> You know where to find me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2581\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2471\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> And there are four seats at the pass where you can sit and watch the chef and the sous chef work their magic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2686\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2602\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So what do you get when you walk in that door and you start smelling all that food?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"3248\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2706\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> The first thing we have is the cebiche de clásico. This dish is made with a wonderfully flavored rockfish. It sits on a bed of greens with some red onions and Peruvian nuts that give every bite that you have just a little bit of crunch, a little bit of texture. They serve this dish with a relatively large spoon. But for me, because I think lifting the plate and drinking from it is a bit rude, I can at least scoop some of that citric juice and just sort of finish my ceviche with that, which is a great way to end that particular starter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3250\" data-end=\"3504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3250\" data-end=\"3269\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We also started with the cebiche de pescado, and it was amazing. And I especially loved how the marinade is, as you said, very, very acidic. I felt the sweet potato really balanced that out and made it overall a really delicious dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3506\" data-end=\"3556\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3506\" data-end=\"3525\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you use the big spoon too?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3558\" data-end=\"3756\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3558\" data-end=\"3577\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> I did use the big spoon to get the extra juice. And the Peruvian corn is so fun. I’ve never seen corn kernels that big before, but it really adds that extra bite and fun texture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3758\" data-end=\"3918\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3758\" data-end=\"3779\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> So actually, I just want to jump in and talk about Kevin, who was actually our welcome wagon when we first got there. He is exceptional…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3920\" data-end=\"3962\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3920\" data-end=\"3930\">Kevin:\u003c/strong> This is coming from Susanville.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3964\" data-end=\"4367\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3964\" data-end=\"3985\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> …describing everything because it was one of my first times having Peruvian cuisine. So, my appetizer was the cebiche de truchae, which actually had a little bit of skin. It had fennel, yucca, and a little bit of caviar. And I loved there was a lot of acidity to it, but it was a combination of like the lemon and lime and some of the green leaves, which made it extremely tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4369\" data-end=\"4412\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4369\" data-end=\"4388\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What about you, Manali?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4414\" data-end=\"4840\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4414\" data-end=\"4433\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We got two entrées, so one of them was the arroz de mariscos, which was a Peruvian take on paella. Delicious. It had Gulf prawns, squid, and rockfish in it. And the arroz, the rice had squid ink in it as well, so it was super creamy. It had that fun, you know, dark black color that you get with squid ink. Really incredible. And, again, it had that Peruvian corn in it that I’m just totally obsessed with.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4842\" data-end=\"4929\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4842\" data-end=\"4863\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Kevin actually explained that there are 84 types of corn in Peru.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4931\" data-end=\"4964\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4931\" data-end=\"4950\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> That’s a lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4966\" data-end=\"5007\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4966\" data-end=\"4987\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Yeah. That’s a lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5009\" data-end=\"5482\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5009\" data-end=\"5028\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Our second one, we got the tacu-tacu de mariscos, which was more of a rice and beans dish. They sound very similar, both like rice with different types of seafood, but very different in terms of the flavor. The rice and beans were cooked so perfectly. The beans were really tender. And it came with this beurre vert, which was this very herbaceous green sauce that was also very creamy and went great with the very fresh seafood that was served with it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5484\" data-end=\"5747\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5484\" data-end=\"5505\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> So, we also had the chupe de camarones, which is — it’s like a cross between like a shrimp bisque and a shrimp chowder, and it comes with like a poached egg. It comes with some rice, and it’s a complex taste. It’s delicious. Don’t miss that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5749\" data-end=\"5808\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5749\" data-end=\"5768\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. From the ceviche, what’s next?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5810\" data-end=\"6207\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5810\" data-end=\"5828\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> It is definitely a meat-centric, protein-centric restaurant. And so the lomo saltado is a marinated steak served with steak fries, white rice, some marinated tomatoes and onions, and if you wish, you can get a fried egg on top of the rice, so you can have all these various flavors in each bite that you have of the lomo saltado. And then you realize, “Holy cow, it’s all gone.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6209\" data-end=\"6264\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6209\" data-end=\"6228\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> This isn’t just steak and potatoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6266\" data-end=\"6300\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6266\" data-end=\"6284\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> Absolutely not.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6302\" data-end=\"6351\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6302\" data-end=\"6321\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Any other main dishes to try?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6353\" data-end=\"6862\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6353\" data-end=\"6371\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> Yes, the adobo de chancho is a pork dish that when you are served this dish, Kevin will bring you your silverware, which is a fork and a spoon. Rarely, if ever, have I gone to a restaurant where there is no knife, because the pork is so soft and tender that you use the spoon with the fork to break it apart, and then it’s paired with these braised beans, small pieces of pork belly, and red onions that create this multi-textural bite. And it’s melt-in-your-mouth pork, an incredible dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6864\" data-end=\"6891\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6864\" data-end=\"6883\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"6893\" data-end=\"7197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6893\" data-end=\"6911\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> They have a beverage called the maracuya, which is a passion fruit drink. And that to me is a sipping drink that you can enjoy throughout the entire meal. I say that as someone who often gets two with every dining experience, but it’s fantastically sweet and rich as a beverage can be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7199\" data-end=\"7391\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7199\" data-end=\"7218\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I had the spritz del dia, which I guess was kind of an aperitivo of the day. Delicious. Had a nice flavor. It was very light, refreshing, and went well with the meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7393\" data-end=\"7693\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7393\" data-end=\"7414\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> So, we wanted to have a Chardonnay, which Kevin said they don’t carry, and he made a recommendation, and it was such an amazing recommendation. I want to say it’s called the Rebolledo. I’m not sure about the pronunciation. We ended up having two bottles. That’s how good it was.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7695\" data-end=\"7745\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7695\" data-end=\"7713\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> That’s awesome. That’s awesome.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7747\" data-end=\"7843\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7747\" data-end=\"7766\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Can’t remember the name after the first bottle. Alright. Desserts. Desserts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"7845\" data-end=\"8148\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"7845\" data-end=\"7864\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> We got the bombitas, which were these little doughnut holes. They were so fresh. Super hot. They were filled with dulce de leche and then came with a pisco crème anglaise, which was great because it had just a little bit of sour to kind of cut through the sweetness of the doughnuts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8150\" data-end=\"8205\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8150\" data-end=\"8169\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It sounds like a must-have dessert.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8207\" data-end=\"8233\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8207\" data-end=\"8228\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8235\" data-end=\"8267\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8235\" data-end=\"8254\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Any dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8269\" data-end=\"8362\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8269\" data-end=\"8290\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> That was my must-have dessert as well. Like, the four of us split that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8364\" data-end=\"8411\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8364\" data-end=\"8383\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So would you go back again?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8413\" data-end=\"8446\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8413\" data-end=\"8434\">Liza Fiorentinos:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8448\" data-end=\"8685\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8448\" data-end=\"8467\">Manali Gokhale:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I totally agree with you. It was an interesting experience where it felt like a very upscale experience. But at the same time, I felt like I was in someone’s home. It was — It’s hard to balance those two things.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8687\" data-end=\"8731\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8687\" data-end=\"8706\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Quite a passion project.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8733\" data-end=\"8763\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8733\" data-end=\"8751\">Chris Carroll:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8765\" data-end=\"8952\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8765\" data-end=\"8784\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. If you would like to try Pucquio, it’s located on College Avenue in Oakland’s Rockridge neighborhood. The average tab per person without drinks is around $45.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"8954\" data-end=\"9090\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"8954\" data-end=\"8973\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Looking for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try? Check out “Cecilia Tries It” online at kqed.org/checkplease.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9092\" data-end=\"9604\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9092\" data-end=\"9111\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I have to thank my great guests on this week’s show — \u003cstrong data-start=\"9166\" data-end=\"9184\">Manali Gokhale\u003c/strong>, lover of the hot buttermilk biscuits at Kahnfections in San Francisco, \u003cstrong data-start=\"9257\" data-end=\"9277\">Liza Fiorentinos\u003c/strong>, who savors every drop of bean stew at Twelvemonth in Burlingame, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"9348\" data-end=\"9365\">Chris Carroll\u003c/strong>, who adores the adobo de chancho at Pucquio in Oakland. Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on \u003cem data-start=\"9513\" data-end=\"9539\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em> I’m \u003cstrong data-start=\"9544\" data-end=\"9562\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>, and I’ll see you then. Cheers, everyone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9606\" data-end=\"9622\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9606\" data-end=\"9614\">All:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9624\" data-end=\"9885\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9624\" data-end=\"9633\">Judy Khan:\u003c/strong> We just really enjoy doing whatever we can to make people happy. We usually have at least two cakes in the pastry case, mini cupcakes, mini tarts, the typical cookies and brownies, and things like that. I really enjoy watching people enjoy their food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9887\" data-end=\"9923\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9887\" data-end=\"9897\">Woman:\u003c/strong> This sandwich is so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9925\" data-end=\"9962\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9925\" data-end=\"9934\">Judy Khan:\u003c/strong> That’s what does it for me.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"9964\" data-end=\"10004\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"9964\" data-end=\"9972\">Man:\u003c/strong> Do the whole thing in one bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"10006\" data-end=\"10053\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"10006\" data-end=\"10017\">Man #2:\u003c/strong> One bite’s a little much, actually.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Skillet'z Cafe, Peony Seafood, Le Papillon",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 20, episode 2, airs Thursday, April 17, 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 journey begins in the charming, historic Niles district of Fremont, where \u003cstrong>Skillet’z Cafe\u003c/strong> serves up bold breakfasts that locals can’t get enough of. Diners tuck into fluffy beignets, a decadent Monte Cristo sandwich, and stacks of Nutella-strawberry-banana pancakes — a meal best followed by a stroll through Niles’ antique shops and silent film history. In the heart of Oakland’s Chinatown, \u003cstrong>Peony Seafood\u003c/strong> offers a classic dim sum experience in one of the few Chinese banquet halls in the Bay Area. Guests can enjoy dishes like fried daikon cake wrapped in crispy rice noodles, salt-and-pepper custard tofu, and delicate steamed shrimp dumplings with cilantro, handmade fresh daily. The journey ends at \u003cstrong>Le Papillon\u003c/strong>, a San Jose fine-dining destination that has been dazzling diners for over 40 years with its elegant, French-inspired tasting menus. Highlights include the Dungeness crab soufflé with saffron and caviar, the melt-in-your-mouth grilled beef tenderloin with marrow emulsion, and the stunning black sesame terrine with toasted meringue and chocolate. The episode wraps up at the \u003cstrong>Niles Farmers Market\u003c/strong>, where Cecilia samples fresh malasadas and savory hand pies, and takes in the scene with some die-hard vintage car enthusiasts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23448\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-23448 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Anna Mindess, Nima Alahari and Jason T. Douglass from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://skilletz.cafe/\">\u003cstrong>Skillet’z Cafe\u003c/strong> (Fremont)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://peonyrestaurant.com/\">\u003cstrong>Peony Seafood\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.lepapillon.com/\">\u003cstrong>Le Papillon \u003c/strong>(San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://nilesfarmersmarket.org/\">\u003cstrong>Niles Farmers Market\u003c/strong> (Fremont)\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-23449\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-800x1015.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1015\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-800x1015.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-1020x1294.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-160x203.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-768x974.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-1211x1536.png 1211w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-1615x2048.png 1615w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-1920x2435.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">\u003cb>\u003ca href=\"http://www.textbookvineyards.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Textbook 2022 “The Pey Family Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Napa Valley, California $46\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>The Textbook wines are ones to seek out. Well-priced bottles overdeliver in quality, especially the Pey Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a deeply hued, layered red that blends fruit from some of Napa Valley’s top vineyards. Dark fruit flavors and a supple texture make this a wine to enjoy now with hearty fare or cellar for a few years to gain more complexity. With an under-$50 price tag, it’s a fantastic deal when it comes to high-end Napa Valley Cabernet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Founded by Jonathan Pey along with his late wife, Susan, their goal was to craft wines of elegance and balance that showcase “textbook” character. Winemaker Abigail Estrada carries out that vision with this classy red.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">\u003ca href=\"http://www.Paulakornell.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cb>Paula Kornell Brut Rosé, Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Wine\u003c/b>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>California $25\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>When talking about the history of Napa Valley — and certainly the history of sparkling wine in California — the name Kornell looms large. Famed winemaker and vintner Hanns Kornell was born into a third-generation German winemaking family. He immigrated to the United States and through hard work and a partnership with his talented wife, Marilouise, was able to purchase the iconic Larkmead Winery in 1958. There he made the highest quality sparkling wine using the traditional French method. Today, his daughter, Paula Kornell, has her own namesake bubbly, and it lives up to the family’s commitment of quality and value.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">This beautifully pale pink sparkler is a wine to love. The attractive bottle catches your eye, but it’s the elegant wine inside that puts a smile on your face. A blend of mostly Pinot Noir with Chardonnay, red-berry and floral-scented aromas are complemented by delicate, crisp flavors. Enjoy a glass to begin your night, then pair it with savory dishes to a lightly sweet dessert. It’s a stylish sparkler worth twice the price.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"102\" data-end=\"160\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"102\" data-end=\"121\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Good old country cooking in Fremont…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"162\" data-end=\"243\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"162\" data-end=\"179\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I don’t care about the calories. I don’t read them. I just eat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"245\" data-end=\"298\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"245\" data-end=\"264\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …dim sum delights in Oakland…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"300\" data-end=\"351\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"300\" data-end=\"317\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> A symphony of different textures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"420\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"372\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …and contemporary French cuisine in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"422\" data-end=\"484\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"422\" data-end=\"441\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> It’s never changed. It’s always beautiful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"486\" data-end=\"546\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"486\" data-end=\"505\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just ahead on \u003cem data-start=\"520\" data-end=\"546\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"621\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"569\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> There’s sugar everywhere! Mmm! These are beautiful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"623\" data-end=\"638\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"1123\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"659\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to \u003cem data-start=\"695\" data-end=\"721\">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=\"964\" data-end=\"980\">Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are ASL interpreter and food writer \u003cstrong data-start=\"1029\" data-end=\"1045\">Anna Mindess\u003c/strong>, tech sales expert \u003cstrong data-start=\"1065\" data-end=\"1081\">Nima Alahari\u003c/strong>, and patient advocate \u003cstrong data-start=\"1104\" data-end=\"1122\">Jason Douglass\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1313\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1144\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Welcome, everyone.\u003cbr data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1166\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1166\" data-end=\"1183\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003cbr data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1216\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003cbr data-start=\"1227\" data-end=\"1230\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1230\" data-end=\"1249\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Nice to be here?\u003cbr data-start=\"1266\" data-end=\"1269\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1269\" data-end=\"1288\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Very excited to be here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1315\" data-end=\"1615\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1315\" data-end=\"1334\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Nima gets things started with his bustling breakfast spot. Offering American diner classics paired with over-the-top, Instagrammable lattes and shakes, it’s his favorite way to jump-start the day. Nestled in the heart of Fremont’s historic Niles neighborhood, it’s Skillet’z Cafe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1845\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1635\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> Skillet’z is an American diner, old country cooking, but with a Mexican flair. The chefs are from Zacatecas, Mexico, and so they’ve brought a lot of the food that they grew up with, that their grandmas cooked.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1847\" data-end=\"1888\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1847\" data-end=\"1855\">Man:\u003c/strong> My go-to is usually the burrito.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1890\" data-end=\"2014\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1890\" data-end=\"1908\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> Our food comes out super hot, super crispy, super flavorful. Breakfast made with lots of love and huevos.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2093\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2034\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> How’s the food and everything?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2065\" data-end=\"2068\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2068\" data-end=\"2076\">Man:\u003c/strong> Good. Thank you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2282\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2113\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> I was a regular customer for over 10 years. I would eat at Skillet’z at least once a week. There was an opportunity to become a partner, so I jumped at the opportunity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2284\" data-end=\"2357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2284\" data-end=\"2302\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> This is the sausage omelette.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2332\" data-end=\"2335\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2335\" data-end=\"2345\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Yeah, here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2457\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2377\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> A lot of the dishes are named after some of our team members and staff members.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2459\" data-end=\"2519\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2459\" data-end=\"2469\">Woman:\u003c/strong> I’m [indistinct], and you’re eating at Skillet’z.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2521\" data-end=\"2686\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2521\" data-end=\"2539\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> They just named a dish after me. It’s a scramble that comes with all meats and all veggies and a side of bacon. It’s called the Jonathan Scramble.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2934\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2706\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> When I first came to Skillet’z, I was told that the salsa is so good you could drink it. And that is literally what I do every time. I will pour salsa all over my food. Highly recommend pairing it with all of our savory dishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"2951\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2953\" data-end=\"3043\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2953\" data-end=\"2971\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> We really treat all of our customers like family.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3021\" data-end=\"3024\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3024\" data-end=\"3034\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Alright!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3045\" data-end=\"3265\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3045\" data-end=\"3063\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> They say that breakfast is the most important part of your day, and it’s just food that makes you feel good, food that makes you feel like you’re with family and having a great time.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3246\" data-end=\"3249\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3249\" data-end=\"3257\">All:\u003c/strong> Cheers!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3267\" data-end=\"3347\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3267\" data-end=\"3285\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> Alright. One, two, three, Skillet’z!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3322\" data-end=\"3325\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3325\" data-end=\"3335\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Good, good!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"70\" data-end=\"270\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"70\" data-end=\"89\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, Nima. So, you’re a big brunch guy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong data-start=\"136\" data-end=\"153\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> That’s my thing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"173\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"192\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. What is it about Skillet’z that brings you back time and time again?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"272\" data-end=\"528\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"272\" data-end=\"289\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Skillet’z is a really, like, familial kind of place. You go there and you just feel like you’re comfortable and you’re at home. I always get a couple drinks to start off with. I can’t skip the vanilla latte, which is absolutely fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"1239\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"549\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s your go-to, first thing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"581\" data-end=\"584\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"584\" data-end=\"601\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> It’s my go-to.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"619\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"638\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> I had the caramel latte.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"663\" data-end=\"666\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"666\" data-end=\"683\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Yeah, the caramel latte. They’re really creamy, right? They have a nice foam on top. They always come with some, like, cookie or a wafer as well too, which is really nice.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"858\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"858\" data-end=\"877\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s right. Start your day with a cookie.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"924\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"924\" data-end=\"941\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I have to. I’m a sweets guy. So I need to start with a cookie. But I’ll get that and I’ll also get their freshly squeezed orange juice, which is the tangiest orange juice.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1113\" data-end=\"1116\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1116\" data-end=\"1133\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I had that. It was so fresh. Really good.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1175\" data-end=\"1178\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1197\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> You could tell it was right off the tree.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1241\" data-end=\"1512\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1241\" data-end=\"1260\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, so you got your drinks in front of you. Then what’s the order?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1332\" data-end=\"1335\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1352\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> My order… Well, my brother-in-law will always say, “If you don’t know, you won’t know. You got to get the Monte Cristo.” So I always go for the Monte Cristo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1514\" data-end=\"2182\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1514\" data-end=\"1531\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> What’s that?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1544\" data-end=\"1547\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1564\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Now, the Monte Cristo is ham, Swiss cheese, and turkey with French toast as the buns. I know, it’s a lot. I don’t care about the calories. I don’t read them. I just eat.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1734\" data-end=\"1737\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1737\" data-end=\"1756\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1766\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1766\" data-end=\"1783\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Okay, that’s my thing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1809\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1809\" data-end=\"1828\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Sweet and savory.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1846\" data-end=\"1849\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1849\" data-end=\"1866\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Sweet and savory. My two favorite things. And I have to get that every single time. It is delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"1970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1970\" data-end=\"1989\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Do they do the powdered sugar topping and the raspberry jam on the side?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2062\" data-end=\"2065\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2065\" data-end=\"2082\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Absolutely, raspberry jam. Absolutely fantastic.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2131\" data-end=\"2134\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2134\" data-end=\"2153\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And what did you have, Anna?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2184\" data-end=\"2659\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2184\" data-end=\"2201\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Well, I had a traditional breakfast. I had two over-easy eggs with bacon that was really thick. Nice mouthfeel there. And the hash browns, which I liked because they were very crispy on top. And then there’s an option that instead of toast, you can get a pancake, and I got a blueberry pancake. That was the best part. It was fluffy and, like, raised up. I don’t know how they do that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2587\" data-end=\"2590\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2590\" data-end=\"2609\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Souffléed, almost.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2628\" data-end=\"2631\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2631\" data-end=\"2648\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Souffléed!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2661\" data-end=\"2975\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2661\" data-end=\"2678\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> What I usually like is the Nutella strawberry banana pancakes. You get the drizzle on there.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2771\" data-end=\"2774\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2774\" data-end=\"2793\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> That sounds really good. I didn’t have that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2838\" data-end=\"2841\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2841\" data-end=\"2860\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I can tell you have a sweet tooth.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2895\" data-end=\"2898\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2898\" data-end=\"2915\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Definitely, definitely. [Laughter] I can’t live without it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2977\" data-end=\"3451\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2977\" data-end=\"2996\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> We had the biscuits and gravy with over-easy eggs. Lovely biscuits. Fluffy. The gravy was a little lacking in salt, but that was balanced by having a really nice piece of ham on the side — thick, sweet ham. The one challenge with the eggs was one egg was hard and one egg was the over-easy egg, so it was a little bit of a discombobulated egg. And I thought, “How did they do that? How did we get that on the plate?” But we ate it, you know. It was good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3453\" data-end=\"3792\">We also had a mushroom and onion omelette, and you could tell that the onions were a sweet onion, like a Maui onion. Potatoes were not the crispy hash browns, but like a softer diced potato, and you could tell it was fresh. And then they serve a nice pico de gallo on the side that you can put over the entire plate. It made it very tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"4696\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3811\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I want to tell you something about this restaurant. I’m a sign language interpreter, and Fremont has two wonderful schools, the California School for the Deaf and Ohlone College.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3990\" data-end=\"3993\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3993\" data-end=\"4012\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4020\" data-end=\"4023\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4023\" data-end=\"4040\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> And because of that, there are places that are called “deaf friendly.” So I took my friend Tom, and he’s deaf. The server saw us signing as we came in. She made this gesture to Tom, which is not really the sign for “What would you like to drink?” But he said it was understandable.