"Northern California is one of the most exciting places in the world for food and it's because growers and eaters take all aspects of food extremely seriously. I am thrilled to bring people straight to Berkeley, the heart of Northern California's culinary epicenter, so they can experience what makes this region's food culture important and special." - Lisa Rogovin
I guess one of the common aspect everyone in the Bay Area would agree upon would be yummy food. Berkeley is without doubt a food lovers paradise. The stretch on Shattuck Avenue. bordered on the two ends by Rose & Hearst streets forms this celebrated Gourmet Ghetto.
I am fortunate enough to live in such a place and enjoy the gustatory pleasures. There are plenty of small eateries, cafes, bakeries, etc. to hang around and places like Chez Pannise, Cheeseboard Pizza, etc.
Looking for love at first bite? Stop by the Gourmet Ghetto. The food is so fresh it's bursting with gigantic, singing flavor. Yelp is another excellent resource to try out these different cuisines.
There is history to this place too. Alice Waters founded her famous restaurant, Chez Panisse. The Cheese Board Collective began its passionate presentation of worldwide and local California artisan cheeses. And Peet’s coffee started educating Americans about the complex pleasures of coffee drinking. And thus started the food revolution...
Check out the these websites for more information.
http://www.sfgate.com/neighborhoods/eb/gourmetghetto/
http://www.gourmetghetto.org/
And if you read this article until now, Congratulations! You're officially a foodie of the highest order.
Showing posts with label Berkeley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Berkeley. Show all posts
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Monday, September 22, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Berkeley Kite Festival
The Annual Berkeley Kite Festival is worth visiting. It takes place every year in the Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina at the end of July. From the giant kites to the kite shows everything is spectacular. It gets even better and more fun when you try flying a kite! With plenty of events and competitions this weekend gala is one promising 'festival' to attend.
Here is some info for next year:
Who: Highline Kites of Berkeley
What: 22nd Annual Berkeley Kite Festival & West Coast Kite Championships
When: July 25th & 26th 2009, 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Where: Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina
Phone: 510-235-KITE (5483)
E-Mail: Fest@HighlineKites.com
Web Site: www.HighlineKites.com
Cost? Free
Why? Kites aren't just for kids any more. Experience the excitement and artistry of modern kite flying. You'll find something for everyone at the Berkeley Kite Festival. From the Giant Creature Kites as big as houses, to the free Kite Making and Candy Drop for kids, you don't want to miss this year’s Annual Berkeley Kite Festival.
Here is some info for next year:
Who: Highline Kites of Berkeley
What: 22nd Annual Berkeley Kite Festival & West Coast Kite Championships
When: July 25th & 26th 2009, 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Where: Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina
Phone: 510-235-KITE (5483)
E-Mail: Fest@HighlineKites.com
Web Site: www.HighlineKites.com
Cost? Free
Why? Kites aren't just for kids any more. Experience the excitement and artistry of modern kite flying. You'll find something for everyone at the Berkeley Kite Festival. From the Giant Creature Kites as big as houses, to the free Kite Making and Candy Drop for kids, you don't want to miss this year’s Annual Berkeley Kite Festival.
Monday, July 21, 2008
San Francisco Aids Walk 2008
I completed the AIDS Walk in San Francisco today. It was an amazing experience and a unique opportunity to hear, meet, and talk with different people in the walk. Many walk in memory of those they have lost or in support of those living with HIV/AIDS.
For 2008: “Twenty-five thousand walkers, coupled with support from many leading Bay Area corporations, raised a near-record total of $4,512,934” Definitely an accomplishment, given our current economy.
The money raised through the walk benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation which gives grants to various HIV/AIDS organizations within the Bay Area. It is a great example of cost-effective fundraising and extraordinary community activism. It's always been about "changing the course of the epidemic."
The big ask from me was not whether I could walk 10km (which was questionable as well) but to get myself out of the bed on a Sunday morning! Thousands of people turned up early morning in spite of the slight drizzle in the morning and the cloudy day. People were singing and dancing along all the way and enjoying every minute of it. Well, at least for the first 2 miles :)
The Golden Gate Park is green all around and the flora and fauna kept me engaged in some meaningful photography. Music and dance was abundantly represented by many people all along. 94.9 FM station had speakers on carts which they dragged along with them the entire route blasting music ... good marketing! The belly dance troupe kept a lot of people entertained especially the photographers because of the vivid colors.
The restrooms/portable toilets were overcrowded and felt like the people will have to wait it out until tomorrow before they get a chance. The good part: every other mile or so refreshments were available including water, cereal bars, fruits and a variety of other snacks to pep you up.
Well, an event of that magnitude without 'change' ain't possible. Yes, there were plenty of supporters carrying 'Obama' placards over their heads throughout the walk. It was quite heartening to see that the corporate world also had a significant presence with the likes of Gap, Chevron, Wachovia, Target, Starbucks, and many others. All of them had their own t-shirts with the company logo's on it and a nifty slogan.
I was a part of the University of California, Berkeley team and was wearing an orange t-shirt to show the Cal pride. The incessant cheers for 'Go Bears' I got throughout the walk left me to wonder!... perhaps the difference between me and the 'bear' had dissolved? The Berkeley team raised about $39,000 and the wonderful Karen Gee had a big part in it. She inspired and motivated people the last couple of weeks diligently to register and raise funds.
