I wonder if the deluxe ice cream sandwich shop in Berkeley, C.R.E.A.M. (cookies rule everything around me) will ever get in trouble with the Wu-Tang Clan who had a song by the same name though the acronym stands for ‘cash rules everything around me.’
Before we get to our snack review….Here’s a live clip of the song performed by Raekwon with the awesome El Michels Affair. Enjoy!
C.R.E.A.M in Berkeley’s Southside makes you wonder why someone didn’t think of this concept sooner. You can choose from several different cookies and a variety of ice cream flavors and your sandwich is hand made for you on the spot. I tried a snickerdoodle cookie with cinammon caramel ice cream. I also tried a ‘turtle’ cookie with salted caramel ice cream (which was good but almost too decadent for my taste). This place always has a line but it moves fast. It’s worth the wait.
C.R.E.A.M.
2399 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
510.655.5014
April 19, 2008 at 10:55 am
· Filed under Berkeley, Food
Tacubaya is one of the best tacquerias in the Bay Area. Situated on Berkeley’s 4th Street it’s the sister restaurant to Oakland’s Doña Tomas in the Temescal district. What makes the tacqueria so special are the rich flavors and fresh ingredients in every bite. The tacos al pastor are made with Niman Ranch pork and served on freshly made tortillas. If you go early you can also get fine desayuno items such as chilaquiles. On weekends, there’s often a line but it’s worth the wait if you want something special you can’t easily find at other places.
Tacubaya
1788 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
510.525.5160
I knew when I moved to Berkeley in 1997 that they had many great record stores — all within a few blocks of each other. That’s what made the arrival of Amoeba Records so surprising. From day one it was the best record store I’ve ever seen. They carried everything including all the obscure and import stuff I never could find elsewhere. Their San Francisco store is bigger but since I’m living in the East Bay I usually end up here. They also have extensive DVD offerings in addition to the music. Online shopping is convenient but I still enjoy the browsing experience. Their buyers always have something on the shelves that I want — but just didn’t know it existed.
Amoeba Records
2455 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704
510.549.1125
February 4, 2008 at 5:34 pm
· Filed under Berkeley, Food
For my birthday this year, I decided I wanted to dine at Eccolo on 4th Street in Berkeley. I’ve always liked the italian food served here and the decor inside but I’d only eaten lunch here in the past. The pork belly with beans appetizer was great as are all the salads which are made with locally sourced ingredients when possible. One special thing they make that I love are the Tuscan fries which are like little potato sticks instead of the usual fry cut. They also cure their own salumi so be sure to order some of that to start your meal. We took my parents here for lunch when they visited and it was a memorable meal for everyone. Dinner didn’t disappoint either and I look forward to my next meal here — it’s a great combination of food and atmosphere with lots of class.
Eccolo
1820 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
510.644.0444
September 29, 2007 at 11:39 am
· Filed under Berkeley, Food
T-Rex BBQ in West Berkeley makes some mean BBQ. Opened by the same people who operate Sea Salt, LaLimes, and Jimmy Bean’s cafe, the industrial chic lets in a lot of light. The upstairs has couch style seating and big screen TVs — it’d be a good place to watch a football game with friends. The food is delicious. The pulled pork and cheeseburgers are particularly good as are all their side dishes. The corn bread is made in a crock with honey. The fries are served with a nice chipotle flavored ketchup. There’s some outdoor seating next to the parking lot which they’ve screened in with some nice bamboo plantings. Berkeley’s got more vegetarian people than any place I know but T-Rex seems to have no trouble attracting those who enjoy a good piece of smoked meat.
T-Rex BBQ
1300 10th Street (at Gilman), Berkeley, CA 94710
510.527.0099
August 12, 2007 at 9:52 am
· Filed under Berkeley, Food
In the 20 years I’ve lived in the East Bay, I’ve never found a BBQ place I liked better than Everett and Jones. It’s a family owned business with outlets around the Bay Area. The downtown Oakland one is the most upscale with table service, patio seating, and live music. I go for the food and the #2 store in Berkeley is still the best. The links/brisket combo is delicious. Be careful to get the medium sauce — the hot sauce is more like “watch out” sauce. Expect your clothing will smell like smoke when you get home. It’s worth the price.
Everett and Jones #2 1955 San Pablo, Berkeley , CA 94702
510.548.8261
August 12, 2007 at 9:30 am
· Filed under Berkeley, Food
Gioia Pizza is the most New York like pizza I’ve had in the Bay Area and I’ve been looking for 20 years. Arinell’s in downtown Berkeley is NY-like but the pizza at Gioia is the real deal. Few people outside of Berkeley know this place since it’s tucked in a nidden neighborhood in North Berkeley. If you’re looking for good pizza you’ve got to try Gioia — the Bay Area’s best!
Gioia Pizzeria
1586 Hopkins Street, Berkeley, CA 94707
510.528.4692
I knew when I moved to Berkeley in 1997 that they had many great record stores — all within a few blocks of each other. That’s what made the arrival of 
For my birthday this year, I decided I wanted to dine at 
In the 20 years I’ve lived in the East Bay, I’ve never found a BBQ place I liked better than 
Gioia Pizza is the most New York like pizza I’ve had in the Bay Area and I’ve been looking for 20 years. Arinell’s in downtown Berkeley is NY-like but the pizza at Gioia is the real deal. Few people outside of Berkeley know this place since it’s tucked in a nidden neighborhood in North Berkeley. If you’re looking for good pizza you’ve got to try Gioia — the Bay Area’s best!