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4322\" data-end=\"4325\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4325\" data-end=\"4344\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Sure.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4350\" data-end=\"4353\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4353\" data-end=\"4370\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> And you don’t have to know sign language. Like, this woman didn’t know sign language, but you have to be into visual communication.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4502\" data-end=\"4505\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4505\" data-end=\"4524\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But she was aware.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4543\" data-end=\"4546\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4546\" data-end=\"4565\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4570\" data-end=\"4573\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4573\" data-end=\"4590\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Yes, that was really nice.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4617\" data-end=\"4620\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4620\" data-end=\"4639\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Inclusive.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4650\" data-end=\"4653\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4653\" data-end=\"4670\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Very sensitive and aware.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4698\" data-end=\"5050\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4698\" data-end=\"4717\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, that leads to the question of service.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4760\" data-end=\"4763\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4763\" data-end=\"4780\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Always fantastic. I just feel like it’s a family member treating us and serving us every time. You have to get there on time. It’s always going to be busy, especially on a weekend. It’s going to be packed,\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4986\" data-end=\"4989\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4989\" data-end=\"5008\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Which you guys might have noticed, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"363\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"91\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> The nice thing is, though, that they take your order beforehand, so you’re waiting outside, but someone will come and say, “Oh, is your order ready?” And so when you sit down, your food kind of comes very quickly versus having to wait, you know, to order once you’ve sat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"971\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"384\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s sort of the insider tip. You put in your order and you wait.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"455\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"455\" data-end=\"472\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Nice and early, and you wait.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"502\" data-end=\"505\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"524\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> It’s a great town, actually, because there’s all the antique stores, and Charlie Chaplin filmed films there. That’s the amazing thing as well.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"667\" data-end=\"670\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"670\" data-end=\"687\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> The movie industry started there.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"721\" data-end=\"724\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"743\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> In Niles?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"756\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"773\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> They have a museum.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"796\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"796\" data-end=\"815\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> In Niles. Mm.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"832\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"832\" data-end=\"851\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, a bit of history and a lot of sweetness.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"899\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"899\" data-end=\"916\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> And a lot of sweetness.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"940\" data-end=\"943\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"943\" data-end=\"962\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"973\" data-end=\"1124\">Well, if you would like to try Skillet’z Cafe, it’s located on Niles Boulevard in Fremont, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $35.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1145\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Anna’s been sampling the delicate, handmade dim sum at her restaurant for more than 10 years, and she still hasn’t tasted everything on the menu. The Cantonese specialties are made fresh to order and served steaming hot in beautiful, banquet hall-sized dining rooms. A mainstay in Oakland’s Chinatown for more than two decades, it’s Peony Seafood Restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1506\" data-end=\"1521\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1803\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1537\">Chris Xie:\u003c/strong> Peony Seafood Restaurant has been a staple in Oakland Chinatown for 30 years. We have a big menu — you know, dim sum, over 100 items. The “dim sum” means “to touch the heart.” When we have dim sum, usually we have tea, with lots of people, like a family or friends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1805\" data-end=\"2226\">Our dim sum chefs, they hand-prepare the dim sum daily. And my favorite, the xiaolongbao and the cheung fun. The cheung fun, we make it here with thin, large steamed rice noodles. They fill it with some sorts like shrimp, pork and beef. Outside is smooth, and inside should be meaty and crunchy. And we have the special sauce that is called XO sauce, just to add a flavor, or you can use that sauce for the dipping sauce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2228\" data-end=\"2341\">We have king crab, lobster. They can pick out the live fish from the fish tank. They can pick whatever they like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2343\" data-end=\"2480\">The kids love the animal-shaped dessert, especially the piggy buns and the coconut rabbit. That’s so fun. A lot of people take a picture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2482\" data-end=\"2823\">Peony Seafood Restaurant is the biggest restaurant in Oakland. It can hold up to like 500 people. And so we can catering any kind of party.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2621\" data-end=\"2624\">How’s everything so far? The job is like customer service, and some people, they come all the time to be treated like a family member. I want our customers to have a great meal and want to come back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2825\" data-end=\"2972\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2825\" data-end=\"2844\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Anna, this restaurant has a huge variety of dim sum. And are you a dim sum specialist? Is that what you consider yourself?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2974\" data-end=\"3278\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2974\" data-end=\"2991\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Well, I’m a dim sum lover. And I’ve tasted dim sum in Hong Kong, in Toronto, New York, San Francisco. And of all the places that I go, Peony is my absolute favorite.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3157\" data-end=\"3160\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3160\" data-end=\"3179\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Wow.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3184\" data-end=\"3187\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3187\" data-end=\"3204\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I think they have very creative dishes that I haven’t seen anywhere else.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3578\">There’s a crispy daikon baton, then it’s wrapped in a sleeve of very fine, crispy rice noodles. Then it has a little squiggle of a sauce and little tiny fish eggs on top. And when you put it in your mouth, it’s like a symphony of different textures and flavors that all come together. It’s amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3580\" data-end=\"4009\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3580\" data-end=\"3599\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> And then, did you try also the salt and pepper custard tofu?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3660\" data-end=\"3663\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3680\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> No, I haven’t tried that one.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3710\" data-end=\"3713\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3713\" data-end=\"3732\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Oh, my God, I could’ve eaten plates of it. It was so good. I don’t know how they get it so crispy on the outside, but so tender on the inside. And it’s served with jalapenos and peanuts, I think it is, on top, and some green onions. I literally could’ve eaten a plate of them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4195\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4030\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, and it’s an extensive menu, isn’t it?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4074\" data-end=\"4077\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4077\" data-end=\"4094\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> It’s a really big menu.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4118\" data-end=\"4121\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4121\" data-end=\"4140\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4146\" data-end=\"4149\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4149\" data-end=\"4166\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Everything was family style.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"382\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"89\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> So I ended up getting the pan fried pork buns, which were absolutely incredible.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"173\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"190\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I like those.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"204\" data-end=\"207\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"207\" data-end=\"224\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Those were really crispy on one side and then just really fluffy, and you would tear them open. It would be hot in the center, and the texture was fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"384\" data-end=\"688\">I got the beef rice as well, which came with egg, too, and with that, it was sort of bland by itself. I’m a huge rice guy, too, especially with beef, but I got that with a side of their soy sauce and their house-made chili sauce, too, which I could have broken into the back and stolen. It was that good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"690\" data-end=\"4050\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"690\" data-end=\"709\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You want to put that on everything?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"748\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"748\" data-end=\"765\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I want to put that on everything, even the sweets.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"816\" data-end=\"819\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"819\" data-end=\"838\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> We had the barbecue pork puffs. It was like shatteringly tender. Pop in your mouth and it just broke, the crust. And the flavor was so good.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"979\" data-end=\"982\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1001\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ah!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1008\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1008\" data-end=\"1025\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I got the shrimp dumplings with cilantro. The shrimp was perfect. It wasn’t too gamy. It wasn’t too tough. It was really meaty. And those were delicious, too.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1184\" data-end=\"1187\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1187\" data-end=\"1204\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Another thing — I like shrimp in a lot of things. So I got the red rice yeast roll. So, I think there’s some health property to red rice. Okay, it’s this very satiny roll on the outside of red rice, and inside is the crispy shrimp. It’s like the interplay of different textures.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"1486\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1486\" data-end=\"1505\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> There you go.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1522\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1522\" data-end=\"1539\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Did anybody have soup dumplings?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1572\" data-end=\"1575\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1594\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> No.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1598\" data-end=\"1601\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1601\" data-end=\"1618\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> No?!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1623\" data-end=\"1626\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1626\" data-end=\"1643\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I should have.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1658\" data-end=\"1661\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"1678\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Oh, gosh!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1688\" data-end=\"1691\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1691\" data-end=\"1710\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s a dish they’re known for, huh?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1748\" data-end=\"1751\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"1768\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Yes. And it’s just… you know how you eat soup dumplings? You have to make a little hole, suck it out. It just melts in your mouth. Next time, you have to get that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1934\" data-end=\"1937\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1937\" data-end=\"1956\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Yes. Well, I’ll be going back.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1987\" data-end=\"1990\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1990\" data-end=\"2009\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I think that Anna is going to be the guide for you guys.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2066\" data-end=\"2069\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2069\" data-end=\"2088\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Right?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2098\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2098\" data-end=\"2115\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> We’ll all go with you.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2141\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2160\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2169\" data-end=\"2172\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2189\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Okay. That sounds fun. You can come, too.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2234\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2234\" data-end=\"2253\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2262\" data-end=\"2265\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2265\" data-end=\"2282\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2288\" data-end=\"2291\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2310\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Did you happen to try the onion pancakes? ‘Cause when you were speaking about sauces, they serve the onion pancakes with a curry sauce, which is unusual, but it was so tasty.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2485\" data-end=\"2488\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2505\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I think their big personality at Peony Seafood was their desserts and their cute animals.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2595\" data-end=\"2598\">[excited chatter]\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2618\">Those were fantastic. The piggies were gorgeous, and you’d tear them apart and they were really fluffy. And the custard and egg was delicious. It was pretty light. It wasn’t too overbearing and too over-sweet, but it was a perfect end to the meal.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2868\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2868\" data-end=\"2885\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> That’s nice. And if you’re into social media, the bunnies, the coconut bunnies, they’re cute and they come on a little slice of carrot. And then if you take the plate and you jiggle it, then they wiggle, and it’s perfect. I mean, how many desserts can you have? But my favorite one is the pandan mochi.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3190\" data-end=\"3193\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3193\" data-end=\"3212\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> We had that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3225\" data-end=\"3228\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3228\" data-end=\"3245\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Yay! So, this is a green, pear-shaped mochi, and inside is warm custard. Oh, it’s just the best.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3342\" data-end=\"3345\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3345\" data-end=\"3364\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you ordered a lot of food, but did you feel like you got value?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3435\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3435\" data-end=\"3452\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I think so. Yeah, we got a lot of food, and the value was perfect. I didn’t feel like I was snubbed.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3553\" data-end=\"3556\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3556\" data-end=\"3573\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Did you take anything home?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3601\" data-end=\"3604\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3604\" data-end=\"3621\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I did. I took all the rice home. One more piggy left. I had to show it to my family.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3706\" data-end=\"3709\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3709\" data-end=\"3728\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> A little bit of that chili sauce?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3762\" data-end=\"3765\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3765\" data-end=\"3782\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> A little bit of that chili sauce, and it was gone the instant I got home.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3856\" data-end=\"3859\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3859\" data-end=\"3878\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. If you would like to try Peony Seafood Restaurant, it’s located on 9th Street in Oakland’s Chinatown, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"303\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"92\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> When it comes to celebrating a special occasion, Jason knows just the place for an elegant yet unpretentious experience. Offering contemporary French fare for more than 40 years in San Jose, it’s \u003cem data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"302\">Le Papillon\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"305\" data-end=\"320\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"513\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"339\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> \u003cem data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"353\">Le Papillon\u003c/em> was started in 1977 by our dad as sort of a continental restaurant, very popular at the time.\u003cbr data-start=\"447\" data-end=\"450\">Over time, it’s evolved into being kind of contemporary French.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"515\" data-end=\"622\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"515\" data-end=\"536\">Camron Mashayekh:\u003c/strong> Our cuisine has many influences, a lot of them from Scott’s travels and his passions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"854\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"641\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> Favorite dishes on the menu… chefs are all the same, though. We only like the last dish we created. [Laughs] That’s, like, the favorite dish, right? Quail egg toast with caviar. My favorite way to enjoy caviar.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"856\" data-end=\"882\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"856\" data-end=\"866\">Woman:\u003c/strong> It’s delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"884\" data-end=\"988\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"884\" data-end=\"901\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> And you have to eat it in one bite, ’cause if you try and take a bite, you’ll wear it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"990\" data-end=\"1126\">We offer a six-course tasting menu. That’s what I get most excited about because I get to control every course. One last little garnish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1263\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1149\">Camron Mashayekh:\u003c/strong> People love to share. There’s a lot of plate switching or fork traveling across the table, and we encourage that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1265\" data-end=\"1405\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1265\" data-end=\"1282\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> While we are contemporary French, we’re still true to our French roots. A reduction sauce kind of makes everything French.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1407\" data-end=\"1516\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1407\" data-end=\"1428\">Camron Mashayekh:\u003c/strong> One of the things that we’re best known for since day one is our soufflé Grand Marnier.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1518\" data-end=\"1831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1518\" data-end=\"1535\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> Soufflé Grand Marnier is a tough dish to execute. It was on the opening menu, day one, in 1977, and it’s become a favorite and a classic. It’s light, it’s airy, but it gives you the real flavor of Grand Marnier. And if we ever take it off the menu, we will get full-scale revolt from our guests.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"1889\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"1854\">Camron Mashayekh:\u003c/strong> There would be a massive backlash.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1891\" data-end=\"1906\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1908\" data-end=\"2133\">I think a lot of people appreciate an elegant, quiet dining room. I think the key to great service goes unnoticed. You have this complete experience, and by the end of it, you think, “Wow, that was incredible and effortless.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2135\" data-end=\"2215\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2135\" data-end=\"2145\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Mmm, that’s so good!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2169\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2169\" data-end=\"2177\">Man:\u003c/strong> Everything they do is good, you know?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2416\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2234\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> I’m still here and we’re still cooking the food because we love making people happy and it makes us happy, carrying on the tradition. Here. \u003cem data-start=\"2375\" data-end=\"2389\">Le Papillon.\u003c/em> The \u003cem data-start=\"2394\" data-end=\"2416\">pièce de résistance.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2897\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2437\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Jason, it’s interesting because for a restaurant in the Bay Area to be around 40 years, they have to be doing something right. Correct?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2581\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2581\" data-end=\"2600\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Very true. I mean, especially in today’s day and age where restaurants seem to open and close at the drop of a hat. They have been around for 40 years, and over those years, I’ve been going for 14 years to the restaurant, and I love it. It’s never changed. It’s always beautiful. Just, I love it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2899\" data-end=\"3112\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2899\" data-end=\"2918\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you get that feeling when you walked into the restaurant?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2980\" data-end=\"2983\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2983\" data-end=\"3000\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3012\" data-end=\"3015\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3034\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> This is special.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3054\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3054\" data-end=\"3071\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Definitely.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3083\" data-end=\"3086\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3086\" data-end=\"3103\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Oh, yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3114\" data-end=\"3370\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3114\" data-end=\"3131\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I’ve never been to any kind of fine dining, especially French restaurant, in my life before. And it actually lined up with my girlfriend’s birthday when we went, so it was a really special occasion and a really special time where we went.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3372\" data-end=\"3780\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3372\" data-end=\"3391\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Because you can choose either a tasting menu or you can choose a prix fixe menu. Correct?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3481\" data-end=\"3484\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3484\" data-end=\"3503\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Yes. Yes. I love the fact that they bring you a beautiful amuse-bouche when you sit down. Our particular evening, we had a lovely lobster bisque with beautiful lobster. Such a silky texture. And the lobster was perfect. Very tender, very of the sea. Just a lovely little bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3782\" data-end=\"3905\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3782\" data-end=\"3801\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you amuse your bouche?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3828\" data-end=\"3831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3831\" data-end=\"3848\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> My bouche was amused.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3870\" data-end=\"3873\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3873\" data-end=\"3892\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Very amused.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"4153\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"3926\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What did you have for an amuse bouche?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3965\" data-end=\"3968\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3968\" data-end=\"3985\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I can’t remember exactly, but it was little fish eggs that… on a little creamy… I mean, the tiniest little dish. I like small bites of things, so that was perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4155\" data-end=\"4650\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4155\" data-end=\"4172\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> My bouche was amused as well, actually. I had the mussel and saffron soup with a side of olive bread.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4274\" data-end=\"4277\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4296\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Oh!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4300\" data-end=\"4303\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4303\" data-end=\"4320\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> And being Persian, saffron is a big part of my culture, so it really took me home. I actually asked for seconds on the soup. I don’t know if that’s something you can do, but it was absolutely delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4523\" data-end=\"4526\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4526\" data-end=\"4545\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> I’m sure the chef loved that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4575\" data-end=\"4578\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4578\" data-end=\"4595\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Yes, it was amazing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4619\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4619\" data-end=\"4638\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4652\" data-end=\"4840\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4652\" data-end=\"4671\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> We typically do the four-course menu. I love it. We had the butternut squash soup. Very creamy, very silky, like a curry or a cardamom, which goes well with the squash.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4842\" data-end=\"5153\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4842\" data-end=\"4859\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I first started with the Dungeness crab soufflé with caviar and lemon. It’s my first time actually having caviar, and I actually enjoyed it. It was really good.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5020\" data-end=\"5023\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5023\" data-end=\"5042\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Caviar virgin.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5057\" data-end=\"5060\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5060\" data-end=\"5077\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5083\" data-end=\"5086\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5086\" data-end=\"5105\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> No longer.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5116\" data-end=\"5119\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5119\" data-end=\"5136\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> No longer. Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5155\" data-end=\"5550\">And I was actually really delicious. I’m big on textures, and the texture of the crab wasn’t really to my liking so much, but the broth and the soup, it kind of came with as well, the dipping and the bread of the Dungeness crab soufflé was absolutely delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5416\" data-end=\"5419\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5419\" data-end=\"5438\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, all together, it worked.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5467\" data-end=\"5470\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5470\" data-end=\"5487\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> All together, it worked well and it got me going for the rest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5552\" data-end=\"5794\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5552\" data-end=\"5569\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I had an interesting appetizer. It was raw fish, kind of chopped up, made into a patty that was kanpachi,\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5675\" data-end=\"5678\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5678\" data-end=\"5697\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> I had that as well.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5717\" data-end=\"5720\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5720\" data-end=\"5737\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Oh, the round thing?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5758\" data-end=\"5761\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5761\" data-end=\"5780\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> The kanpachi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5796\" data-end=\"6174\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5796\" data-end=\"5813\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> And then they sprinkled it with flower petals, lemongrass, a little squiggle of tamarind, and then avocado sorbet, a scoop in the middle. Really unusual.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"5970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5970\" data-end=\"5989\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> It was so good. I had that as well. It was really tasty.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6046\" data-end=\"6049\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6049\" data-end=\"6068\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6074\" data-end=\"6077\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6077\" data-end=\"6094\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Gorgeously plated. I noticed that, as well.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6138\" data-end=\"6141\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6141\" data-end=\"6160\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yes. Alright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"309\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"92\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What was next after your first course or appetizer course?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"154\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"154\" data-end=\"173\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Halibut with an herb crust. It was so tender. And it was served with cherry tomatoes and potato, like, pavé. It was really quite tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"560\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"328\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I had beef tenderloin, which was perfectly cooked, absolutely. And it was interesting because it had a stewed plum, I think it was, on top, which oddly went together really well. Had potato pavé on the other side and was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"562\" data-end=\"778\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"562\" data-end=\"579\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I actually also had the beef tenderloin as well. And that, I must say, was the star of the show. I’m big on my steaks. That was a steak you would cut into and it just melted in your mouth instantly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"780\" data-end=\"1357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"780\" data-end=\"799\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, now let’s talk about those desserts.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"848\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"865\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Yes!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"870\" data-end=\"873\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"892\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Who wants to go first?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"918\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"935\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I do, I do! Okay. So, the name on the menu made me think of a different image. It said terrine of black sesame.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1050\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1050\" data-end=\"1069\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Mm!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1076\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1093\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> So I imagined, you know, it’ll be a pot with black sesame. And what I was served was surprising. Yeah, it had just delicate little bricks of black sesame and a little chocolate and banana custard, I think it was. And all those flavors together worked really well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1741\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1376\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Well, I actually didn’t expect to get any dessert this time. Surprising for me, I know, but compliments from the chef, because their service was so fantastic, they actually brought us out a small birthday cheesecake platter with some honeycomb, a little candle just to commemorate my girlfriend’s birthday. That really set it straight. It was absolutely fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1974\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1762\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And I hope you told her you planned that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1804\" data-end=\"1807\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1807\" data-end=\"1824\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Uh…yeah. I missed my mark on that one.