Berkeley Culinary Landmarks Offer Locals Delicious Options
For curious taste buds, there is no better place to explore than the city of Berkeley.
With its eclectic collection of cuisines, Berkeley has much to offer the adventuresome palate, whether that involves easing into a new cuisine through a more accessible, muted down offering, or diving right into the authentic wonders.
Beyond its directory of prized restaurants, Berkeley boasts what I consider to be food landmarks- places with a mission and philosophy that are determined to give you a unique food experience.
One of these gems is the Thai Temple (formally Wat Mongkolratanaram). Every Sunday, the Berkeley Thai Buddhist Temple on Russell Street sells Thai food from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Upon arrival, you “donate” cash in exchange for tokens, which is the tender you use to pay for the food. The prices are incredible - a dollar for Thai iced tea, and 6 dollars for a generous vegetarian combination plate, complete with rice or pad thai, that can easily be split between two people, which is rare for typically high priced cuisine. Thai Temple is also very vegetarian friendly, hosting a separate line for non-meat eaters. The crowded atmosphere prompts many different seating options, such as dozens of outdoor tables, in the sun or shade, or a nearby lawn around the corner. Eating their prized sticky rice and mango is a euphoric way to spend a sleepy Sunday morning, and makes it easy to understand why Thai Temple is such a beloved establishment.
Equally popular among Berkeley foodies is the Cheese Board Collective, located on north Shattuck. Founded in 1967, Cheese Board has always strived to be a unique business. The Cheese Board Collective is collectively owned by 30 members, and all who work there are one of these owners. Among those who work at the Cheese Board, everyone has an equal say in decisions, and everyone earns the same hourly wage. Everyday, the Cheese Board carries a huge assortment of freshly baked breads, muffins, and scones. In addition, there are many unique specials that depend on the day of the week, including sourdough beer rye bread, sticky buns, and spelt bread - an alternative for those with gluten allergies.
Two doors down from the Cheese Board is Cheese Board Pizza, which is similarly structured, but run by only twelve members. The pizza is made with interesting combinations of fresh ingredients; for example, cremini mushrooms with caramelized onions, baby spinach, asiago and mozzarella cheeses, pine nuts, and Italian parsley. There is only one pizza option each day, but this doesn’t discourage the establishment’s faithful fan base. Instead, people make the leap of faith, trusting that any pizza Cheese Board produces will be delicious, and that they need not worry about the ingredient combinations. The Cheese Board Pizza Collective has a very fun and welcoming atmosphere, occasionally hosting live music for those waiting in the line that often stretches around the corner.
The Cheese Board is located on a block full of other food destinations that together make up what is known as “The Gourmet Ghetto.” The Epicurious Garden located across the street is a high-end food court with options ranging from gelato to fresh gourmet soups. The outdoor seating is in a wonderfully landscaped garden and is the perfect backdrop for this delicate food. The take-out food from Cheese Board and Epicurious Garden is also often eaten on the grassy center divide of the road.
Next door to Epicurious Garden is Chez Panisse, a highly respected restaurant that has been an essential part of Berkeley’s food culture since it was first opened by celebrity-chef and Berkeley-resident, Alice Waters, in 1971. The restaurant’s menu changes every night, and showcases locally grown, organic ingredients.
Other must’s for the Berkeley food experience include Monterey Market and Berkeley Bowl. Both work with local farmers to create a system of sustainable agriculture and connect the consumer directly to the farmers. Berkeley Bowl boasts the largest produce department in Northern California, which makes it full of rare produce items that are often difficult to find elsewhere. Both markets also sport superb bulk departments to encourage shoppers to buy in bulk and eliminate excess packaging. Monterey Market and Berkeley Bowl make buying organic and locally grown products more realistic, with their mission of low prices and accessibility.
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