Best Oakland's Own
Where do the locals like to eat? Best of the Best is written by Serena Bartlett, author of the GrassRoutes Guidebook Series and Oakland resident. Serena shares with us her best picks from a locals viewpoint of dining in Oakland. Her books, GrassRoutes Guide to Oakland and Berkeley and GrassRoutes Green Road Trip to Northern California Wine Country. For more info visit: www.grassroutestravel.com
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Enat Ethiopian Honey Wine
For an authentic sweet drink, Oakland's Enat winery offers the best in Ethiopian beverages. Whether you are lazing in the sun, eating berries and sipping Enat, or digging in to a romantic meal with your sweetie, the refreshing flavors of this wine will go a long way in completing the moment. Check out the place where Enat is made, purchase some from a local retailer and bring your next house guest a surprise present that is sure to make them smile.
Enat Winery
910 81st Ave., Unit 15
(510) 632-6629
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Numi Teas
Perhap's California's most prominent quality tea producer calls Oakland home, and for good reason -- the brother-sister duo behind Numi thought up many of their concoctions in this city. From elegant white rose and black vanilla that complement a proper afternoon tea date, to healthy toasted rice green tea and spa teas in loose leaf and by the bag, there are so many flavors it is often hard to choose. A special gift for any friend would be a handmade flowering tea ball, fairly traded to ensure all the people involved were paid a living wage they open to the hot water and are beautiful to look at and to drink. You can find Numi Tea at many retailers, on their website or at their new tea garden.
Numi Teas
2230 Livingston Street
(510) 534-6864
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More reviews of Numi Teas
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Chrunchy Biscotti
When Biscotti di Suzy was bought by Crunchy Foods, a local Oakland company, the bakery set up shop here in the neighborhood. Beyond creating a tasty biscotti, authentic to the Italian original with a touch of California, this business is a good citizen, banking locally, and taking good care of its native Oakland workers. Plus, they bake without trans-fats. Their lemon almond and chocolate anise cookies are a tasty way to add sweetness to your weekend mornings.
Crunchy Foods
1070 40th Street
(510) 923-0446
website
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Linden Street Brewery
Linden Street has turned its back on the west coast ale-making trends, going by the old school rulebook, the one written by the traditional beer makers serving up suds in the beer gardens of Oakland before prohibition. In their Jack London location, they opened their doors to locals and fired up the 'cue for free snacks for whatever gaggle showed up when their first beer, Common Lager, needed tasting from the peanut gallery. Find them on tap at many fine eateries and pubs in town, or go to their brewery to pick up some bottles of your own -- this is some great brew!
Linden Street Brewery
95 Linden Street
510.832.3345
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Hodo Soy Beanery
Found only at select Farmers Markets for the time being, Hodo Soy Beanery is set to be a famous local tofu maker with their unimaginably good seasonings and attractive alterations to the typical tofu you'd think of. Try yuba, a custard-like Kyoto-style treat, or tofu jerky, which makes a perfect snack while exploring the streets of this soulful city. Meet the makers themselves at their Oakland manufacturing set-up, or just waltz the rows of Temescal and Jack London Square Farmers Markets to find them serving up soy delicacies to the crowds of happy eaters.
Hodo Soy Beanery
Old Oakland farmers Market
(415) 902-5137
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Bill's Creole Potato Salad
When a family-run business has secured sales with major food chains across the nation, you know they must have one fabulous secret recipe behind it all. Such is the case with Bill, the inventor of this addictive potato salad, flecked with black pepper, crimson paprika and fresh herbs and spices. Made fresh daily in Oakland, this stuff is shipped all over to loyal picnickers and diners near and far. Find your own taste by purchasing online, or at a grocer near you.
Bill's Creole Potato Salad
PO Box 20679
510.547.6116
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Delizia Olive Oil
Delizia Olive Oil
Emphasizing the freshest-pressed olive oil, Delizia packages their fine oils to protect against harmful sunlight and to ensure that the product tastes great, and allows the full flavors of your cooking to come alive. Single variety oils made from Tunisian olives make the flavors of any dish come together, or try lemon or lime flavored versions as a dip for foccacia or french bread. You can find Delizia at many fine markets in Oakland, or at their website.
Delizia Olive Oil
Oakland Markets
800.370.5554
website
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Destination Oakland Food and Drink