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1865\" data-end=\"1868\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1868\" data-end=\"1887\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You could have taken responsibility.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"1927\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1927\" data-end=\"1944\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I should have. I should have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1976\" data-end=\"2164\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1976\" data-end=\"1995\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> They never go wrong with dessert. Well, they never go wrong with any dish, really. We have never had a bad dish in 14 years of going there, and it keeps us coming back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2535\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2183\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Might have been the most expensive restaurant I’ve ever eaten in.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2249\" data-end=\"2252\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2252\" data-end=\"2269\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I agree.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2278\" data-end=\"2281\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2281\" data-end=\"2300\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, a special occasion. Again, setting the stage here.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2355\" data-end=\"2358\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2358\" data-end=\"2375\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it was awesome.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2400\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2417\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Birthday, anniversary. That’s the kind of place.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2469\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2469\" data-end=\"2488\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Worth it?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2498\" data-end=\"2501\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2501\" data-end=\"2518\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Yeah. [Laughter]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2537\" data-end=\"2936\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2537\" data-end=\"2554\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I would say might not go back, just due to the price, but that beef tenderloin made it worth it 100%.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2656\" data-end=\"2659\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2659\" data-end=\"2678\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, it made it very special for you.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2717\" data-end=\"2720\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2720\" data-end=\"2737\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Very special.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2751\" data-end=\"2754\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2754\" data-end=\"2771\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Life is short.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2786\" data-end=\"2789\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2808\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Life is short. Our coffins don’t have pockets.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"2858\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2858\" data-end=\"2877\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> There you go. There you go.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2905\" data-end=\"2908\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2908\" data-end=\"2925\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Well said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2938\" data-end=\"3104\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2938\" data-end=\"2957\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> If you would like to try \u003cem data-start=\"2983\" data-end=\"2996\">Le Papillon\u003c/em>, it’s located on Saratoga Avenue in San Jose, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $150.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3106\" data-end=\"3267\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3106\" data-end=\"3125\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And now, reporter \u003cstrong data-start=\"3144\" data-end=\"3164\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong> takes us back to Fremont’s historic Niles neighborhood for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3284\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"307\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"126\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Whoo! We’re here at the Flying A, which is kind of the cornerstone of the end of Niles. Lots of culture, lots of nostalgia. Tell me a little bit about what makes Niles so special.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"791\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"326\">Krysten Laine\u003c/strong>: Niles was the original Hollywood. Charlie Chaplin was brought here to do his first film, \u003cem data-start=\"417\" data-end=\"428\">The Tramp\u003c/em>, and they used to film Westerns here that are featured in Niles Canyon. And a lot of these buildings are still here that were there back in the day. This gas station was built in 1938. We brought the car culture back with the Niles Flying A, and every month we have Classics & Coffee, where people bring their classic cars, kick back, relax and have a good time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"961\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"813\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: So, that’s so cool. So, people can come, bring their cars, get a little bit of coffee and get some treats from the farmers market down the street.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"963\" data-end=\"993\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"963\" data-end=\"980\">Krysten Laine\u003c/strong>: Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"995\" data-end=\"1010\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1012\" data-end=\"1104\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1012\" data-end=\"1025\">Ken Phung\u003c/strong>: Our business is Dough Wei Me Bakery, and we sell artisan donuts and pastries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1160\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1126\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: How do they make them so fluffy?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1192\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1175\">Ken Phung\u003c/strong>: It’s the yeast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1274\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1214\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Okay, so it’s a yeasted doughnut, kind of like a malasada?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1389\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1289\">Ken Phung\u003c/strong>: It’s a malasada. It has eggs, sugar. And so the yeast eats the sugar, has CO2 and make it pouf up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1391\" data-end=\"1411\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1391\" data-end=\"1399\">Both\u003c/strong>: Thank you!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1532\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1426\">Zoe Phung\u003c/strong>: This is our ube coconut mochi, our tiramisu, our chocolate hazelnut banana, and our pistachio raspberry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1534\" data-end=\"1585\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1534\" data-end=\"1554\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Okay, which one should I try?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1621\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1600\">Zoe Phung\u003c/strong>: Maybe the tiramisu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1623\" data-end=\"1706\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1623\" data-end=\"1643\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Dough Wei Me! Oh, my gosh, there’s sugar everywhere. [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1708\" data-end=\"1740\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1708\" data-end=\"1715\">Man\u003c/strong>: Blueberry cream cheese.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1742\" data-end=\"1777\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1742\" data-end=\"1751\">Woman\u003c/strong>: We’ll take one of those.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1779\" data-end=\"1796\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1779\" data-end=\"1786\">Man\u003c/strong>: Alright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1798\" data-end=\"1877\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1798\" data-end=\"1818\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Niles Pie Company. You’ve been around for a little while.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1879\" data-end=\"1991\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1879\" data-end=\"1894\">Sarah Vegas\u003c/strong>: We’ve been around for about 15 years. We’re a worker cooperative. All butter, all scratch-made.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1993\" data-end=\"2047\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1993\" data-end=\"2013\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: All butter sounds good. [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2049\" data-end=\"2260\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2049\" data-end=\"2064\">Sarah Vegas\u003c/strong>: We’ve got our brand-new bacon béchamel savory pastry. It’s got a little bit of our house-made béchamel, chives, hickory-smoked bacon, everything bagel seasoning, and our house-made pastry crust.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2262\" data-end=\"2302\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2262\" data-end=\"2282\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: And this one here?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2428\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2319\">Sarah Vegas\u003c/strong>: And there is our beef and potato pasty with ground sirloin, Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, herbs and spices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2565\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2450\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Yes. Ooh! That spice really comes through on the top, too. We’re at MAD Creationz. What makes your creations mad?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2567\" data-end=\"2804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2567\" data-end=\"2584\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: It’s really — It stands for “Make a Difference.” During COVID, me and my wife started a non-profit. So 5% of our proceeds goes to that nonprofit. We like to provide food for less-fortunate families during the holidays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2806\" data-end=\"2886\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2806\" data-end=\"2826\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: So you’re not mad at all. You’re quite happy, nice people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2888\" data-end=\"3081\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2888\" data-end=\"2905\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: Yeah, exactly. Barbecue is our number-one thing we like to make. Brisket, primarily. Low and slow. No shortcuts. I have the Space Cowboy right here, which is our smashburger.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3083\" data-end=\"3120\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3083\" data-end=\"3103\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: And in my hand?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3122\" data-end=\"3251\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3122\" data-end=\"3139\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: That is our legendary four-cheese macaroni and cheese with our smoked brisket and our homemade barbecue sauce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3253\" data-end=\"3303\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3253\" data-end=\"3273\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: So, what cheeses do you use?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3305\" data-end=\"3438\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3305\" data-end=\"3322\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: I’ll tell you two out of the four. Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, and then there’s two others that are very secret.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3440\" data-end=\"3545\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3440\" data-end=\"3460\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: But if I’m able to taste this and guess what they are, you’ll tell me if I’m right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3583\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3564\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: Yes, ma’am. 100%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3585\" data-end=\"3674\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3585\" data-end=\"3605\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Alright. Look at all this cheese. Mmm! Is one of them cream cheese?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3676\" data-end=\"3703\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3676\" data-end=\"3693\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: Exactly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3705\" data-end=\"3740\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3705\" data-end=\"3725\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Yes! [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3742\" data-end=\"3785\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3742\" data-end=\"3759\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: That was the secret one!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3787\" data-end=\"3953\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3787\" data-end=\"3807\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Yes! Alright. You know what? Here’s the thing — for the viewers, we’re going to leave the other one a secret. Okay? I’m not even going to guess.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3955\" data-end=\"3979\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3955\" data-end=\"3972\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3981\" data-end=\"4008\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3981\" data-end=\"4001\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4025\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4027\" data-end=\"4142\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4027\" data-end=\"4047\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: I don’t drink coffee. So I heard that, like, there’s an alternative here that can wake me up?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4144\" data-end=\"4261\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4144\" data-end=\"4154\">Jordan\u003c/strong>: Mm-hmm. I’ve got wheatgrass shots and ginger shots for you. It’s grown with love, so you will taste that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4263\" data-end=\"4316\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4263\" data-end=\"4283\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Okay. My first wheatgrass shot!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4355\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4328\">Jordan\u003c/strong>: Aw, you couldn’t fake it!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4357\" data-end=\"4466\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4357\" data-end=\"4377\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Ooh! Aah-ha-ha! Wheatgrass… maybe not for me. But super healthy, right? I feel alive.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Skillet'z Cafe, Peony Seafood, Le Papillon | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 20, episode 2, airs Thursday, April 17, 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 journey begins in the charming, historic Niles district of Fremont, where \u003cstrong>Skillet’z Cafe\u003c/strong> serves up bold breakfasts that locals can’t get enough of. Diners tuck into fluffy beignets, a decadent Monte Cristo sandwich, and stacks of Nutella-strawberry-banana pancakes — a meal best followed by a stroll through Niles’ antique shops and silent film history. In the heart of Oakland’s Chinatown, \u003cstrong>Peony Seafood\u003c/strong> offers a classic dim sum experience in one of the few Chinese banquet halls in the Bay Area. Guests can enjoy dishes like fried daikon cake wrapped in crispy rice noodles, salt-and-pepper custard tofu, and delicate steamed shrimp dumplings with cilantro, handmade fresh daily. The journey ends at \u003cstrong>Le Papillon\u003c/strong>, a San Jose fine-dining destination that has been dazzling diners for over 40 years with its elegant, French-inspired tasting menus. Highlights include the Dungeness crab soufflé with saffron and caviar, the melt-in-your-mouth grilled beef tenderloin with marrow emulsion, and the stunning black sesame terrine with toasted meringue and chocolate. The episode wraps up at the \u003cstrong>Niles Farmers Market\u003c/strong>, where Cecilia samples fresh malasadas and savory hand pies, and takes in the scene with some die-hard vintage car enthusiasts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23448\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-23448 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Guests.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Anna Mindess, Nima Alahari and Jason T. Douglass from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://skilletz.cafe/\">\u003cstrong>Skillet’z Cafe\u003c/strong> (Fremont)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://peonyrestaurant.com/\">\u003cstrong>Peony Seafood\u003c/strong> (Oakland)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.lepapillon.com/\">\u003cstrong>Le Papillon \u003c/strong>(San Jose)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://nilesfarmersmarket.org/\">\u003cstrong>Niles Farmers Market\u003c/strong> (Fremont)\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-23449\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-800x1015.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1015\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-800x1015.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-1020x1294.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-160x203.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-768x974.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-1211x1536.png 1211w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-1615x2048.png 1615w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/04/2002_Wines-1920x2435.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">\u003cb>\u003ca href=\"http://www.textbookvineyards.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">Textbook 2022 “The Pey Family Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003cem>Napa Valley, California $46\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>The Textbook wines are ones to seek out. Well-priced bottles overdeliver in quality, especially the Pey Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a deeply hued, layered red that blends fruit from some of Napa Valley’s top vineyards. Dark fruit flavors and a supple texture make this a wine to enjoy now with hearty fare or cellar for a few years to gain more complexity. With an under-$50 price tag, it’s a fantastic deal when it comes to high-end Napa Valley Cabernet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Founded by Jonathan Pey along with his late wife, Susan, their goal was to craft wines of elegance and balance that showcase “textbook” character. Winemaker Abigail Estrada carries out that vision with this classy red.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">\u003ca href=\"http://www.Paulakornell.com\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cb>Paula Kornell Brut Rosé, Méthode Champenoise Sparkling Wine\u003c/b>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>California $25\u003cbr>\n\u003c/em>When talking about the history of Napa Valley — and certainly the history of sparkling wine in California — the name Kornell looms large. Famed winemaker and vintner Hanns Kornell was born into a third-generation German winemaking family. He immigrated to the United States and through hard work and a partnership with his talented wife, Marilouise, was able to purchase the iconic Larkmead Winery in 1958. There he made the highest quality sparkling wine using the traditional French method. Today, his daughter, Paula Kornell, has her own namesake bubbly, and it lives up to the family’s commitment of quality and value.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\">This beautifully pale pink sparkler is a wine to love. The attractive bottle catches your eye, but it’s the elegant wine inside that puts a smile on your face. A blend of mostly Pinot Noir with Chardonnay, red-berry and floral-scented aromas are complemented by delicate, crisp flavors. Enjoy a glass to begin your night, then pair it with savory dishes to a lightly sweet dessert. It’s a stylish sparkler worth twice the price.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"102\" data-end=\"160\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"102\" data-end=\"121\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Good old country cooking in Fremont…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"162\" data-end=\"243\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"162\" data-end=\"179\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I don’t care about the calories. I don’t read them. I just eat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"245\" data-end=\"298\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"245\" data-end=\"264\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …dim sum delights in Oakland…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"300\" data-end=\"351\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"300\" data-end=\"317\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> A symphony of different textures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"420\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"372\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …and contemporary French cuisine in San Jose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"422\" data-end=\"484\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"422\" data-end=\"441\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> It’s never changed. It’s always beautiful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"486\" data-end=\"546\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"486\" data-end=\"505\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Just ahead on \u003cem data-start=\"520\" data-end=\"546\">Check, Please! Bay Area.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"621\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"569\">Cecilia Phillips:\u003c/strong> There’s sugar everywhere! Mmm! These are beautiful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"623\" data-end=\"638\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"1123\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"659\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Hi, I’m Leslie Sbrocco. Welcome to \u003cem data-start=\"695\" data-end=\"721\">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=\"964\" data-end=\"980\">Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are ASL interpreter and food writer \u003cstrong data-start=\"1029\" data-end=\"1045\">Anna Mindess\u003c/strong>, tech sales expert \u003cstrong data-start=\"1065\" data-end=\"1081\">Nima Alahari\u003c/strong>, and patient advocate \u003cstrong data-start=\"1104\" data-end=\"1122\">Jason Douglass\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1313\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1144\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Welcome, everyone.\u003cbr data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1166\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1166\" data-end=\"1183\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003cbr data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1197\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1216\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Thank you.\u003cbr data-start=\"1227\" data-end=\"1230\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1230\" data-end=\"1249\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Nice to be here?\u003cbr data-start=\"1266\" data-end=\"1269\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1269\" data-end=\"1288\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Very excited to be here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1315\" data-end=\"1615\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1315\" data-end=\"1334\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Nima gets things started with his bustling breakfast spot. Offering American diner classics paired with over-the-top, Instagrammable lattes and shakes, it’s his favorite way to jump-start the day. Nestled in the heart of Fremont’s historic Niles neighborhood, it’s Skillet’z Cafe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1845\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1635\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> Skillet’z is an American diner, old country cooking, but with a Mexican flair. The chefs are from Zacatecas, Mexico, and so they’ve brought a lot of the food that they grew up with, that their grandmas cooked.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1847\" data-end=\"1888\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1847\" data-end=\"1855\">Man:\u003c/strong> My go-to is usually the burrito.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1890\" data-end=\"2014\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1890\" data-end=\"1908\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> Our food comes out super hot, super crispy, super flavorful. Breakfast made with lots of love and huevos.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2093\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2034\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> How’s the food and everything?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2065\" data-end=\"2068\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2068\" data-end=\"2076\">Man:\u003c/strong> Good. Thank you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2282\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2113\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> I was a regular customer for over 10 years. I would eat at Skillet’z at least once a week. There was an opportunity to become a partner, so I jumped at the opportunity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2284\" data-end=\"2357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2284\" data-end=\"2302\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> This is the sausage omelette.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2332\" data-end=\"2335\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2335\" data-end=\"2345\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Yeah, here.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2457\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2377\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> A lot of the dishes are named after some of our team members and staff members.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2459\" data-end=\"2519\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2459\" data-end=\"2469\">Woman:\u003c/strong> I’m [indistinct], and you’re eating at Skillet’z.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2521\" data-end=\"2686\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2521\" data-end=\"2539\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> They just named a dish after me. It’s a scramble that comes with all meats and all veggies and a side of bacon. It’s called the Jonathan Scramble.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2934\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2706\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> When I first came to Skillet’z, I was told that the salsa is so good you could drink it. And that is literally what I do every time. I will pour salsa all over my food. Highly recommend pairing it with all of our savory dishes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"2951\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2953\" data-end=\"3043\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2953\" data-end=\"2971\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> We really treat all of our customers like family.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3021\" data-end=\"3024\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3024\" data-end=\"3034\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Alright!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3045\" data-end=\"3265\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3045\" data-end=\"3063\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> They say that breakfast is the most important part of your day, and it’s just food that makes you feel good, food that makes you feel like you’re with family and having a great time.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3246\" data-end=\"3249\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3249\" data-end=\"3257\">All:\u003c/strong> Cheers!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3267\" data-end=\"3347\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3267\" data-end=\"3285\">Jonathan Tsai:\u003c/strong> Alright. One, two, three, Skillet’z!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3322\" data-end=\"3325\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3325\" data-end=\"3335\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Good, good!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"70\" data-end=\"270\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"70\" data-end=\"89\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, Nima. So, you’re a big brunch guy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong data-start=\"136\" data-end=\"153\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> That’s my thing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"173\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"192\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. What is it about Skillet’z that brings you back time and time again?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"272\" data-end=\"528\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"272\" data-end=\"289\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Skillet’z is a really, like, familial kind of place. You go there and you just feel like you’re comfortable and you’re at home. I always get a couple drinks to start off with. I can’t skip the vanilla latte, which is absolutely fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"1239\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"530\" data-end=\"549\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s your go-to, first thing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"581\" data-end=\"584\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"584\" data-end=\"601\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> It’s my go-to.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"619\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"638\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> I had the caramel latte.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"663\" data-end=\"666\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"666\" data-end=\"683\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Yeah, the caramel latte. They’re really creamy, right? They have a nice foam on top. They always come with some, like, cookie or a wafer as well too, which is really nice.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"858\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"858\" data-end=\"877\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s right. Start your day with a cookie.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"924\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"924\" data-end=\"941\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I have to. I’m a sweets guy. So I need to start with a cookie. But I’ll get that and I’ll also get their freshly squeezed orange juice, which is the tangiest orange juice.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1113\" data-end=\"1116\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1116\" data-end=\"1133\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I had that. It was so fresh. Really good.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1175\" data-end=\"1178\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1197\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> You could tell it was right off the tree.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1241\" data-end=\"1512\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1241\" data-end=\"1260\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, so you got your drinks in front of you. Then what’s the order?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1332\" data-end=\"1335\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1352\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> My order… Well, my brother-in-law will always say, “If you don’t know, you won’t know. You got to get the Monte Cristo.” So I always go for the Monte Cristo.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1514\" data-end=\"2182\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1514\" data-end=\"1531\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> What’s that?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1544\" data-end=\"1547\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1564\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Now, the Monte Cristo is ham, Swiss cheese, and turkey with French toast as the buns. I know, it’s a lot. I don’t care about the calories. I don’t read them. I just eat.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1734\" data-end=\"1737\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1737\" data-end=\"1756\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1766\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1766\" data-end=\"1783\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Okay, that’s my thing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1809\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1809\" data-end=\"1828\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Sweet and savory.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1846\" data-end=\"1849\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1849\" data-end=\"1866\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Sweet and savory. My two favorite things. And I have to get that every single time. It is delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"1970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1970\" data-end=\"1989\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Do they do the powdered sugar topping and the raspberry jam on the side?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2062\" data-end=\"2065\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2065\" data-end=\"2082\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Absolutely, raspberry jam. Absolutely fantastic.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2131\" data-end=\"2134\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2134\" data-end=\"2153\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And what did you have, Anna?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2184\" data-end=\"2659\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2184\" data-end=\"2201\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Well, I had a traditional breakfast. I had two over-easy eggs with bacon that was really thick. Nice mouthfeel there. And the hash browns, which I liked because they were very crispy on top. And then there’s an option that instead of toast, you can get a pancake, and I got a blueberry pancake. That was the best part. It was fluffy and, like, raised up. I don’t know how they do that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2587\" data-end=\"2590\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2590\" data-end=\"2609\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Souffléed, almost.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2628\" data-end=\"2631\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2631\" data-end=\"2648\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Souffléed!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2661\" data-end=\"2975\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2661\" data-end=\"2678\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> What I usually like is the Nutella strawberry banana pancakes. You get the drizzle on there.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2771\" data-end=\"2774\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2774\" data-end=\"2793\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> That sounds really good. I didn’t have that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2838\" data-end=\"2841\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2841\" data-end=\"2860\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I can tell you have a sweet tooth.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2895\" data-end=\"2898\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2898\" data-end=\"2915\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Definitely, definitely. [Laughter] I can’t live without it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2977\" data-end=\"3451\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2977\" data-end=\"2996\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> We had the biscuits and gravy with over-easy eggs. Lovely biscuits. Fluffy. The gravy was a little lacking in salt, but that was balanced by having a really nice piece of ham on the side — thick, sweet ham. The one challenge with the eggs was one egg was hard and one egg was the over-easy egg, so it was a little bit of a discombobulated egg. And I thought, “How did they do that? How did we get that on the plate?” But we ate it, you know. It was good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3453\" data-end=\"3792\">We also had a mushroom and onion omelette, and you could tell that the onions were a sweet onion, like a Maui onion. Potatoes were not the crispy hash browns, but like a softer diced potato, and you could tell it was fresh. And then they serve a nice pico de gallo on the side that you can put over the entire plate. It made it very tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"4696\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3811\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I want to tell you something about this restaurant. I’m a sign language interpreter, and Fremont has two wonderful schools, the California School for the Deaf and Ohlone College.