Cafe 15 on 15th Street in Downtown Oakland

Here are a few of my favorite places to grab quality food on the run.  Cafe 15 is in Downtown Oakland at 597 15th Street behind the State building.  This is owned and operated by husband and wife team Lauren and Arash Ghasemi  (Arash was a chef at Eccolo restaurant on 4th Street in Berkeley, which is now closed).  Cafe 15 believes that sustainable, quality food doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  All of the food is made from scratch on the premises.  I have tried a few of there salads,  they are wonderful, full of flavor and very satisfying.  I plan on trying the oyster po’ boy next.  Cafe 15 is open Monday – Friday for breakfast and lunch.

All the prep for the house-made food is done and the bags are lined up for ready for the lunch rush.

Summer Kitchen Bakeshop is in Berkeley near the corner of College and Ashby, and they claim to be take away re-imagined.   Owners Paul and Charlene were inspired by Martha’s Vineyard, the rolling farmlands and the summer kitchens built long ago behind the old farmhouses.  This shop is spic and span and very cozy.  Here you can walk up to the counter and choose from a good selection of grab and go items like the buttermilk fried chicken, panko and herb crusted chicken tenders and my favorite the cauliflower and olive salad.  There are picture perfect cupcakes, sweet loaf breads and tarts.  There is a made to order menu featuring sandwiches, salads, specials and the wood burning hearth produces pizza’s and also makes the whole restaurant glow.

Summer Kitchen Bakeshop is a few doors down from my favorite ice cream shop, Ici!

great design, great food

Lemon curd are in the center of these lemon meringue cupcakes. These are only for those who like SWEET things.

Amba in Montclair Village, serves falafels, fries, hummus and a few tasty salads.  All of the food is vegetarian, kosher, fresh, flavorful and affordable.  This is a great addition to Montclair Village and is a great alternative to your typical take-out.  Please note they are closed on Saturday.

When I am at Amba, I forget I am eating vegetarian.

What is your favorite place to grab quality food on the run?  Leave a comment or email me,  I would love to hear from you.

Miles with Pluot and Raspberry Gelato

The other week, I attended the Eat Real Fest at Jack London Square.  To kick off the festival there was an ice cream evening.  It was  a 90 degree Friday night, Perfect!  Ice cream for dinner.  In the name of research  I sampled several scoops of creamy goodness.  If I had to pick my last meal on earth it would be ice cream.   I partake in ice cream daily,  so I think I am an ice cream expert.   So here are my top picks!

• St. George Spirits Whiskey Gelato by Gelateria Naia.  -  unbelievably smooth, with caramel notes.  Insane!
• Saffron and Candied Almond Ice Cream by Ici – aromatic and earthy with the fantastic texture of the crunchy nuts.
• Raspberry-Lemon Verbena Ice Cream by Ici – fresh, fruity and the perfect balance between sweet and tart.

Visit Ici at 2948 Ashby Avenue in Berkeley.  All of the diary and eggs are organic and flavors change daily and with the season.

Visit Gelateria Naia at 2106 Ashby Avenue in Downtown Berkeley, at 230 Bay Street inside WholeFoods Oakland, or at Michael Mischer Chocolates at 3352 Grand Avenue.

Trevor Morris co-founder of Gelateria Naia at the Eat Real Festival in 2009

Proprietor Mary and the staff of Ici at the Eat Real Festival 2009