Homeroom, Oakland, CA.

Homeroom in Oakland, CA, is a speciality restaurant focused on Macaroni and Cheese. I have been wanting to go to this place for since it's opening and very happy I finally went with some friends. When I was doing my research, I didn't think it would fill me up but I was wrong. So wrong. I got the Mexican Mac and the four of us shared Delicious and flavorful. My two other friends also got the Gilroy Mac and the Trailer Mac; I sampled these and the were so amazing too. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the choices. We all shared a Big Apple pitcher - half ale/half hard cider. It costs an extra $4 compared to regular pitchers but it was sweet and smooth.

 

Barney's Gourmet Burger in Albany, CA.

Super Sundae, Dead Fish, Crockett, CA.

The best sundae in the world.

The Sunny Side Cafe, Albany, CA.

A few weeks ago, I was craving a delicious benedict. I finally fulfilled that craving by going to The Sunny Side Cafe in Albany for the first time. My sister and I shared the Wildcat Benedict and The Alameda. Delicious. We accidentally ordered a side of homefries (I didn't know the benedict came with any) but they were delicious too. What I liked most about the meal was that the hollandaise wasn't too overpowering. It was creamy and light although even then, I probably would have asked for it on the side. The eggs were poached perfectly and the bacon was crispy.

The Alameda was great. My sister and I opted to get the vegetarian version which was a nice way to make us feel less guilty about the giant meal. I'll have to go here again and try their pancakes!

The photos are of a different quality because I didn't have my dslr with me but I think they came out okay using macro on an old point and shoot! :)

Pyramid Brewery, Berkeley, CA.

Pumpkin Day

Ristorante Due Rose, Pinole, CA.

You probably wonder why I go to this Italian restaurant so much. The reason: the risotto. Mmm. It changes often depending on ingredients and it's not on their main menu. Their wait staff either tell you or you have to ask. The specials usually come with a soup which changes too. Today's soup was butternut squash and the risotto was steak and asparagus.

My mom got the bruschetta for the two of us but I don't particularly enjoy the one here. I think the best bruschetta I've had in the East Bay within ten to fifteen minutes of my house is from The Dead Fish in Crockett. My soup and risotto were delicious as always. My mom got the salmon special. I personally don't think salmon is an exciting fish and it's hard for some restaurants to cook it right but I tried it anyway. Overall, I thought the dish wasn't that great - the salmon was overcook, the veggie side was boring and the potatoes left something to be desired.

The Dead Fish, Crockett, CA.

Katana-Ya Ramen, El Cerrito, CA

My favorite place for beef sukiyaki is at Katana-Ya Ramen in El Cerrito, CA. My dad loves Japanese food so when it's his weekend to take us out, this is where we usually end up, if not here we go to Dragon Terrace in Hercules.

Anyway, I love the beef sukiyaki here because it's not too sweet, it's a large portion, and they have the option of having it over a hot flame. The service is a bit slow and inattentive but this soup is so good. They're sushi is alright; it seems the portions are getting smaller.

Where A Kid Can Be A Kid

Today, my nieces came over so we went to Chuck E. Cheese's. It was really fun! The one in Pinole is huge and the games are all new...though I recommend bringing hand wipes or something because kids are dirty. It was fun playing all the games I remember from my childhood: Jurassic Park, the classic basketball and baseball games, air hockey, etc. but there were quite a bit of new fun editions like an Initial D race simulator and Guitar Hero. All games were pretty cheap to play: just one coin for a full cycle.

I think now that I'm older, I enjoy it more because it's less about getting enough tickets for prizes (that I now realize are probably just 99 cents somewhere else) and more about just enjoying the game.

What is or was your favorite game?