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3990\" data-end=\"3993\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3993\" data-end=\"4012\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4020\" data-end=\"4023\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4023\" data-end=\"4040\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> And because of that, there are places that are called “deaf friendly.” So I took my friend Tom, and he’s deaf. The server saw us signing as we came in. She made this gesture to Tom, which is not really the sign for “What would you like to drink?” But he said it was understandable.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4322\" data-end=\"4325\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4325\" data-end=\"4344\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Sure.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4350\" data-end=\"4353\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4353\" data-end=\"4370\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> And you don’t have to know sign language. Like, this woman didn’t know sign language, but you have to be into visual communication.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4502\" data-end=\"4505\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4505\" data-end=\"4524\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But she was aware.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4543\" data-end=\"4546\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4546\" data-end=\"4565\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4570\" data-end=\"4573\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4573\" data-end=\"4590\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Yes, that was really nice.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4617\" data-end=\"4620\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4620\" data-end=\"4639\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Inclusive.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4650\" data-end=\"4653\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4653\" data-end=\"4670\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Very sensitive and aware.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4698\" data-end=\"5050\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4698\" data-end=\"4717\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, that leads to the question of service.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4760\" data-end=\"4763\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4763\" data-end=\"4780\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Always fantastic. I just feel like it’s a family member treating us and serving us every time. You have to get there on time. It’s always going to be busy, especially on a weekend. It’s going to be packed,\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4986\" data-end=\"4989\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4989\" data-end=\"5008\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Which you guys might have noticed, right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"363\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"91\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> The nice thing is, though, that they take your order beforehand, so you’re waiting outside, but someone will come and say, “Oh, is your order ready?” And so when you sit down, your food kind of comes very quickly versus having to wait, you know, to order once you’ve sat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"971\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"384\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s sort of the insider tip. You put in your order and you wait.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"455\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"455\" data-end=\"472\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Nice and early, and you wait.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"502\" data-end=\"505\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"524\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> It’s a great town, actually, because there’s all the antique stores, and Charlie Chaplin filmed films there. That’s the amazing thing as well.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"667\" data-end=\"670\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"670\" data-end=\"687\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> The movie industry started there.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"721\" data-end=\"724\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"724\" data-end=\"743\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> In Niles?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"756\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"773\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> They have a museum.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"796\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"796\" data-end=\"815\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> In Niles. Mm.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"832\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"832\" data-end=\"851\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, a bit of history and a lot of sweetness.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"896\" data-end=\"899\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"899\" data-end=\"916\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> And a lot of sweetness.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"940\" data-end=\"943\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"943\" data-end=\"962\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"973\" data-end=\"1124\">Well, if you would like to try Skillet’z Cafe, it’s located on Niles Boulevard in Fremont, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $35.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1145\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Anna’s been sampling the delicate, handmade dim sum at her restaurant for more than 10 years, and she still hasn’t tasted everything on the menu. The Cantonese specialties are made fresh to order and served steaming hot in beautiful, banquet hall-sized dining rooms. A mainstay in Oakland’s Chinatown for more than two decades, it’s Peony Seafood Restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1506\" data-end=\"1521\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1803\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1537\">Chris Xie:\u003c/strong> Peony Seafood Restaurant has been a staple in Oakland Chinatown for 30 years. We have a big menu — you know, dim sum, over 100 items. The “dim sum” means “to touch the heart.” When we have dim sum, usually we have tea, with lots of people, like a family or friends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1805\" data-end=\"2226\">Our dim sum chefs, they hand-prepare the dim sum daily. And my favorite, the xiaolongbao and the cheung fun. The cheung fun, we make it here with thin, large steamed rice noodles. They fill it with some sorts like shrimp, pork and beef. Outside is smooth, and inside should be meaty and crunchy. And we have the special sauce that is called XO sauce, just to add a flavor, or you can use that sauce for the dipping sauce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2228\" data-end=\"2341\">We have king crab, lobster. They can pick out the live fish from the fish tank. They can pick whatever they like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2343\" data-end=\"2480\">The kids love the animal-shaped dessert, especially the piggy buns and the coconut rabbit. That’s so fun. A lot of people take a picture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2482\" data-end=\"2823\">Peony Seafood Restaurant is the biggest restaurant in Oakland. It can hold up to like 500 people. And so we can catering any kind of party.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2621\" data-end=\"2624\">How’s everything so far? The job is like customer service, and some people, they come all the time to be treated like a family member. I want our customers to have a great meal and want to come back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2825\" data-end=\"2972\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2825\" data-end=\"2844\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Anna, this restaurant has a huge variety of dim sum. And are you a dim sum specialist? Is that what you consider yourself?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2974\" data-end=\"3278\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2974\" data-end=\"2991\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Well, I’m a dim sum lover. And I’ve tasted dim sum in Hong Kong, in Toronto, New York, San Francisco. And of all the places that I go, Peony is my absolute favorite.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3157\" data-end=\"3160\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3160\" data-end=\"3179\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Wow.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3184\" data-end=\"3187\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3187\" data-end=\"3204\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I think they have very creative dishes that I haven’t seen anywhere else.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3578\">There’s a crispy daikon baton, then it’s wrapped in a sleeve of very fine, crispy rice noodles. Then it has a little squiggle of a sauce and little tiny fish eggs on top. And when you put it in your mouth, it’s like a symphony of different textures and flavors that all come together. It’s amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3580\" data-end=\"4009\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3580\" data-end=\"3599\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> And then, did you try also the salt and pepper custard tofu?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3660\" data-end=\"3663\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3680\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> No, I haven’t tried that one.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3710\" data-end=\"3713\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3713\" data-end=\"3732\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Oh, my God, I could’ve eaten plates of it. It was so good. I don’t know how they get it so crispy on the outside, but so tender on the inside. And it’s served with jalapenos and peanuts, I think it is, on top, and some green onions. I literally could’ve eaten a plate of them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4195\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4011\" data-end=\"4030\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, and it’s an extensive menu, isn’t it?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4074\" data-end=\"4077\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4077\" data-end=\"4094\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> It’s a really big menu.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4118\" data-end=\"4121\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4121\" data-end=\"4140\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4146\" data-end=\"4149\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4149\" data-end=\"4166\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Everything was family style.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"382\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"89\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> So I ended up getting the pan fried pork buns, which were absolutely incredible.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"173\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"190\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I like those.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"204\" data-end=\"207\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"207\" data-end=\"224\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Those were really crispy on one side and then just really fluffy, and you would tear them open. It would be hot in the center, and the texture was fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"384\" data-end=\"688\">I got the beef rice as well, which came with egg, too, and with that, it was sort of bland by itself. I’m a huge rice guy, too, especially with beef, but I got that with a side of their soy sauce and their house-made chili sauce, too, which I could have broken into the back and stolen. It was that good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"690\" data-end=\"4050\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"690\" data-end=\"709\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You want to put that on everything?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"748\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"748\" data-end=\"765\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I want to put that on everything, even the sweets.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"816\" data-end=\"819\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"819\" data-end=\"838\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> We had the barbecue pork puffs. It was like shatteringly tender. Pop in your mouth and it just broke, the crust. And the flavor was so good.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"979\" data-end=\"982\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1001\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Ah!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1008\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1008\" data-end=\"1025\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I got the shrimp dumplings with cilantro. The shrimp was perfect. It wasn’t too gamy. It wasn’t too tough. It was really meaty. And those were delicious, too.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1184\" data-end=\"1187\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1187\" data-end=\"1204\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Another thing — I like shrimp in a lot of things. So I got the red rice yeast roll. So, I think there’s some health property to red rice. Okay, it’s this very satiny roll on the outside of red rice, and inside is the crispy shrimp. It’s like the interplay of different textures.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"1486\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1486\" data-end=\"1505\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> There you go.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1522\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1522\" data-end=\"1539\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Did anybody have soup dumplings?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1572\" data-end=\"1575\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1594\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> No.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1598\" data-end=\"1601\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1601\" data-end=\"1618\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> No?!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1623\" data-end=\"1626\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1626\" data-end=\"1643\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I should have.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1658\" data-end=\"1661\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"1678\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Oh, gosh!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1688\" data-end=\"1691\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1691\" data-end=\"1710\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s a dish they’re known for, huh?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1748\" data-end=\"1751\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"1768\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Yes. And it’s just… you know how you eat soup dumplings? You have to make a little hole, suck it out. It just melts in your mouth. Next time, you have to get that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1934\" data-end=\"1937\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1937\" data-end=\"1956\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Yes. Well, I’ll be going back.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1987\" data-end=\"1990\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1990\" data-end=\"2009\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I think that Anna is going to be the guide for you guys.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2066\" data-end=\"2069\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2069\" data-end=\"2088\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Right?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2098\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2098\" data-end=\"2115\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> We’ll all go with you.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2141\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2160\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2169\" data-end=\"2172\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2189\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Okay. That sounds fun. You can come, too.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2234\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2234\" data-end=\"2253\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2262\" data-end=\"2265\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2265\" data-end=\"2282\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2288\" data-end=\"2291\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2310\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Did you happen to try the onion pancakes? ‘Cause when you were speaking about sauces, they serve the onion pancakes with a curry sauce, which is unusual, but it was so tasty.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2485\" data-end=\"2488\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2505\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I think their big personality at Peony Seafood was their desserts and their cute animals.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2595\" data-end=\"2598\">[excited chatter]\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2618\">Those were fantastic. The piggies were gorgeous, and you’d tear them apart and they were really fluffy. And the custard and egg was delicious. It was pretty light. It wasn’t too overbearing and too over-sweet, but it was a perfect end to the meal.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2868\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2868\" data-end=\"2885\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> That’s nice. And if you’re into social media, the bunnies, the coconut bunnies, they’re cute and they come on a little slice of carrot. And then if you take the plate and you jiggle it, then they wiggle, and it’s perfect. I mean, how many desserts can you have? But my favorite one is the pandan mochi.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3190\" data-end=\"3193\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3193\" data-end=\"3212\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> We had that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3225\" data-end=\"3228\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3228\" data-end=\"3245\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Yay! So, this is a green, pear-shaped mochi, and inside is warm custard. Oh, it’s just the best.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3342\" data-end=\"3345\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3345\" data-end=\"3364\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you ordered a lot of food, but did you feel like you got value?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3435\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3435\" data-end=\"3452\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I think so. Yeah, we got a lot of food, and the value was perfect. I didn’t feel like I was snubbed.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3553\" data-end=\"3556\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3556\" data-end=\"3573\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Did you take anything home?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3601\" data-end=\"3604\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3604\" data-end=\"3621\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I did. I took all the rice home. One more piggy left. I had to show it to my family.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3706\" data-end=\"3709\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3709\" data-end=\"3728\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> A little bit of that chili sauce?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3762\" data-end=\"3765\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3765\" data-end=\"3782\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> A little bit of that chili sauce, and it was gone the instant I got home.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3856\" data-end=\"3859\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3859\" data-end=\"3878\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright. If you would like to try Peony Seafood Restaurant, it’s located on 9th Street in Oakland’s Chinatown, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"303\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"92\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> When it comes to celebrating a special occasion, Jason knows just the place for an elegant yet unpretentious experience. Offering contemporary French fare for more than 40 years in San Jose, it’s \u003cem data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"302\">Le Papillon\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"305\" data-end=\"320\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"513\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"339\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> \u003cem data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"353\">Le Papillon\u003c/em> was started in 1977 by our dad as sort of a continental restaurant, very popular at the time.\u003cbr data-start=\"447\" data-end=\"450\">Over time, it’s evolved into being kind of contemporary French.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"515\" data-end=\"622\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"515\" data-end=\"536\">Camron Mashayekh:\u003c/strong> Our cuisine has many influences, a lot of them from Scott’s travels and his passions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"854\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"641\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> Favorite dishes on the menu… chefs are all the same, though. We only like the last dish we created. [Laughs] That’s, like, the favorite dish, right? Quail egg toast with caviar. My favorite way to enjoy caviar.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"856\" data-end=\"882\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"856\" data-end=\"866\">Woman:\u003c/strong> It’s delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"884\" data-end=\"988\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"884\" data-end=\"901\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> And you have to eat it in one bite, ’cause if you try and take a bite, you’ll wear it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"990\" data-end=\"1126\">We offer a six-course tasting menu. That’s what I get most excited about because I get to control every course. One last little garnish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1263\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1149\">Camron Mashayekh:\u003c/strong> People love to share. There’s a lot of plate switching or fork traveling across the table, and we encourage that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1265\" data-end=\"1405\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1265\" data-end=\"1282\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> While we are contemporary French, we’re still true to our French roots. A reduction sauce kind of makes everything French.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1407\" data-end=\"1516\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1407\" data-end=\"1428\">Camron Mashayekh:\u003c/strong> One of the things that we’re best known for since day one is our soufflé Grand Marnier.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1518\" data-end=\"1831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1518\" data-end=\"1535\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> Soufflé Grand Marnier is a tough dish to execute. It was on the opening menu, day one, in 1977, and it’s become a favorite and a classic. It’s light, it’s airy, but it gives you the real flavor of Grand Marnier. And if we ever take it off the menu, we will get full-scale revolt from our guests.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"1889\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"1854\">Camron Mashayekh:\u003c/strong> There would be a massive backlash.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1891\" data-end=\"1906\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1908\" data-end=\"2133\">I think a lot of people appreciate an elegant, quiet dining room. I think the key to great service goes unnoticed. You have this complete experience, and by the end of it, you think, “Wow, that was incredible and effortless.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2135\" data-end=\"2215\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2135\" data-end=\"2145\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Mmm, that’s so good!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2169\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2169\" data-end=\"2177\">Man:\u003c/strong> Everything they do is good, you know?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2416\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2234\">Scott Cooper:\u003c/strong> I’m still here and we’re still cooking the food because we love making people happy and it makes us happy, carrying on the tradition. Here. \u003cem data-start=\"2375\" data-end=\"2389\">Le Papillon.\u003c/em> The \u003cem data-start=\"2394\" data-end=\"2416\">pièce de résistance.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2897\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2437\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Jason, it’s interesting because for a restaurant in the Bay Area to be around 40 years, they have to be doing something right. Correct?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2581\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2581\" data-end=\"2600\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Very true. I mean, especially in today’s day and age where restaurants seem to open and close at the drop of a hat. They have been around for 40 years, and over those years, I’ve been going for 14 years to the restaurant, and I love it. It’s never changed. It’s always beautiful. Just, I love it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2899\" data-end=\"3112\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2899\" data-end=\"2918\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you get that feeling when you walked into the restaurant?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2980\" data-end=\"2983\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2983\" data-end=\"3000\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3012\" data-end=\"3015\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3034\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> This is special.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3051\" data-end=\"3054\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3054\" data-end=\"3071\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Definitely.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3083\" data-end=\"3086\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3086\" data-end=\"3103\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Oh, yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3114\" data-end=\"3370\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3114\" data-end=\"3131\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I’ve never been to any kind of fine dining, especially French restaurant, in my life before. And it actually lined up with my girlfriend’s birthday when we went, so it was a really special occasion and a really special time where we went.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3372\" data-end=\"3780\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3372\" data-end=\"3391\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Because you can choose either a tasting menu or you can choose a prix fixe menu. Correct?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3481\" data-end=\"3484\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3484\" data-end=\"3503\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Yes. Yes. I love the fact that they bring you a beautiful amuse-bouche when you sit down. Our particular evening, we had a lovely lobster bisque with beautiful lobster. Such a silky texture. And the lobster was perfect. Very tender, very of the sea. Just a lovely little bite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3782\" data-end=\"3905\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3782\" data-end=\"3801\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you amuse your bouche?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3828\" data-end=\"3831\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3831\" data-end=\"3848\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> My bouche was amused.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3870\" data-end=\"3873\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3873\" data-end=\"3892\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Very amused.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"4153\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"3926\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What did you have for an amuse bouche?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"3965\" data-end=\"3968\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3968\" data-end=\"3985\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I can’t remember exactly, but it was little fish eggs that… on a little creamy… I mean, the tiniest little dish. I like small bites of things, so that was perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4155\" data-end=\"4650\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4155\" data-end=\"4172\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> My bouche was amused as well, actually. I had the mussel and saffron soup with a side of olive bread.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4274\" data-end=\"4277\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4296\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Oh!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4300\" data-end=\"4303\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4303\" data-end=\"4320\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> And being Persian, saffron is a big part of my culture, so it really took me home. I actually asked for seconds on the soup. I don’t know if that’s something you can do, but it was absolutely delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4523\" data-end=\"4526\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4526\" data-end=\"4545\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> I’m sure the chef loved that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4575\" data-end=\"4578\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4578\" data-end=\"4595\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Yes, it was amazing.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4619\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4619\" data-end=\"4638\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4652\" data-end=\"4840\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4652\" data-end=\"4671\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> We typically do the four-course menu. I love it. We had the butternut squash soup. Very creamy, very silky, like a curry or a cardamom, which goes well with the squash.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4842\" data-end=\"5153\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4842\" data-end=\"4859\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I first started with the Dungeness crab soufflé with caviar and lemon. It’s my first time actually having caviar, and I actually enjoyed it. It was really good.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5020\" data-end=\"5023\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5023\" data-end=\"5042\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Caviar virgin.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5057\" data-end=\"5060\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5060\" data-end=\"5077\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5083\" data-end=\"5086\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5086\" data-end=\"5105\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> No longer.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5116\" data-end=\"5119\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5119\" data-end=\"5136\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> No longer. Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5155\" data-end=\"5550\">And I was actually really delicious. I’m big on textures, and the texture of the crab wasn’t really to my liking so much, but the broth and the soup, it kind of came with as well, the dipping and the bread of the Dungeness crab soufflé was absolutely delicious.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5416\" data-end=\"5419\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5419\" data-end=\"5438\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, all together, it worked.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5467\" data-end=\"5470\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5470\" data-end=\"5487\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> All together, it worked well and it got me going for the rest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5552\" data-end=\"5794\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5552\" data-end=\"5569\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I had an interesting appetizer. It was raw fish, kind of chopped up, made into a patty that was kanpachi,\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5675\" data-end=\"5678\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5678\" data-end=\"5697\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> I had that as well.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5717\" data-end=\"5720\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5720\" data-end=\"5737\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Oh, the round thing?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5758\" data-end=\"5761\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5761\" data-end=\"5780\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> The kanpachi.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"5796\" data-end=\"6174\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5796\" data-end=\"5813\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> And then they sprinkled it with flower petals, lemongrass, a little squiggle of tamarind, and then avocado sorbet, a scoop in the middle. Really unusual.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"5970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5970\" data-end=\"5989\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> It was so good. I had that as well. It was really tasty.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6046\" data-end=\"6049\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6049\" data-end=\"6068\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6074\" data-end=\"6077\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6077\" data-end=\"6094\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Gorgeously plated. I noticed that, as well.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"6138\" data-end=\"6141\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6141\" data-end=\"6160\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yes. Alright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"309\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"73\" data-end=\"92\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> What was next after your first course or appetizer course?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"154\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"154\" data-end=\"173\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Halibut with an herb crust. It was so tender. And it was served with cherry tomatoes and potato, like, pavé. It was really quite tasty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"560\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"328\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I had beef tenderloin, which was perfectly cooked, absolutely. And it was interesting because it had a stewed plum, I think it was, on top, which oddly went together really well. Had potato pavé on the other side and was delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"562\" data-end=\"778\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"562\" data-end=\"579\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I actually also had the beef tenderloin as well. And that, I must say, was the star of the show. I’m big on my steaks. That was a steak you would cut into and it just melted in your mouth instantly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"780\" data-end=\"1357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"780\" data-end=\"799\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Alright, now let’s talk about those desserts.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"848\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"865\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Yes!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"870\" data-end=\"873\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"892\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Who wants to go first?