Former American Idol finalists performed on stage at the post-walk concert. Personally, I had a great time at the event besides making me feel a part of something big. And for a good cause! The self revelation for me: I can definitely walk more than 15 Km at a stretch!!
Click here to see more photos.
For 2008: “Twenty-five thousand walkers, coupled with support from many leading Bay Area corporations, raised a near-record total of $4,512,934” Definitely an accomplishment, given our current economy.
The money raised through the walk benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation which gives grants to various HIV/AIDS organizations within the Bay Area. It is a great example of cost-effective fundraising and extraordinary community activism. It's always been about "changing the course of the epidemic."
The big ask from me was not whether I could walk 10km (which was questionable as well) but to get myself out of the bed on a Sunday morning! Thousands of people turned up early morning in spite of the slight drizzle in the morning and the cloudy day. People were singing and dancing along all the way and enjoying every minute of it. Well, at least for the first 2 miles :)
The Golden Gate Park is green all around and the flora and fauna kept me engaged in some meaningful photography. Music and dance was abundantly represented by many people all along. 94.9 FM station had speakers on carts which they dragged along with them the entire route blasting music ... good marketing! The belly dance troupe kept a lot of people entertained especially the photographers because of the vivid colors.
The restrooms/portable toilets were overcrowded and felt like the people will have to wait it out until tomorrow before they get a chance. The good part: every other mile or so refreshments were available including water, cereal bars, fruits and a variety of other snacks to pep you up.
Well, an event of that magnitude without 'change' ain't possible. Yes, there were plenty of supporters carrying 'Obama' placards over their heads throughout the walk. It was quite heartening to see that the corporate world also had a significant presence with the likes of Gap, Chevron, Wachovia, Target, Starbucks, and many others. All of them had their own t-shirts with the company logo's on it and a nifty slogan.
I was a part of the University of California, Berkeley team and was wearing an orange t-shirt to show the Cal pride. The incessant cheers for 'Go Bears' I got throughout the walk left me to wonder!... perhaps the difference between me and the 'bear' had dissolved? The Berkeley team raised about $39,000 and the wonderful Karen Gee had a big part in it. She inspired and motivated people the last couple of weeks diligently to register and raise funds.
Former American Idol finalists performed on stage at the post-walk concert. Personally, I had a great time at the event besides making me feel a part of something big. And for a good cause! The self revelation for me: I can definitely walk more than 15 Km at a stretch!!
Click here to see more photos.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Chocolate and Chalk Art Festival
Saturday, May 31st was the Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival along North Shattuck Avenue's Gourmet Ghetto in Berkeley.
Anyone could register at the booths and then you were assigned a patch of sidewalk at a specific address to draw. You could even purchase special artist's chalk at the registration. It was quite an event with street artists and a lot of children showing off their creations proudly. Here are some pictures.
It was a treat for chocolate lovers since the chocolate menu included flavors like peppermint, tamarind mango, blackcurrant, etc. besides many items like chocolate ganache cupcake, chocolate goat cheese truffle, raspberry dark chocolate,chocolate garlic clusters, and chocolate soap!
The festival vendors who had put up stalls featuring numerous hand made arts & crafts and chocolate-related items were wonderful.
I liked the stall for Xocolate Bar. They are apparently opening the store on Solano Ave. on the Father's Day Weekend. Check out the website for more details. They have many unusual flavors and shapes of chocolates besides a large variety of vegan chocolates to choose from.
Harlan's jewelry using unique handmade beads was quite exquisite. Here is a picture of some earrings he had. Pam Bliss had some unusual and funny greeting cards besides the clever magnetic bookmarks. The Morris Dancers outside Coldwell Banker attracted a lot of audience and so did Darcy Noonan outside Starbucks. I am quite happy that I knew about the event and got a chance to visit the lively and fascinating festival.
Check out the North Shattuck Association of Berkeley website for details about other such events.
Click on any picture to view it larger.
Anyone could register at the booths and then you were assigned a patch of sidewalk at a specific address to draw. You could even purchase special artist's chalk at the registration. It was quite an event with street artists and a lot of children showing off their creations proudly. Here are some pictures.
It was a treat for chocolate lovers since the chocolate menu included flavors like peppermint, tamarind mango, blackcurrant, etc. besides many items like chocolate ganache cupcake, chocolate goat cheese truffle, raspberry dark chocolate,chocolate garlic clusters, and chocolate soap!
The festival vendors who had put up stalls featuring numerous hand made arts & crafts and chocolate-related items were wonderful.
I liked the stall for Xocolate Bar. They are apparently opening the store on Solano Ave. on the Father's Day Weekend. Check out the website for more details. They have many unusual flavors and shapes of chocolates besides a large variety of vegan chocolates to choose from.
Harlan's jewelry using unique handmade beads was quite exquisite. Here is a picture of some earrings he had. Pam Bliss had some unusual and funny greeting cards besides the clever magnetic bookmarks. The Morris Dancers outside Coldwell Banker attracted a lot of audience and so did Darcy Noonan outside Starbucks. I am quite happy that I knew about the event and got a chance to visit the lively and fascinating festival.
Check out the North Shattuck Association of Berkeley website for details about other such events.
Click on any picture to view it larger.
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