Tag Archives: California

Breakfast at Bartavelle in Berkeley, CA

28 May

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

This place is a real treat. If you are looking for a good coffee and a bite to eat in Berkeley, Bartavelle is not to be missed.

I am almost always in the mood for a thick slice of avocado toast (sprinkled with olive oil, lemon, sea salt, and marash pepper), especially when paired with a soft boiled egg. The Persian breakfast was very light and fresh and included organic lebneh, feta, cucumbers, fresh herbs, za’atar and seasonal cherry jam, served with Acme pizza bianca.

Bartavelle is located where Cafe Fanny used to be, right next to Acme Bread on San Pablo Ave. and Cedar St.

While I am nostalgic for Cafe Fanny’s poached eggs and cafe au lait in a bowl, Bartavelle is quickly filling that ache.

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 preset

Advertisement

Delicious Northern California…

14 Aug

Lip-smacking, finger-licking, shirt-staining delicious.

IMG_1286

This was my backyard for a week. Deep in the Sierra Mountains, along the Yuba River.

IMG_1306

There were swimming holes and waterfalls…

IMG_1312

…and “Mountain Men.”

IMG_1350

We went swimming everyday. So many delicious (and freezing cold!) rivers and lakes.

IMG_1342

Check out this tiny baby snake found mid-hike. Woah nature!

IMG_1346

I also spent a few days in Sonoma County, and checked out 2 fairs: the Sonoma County Fair and the Gravenstein Apple Fair.

I saw lots of livestock (including alpacas and miniature horses), but these baby pigs were my favorite. Floppy ears get me every time.

IMG_1302

Whenever I am in the area, I must grab a few scones and a hunk of cheesy bread from Wild Flour Bread Bakery in Freestone. The Gravenstein apple cheddar scone hit the spot for me this trip. And the fougasse bread is always packed with a few cheeses and some aromatic vegetables. The loaf is best warmed and gooey.

IMG_1358

I didn’t know a latte this big could exist. The lavender latte from Taylor Maid was a real treat. Ooo tummy.

IMG_1365

Food was growing everywhere I turned–there were sunflowers and grapevines, bushes of wild blackberries and strawberries, apple trees and pear trees, even some avocados and figs. But nothing screamed mid-August to me like the fresh basil from the yard, with plump, juicy tomatoes. Gosh, good tomatoes are SO good.

IMG_1288

Summer is almost over. Do something delicious.

IMG_1357