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"918\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"918\" data-end=\"935\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> I do, I do! Okay. So, the name on the menu made me think of a different image. It said terrine of black sesame.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1050\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1050\" data-end=\"1069\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Mm!\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1076\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1093\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> So I imagined, you know, it’ll be a pot with black sesame. And what I was served was surprising. Yeah, it had just delicate little bricks of black sesame and a little chocolate and banana custard, I think it was. And all those flavors together worked really well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1741\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1376\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Well, I actually didn’t expect to get any dessert this time. Surprising for me, I know, but compliments from the chef, because their service was so fantastic, they actually brought us out a small birthday cheesecake platter with some honeycomb, a little candle just to commemorate my girlfriend’s birthday. That really set it straight. It was absolutely fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1974\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1762\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And I hope you told her you planned that.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1804\" data-end=\"1807\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1807\" data-end=\"1824\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Uh…yeah. I missed my mark on that one.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1865\" data-end=\"1868\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1868\" data-end=\"1887\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You could have taken responsibility.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"1927\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1927\" data-end=\"1944\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I should have. I should have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1976\" data-end=\"2164\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1976\" data-end=\"1995\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> They never go wrong with dessert. Well, they never go wrong with any dish, really. We have never had a bad dish in 14 years of going there, and it keeps us coming back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2535\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2183\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Might have been the most expensive restaurant I’ve ever eaten in.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2249\" data-end=\"2252\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2252\" data-end=\"2269\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I agree.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2278\" data-end=\"2281\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2281\" data-end=\"2300\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> So, a special occasion. Again, setting the stage here.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2355\" data-end=\"2358\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2358\" data-end=\"2375\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Yeah, it was awesome.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2400\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2417\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Birthday, anniversary. That’s the kind of place.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2469\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2469\" data-end=\"2488\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Worth it?\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2498\" data-end=\"2501\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2501\" data-end=\"2518\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Yeah. [Laughter]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2537\" data-end=\"2936\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2537\" data-end=\"2554\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> I would say might not go back, just due to the price, but that beef tenderloin made it worth it 100%.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2656\" data-end=\"2659\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2659\" data-end=\"2678\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, it made it very special for you.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2717\" data-end=\"2720\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2720\" data-end=\"2737\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Very special.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2751\" data-end=\"2754\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2754\" data-end=\"2771\">Anna Mindess:\u003c/strong> Life is short.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2786\" data-end=\"2789\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2808\">Jason Douglass:\u003c/strong> Life is short. Our coffins don’t have pockets.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"2858\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2858\" data-end=\"2877\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> There you go. There you go.\u003cbr>\n\u003cbr data-start=\"2905\" data-end=\"2908\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2908\" data-end=\"2925\">Nima Alahari:\u003c/strong> Well said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2938\" data-end=\"3104\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2938\" data-end=\"2957\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> If you would like to try \u003cem data-start=\"2983\" data-end=\"2996\">Le Papillon\u003c/em>, it’s located on Saratoga Avenue in San Jose, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $150.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3106\" data-end=\"3267\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3106\" data-end=\"3125\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And now, reporter \u003cstrong data-start=\"3144\" data-end=\"3164\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong> takes us back to Fremont’s historic Niles neighborhood for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3284\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"307\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"126\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Whoo! We’re here at the Flying A, which is kind of the cornerstone of the end of Niles. Lots of culture, lots of nostalgia. Tell me a little bit about what makes Niles so special.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"791\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"326\">Krysten Laine\u003c/strong>: Niles was the original Hollywood. Charlie Chaplin was brought here to do his first film, \u003cem data-start=\"417\" data-end=\"428\">The Tramp\u003c/em>, and they used to film Westerns here that are featured in Niles Canyon. And a lot of these buildings are still here that were there back in the day. This gas station was built in 1938. We brought the car culture back with the Niles Flying A, and every month we have Classics & Coffee, where people bring their classic cars, kick back, relax and have a good time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"961\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"813\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: So, that’s so cool. So, people can come, bring their cars, get a little bit of coffee and get some treats from the farmers market down the street.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"963\" data-end=\"993\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"963\" data-end=\"980\">Krysten Laine\u003c/strong>: Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"995\" data-end=\"1010\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1012\" data-end=\"1104\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1012\" data-end=\"1025\">Ken Phung\u003c/strong>: Our business is Dough Wei Me Bakery, and we sell artisan donuts and pastries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1160\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1126\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: How do they make them so fluffy?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1192\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1175\">Ken Phung\u003c/strong>: It’s the yeast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1274\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1194\" data-end=\"1214\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Okay, so it’s a yeasted doughnut, kind of like a malasada?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1389\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1276\" data-end=\"1289\">Ken Phung\u003c/strong>: It’s a malasada. It has eggs, sugar. And so the yeast eats the sugar, has CO2 and make it pouf up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1391\" data-end=\"1411\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1391\" data-end=\"1399\">Both\u003c/strong>: Thank you!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1532\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1426\">Zoe Phung\u003c/strong>: This is our ube coconut mochi, our tiramisu, our chocolate hazelnut banana, and our pistachio raspberry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1534\" data-end=\"1585\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1534\" data-end=\"1554\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Okay, which one should I try?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1621\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1600\">Zoe Phung\u003c/strong>: Maybe the tiramisu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1623\" data-end=\"1706\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1623\" data-end=\"1643\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Dough Wei Me! Oh, my gosh, there’s sugar everywhere. [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1708\" data-end=\"1740\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1708\" data-end=\"1715\">Man\u003c/strong>: Blueberry cream cheese.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1742\" data-end=\"1777\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1742\" data-end=\"1751\">Woman\u003c/strong>: We’ll take one of those.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1779\" data-end=\"1796\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1779\" data-end=\"1786\">Man\u003c/strong>: Alright.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1798\" data-end=\"1877\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1798\" data-end=\"1818\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Niles Pie Company. You’ve been around for a little while.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1879\" data-end=\"1991\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1879\" data-end=\"1894\">Sarah Vegas\u003c/strong>: We’ve been around for about 15 years. We’re a worker cooperative. All butter, all scratch-made.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"1993\" data-end=\"2047\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1993\" data-end=\"2013\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: All butter sounds good. [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2049\" data-end=\"2260\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2049\" data-end=\"2064\">Sarah Vegas\u003c/strong>: We’ve got our brand-new bacon béchamel savory pastry. It’s got a little bit of our house-made béchamel, chives, hickory-smoked bacon, everything bagel seasoning, and our house-made pastry crust.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2262\" data-end=\"2302\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2262\" data-end=\"2282\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: And this one here?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2428\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2304\" data-end=\"2319\">Sarah Vegas\u003c/strong>: And there is our beef and potato pasty with ground sirloin, Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, herbs and spices.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2565\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2450\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Yes. Ooh! That spice really comes through on the top, too. We’re at MAD Creationz. What makes your creations mad?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2567\" data-end=\"2804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2567\" data-end=\"2584\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: It’s really — It stands for “Make a Difference.” During COVID, me and my wife started a non-profit. So 5% of our proceeds goes to that nonprofit. We like to provide food for less-fortunate families during the holidays.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2806\" data-end=\"2886\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2806\" data-end=\"2826\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: So you’re not mad at all. You’re quite happy, nice people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"2888\" data-end=\"3081\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2888\" data-end=\"2905\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: Yeah, exactly. Barbecue is our number-one thing we like to make. Brisket, primarily. Low and slow. No shortcuts. I have the Space Cowboy right here, which is our smashburger.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3083\" data-end=\"3120\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3083\" data-end=\"3103\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: And in my hand?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3122\" data-end=\"3251\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3122\" data-end=\"3139\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: That is our legendary four-cheese macaroni and cheese with our smoked brisket and our homemade barbecue sauce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3253\" data-end=\"3303\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3253\" data-end=\"3273\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: So, what cheeses do you use?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3305\" data-end=\"3438\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3305\" data-end=\"3322\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: I’ll tell you two out of the four. Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, and then there’s two others that are very secret.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3440\" data-end=\"3545\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3440\" data-end=\"3460\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: But if I’m able to taste this and guess what they are, you’ll tell me if I’m right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3583\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3564\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: Yes, ma’am. 100%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3585\" data-end=\"3674\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3585\" data-end=\"3605\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Alright. Look at all this cheese. Mmm! Is one of them cream cheese?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3676\" data-end=\"3703\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3676\" data-end=\"3693\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: Exactly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3705\" data-end=\"3740\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3705\" data-end=\"3725\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Yes! [Laughs]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3742\" data-end=\"3785\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3742\" data-end=\"3759\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: That was the secret one!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3787\" data-end=\"3953\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3787\" data-end=\"3807\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Yes! Alright. You know what? Here’s the thing — for the viewers, we’re going to leave the other one a secret. Okay? I’m not even going to guess.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3955\" data-end=\"3979\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3955\" data-end=\"3972\">Marcus Dunlap\u003c/strong>: Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"3981\" data-end=\"4008\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3981\" data-end=\"4001\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4025\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4027\" data-end=\"4142\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4027\" data-end=\"4047\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: I don’t drink coffee. So I heard that, like, there’s an alternative here that can wake me up?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4144\" data-end=\"4261\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4144\" data-end=\"4154\">Jordan\u003c/strong>: Mm-hmm. I’ve got wheatgrass shots and ginger shots for you. It’s grown with love, so you will taste that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4263\" data-end=\"4316\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4263\" data-end=\"4283\">Cecilia Phillips\u003c/strong>: Okay. My first wheatgrass shot!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4355\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4328\">Jordan\u003c/strong>: Aw, you couldn’t fake it!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"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,
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"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Ethel’s Fancy, Cato’s Ale House, Kiku Sushi | KQED",
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"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",
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"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Ethel's Fancy, Cato's Ale House, Kiku Sushi | KQED",
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"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>",
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"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>",
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"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>",
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"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 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"headTitle": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Gumbo Social, The Bungalow Kitchen, Pomet | KQED",
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"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",
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"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>",
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"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>",
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"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Bhan Mae Vane, Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack, District",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 15, airs Thursday, February 20, 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\">This week’s culinary adventure begins at \u003cstrong>Bhan Mae Vane\u003c/strong> in Alameda, a vibrant eatery specializing in bold, aromatic Laotian cuisine. Highlights include tangy, refreshing papaya salad, spicy and savory pad kee mao noodles, and perfectly crisped pork belly. Next, \u003cstrong>Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack\u003c/strong> in San Francisco’s Mission District combines a quirky, eclectic vibe with satisfying Italian-American comfort food. Guests enjoy their hearty five-layer Cadillac lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and their juicy, flavorful steak dinners served with red peppercorn jus and pesto spaghetti. Lastly, \u003cstrong>District\u003c/strong> in downtown Oakland brings an elegant yet approachable dining experience, offering expertly crafted shareable plates designed to pair with an artfully curated selection of wines and cocktails. From classic Margherita pizza and crispy arancini romano to tender lamb meatballs and elote topped with roasted chili crema and cotija cheese, District’s menu thrills both wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23378\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23378\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Richard Hsu, Tonya Thomas and Jeff Hunt from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.bhanmaevane.com/\">\u003cstrong>Bhan Mae Vane\u003c/strong> (Alameda)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfspaghettishack.com/\">\u003cstrong>Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://districtoak.com/\">\u003cstrong>District\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-23379\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-800x1067.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-800x1067.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-1020x1360.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-160x213.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-768x1024.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-1152x1536.png 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-1536x2048.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-1920x2560.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cuvaison.com/wines/release/2023-estate-sauvignon-blanc-2023\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cb>Cuvaison 2022 Sauvignon Blanc\u003c/b>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Napa Valley, Los Carneros, California $28\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nAs one of Napa Valley’s classic family producers, Cuvaison was founded in 1969 and has become not only a wine country destination but also a creator of benchmark wines. They are well known for elegant pinot noir and chardonnay. My pick for their superstar sipper, however, is sauvignon blanc. Made in a crisp, zesty style overflowing with lip-smacking citrus notes, this white has aromatic complexity from a touch of the grape semillon blended with the sauvignon blanc. A perfect complement to grilled fish dishes, feta-topped chicken and quinoa, and brunch casseroles. Stock up for year-round enjoyment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.vineyardbrands.com/wine.aspx?pid=159&cid=49446&wid=1625\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Serena 2023 “MODE 0,0” Sauvignon Blanc\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Chile $15\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nIf you’re looking for a nonalcoholic white that still captures the freshness and character of sauvignon blanc, look no further than this impressive bottling from Miguel Torres in Chile. Finding delicious wine without alcohol can be a challenge. This is one of the first examples I heartily recommend. Light lemon-lime aromas are followed by a bright mouthful of flavor. Enjoy with chips and salsa on a sunny day.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp data-start=\"321\" data-end=\"386\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"321\" data-end=\"340\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Bold Laotian and Thai flavors in Alameda…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"439\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"402\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Hands on. I like to touch my food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"485\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"459\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> Cheers, cheers, cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"553\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"506\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …a quirky Italian spot in San Francisco…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"623\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"572\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> I’m kind of wishing that I had the Caesar salad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"697\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"644\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …and a hip wine and whiskey lounge in Oakland…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"756\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"715\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Trust me, that dish did not last long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"823\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"777\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …just ahead on \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"847\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"841\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Oh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"879\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"868\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Tell us.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"898\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"900\" data-end=\"1426\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"900\" data-end=\"919\">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. Joining me at the \u003cem>Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are retired lawyer and podcaster \u003cstrong data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1301\">Richard Hsu\u003c/strong>, podcaster and editor \u003cstrong data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1337\">Jeff Hunt\u003c/strong>, and senior analyst \u003cstrong data-start=\"1358\" data-end=\"1374\">Tonya Thomas\u003c/strong>. Well, welcome, everyone. Are you ready to party?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1428\" data-end=\"1443\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1428\" data-end=\"1436\">All:\u003c/strong> Yes!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1445\" data-end=\"1699\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1445\" data-end=\"1464\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Richard’s up first with his favorite date-night spot. It’s a casual little eatery founded by two sisters, bringing their own modern twist to traditional Thai and Laotian dishes. Nestled in the heart of Alameda, it’s Bhan Mae Vane.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1732\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1715\">Thip Tran:\u003c/strong> Welcome, guys.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1734\" data-end=\"1841\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1734\" data-end=\"1748\">Bebe Lach:\u003c/strong> Bhan Mae Vane is a Lao and Thai restaurant in the heart of Alameda, family-run business.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1986\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1857\">Thip Tran:\u003c/strong> When we created this business, we created it in honor of our mom. My family came from Vientiane, which is the capital of Laos.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2327\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2002\">Bebe Lach:\u003c/strong> Growing up, my mom ran a family restaurant. But back in those days, it was Thai food. It wasn’t Laotian food. My mom was afraid to really bring that out because nobody knew anything about Laos. Lao food, some ingredients are pungent, like anchovy sauce and shrimp paste sauce, so it adds a little bit more depth of flavor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"3041\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"2343\">Bebe Lach:\u003c/strong> Nam Khao is our crispy rice ball salad that is a traditional Laotian dish, but it’s my mom’s twist to things—like add a little bit of this to give it more flavor here—because people don’t do that. So we’ve learned those little tips and tricks from her. My favorite item on the menu is the sakoo. Sakoo is savory tapioca balls. It’s ground pork with fresh shallots, onions, garlic, peanuts, wrapped with tapioca dough. Back in the day before we opened our restaurant, you’d get lucky if you’d get it from a little old lady selling it at the temple. It’s just a dish that you just can’t find anywhere. You wrap it all up in a bite-size and just pop it in, and it’s like, the best thing ever.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3043\" data-end=\"3146\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3043\" data-end=\"3057\">Thip Tran:\u003c/strong> People are actually coming in and ordering the Thai food and exploring the Lao food…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3170\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3162\">Bebe Lach:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3172\" data-end=\"3211\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3172\" data-end=\"3186\">Thip Tran:\u003c/strong> …and also loving it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3213\" data-end=\"3578\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3213\" data-end=\"3227\">Bebe Lach:\u003c/strong> If my mom was here and she could see what we’ve done with this restaurant in honor of her, I think she would be proud. My mom did get a chance to try my food, and one of the last things that she asked for before she passed away was, um… [voice breaking] my Pad Thai. She loved my food. And if she were to be looking down, she’d be very proud.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3580\" data-end=\"3607\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3580\" data-end=\"3588\">All:\u003c/strong> Bhan Mae Vane!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3609\" data-end=\"3621\">[cheering]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3623\" data-end=\"3742\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3623\" data-end=\"3642\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right, Richard, you live in San Francisco, but you make that trek to Alameda. Is it worth it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3744\" data-end=\"4016\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3744\" data-end=\"3760\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> It’s totally worth it for Bhan Mae Vane. My girlfriend grew up in Alameda. She discovered this restaurant. It’s very family-friendly. You can have large groups of people there. It’s bright and airy, it’s modern. It’s really a fun place to have dinner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4018\" data-end=\"4067\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4018\" data-end=\"4037\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And what do you start with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4069\" data-end=\"4444\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4069\" data-end=\"4085\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> So we always start with the sakoo, which is this amazing dish that’s served in a bamboo platter. And actually, eating it is kind of like a project. You take the tapioca ball, you put the mint leaf on top, you wrap it in lettuce, and then you eat it like a little burrito, maybe. And then you just get this wonderful sensation of chewiness and crispiness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4446\" data-end=\"4538\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4446\" data-end=\"4465\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s one of those dishes we call “you can play with your food,” right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4540\" data-end=\"4567\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4540\" data-end=\"4556\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Totally.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4569\" data-end=\"4614\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4569\" data-end=\"4588\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you have that dish?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4765\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4630\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I did. Hands on. I like to touch my food. And there’s no manual, so you’re just kind of making it up as you go. It was just perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4767\" data-end=\"5177\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4767\" data-end=\"4784\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> I ended up getting the pineapple khao pad. It was a beautiful dish. It had raisins. It had pineapple. Oh, and I can’t forget the cashews. That was just delicious and made everything come together very, very well. Then we ordered the garlic noodles. The noodles were buttery, which was absolutely delicious. It wasn’t overly garlicky. Very creamy. They came out hot. It was just perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5179\" data-end=\"5221\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5179\" data-end=\"5195\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> It’s good to hear that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5223\" data-end=\"5277\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5223\" data-end=\"5242\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right. What about you, Jeff?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5279\" data-end=\"5524\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5279\" data-end=\"5293\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Fried tofu. Yum! With the Thai-style peanut sauce. I will never kick fried anything—especially tofu—out of bed. And it was delicious. I don’t know if it had to do with the way they cut it in triangles, but the fry was perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5526\" data-end=\"5592\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5526\" data-end=\"5545\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Because triangles maybe give more fry sides?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5594\" data-end=\"5680\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5594\" data-end=\"5608\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> On the outsides. And the inside stayed soft and delicious and creamy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5682\" data-end=\"5753\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5682\" data-end=\"5698\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Did you notice how generous the portions were there?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5755\" data-end=\"5783\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5755\" data-end=\"5769\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yes, I did.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5785\" data-end=\"5904\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5785\" data-end=\"5801\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> That’s one thing—you really get good bang for your buck at this restaurant. There’s often leftovers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5906\" data-end=\"5932\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5906\" data-end=\"5920\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Oh, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5934\" data-end=\"5965\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5934\" data-end=\"5951\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"6620\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"5983\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> The main dish that we like that’s really excellent is their papaya salad, which is hand-shredded papaya. They make two styles. There’s a Thai style and a Laotian style. Now, the Thai style a lot of people have had—that’s just with standard fish sauce. But the Laotian style has a shrimp paste, so it makes it a little bit more seafoody. And Laotian food can be extremely spicy, so you have to specify which level of spiciness you want. It’s served with crunchy pork rinds, some soft noodles, as well as some cabbage, so it’s just an interesting experience. I’ve never been to Thailand or Laos, but it just makes me want to go there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6622\" data-end=\"6837\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6622\" data-end=\"6641\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, they’re right next to each other, right? So the cuisines are very, very similar. But as you said, just those minor differences make quite a difference in what you’re getting on the plate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6839\" data-end=\"6866\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6839\" data-end=\"6855\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Totally.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6868\" data-end=\"6901\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6868\" data-end=\"6887\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"286\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"89\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I actually visited Laos, and one of the things I loved the most was the food. And larb, in Thai, is one of my favorite Thai dishes. At this place, I believe it’s the same thing, called laab.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"334\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"299\">Server:\u003c/strong> I have Laab Seen for you guys.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"350\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> And I was asked about the spice, and I said medium. I’m adventurous. And it was a little more than what I would call medium. I’ll just put it that way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"550\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"522\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> It was probably a killer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"552\" data-end=\"738\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"552\" data-end=\"566\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> [laughs] Yeah, right, right. But it was delicious all the same. It’s minced chicken meat and then herbs and peppers, and it’s so flavorful and just a really good dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"792\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"759\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Any other dishes that you had?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"794\" data-end=\"1126\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"794\" data-end=\"811\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> I did. I tried the red curry, and the protein that we used was the chicken. It came in this beautiful dish. It had lots of vegetables—bell peppers, radish. It had a whole lot of different vegetables in there that just merged very nicely together. The only thing, I just wish they had a little bit more chicken.