Category: Local

Welcome to Tina Chen’s East Bay local insights. Discover hidden gems, vibrant neighborhoods, and the best dining, parks, and activities the East Bay has to offer. Whether you’re exploring Oakland, Berkeley, or beyond, find curated recommendations to make the most of your East Bay experience.

Juanita & Maude

Juanita & Maude

Tina Chen

Wow, we were so impressed with the taste, creativity and freshness of the food! We started with the caviar with parsnip blini and the pork belly nam khao, which were just delicious. Our main entrees were steelhead salmon and porchetta-spiced sausages; both were executed perfectly. Dessert included Burnt honey goat’s milk cheesecake and pink peppercorn and strawberry mousse entremet. I usually don’t eat much dessert, but I splurge that night because the overall food was so outstanding.

The bill was $220 (including 2 glasses of wine) without tip, which is reasonable for the quality of food and service. This will definitely be a go-to restaurant when out-of-town guests visit!

Rockridge New Thai Restaurant Yimm is a Hit and other food musings

Tina Chen

In my pursuit of yummy Asian cuisine, I was  disappointed when Osmanthus on College Ave in Rockridge closed although I can’t say I was surprised. Osmanthus never created a presence in the Rockridge food scene. The Asian fusion menu was limited, the food mediocre and the outside patio under utilized.

Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised by the new Thai restaurant in place of Osmanthus. It claims to be Thai home cooking which includes fried egg with rice (often my favorite dinner), Yeh Tai Fo (seafoood noodles with red sauce) and Lord’s Noodle (steamed glass noodles). What’s great about Yimm is the absence of MSG in their food, even the soup. This is very significant since there’s an overwhelming amount of soup stocks which are  served in restaurants have MSG.

I’ve been there now 4 times and each time the food have been satisfying. I’ve taken my co-workers there and now they’re hooked too.Yimm menu

Rockridge A16 Italian

Tina Chen

I had heard from someone that the food was below average here. My friend made a surprise reservation last Friday night because he’s eaten at the one in SF, and I must say, I was skeptical.

The sun was setting on the front of the restaurant and the warm light rushed into the interior warming up the bar and the various artworks on the wall.
We had a lovely server name Emma who was friendly, engaging and knowledgeable.
We shared a funghi pizza ( a little bland) and ordered a the little gem salad which was excellent.

We then shared a braised half chicken with fennel. Deliciously flavored. I’d come back again!IMG_9859 2