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1158\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1144\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Okay, okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1257\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1177\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> And the sauce was a little spicy, but the dish itself was delicious, so yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1286\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1278\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1393\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1302\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I don’t want to leave this restaurant discussion without talking about the pork belly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1395\" data-end=\"1417\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1395\" data-end=\"1411\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Oh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1419\" data-end=\"1487\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1419\" data-end=\"1438\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Tell us. Tell us. ‘Cause I’m a pork belly fan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1489\" data-end=\"1662\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1489\" data-end=\"1503\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Good morning, good afternoon, and good night. I mean, I also won’t kick any pork belly out of bed, but what I really loved is that the crispiness was crisp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1664\" data-end=\"1688\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1664\" data-end=\"1680\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1690\" data-end=\"1812\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1690\" data-end=\"1704\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> And the belly was soft. So you had that texture experience in your mouth, and the flavors—oh my goodness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1837\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1830\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Wow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1839\" data-end=\"1882\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1839\" data-end=\"1853\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> It’s just so, so, so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"2001\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1900\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> So one of the drinks that I don’t know if you guys got to try is called the Thai iced green tea.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2003\" data-end=\"2032\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2003\" data-end=\"2017\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Oh, wow. No.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2297\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2050\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Which is not like a regular Thai iced tea. This is actually a green-colored drink with maybe a little bit of matcha in it. And it was layered so that the milk was on top and the green part was on the bottom, but it was very floral and fragrant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2299\" data-end=\"2349\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2299\" data-end=\"2318\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you get any dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2404\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2367\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> They only have two desserts there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2406\" data-end=\"2423\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2406\" data-end=\"2416\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Wow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2425\" data-end=\"2478\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2425\" data-end=\"2441\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> One is a sticky rice mango dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2480\" data-end=\"2505\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2480\" data-end=\"2494\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Oh, yum.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2507\" data-end=\"2971\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2507\" data-end=\"2523\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> And one is an egg custard purple rice dish. And they’re both served with this coconut creamy sauce, which makes it kind of a little savory and kind of a little bit sweet, and in both cases, you have the contrast of the rice, which is warm, and then you’ve got the cold mango, and then you have the warm purple rice with kind of a cold egg custard. So it just makes a beautiful kind of a soft dessert. But it really kind of rounds out the meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2973\" data-end=\"3033\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2973\" data-end=\"2992\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Definitely cleanses your palate after.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3035\" data-end=\"3111\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3035\" data-end=\"3051\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> It cleanses your palate. It’s just kind of perfect, nice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3175\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3127\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> It’s like a goodbye kiss from the restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3177\" data-end=\"3232\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3177\" data-end=\"3193\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Yeah, that’s exactly what it’s like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3234\" data-end=\"3293\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3234\" data-end=\"3253\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I love that. Would you stop by again?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3295\" data-end=\"3631\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3295\" data-end=\"3312\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Oh, absolutely. The service was good. We got there about lunchtime, and it wasn’t that many folks. We got seated pretty quickly. But I kid you not, within about 15 minutes, it started getting very full, to the point where they needed a wait list. So it just kind of attests to it being a very popular place to go to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3714\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3652\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And it sounded like you’ll go back just for those desserts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3716\" data-end=\"3825\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3716\" data-end=\"3730\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Especially after this conversation, I’m going back, yeah. I’ll find a way to get to Alameda.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3827\" data-end=\"3892\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3827\" data-end=\"3846\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You need that little kiss of dessert there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3894\" data-end=\"3919\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3894\" data-end=\"3908\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Correct.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3921\" data-end=\"4099\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3921\" data-end=\"3940\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right. If you would like to try Bhan Mae Vane, it’s located on Webster Street in Alameda, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"68\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> As a podcaster, Jeff has a passion for telling stories of the unique people and places you can only find in the city by the Bay. Case in point—the eclectic spot that’s become his go-to for Italian comfort food. Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, it’s Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"359\" data-end=\"503\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"359\" data-end=\"377\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> The vibe of Emmy’s is super laid back, a little quirky. And I think it’s really, really hard to not have fun in this place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"521\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"519\">[Cheering]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"823\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"539\">Emmy Kaplan:\u003c/strong> I founded the restaurant in 2001. I was a server at the time in some pretty fancy places. We wanted somewhere to eat after work at 10:00, 11:00. We wanted music, we wanted good food, and a place where we could all feel like we belonged and we didn’t have to dress up and get fancy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"1096\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"843\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> We don’t shy away from the portions here at Emmy’s. Italian-American comfort food, top to bottom. It’s big spaghetti and meatballs. It’s a big lasagna. You can share it with your friends. You can eat it yourself. No judgment, whatever you want to do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1098\" data-end=\"1422\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1098\" data-end=\"1114\">Emmy Kaplan:\u003c/strong> The thing I’m most proud of on the menu is the Cadillac Lasagna—vodka sauce, ricotta, sunflower seed pesto. We do a pork and beef ragu. You don’t get a lot of al dente lasagna. It’s not easy to do it. You should never be baking your lasagna. You’re baking your lasagna, you’re going the wrong direction.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"1653\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"1442\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> The clientele at Emmy’s is all over the place, and I love that. It’s young, old. The servers—they’re always really nice people. They’re gonna be smiling. We’ll tell jokes. We’ll do shots if that’s your thing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1655\" data-end=\"1704\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1655\" data-end=\"1665\">Irish:\u003c/strong> Cheers, cheers, cheers, prost, yeah!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1706\" data-end=\"1873\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1706\" data-end=\"1724\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> It’s really a community place. And that’s the thing that Emmy did, and I’m gonna keep going with. It’s one of my favorite things about this place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1985\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1894\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You know, to use the word unique about Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack, why do you think that is?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1987\" data-end=\"2127\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1987\" data-end=\"2001\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I think of the place as part art gallery, part little kids’ playground, and part delicious, warm, comforting, hugging food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2157\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2148\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2181\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2173\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2183\" data-end=\"2216\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2183\" data-end=\"2202\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> In a shack.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2341\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2232\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> In a shack, yeah. I mean, yeah, and also the alliteration. Spaghetti Shack—who doesn’t want to go there?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2343\" data-end=\"2425\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2343\" data-end=\"2362\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s right. Okay, you walk in the door. What do you order?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2805\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2441\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> The first thing I usually order is their Caesar salad, which I think of as kind of a deconstructed Caesar. They’ve got the long strips of romaine covered with toasted Parmesan, and I don’t know what they do to their croutons, but they stay crunchy through the dressing, which is an anchovy dressing. And, hello, hello, hello, hello. Get in my mouth, you know?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2807\" data-end=\"2862\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2807\" data-end=\"2826\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right. It checks all those boxes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2898\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2878\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> All of the boxes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"2973\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"2919\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And what about you, Tonya? What did you start with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2975\" data-end=\"3267\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2975\" data-end=\"2992\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> So I started with the butter lettuce salad. I’m a little disappointed now that I didn’t get the Caesar salad. The butter lettuce salad was basic. It had some radishes on it, and it had a citrusy dressing. It was good, but I’m kind of wishing that I had the Caesar salad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3326\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3283\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> You gotta be a little naughty at Emmy’s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3328\" data-end=\"3365\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3328\" data-end=\"3345\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Exactly, exactly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3367\" data-end=\"3428\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3367\" data-end=\"3386\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay. What did you start with, Richard?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3430\" data-end=\"3537\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3430\" data-end=\"3446\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Well, I started with their spaghetti and meatballs. That’s what—they’re famous for it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3539\" data-end=\"3574\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3539\" data-end=\"3556\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Skip the salad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3576\" data-end=\"3942\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3576\" data-end=\"3592\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Yeah, exactly. The spaghetti and meatballs. And I have to say, like, you know, I’m not a really big spaghetti person, but this spaghetti was just—it tasted like homemade. The meatballs were gigantic. This made me remember, like, how my mom might have made it. Or maybe my grandma made it. And I think that’s why people really love this restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3944\" data-end=\"4022\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3944\" data-end=\"3963\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Jeff, did you get the spaghetti and meatballs this time?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4024\" data-end=\"4150\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4024\" data-end=\"4038\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Because the spaghetti and meatballs is one of my best friends in the city, I chose not to get that this time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4152\" data-end=\"4243\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4152\" data-end=\"4171\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But do you agree, when you have gotten it, with Richard’s assessment?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4245\" data-end=\"4523\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4245\" data-end=\"4259\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> It’s one of my good friends. I like to hang out with him. Him and her. No, because in general, I love lasagna. It’s one of my best comfort foods. And I had never had their lasagna. But it’s a different sauce than the spaghetti. It’s a light red vodka sauce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4525\" data-end=\"4565\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4525\" data-end=\"4541\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Yes, I remember that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4567\" data-end=\"4780\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4567\" data-end=\"4581\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Also delicious. And then they do a little dollop of pesto and a little dollop of ricotta. So it’s got that Margherita, tricolore kind of Italian thing going on, and it was out of this world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4782\" data-end=\"5029\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4782\" data-end=\"4799\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> I had the lasagna as well, and I wholeheartedly agree. It was delicious. What I also enjoyed, too, was that the noodle itself was al dente, because sometimes people make it a little mushy. It was perfect, and you get a lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5031\" data-end=\"5118\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5031\" data-end=\"5047\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Did either of you get the garlic bread on the side, by any chance?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5120\" data-end=\"5208\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5120\" data-end=\"5134\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I didn’t on this last trip, but I know exactly that of which you speak.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5210\" data-end=\"5560\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5210\" data-end=\"5226\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> It was so funny, because we ordered that kind of accidentally at the very end. And when that came out, we went with a group of friends, and they just wolfed that thing down. [laughs] I mean, this might be the best dish here. So I didn’t know. I just thought, “Maybe we should have a little garlic bread with spaghetti, you know?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5562\" data-end=\"5592\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5562\" data-end=\"5576\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> To sop it up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5594\" data-end=\"5643\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5594\" data-end=\"5608\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> And it was—people just loved it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5645\" data-end=\"5691\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5645\" data-end=\"5664\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> No garlic bread for you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5693\" data-end=\"5907\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5693\" data-end=\"5710\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> No garlic bread. I had the focaccia bread that came with my dish. So that piece of bread came in handy. Was able to sop it up and finish it all. I literally—there was nothing left on my plate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5909\" data-end=\"5934\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5909\" data-end=\"5923\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"419\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"65\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Well, we had the lasagna also, but the dish that we also had on top of that—we had a lot of people—was the peppercorn steak and the pesto spaghetti that goes on the side. And what’s amazing about the steak—it’s very tender and grilled and everything—is they put peppercorns in the steak, which I think tenderizes it. I’d never had that before.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"421\" data-end=\"470\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"421\" data-end=\"435\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> It’s also a peppercorn au jus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"514\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"488\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Oh, is that what it is?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"516\" data-end=\"538\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"516\" data-end=\"530\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"707\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"556\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Got it, got it. And I wasn’t expecting that at a Spaghetti Shack, but it was really a nice dish. And we were really thrilled that we ordered that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"767\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"728\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you have anything to sip on?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"769\" data-end=\"979\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"769\" data-end=\"785\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> I had this really interesting drink called Lupe Under the Sun, and it was served with a little orange, and it had an umbrella in it, and it was a spicy mango tequila. Really hit the spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1002\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"995\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Wow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1077\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1023\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You would definitely be on the beach under the sun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1117\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1095\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> For sure, for sure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1153\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1138\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1637\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1171\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> They have two off-the-menu desserts. There are actually no desserts on the menu, but we saw two desserts go by us as we were sitting there. So we, you know, pulled off the waiter and said, “Hey, what are those?” And then they told us it’s this decadent, decadent brownie with two scoops of ice cream, and they have a peanut butter bar with two scoops of ice cream. So when he said, “Look, these are the only two desserts,” we said, “We’ll take them both.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1661\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1653\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1721\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1682\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I’m gonna call you my dessert guy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1739\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> I know. I’m your dessert guy. We went all out on the desserts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1874\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1825\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm. And you did not have dessert, did you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1910\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1893\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> No, I did not.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1975\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1931\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay. You did not see the desserts go by?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1977\" data-end=\"2000\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1977\" data-end=\"1994\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> No.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2044\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2018\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> They’re off-menu, so…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2111\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2065\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Think of the calories you saved yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2113\" data-end=\"2591\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2113\" data-end=\"2130\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Oh, lots. Although I think I made up with it with the wine because I absolutely had wine with my dinner. And I actually made it for happy hour, which was nice. I went on a Tuesday. So what I didn’t realize was that on Tuesdays, kids eat free. And I just kept seeing all these little kids coming. I’m like, “Oh, they’re cute.” I’m all, “Oh, there’s a lot of them.” And then I go, “Oh, it’s…” you know, they said, “Yes, it’s Kids Eat Free night.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2593\" data-end=\"2730\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2593\" data-end=\"2612\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s a beautiful thing to have in that neighborhood, especially with the cost of food and taking your family out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2732\" data-end=\"2763\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2732\" data-end=\"2749\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2765\" data-end=\"2787\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2765\" data-end=\"2779\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2881\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2808\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you go back repeatedly, so you obviously feel the prices are fair?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"3053\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"2897\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I do, and I don’t always finish my meal. So sometimes it’s two meals, so even more bang for your buck. It’s a comforting food and a comforting place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3055\" data-end=\"3263\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3055\" data-end=\"3074\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right, if you would like to try Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack, it’s located on Mission Street in San Francisco, and the average dinner tab per person without drinks is around \u003cstrong data-start=\"3253\" data-end=\"3260\">$50\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3265\" data-end=\"3522\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3265\" data-end=\"3284\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Tonya’s a girl after my own heart. Give her a glass of Pinot paired with some globally inspired small plates, and she’s all set for the perfect night out. She’s found her happy place in the heart of Old Oakland at District.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3524\" data-end=\"3545\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3524\" data-end=\"3543\">[music playing]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3714\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3562\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> When you walk into District, it’s so fun, energetic, good food, good conversation. It’s a wonderful place to hang out and enjoy downtown Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3716\" data-end=\"3751\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3716\" data-end=\"3725\">Host:\u003c/strong> We need a spot for two?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3753\" data-end=\"3807\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3753\" data-end=\"3768\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> All right. Let’s see what we can do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"4136\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"3824\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> Our original location in San Francisco was solely a wine bar. When we opened up the Oakland location, our concept expanded into a wine and whiskey bar. We do flights of whiskey as well as single portions, and we have a large amount of allocated whiskeys you really can’t find almost anywhere else.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4138\" data-end=\"4172\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4138\" data-end=\"4148\">Guest:\u003c/strong> Cheers to District.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4174\" data-end=\"4201\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4174\" data-end=\"4187\">Guest #2:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4203\" data-end=\"4522\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4203\" data-end=\"4218\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> Here at District, we do love our strong flavors. Our executive chef, Bob Cina, has a globally inspired menu of small plates—flavors from Mediterranean, Asian, and Peruvian influences. And it’s also seasonally done to create a different experience every time you walk into District.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4524\" data-end=\"4556\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4524\" data-end=\"4533\">Host:\u003c/strong> Welcome. Come on in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4558\" data-end=\"4779\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4558\" data-end=\"4573\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> My favorite thing on the menu—charcuterie and cheese. I think it’s a beautiful offering. It pairs so well with both whiskey and wine. It’s a delicious place to start your evening at District.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4781\" data-end=\"5039\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4781\" data-end=\"4796\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> Old Oakland, hence the name, is the oldest part of downtown Oakland. Beautiful architecture, tree-lined streets. It’s a wonderful community down here. We have so many regulars who support us. People enjoy coming here after work.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5041\" data-end=\"5065\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5041\" data-end=\"5054\">Guest #3:\u003c/strong> So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5067\" data-end=\"5091\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5067\" data-end=\"5080\">Guest #4:\u003c/strong> So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5093\" data-end=\"5373\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5093\" data-end=\"5108\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> And then in the evening time, we turn into a more vibrant lounge with exciting music and just a lot of fun entertainment. Walk in on any Friday night, I know half the people at the bar, and they know each other. It’s really a wonderful place to be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5375\" data-end=\"5423\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5375\" data-end=\"5388\">Guest #5:\u003c/strong> That’s the town biz, baby. Uh!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"184\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"68\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Tonya, this place looks like a good spot to watch a game, right, or sit at the bar. What brings you there?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"515\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"203\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> So not only can you watch the game. There might be a birthday party going on, an anniversary. There’s a lot of different things that go on at District. People think, “Oh, it’s a bar.” But when you look at the menu, you’re like, “Okay, these aren’t typical things that you could see at a bar per se.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"517\" data-end=\"903\">I always start with the Arancini Romano. It has a nice breadcrumb crust on the outside, and inside, nice cheesy risotto and spinach. Really delicious. It also is plated very nicely. It has this little garnish that comes on top. And then there’s this delicious smoked tomato sauce. Oh, my goodness. You have to get that and put it on there. It’s absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"980\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"924\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, Jeff, what was your experience at District?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1025\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"996\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Big fan of deviled eggs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1084\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1043\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Oh, they have the deviled eggs, yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1259\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1100\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Fermented chili and pickled radish is what’s inside. And it just filled my mouth with experience, flavor, and happiness. Yeah, wonderful way to start.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1261\" data-end=\"1296\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1261\" data-end=\"1280\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Happy eggs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1320\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1312\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1680\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1338\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> We had the lamb meatballs with the garlic bread. I don’t know if you’ve tried that, but they were really delicious. You know, lamb can be gamey sometimes, but what they do is they put mint leaves into the lamb. So it really makes it a nice flavor. And then the garlic bread to go with it—it was just the perfect contrast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"1718\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"1699\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yes. Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1720\" data-end=\"1747\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1720\" data-end=\"1739\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"2044\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"1766\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Because I go there often, I got the dinner for two. The dinner for two is actually a great value. It comes with a starter, entrée, and it also comes with a salad. So it’s a perfect thing to get when you go there and you don’t want to spend a whole lot of money.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2295\">The organic greens—oh, my goodness. It’s probably one of the best salads that I’ve had any place. They have the avocados, the spicy sunflower seeds, the citrus, the watermelon radish. It’s just a beautiful salad and absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2297\" data-end=\"2402\">And then recently, I ordered their pizza. I’m not sure if you guys got a chance to try their pizza.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2404\" data-end=\"2431\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2404\" data-end=\"2420\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Oh, yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2433\" data-end=\"2666\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2433\" data-end=\"2450\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> It’s a very simple pizza. It’s on a thin crust. Very cheesy. I love the Margherita and the basil on there, so it’s really good. But you can definitely order all kinds of different varieties on there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2758\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2684\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> We did have that pizza, and we actually added prosciutto to that…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2760\" data-end=\"2784\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2760\" data-end=\"2777\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2786\" data-end=\"2862\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2786\" data-end=\"2802\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> …which they said was one of the most common things…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2910\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2881\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Good choice. Yes, it is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2912\" data-end=\"3030\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2912\" data-end=\"2928\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Our waiter said, “This is one of the most popular dishes.” So, yes, that was really terrific.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3032\" data-end=\"3056\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3032\" data-end=\"3049\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3058\" data-end=\"3544\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3058\" data-end=\"3072\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I’m also a big fan of a Spanish dish called gambas al ajillo. And it’s prawns and garlic—that’s kind of the base of it. The way that District did it was very special. It’s served on a lemon risotto, so full of flavor and so bright and beautiful yellow, which contrasts with the redness of the prawns. They were grilled perfectly, and there were fried capers that were kind of dotted all around it. I didn’t know that existed, and now I do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3546\" data-end=\"3609\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3546\" data-end=\"3565\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> They add a nice little pop of herbal…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3611\" data-end=\"3750\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3611\" data-end=\"3625\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> A pop, and that beautiful—yes. So good. My companion that day is vegan, so the Brussels sprouts that we ordered…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3752\" data-end=\"3783\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3752\" data-end=\"3769\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Oh, gosh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3785\" data-end=\"3881\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3785\" data-end=\"3799\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> …we had to get them without the pork, and he also has a pine nut allergy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3883\" data-end=\"3908\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3883\" data-end=\"3900\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3910\" data-end=\"3943\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3910\" data-end=\"3924\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Still amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3945\" data-end=\"3970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3945\" data-end=\"3962\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3972\" data-end=\"4087\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3972\" data-end=\"3986\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I think Brussels sprouts aren’t easy, I’m gonna say. But they did them absolutely perfectly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4089\" data-end=\"4114\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4089\" data-end=\"4106\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4116\" data-end=\"4202\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4116\" data-end=\"4130\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> And I felt like all the food was on a level above. Really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4204\" data-end=\"4275\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4204\" data-end=\"4220\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Well, and since I’m the dessert guy, apparently…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4371\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4296\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I know. I was waiting to get to dessert. Richard, what did you have?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4373\" data-end=\"4434\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4373\" data-end=\"4389\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> They had a pear and black currant crisp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4436\" data-end=\"4459\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4436\" data-end=\"4450\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yum!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4461\" data-end=\"4624\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4461\" data-end=\"4477\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Okay? It had that oat crisp, served hot with, of course, cold ice cream on top, which melted over the edges. Anyway, it was fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4626\" data-end=\"4698\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4626\" data-end=\"4645\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, how many spoons were ordered with that one?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4700\" data-end=\"4832\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4700\" data-end=\"4716\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> We had four spoons. And trust me, that dish did not last long. The ice cream didn’t even have time to melt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4834\" data-end=\"4982\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4834\" data-end=\"4853\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s good! And with all that food, did you feel like, hey, this is affordable? This is a place I could come back to?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4984\" data-end=\"5254\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4984\" data-end=\"5000\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Definitely. I mean, definitely. I’m not sure about bringing, like, a family, because it’s kind of more of an adult place, but definitely for coworkers to come after work and kind of decompress after a long week, I think it’s perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5256\" data-end=\"5289\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5256\" data-end=\"5273\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5291\" data-end=\"5400\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5291\" data-end=\"5305\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I’m a city kid, but I love Oakland. And I especially—you know, it’s BART-able.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5402\" data-end=\"5428\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5402\" data-end=\"5419\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5430\" data-end=\"5590\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5430\" data-end=\"5444\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Short walk from BART. I love that little part of Oakland. Old Oakland is a really cool section, so I will definitely be going back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5592\" data-end=\"5618\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5592\" data-end=\"5609\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5620\" data-end=\"5658\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5620\" data-end=\"5636\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Fantastic choice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5660\" data-end=\"5837\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5660\" data-end=\"5679\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> If you would like to try District, it’s located on Washington Street in Old Oakland, and the average tab per person without drinks is around \u003cstrong data-start=\"5827\" data-end=\"5834\">$45\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"198\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"68\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Looking for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try? Check out “Cecilia Tries It”, online at \u003cstrong data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"195\">kqed.org/checkplease\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"200\" data-end=\"523\">I have to thank my fabulous guests on this week’s show—\u003cstrong data-start=\"257\" data-end=\"272\">Richard Hsu\u003c/strong>, who savors the sakoo at Bhan Mae Vane in Alameda, \u003cstrong data-start=\"330\" data-end=\"343\">Jeff Hunt\u003c/strong>, who slurps down the spaghetti and meatballs at Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack in San Francisco, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"443\" data-end=\"459\">Tonya Thomas\u003c/strong>, who adores the Arancini Romano at District in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"525\" data-end=\"699\">Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on “\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>.” I’m \u003cstrong data-start=\"653\" data-end=\"671\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>, and I’ll see you then.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"701\" data-end=\"733\">Cheers, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"713\" data-end=\"731\">cheers to you!\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"763\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"751\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"765\" data-end=\"821\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"765\" data-end=\"784\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Great job, great job, great job.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"854\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"852\">[Indistinct conversation]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"907\" data-end=\"1212\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"907\" data-end=\"925\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> The space has been here about 24 years now. When I first walked in three years ago, I thought this place was so awesome. Behind me, there’s, like, a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1095\">cat shrine\u003c/strong>, which is, I guess, bizarre. We have a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1137\" data-end=\"1159\">Dolly Parton booth\u003c/strong>, you know. We have a lot of kind of funny stuff.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1396\">In the front room, we have a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1245\" data-end=\"1259\">disco ball\u003c/strong>, a lot of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1310\">leopard print and unicorn, cat stuff\u003c/strong>. That’s just kind of everything we’ve found on the street over the years, really.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1398\" data-end=\"1420\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1398\" data-end=\"1410\">[Laughs]\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"title": "Check, Please! Bay Area reviews: Bhan Mae Vane, Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack, District | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area, \u003c/em>season 19, episode 15, airs Thursday, February 20, 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\">This week’s culinary adventure begins at \u003cstrong>Bhan Mae Vane\u003c/strong> in Alameda, a vibrant eatery specializing in bold, aromatic Laotian cuisine. Highlights include tangy, refreshing papaya salad, spicy and savory pad kee mao noodles, and perfectly crisped pork belly. Next, \u003cstrong>Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack\u003c/strong> in San Francisco’s Mission District combines a quirky, eclectic vibe with satisfying Italian-American comfort food. Guests enjoy their hearty five-layer Cadillac lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and their juicy, flavorful steak dinners served with red peppercorn jus and pesto spaghetti. Lastly, \u003cstrong>District\u003c/strong> in downtown Oakland brings an elegant yet approachable dining experience, offering expertly crafted shareable plates designed to pair with an artfully curated selection of wines and cocktails. From classic Margherita pizza and crispy arancini romano to tender lamb meatballs and elote topped with roasted chili crema and cotija cheese, District’s menu thrills both wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_23378\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23378\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-800x533.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-800x533.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-1020x680.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-768x512.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Guests_03.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Host Leslie Sbrocco joins guests Richard Hsu, Tonya Thomas and Jeff Hunt from KQED in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Get Restaurant Information:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.bhanmaevane.com/\">\u003cstrong>Bhan Mae Vane\u003c/strong> (Alameda)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfspaghettishack.com/\">\u003cstrong>Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack\u003c/strong> (San Francisco)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://districtoak.com/\">\u003cstrong>District\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-23379\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-800x1067.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-800x1067.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-1020x1360.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-160x213.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-768x1024.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-1152x1536.png 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-1536x2048.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2025/02/1915_Wines-1920x2560.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cuvaison.com/wines/release/2023-estate-sauvignon-blanc-2023\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cb>Cuvaison 2022 Sauvignon Blanc\u003c/b>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Napa Valley, Los Carneros, California $28\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nAs one of Napa Valley’s classic family producers, Cuvaison was founded in 1969 and has become not only a wine country destination but also a creator of benchmark wines. They are well known for elegant pinot noir and chardonnay. My pick for their superstar sipper, however, is sauvignon blanc. Made in a crisp, zesty style overflowing with lip-smacking citrus notes, this white has aromatic complexity from a touch of the grape semillon blended with the sauvignon blanc. A perfect complement to grilled fish dishes, feta-topped chicken and quinoa, and brunch casseroles. Stock up for year-round enjoyment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.vineyardbrands.com/wine.aspx?pid=159&cid=49446&wid=1625\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #339966\">\u003cstrong>Serena 2023 “MODE 0,0” Sauvignon Blanc\u003c/strong>\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\n\u003cem>Chile $15\u003c/em>\u003cbr>\nIf you’re looking for a nonalcoholic white that still captures the freshness and character of sauvignon blanc, look no further than this impressive bottling from Miguel Torres in Chile. Finding delicious wine without alcohol can be a challenge. This is one of the first examples I heartily recommend. Light lemon-lime aromas are followed by a bright mouthful of flavor. Enjoy with chips and salsa on a sunny day.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp data-start=\"321\" data-end=\"386\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"321\" data-end=\"340\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Bold Laotian and Thai flavors in Alameda…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"439\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"402\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Hands on. I like to touch my food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"485\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"441\" data-end=\"459\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> Cheers, cheers, cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"553\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"506\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …a quirky Italian spot in San Francisco…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"623\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"572\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> I’m kind of wishing that I had the Caesar salad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"697\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"644\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …and a hip wine and whiskey lounge in Oakland…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"756\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"715\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Trust me, that dish did not last long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"823\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"777\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> …just ahead on \u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"847\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"841\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Oh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"879\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"868\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Tell us.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"898\">[music playing]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"900\" data-end=\"1426\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"900\" data-end=\"919\">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. Joining me at the \u003cem>Check, Please!\u003c/em> table today are retired lawyer and podcaster \u003cstrong data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1301\">Richard Hsu\u003c/strong>, podcaster and editor \u003cstrong data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1337\">Jeff Hunt\u003c/strong>, and senior analyst \u003cstrong data-start=\"1358\" data-end=\"1374\">Tonya Thomas\u003c/strong>. Well, welcome, everyone. Are you ready to party?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1428\" data-end=\"1443\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1428\" data-end=\"1436\">All:\u003c/strong> Yes!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1445\" data-end=\"1699\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1445\" data-end=\"1464\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Richard’s up first with his favorite date-night spot. It’s a casual little eatery founded by two sisters, bringing their own modern twist to traditional Thai and Laotian dishes. Nestled in the heart of Alameda, it’s Bhan Mae Vane.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1732\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1701\" data-end=\"1715\">Thip Tran:\u003c/strong> Welcome, guys.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1734\" data-end=\"1841\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1734\" data-end=\"1748\">Bebe Lach:\u003c/strong> Bhan Mae Vane is a Lao and Thai restaurant in the heart of Alameda, family-run business.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1986\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1843\" data-end=\"1857\">Thip Tran:\u003c/strong> When we created this business, we created it in honor of our mom. My family came from Vientiane, which is the capital of Laos.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2327\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2002\">Bebe Lach:\u003c/strong> Growing up, my mom ran a family restaurant. But back in those days, it was Thai food. It wasn’t Laotian food. My mom was afraid to really bring that out because nobody knew anything about Laos. Lao food, some ingredients are pungent, like anchovy sauce and shrimp paste sauce, so it adds a little bit more depth of flavor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"3041\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"2343\">Bebe Lach:\u003c/strong> Nam Khao is our crispy rice ball salad that is a traditional Laotian dish, but it’s my mom’s twist to things—like add a little bit of this to give it more flavor here—because people don’t do that. So we’ve learned those little tips and tricks from her. My favorite item on the menu is the sakoo. Sakoo is savory tapioca balls. It’s ground pork with fresh shallots, onions, garlic, peanuts, wrapped with tapioca dough. Back in the day before we opened our restaurant, you’d get lucky if you’d get it from a little old lady selling it at the temple. It’s just a dish that you just can’t find anywhere. You wrap it all up in a bite-size and just pop it in, and it’s like, the best thing ever.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3043\" data-end=\"3146\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3043\" data-end=\"3057\">Thip Tran:\u003c/strong> People are actually coming in and ordering the Thai food and exploring the Lao food…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3170\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3162\">Bebe Lach:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3172\" data-end=\"3211\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3172\" data-end=\"3186\">Thip Tran:\u003c/strong> …and also loving it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3213\" data-end=\"3578\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3213\" data-end=\"3227\">Bebe Lach:\u003c/strong> If my mom was here and she could see what we’ve done with this restaurant in honor of her, I think she would be proud. My mom did get a chance to try my food, and one of the last things that she asked for before she passed away was, um… [voice breaking] my Pad Thai. She loved my food. And if she were to be looking down, she’d be very proud.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3580\" data-end=\"3607\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3580\" data-end=\"3588\">All:\u003c/strong> Bhan Mae Vane!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3609\" data-end=\"3621\">[cheering]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3623\" data-end=\"3742\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3623\" data-end=\"3642\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right, Richard, you live in San Francisco, but you make that trek to Alameda. Is it worth it?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3744\" data-end=\"4016\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3744\" data-end=\"3760\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> It’s totally worth it for Bhan Mae Vane. My girlfriend grew up in Alameda. She discovered this restaurant. It’s very family-friendly. You can have large groups of people there. It’s bright and airy, it’s modern. It’s really a fun place to have dinner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4018\" data-end=\"4067\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4018\" data-end=\"4037\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And what do you start with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4069\" data-end=\"4444\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4069\" data-end=\"4085\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> So we always start with the sakoo, which is this amazing dish that’s served in a bamboo platter. And actually, eating it is kind of like a project. You take the tapioca ball, you put the mint leaf on top, you wrap it in lettuce, and then you eat it like a little burrito, maybe. And then you just get this wonderful sensation of chewiness and crispiness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4446\" data-end=\"4538\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4446\" data-end=\"4465\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> It’s one of those dishes we call “you can play with your food,” right?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4540\" data-end=\"4567\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4540\" data-end=\"4556\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Totally.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4569\" data-end=\"4614\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4569\" data-end=\"4588\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Did you have that dish?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4765\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4630\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I did. Hands on. I like to touch my food. And there’s no manual, so you’re just kind of making it up as you go. It was just perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4767\" data-end=\"5177\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4767\" data-end=\"4784\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> I ended up getting the pineapple khao pad. It was a beautiful dish. It had raisins. It had pineapple. Oh, and I can’t forget the cashews. That was just delicious and made everything come together very, very well. Then we ordered the garlic noodles. The noodles were buttery, which was absolutely delicious. It wasn’t overly garlicky. Very creamy. They came out hot. It was just perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5179\" data-end=\"5221\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5179\" data-end=\"5195\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> It’s good to hear that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5223\" data-end=\"5277\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5223\" data-end=\"5242\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right. What about you, Jeff?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5279\" data-end=\"5524\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5279\" data-end=\"5293\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Fried tofu. Yum! With the Thai-style peanut sauce. I will never kick fried anything—especially tofu—out of bed. And it was delicious. I don’t know if it had to do with the way they cut it in triangles, but the fry was perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5526\" data-end=\"5592\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5526\" data-end=\"5545\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Because triangles maybe give more fry sides?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5594\" data-end=\"5680\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5594\" data-end=\"5608\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> On the outsides. And the inside stayed soft and delicious and creamy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5682\" data-end=\"5753\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5682\" data-end=\"5698\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Did you notice how generous the portions were there?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5755\" data-end=\"5783\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5755\" data-end=\"5769\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yes, I did.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5785\" data-end=\"5904\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5785\" data-end=\"5801\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> That’s one thing—you really get good bang for your buck at this restaurant. There’s often leftovers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5906\" data-end=\"5932\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5906\" data-end=\"5920\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Oh, yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5934\" data-end=\"5965\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5934\" data-end=\"5951\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"6620\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"5983\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> The main dish that we like that’s really excellent is their papaya salad, which is hand-shredded papaya. They make two styles. There’s a Thai style and a Laotian style. Now, the Thai style a lot of people have had—that’s just with standard fish sauce. But the Laotian style has a shrimp paste, so it makes it a little bit more seafoody. And Laotian food can be extremely spicy, so you have to specify which level of spiciness you want. It’s served with crunchy pork rinds, some soft noodles, as well as some cabbage, so it’s just an interesting experience. I’ve never been to Thailand or Laos, but it just makes me want to go there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6622\" data-end=\"6837\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6622\" data-end=\"6641\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Well, they’re right next to each other, right? So the cuisines are very, very similar. But as you said, just those minor differences make quite a difference in what you’re getting on the plate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6839\" data-end=\"6866\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6839\" data-end=\"6855\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Totally.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"6868\" data-end=\"6901\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"6868\" data-end=\"6887\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"286\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"89\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I actually visited Laos, and one of the things I loved the most was the food. And larb, in Thai, is one of my favorite Thai dishes. At this place, I believe it’s the same thing, called laab.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"334\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"299\">Server:\u003c/strong> I have Laab Seen for you guys.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"504\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"350\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> And I was asked about the spice, and I said medium. I’m adventurous. And it was a little more than what I would call medium. I’ll just put it that way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"550\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"522\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> It was probably a killer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"552\" data-end=\"738\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"552\" data-end=\"566\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> [laughs] Yeah, right, right. But it was delicious all the same. It’s minced chicken meat and then herbs and peppers, and it’s so flavorful and just a really good dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"792\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"759\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Any other dishes that you had?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"794\" data-end=\"1126\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"794\" data-end=\"811\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> I did. I tried the red curry, and the protein that we used was the chicken. It came in this beautiful dish. It had lots of vegetables—bell peppers, radish. It had a whole lot of different vegetables in there that just merged very nicely together. The only thing, I just wish they had a little bit more chicken.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1158\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1144\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Okay, okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1257\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1177\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> And the sauce was a little spicy, but the dish itself was delicious, so yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1286\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1278\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1393\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1302\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I don’t want to leave this restaurant discussion without talking about the pork belly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1395\" data-end=\"1417\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1395\" data-end=\"1411\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Oh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1419\" data-end=\"1487\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1419\" data-end=\"1438\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Tell us. Tell us. ‘Cause I’m a pork belly fan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1489\" data-end=\"1662\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1489\" data-end=\"1503\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Good morning, good afternoon, and good night. I mean, I also won’t kick any pork belly out of bed, but what I really loved is that the crispiness was crisp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1664\" data-end=\"1688\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1664\" data-end=\"1680\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1690\" data-end=\"1812\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1690\" data-end=\"1704\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> And the belly was soft. So you had that texture experience in your mouth, and the flavors—oh my goodness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1837\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1830\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Wow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1839\" data-end=\"1882\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1839\" data-end=\"1853\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> It’s just so, so, so good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"2001\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1900\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> So one of the drinks that I don’t know if you guys got to try is called the Thai iced green tea.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2003\" data-end=\"2032\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2003\" data-end=\"2017\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Oh, wow. No.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2297\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2050\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Which is not like a regular Thai iced tea. This is actually a green-colored drink with maybe a little bit of matcha in it. And it was layered so that the milk was on top and the green part was on the bottom, but it was very floral and fragrant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2299\" data-end=\"2349\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2299\" data-end=\"2318\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you get any dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2404\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2367\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> They only have two desserts there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2406\" data-end=\"2423\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2406\" data-end=\"2416\">Woman:\u003c/strong> Wow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2425\" data-end=\"2478\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2425\" data-end=\"2441\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> One is a sticky rice mango dish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2480\" data-end=\"2505\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2480\" data-end=\"2494\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Oh, yum.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2507\" data-end=\"2971\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2507\" data-end=\"2523\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> And one is an egg custard purple rice dish. And they’re both served with this coconut creamy sauce, which makes it kind of a little savory and kind of a little bit sweet, and in both cases, you have the contrast of the rice, which is warm, and then you’ve got the cold mango, and then you have the warm purple rice with kind of a cold egg custard. So it just makes a beautiful kind of a soft dessert. But it really kind of rounds out the meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2973\" data-end=\"3033\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2973\" data-end=\"2992\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Definitely cleanses your palate after.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3035\" data-end=\"3111\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3035\" data-end=\"3051\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> It cleanses your palate. It’s just kind of perfect, nice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3175\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3127\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> It’s like a goodbye kiss from the restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3177\" data-end=\"3232\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3177\" data-end=\"3193\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Yeah, that’s exactly what it’s like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3234\" data-end=\"3293\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3234\" data-end=\"3253\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I love that. Would you stop by again?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3295\" data-end=\"3631\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3295\" data-end=\"3312\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Oh, absolutely. The service was good. We got there about lunchtime, and it wasn’t that many folks. We got seated pretty quickly. But I kid you not, within about 15 minutes, it started getting very full, to the point where they needed a wait list. So it just kind of attests to it being a very popular place to go to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3714\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3633\" data-end=\"3652\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And it sounded like you’ll go back just for those desserts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3716\" data-end=\"3825\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3716\" data-end=\"3730\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Especially after this conversation, I’m going back, yeah. I’ll find a way to get to Alameda.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3827\" data-end=\"3892\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3827\" data-end=\"3846\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You need that little kiss of dessert there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3894\" data-end=\"3919\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3894\" data-end=\"3908\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Correct.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3921\" data-end=\"4099\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3921\" data-end=\"3940\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right. If you would like to try Bhan Mae Vane, it’s located on Webster Street in Alameda, and the average tab per person without drinks is around $30.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"357\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"68\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> As a podcaster, Jeff has a passion for telling stories of the unique people and places you can only find in the city by the Bay. Case in point—the eclectic spot that’s become his go-to for Italian comfort food. Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, it’s Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"359\" data-end=\"503\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"359\" data-end=\"377\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> The vibe of Emmy’s is super laid back, a little quirky. And I think it’s really, really hard to not have fun in this place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"521\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"519\">[Cheering]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"823\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"539\">Emmy Kaplan:\u003c/strong> I founded the restaurant in 2001. I was a server at the time in some pretty fancy places. We wanted somewhere to eat after work at 10:00, 11:00. We wanted music, we wanted good food, and a place where we could all feel like we belonged and we didn’t have to dress up and get fancy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"1096\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"843\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> We don’t shy away from the portions here at Emmy’s. Italian-American comfort food, top to bottom. It’s big spaghetti and meatballs. It’s a big lasagna. You can share it with your friends. You can eat it yourself. No judgment, whatever you want to do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1098\" data-end=\"1422\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1098\" data-end=\"1114\">Emmy Kaplan:\u003c/strong> The thing I’m most proud of on the menu is the Cadillac Lasagna—vodka sauce, ricotta, sunflower seed pesto. We do a pork and beef ragu. You don’t get a lot of al dente lasagna. It’s not easy to do it. You should never be baking your lasagna. You’re baking your lasagna, you’re going the wrong direction.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"1653\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"1442\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> The clientele at Emmy’s is all over the place, and I love that. It’s young, old. The servers—they’re always really nice people. They’re gonna be smiling. We’ll tell jokes. We’ll do shots if that’s your thing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1655\" data-end=\"1704\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1655\" data-end=\"1665\">Irish:\u003c/strong> Cheers, cheers, cheers, prost, yeah!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1706\" data-end=\"1873\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1706\" data-end=\"1724\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> It’s really a community place. And that’s the thing that Emmy did, and I’m gonna keep going with. It’s one of my favorite things about this place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1985\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1894\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You know, to use the word unique about Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack, why do you think that is?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1987\" data-end=\"2127\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1987\" data-end=\"2001\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I think of the place as part art gallery, part little kids’ playground, and part delicious, warm, comforting, hugging food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2157\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2148\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2181\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2173\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2183\" data-end=\"2216\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2183\" data-end=\"2202\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> In a shack.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2341\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2232\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> In a shack, yeah. I mean, yeah, and also the alliteration. Spaghetti Shack—who doesn’t want to go there?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2343\" data-end=\"2425\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2343\" data-end=\"2362\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s right. Okay, you walk in the door. What do you order?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2805\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2441\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> The first thing I usually order is their Caesar salad, which I think of as kind of a deconstructed Caesar. They’ve got the long strips of romaine covered with toasted Parmesan, and I don’t know what they do to their croutons, but they stay crunchy through the dressing, which is an anchovy dressing. And, hello, hello, hello, hello. Get in my mouth, you know?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2807\" data-end=\"2862\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2807\" data-end=\"2826\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Right. It checks all those boxes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2898\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2878\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> All of the boxes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"2973\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"2919\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And what about you, Tonya? What did you start with?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2975\" data-end=\"3267\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2975\" data-end=\"2992\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> So I started with the butter lettuce salad. I’m a little disappointed now that I didn’t get the Caesar salad. The butter lettuce salad was basic. It had some radishes on it, and it had a citrusy dressing. It was good, but I’m kind of wishing that I had the Caesar salad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3326\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3283\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> You gotta be a little naughty at Emmy’s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3328\" data-end=\"3365\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3328\" data-end=\"3345\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Exactly, exactly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3367\" data-end=\"3428\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3367\" data-end=\"3386\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay. What did you start with, Richard?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3430\" data-end=\"3537\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3430\" data-end=\"3446\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Well, I started with their spaghetti and meatballs. That’s what—they’re famous for it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3539\" data-end=\"3574\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3539\" data-end=\"3556\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Skip the salad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3576\" data-end=\"3942\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3576\" data-end=\"3592\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Yeah, exactly. The spaghetti and meatballs. And I have to say, like, you know, I’m not a really big spaghetti person, but this spaghetti was just—it tasted like homemade. The meatballs were gigantic. This made me remember, like, how my mom might have made it. Or maybe my grandma made it. And I think that’s why people really love this restaurant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3944\" data-end=\"4022\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3944\" data-end=\"3963\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Jeff, did you get the spaghetti and meatballs this time?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4024\" data-end=\"4150\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4024\" data-end=\"4038\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Because the spaghetti and meatballs is one of my best friends in the city, I chose not to get that this time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4152\" data-end=\"4243\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4152\" data-end=\"4171\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> But do you agree, when you have gotten it, with Richard’s assessment?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4245\" data-end=\"4523\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4245\" data-end=\"4259\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> It’s one of my good friends. I like to hang out with him. Him and her. No, because in general, I love lasagna. It’s one of my best comfort foods. And I had never had their lasagna. But it’s a different sauce than the spaghetti. It’s a light red vodka sauce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4525\" data-end=\"4565\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4525\" data-end=\"4541\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Yes, I remember that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4567\" data-end=\"4780\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4567\" data-end=\"4581\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Also delicious. And then they do a little dollop of pesto and a little dollop of ricotta. So it’s got that Margherita, tricolore kind of Italian thing going on, and it was out of this world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4782\" data-end=\"5029\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4782\" data-end=\"4799\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> I had the lasagna as well, and I wholeheartedly agree. It was delicious. What I also enjoyed, too, was that the noodle itself was al dente, because sometimes people make it a little mushy. It was perfect, and you get a lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5031\" data-end=\"5118\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5031\" data-end=\"5047\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Did either of you get the garlic bread on the side, by any chance?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5120\" data-end=\"5208\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5120\" data-end=\"5134\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I didn’t on this last trip, but I know exactly that of which you speak.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5210\" data-end=\"5560\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5210\" data-end=\"5226\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> It was so funny, because we ordered that kind of accidentally at the very end. And when that came out, we went with a group of friends, and they just wolfed that thing down. [laughs] I mean, this might be the best dish here. So I didn’t know. I just thought, “Maybe we should have a little garlic bread with spaghetti, you know?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5562\" data-end=\"5592\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5562\" data-end=\"5576\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> To sop it up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5594\" data-end=\"5643\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5594\" data-end=\"5608\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> And it was—people just loved it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5645\" data-end=\"5691\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5645\" data-end=\"5664\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> No garlic bread for you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5693\" data-end=\"5907\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5693\" data-end=\"5710\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> No garlic bread. I had the focaccia bread that came with my dish. So that piece of bread came in handy. Was able to sop it up and finish it all. I literally—there was nothing left on my plate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5909\" data-end=\"5934\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5909\" data-end=\"5923\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"419\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"65\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Well, we had the lasagna also, but the dish that we also had on top of that—we had a lot of people—was the peppercorn steak and the pesto spaghetti that goes on the side. And what’s amazing about the steak—it’s very tender and grilled and everything—is they put peppercorns in the steak, which I think tenderizes it. I’d never had that before.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"421\" data-end=\"470\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"421\" data-end=\"435\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> It’s also a peppercorn au jus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"514\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"488\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Oh, is that what it is?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"516\" data-end=\"538\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"516\" data-end=\"530\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"707\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"556\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Got it, got it. And I wasn’t expecting that at a Spaghetti Shack, but it was really a nice dish. And we were really thrilled that we ordered that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"767\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"728\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And did you have anything to sip on?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"769\" data-end=\"979\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"769\" data-end=\"785\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> I had this really interesting drink called Lupe Under the Sun, and it was served with a little orange, and it had an umbrella in it, and it was a spicy mango tequila. Really hit the spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1002\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"995\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Wow.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1077\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1023\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> You would definitely be on the beach under the sun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1117\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1095\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> For sure, for sure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1153\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1138\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And dessert?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1637\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1171\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> They have two off-the-menu desserts. There are actually no desserts on the menu, but we saw two desserts go by us as we were sitting there. So we, you know, pulled off the waiter and said, “Hey, what are those?” And then they told us it’s this decadent, decadent brownie with two scoops of ice cream, and they have a peanut butter bar with two scoops of ice cream. So when he said, “Look, these are the only two desserts,” we said, “We’ll take them both.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1661\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1653\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1721\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1682\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I’m gonna call you my dessert guy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1804\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1739\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> I know. I’m your dessert guy. We went all out on the desserts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1874\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1825\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Mm-hmm. And you did not have dessert, did you?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1910\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1893\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> No, I did not.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1975\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1931\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay. You did not see the desserts go by?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1977\" data-end=\"2000\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1977\" data-end=\"1994\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> No.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2044\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2018\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> They’re off-menu, so…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2111\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2065\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Think of the calories you saved yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2113\" data-end=\"2591\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2113\" data-end=\"2130\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Oh, lots. Although I think I made up with it with the wine because I absolutely had wine with my dinner. And I actually made it for happy hour, which was nice. I went on a Tuesday. So what I didn’t realize was that on Tuesdays, kids eat free. And I just kept seeing all these little kids coming. I’m like, “Oh, they’re cute.” I’m all, “Oh, there’s a lot of them.” And then I go, “Oh, it’s…” you know, they said, “Yes, it’s Kids Eat Free night.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2593\" data-end=\"2730\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2593\" data-end=\"2612\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s a beautiful thing to have in that neighborhood, especially with the cost of food and taking your family out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2732\" data-end=\"2763\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2732\" data-end=\"2749\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2765\" data-end=\"2787\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2765\" data-end=\"2779\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2881\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2808\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> And you go back repeatedly, so you obviously feel the prices are fair?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"3053\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2883\" data-end=\"2897\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I do, and I don’t always finish my meal. So sometimes it’s two meals, so even more bang for your buck. It’s a comforting food and a comforting place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3055\" data-end=\"3263\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3055\" data-end=\"3074\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> All right, if you would like to try Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack, it’s located on Mission Street in San Francisco, and the average dinner tab per person without drinks is around \u003cstrong data-start=\"3253\" data-end=\"3260\">$50\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3265\" data-end=\"3522\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3265\" data-end=\"3284\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Tonya’s a girl after my own heart. Give her a glass of Pinot paired with some globally inspired small plates, and she’s all set for the perfect night out. She’s found her happy place in the heart of Old Oakland at District.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3524\" data-end=\"3545\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3524\" data-end=\"3543\">[music playing]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3714\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3562\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> When you walk into District, it’s so fun, energetic, good food, good conversation. It’s a wonderful place to hang out and enjoy downtown Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3716\" data-end=\"3751\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3716\" data-end=\"3725\">Host:\u003c/strong> We need a spot for two?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3753\" data-end=\"3807\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3753\" data-end=\"3768\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> All right. Let’s see what we can do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"4136\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"3824\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> Our original location in San Francisco was solely a wine bar. When we opened up the Oakland location, our concept expanded into a wine and whiskey bar. We do flights of whiskey as well as single portions, and we have a large amount of allocated whiskeys you really can’t find almost anywhere else.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4138\" data-end=\"4172\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4138\" data-end=\"4148\">Guest:\u003c/strong> Cheers to District.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4174\" data-end=\"4201\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4174\" data-end=\"4187\">Guest #2:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4203\" data-end=\"4522\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4203\" data-end=\"4218\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> Here at District, we do love our strong flavors. Our executive chef, Bob Cina, has a globally inspired menu of small plates—flavors from Mediterranean, Asian, and Peruvian influences. And it’s also seasonally done to create a different experience every time you walk into District.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4524\" data-end=\"4556\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4524\" data-end=\"4533\">Host:\u003c/strong> Welcome. Come on in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4558\" data-end=\"4779\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4558\" data-end=\"4573\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> My favorite thing on the menu—charcuterie and cheese. I think it’s a beautiful offering. It pairs so well with both whiskey and wine. It’s a delicious place to start your evening at District.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4781\" data-end=\"5039\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4781\" data-end=\"4796\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> Old Oakland, hence the name, is the oldest part of downtown Oakland. Beautiful architecture, tree-lined streets. It’s a wonderful community down here. We have so many regulars who support us. People enjoy coming here after work.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5041\" data-end=\"5065\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5041\" data-end=\"5054\">Guest #3:\u003c/strong> So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5067\" data-end=\"5091\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5067\" data-end=\"5080\">Guest #4:\u003c/strong> So good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5093\" data-end=\"5373\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5093\" data-end=\"5108\">Josn Marsh:\u003c/strong> And then in the evening time, we turn into a more vibrant lounge with exciting music and just a lot of fun entertainment. Walk in on any Friday night, I know half the people at the bar, and they know each other. It’s really a wonderful place to be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5375\" data-end=\"5423\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5375\" data-end=\"5388\">Guest #5:\u003c/strong> That’s the town biz, baby. Uh!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"184\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"68\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, Tonya, this place looks like a good spot to watch a game, right, or sit at the bar. What brings you there?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"515\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"203\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> So not only can you watch the game. There might be a birthday party going on, an anniversary. There’s a lot of different things that go on at District. People think, “Oh, it’s a bar.” But when you look at the menu, you’re like, “Okay, these aren’t typical things that you could see at a bar per se.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"517\" data-end=\"903\">I always start with the Arancini Romano. It has a nice breadcrumb crust on the outside, and inside, nice cheesy risotto and spinach. Really delicious. It also is plated very nicely. It has this little garnish that comes on top. And then there’s this delicious smoked tomato sauce. Oh, my goodness. You have to get that and put it on there. It’s absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"980\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"905\" data-end=\"924\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Okay, Jeff, what was your experience at District?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"1025\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"982\" data-end=\"996\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Big fan of deviled eggs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1084\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1043\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Oh, they have the deviled eggs, yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1259\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1100\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Fermented chili and pickled radish is what’s inside. And it just filled my mouth with experience, flavor, and happiness. Yeah, wonderful way to start.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1261\" data-end=\"1296\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1261\" data-end=\"1280\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Happy eggs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1320\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1312\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1680\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1322\" data-end=\"1338\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> We had the lamb meatballs with the garlic bread. I don’t know if you’ve tried that, but they were really delicious. You know, lamb can be gamey sometimes, but what they do is they put mint leaves into the lamb. So it really makes it a nice flavor. And then the garlic bread to go with it—it was just the perfect contrast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"1718\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"1699\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yes. Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1720\" data-end=\"1747\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1720\" data-end=\"1739\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"2044\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"1766\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Because I go there often, I got the dinner for two. The dinner for two is actually a great value. It comes with a starter, entrée, and it also comes with a salad. So it’s a perfect thing to get when you go there and you don’t want to spend a whole lot of money.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2295\">The organic greens—oh, my goodness. It’s probably one of the best salads that I’ve had any place. They have the avocados, the spicy sunflower seeds, the citrus, the watermelon radish. It’s just a beautiful salad and absolutely delicious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2297\" data-end=\"2402\">And then recently, I ordered their pizza. I’m not sure if you guys got a chance to try their pizza.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2404\" data-end=\"2431\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2404\" data-end=\"2420\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Oh, yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2433\" data-end=\"2666\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2433\" data-end=\"2450\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> It’s a very simple pizza. It’s on a thin crust. Very cheesy. I love the Margherita and the basil on there, so it’s really good. But you can definitely order all kinds of different varieties on there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2758\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2684\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> We did have that pizza, and we actually added prosciutto to that…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2760\" data-end=\"2784\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2760\" data-end=\"2777\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2786\" data-end=\"2862\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2786\" data-end=\"2802\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> …which they said was one of the most common things…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2910\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2881\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Good choice. Yes, it is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"2912\" data-end=\"3030\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"2912\" data-end=\"2928\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Our waiter said, “This is one of the most popular dishes.” So, yes, that was really terrific.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3032\" data-end=\"3056\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3032\" data-end=\"3049\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3058\" data-end=\"3544\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3058\" data-end=\"3072\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I’m also a big fan of a Spanish dish called gambas al ajillo. And it’s prawns and garlic—that’s kind of the base of it. The way that District did it was very special. It’s served on a lemon risotto, so full of flavor and so bright and beautiful yellow, which contrasts with the redness of the prawns. They were grilled perfectly, and there were fried capers that were kind of dotted all around it. I didn’t know that existed, and now I do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3546\" data-end=\"3609\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3546\" data-end=\"3565\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> They add a nice little pop of herbal…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3611\" data-end=\"3750\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3611\" data-end=\"3625\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> A pop, and that beautiful—yes. So good. My companion that day is vegan, so the Brussels sprouts that we ordered…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3752\" data-end=\"3783\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3752\" data-end=\"3769\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Oh, gosh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3785\" data-end=\"3881\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3785\" data-end=\"3799\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> …we had to get them without the pork, and he also has a pine nut allergy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3883\" data-end=\"3908\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3883\" data-end=\"3900\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3910\" data-end=\"3943\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3910\" data-end=\"3924\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Still amazing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3945\" data-end=\"3970\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3945\" data-end=\"3962\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Okay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"3972\" data-end=\"4087\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"3972\" data-end=\"3986\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> I think Brussels sprouts aren’t easy, I’m gonna say. But they did them absolutely perfectly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4089\" data-end=\"4114\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4089\" data-end=\"4106\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yeah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4116\" data-end=\"4202\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4116\" data-end=\"4130\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> And I felt like all the food was on a level above. Really good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4204\" data-end=\"4275\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4204\" data-end=\"4220\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Well, and since I’m the dessert guy, apparently…\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4371\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4277\" data-end=\"4296\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> I know. I was waiting to get to dessert. Richard, what did you have?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4373\" data-end=\"4434\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4373\" data-end=\"4389\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> They had a pear and black currant crisp.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4436\" data-end=\"4459\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4436\" data-end=\"4450\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yum!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4461\" data-end=\"4624\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4461\" data-end=\"4477\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Okay? It had that oat crisp, served hot with, of course, cold ice cream on top, which melted over the edges. Anyway, it was fantastic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4626\" data-end=\"4698\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4626\" data-end=\"4645\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Now, how many spoons were ordered with that one?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4700\" data-end=\"4832\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4700\" data-end=\"4716\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> We had four spoons. And trust me, that dish did not last long. The ice cream didn’t even have time to melt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4834\" data-end=\"4982\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4834\" data-end=\"4853\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> That’s good! And with all that food, did you feel like, hey, this is affordable? This is a place I could come back to?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"4984\" data-end=\"5254\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"4984\" data-end=\"5000\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Definitely. I mean, definitely. I’m not sure about bringing, like, a family, because it’s kind of more of an adult place, but definitely for coworkers to come after work and kind of decompress after a long week, I think it’s perfect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5256\" data-end=\"5289\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5256\" data-end=\"5273\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Absolutely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5291\" data-end=\"5400\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5291\" data-end=\"5305\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Yeah. I’m a city kid, but I love Oakland. And I especially—you know, it’s BART-able.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5402\" data-end=\"5428\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5402\" data-end=\"5419\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5430\" data-end=\"5590\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5430\" data-end=\"5444\">Jeff Hunt:\u003c/strong> Short walk from BART. I love that little part of Oakland. Old Oakland is a really cool section, so I will definitely be going back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5592\" data-end=\"5618\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5592\" data-end=\"5609\">Tonya Thomas:\u003c/strong> Yes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5620\" data-end=\"5658\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5620\" data-end=\"5636\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Fantastic choice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"5660\" data-end=\"5837\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"5660\" data-end=\"5679\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> If you would like to try District, it’s located on Washington Street in Old Oakland, and the average tab per person without drinks is around \u003cstrong data-start=\"5827\" data-end=\"5834\">$45\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"198\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"68\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Looking for more Bay Area bites you’ve just got to try? Check out “Cecilia Tries It”, online at \u003cstrong data-start=\"171\" data-end=\"195\">kqed.org/checkplease\u003c/strong>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"200\" data-end=\"523\">I have to thank my fabulous guests on this week’s show—\u003cstrong data-start=\"257\" data-end=\"272\">Richard Hsu\u003c/strong>, who savors the sakoo at Bhan Mae Vane in Alameda, \u003cstrong data-start=\"330\" data-end=\"343\">Jeff Hunt\u003c/strong>, who slurps down the spaghetti and meatballs at Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack in San Francisco, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"443\" data-end=\"459\">Tonya Thomas\u003c/strong>, who adores the Arancini Romano at District in Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"525\" data-end=\"699\">Join us next time when three more guests will recommend their favorite spots right here on “\u003cem>Check, Please! Bay Area\u003c/em>.” I’m \u003cstrong data-start=\"653\" data-end=\"671\">Leslie Sbrocco\u003c/strong>, and I’ll see you then.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"701\" data-end=\"733\">Cheers, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"713\" data-end=\"731\">cheers to you!\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"763\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"751\">Richard Hsu:\u003c/strong> Cheers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"765\" data-end=\"821\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"765\" data-end=\"784\">Leslie Sbrocco:\u003c/strong> Great job, great job, great job.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"854\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"852\">[Indistinct conversation]\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"907\" data-end=\"1212\">\u003cstrong data-start=\"907\" data-end=\"925\">Michael Irish:\u003c/strong> The space has been here about 24 years now. When I first walked in three years ago, I thought this place was so awesome. Behind me, there’s, like, a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1095\">cat shrine\u003c/strong>, which is, I guess, bizarre. We have a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1137\" data-end=\"1159\">Dolly Parton booth\u003c/strong>, you know. We have a lot of kind of funny stuff.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1396\">In the front room, we have a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1245\" data-end=\"1259\">disco ball\u003c/strong>, a lot of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1310\">leopard print and unicorn, cat stuff\u003c/strong>. That’s just kind of everything we’ve found on the street over the years, really.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"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",
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"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?",
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"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.",
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"possible": {
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"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.",
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"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.",
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"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.",
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"soldout": {
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"title": "SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America",
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"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.",
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"tagline": "Local news to keep you rooted",
"info": "Host Devin Katayama walks you through the biggest story of the day with reporters and newsmakers.",
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