Work It, Berk

Work It, Oakland: Art Murmur

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 04:11:00 +0000

Spotted at Art Murmur on Telegraph & 26th.
Check out more photos from Oakland.

Eat in Berkeley: Tara's Organic Ice Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 06:06:00 +0000

Basil and lavender ice cream in a sesame cone

If you've been following the blog since last December or know me at all, you know that I have a soft, mostly frozen, and slightly melting spot for ice cream. Whether it's made with rose water, salt & pepper, or has a bit of a kick, I'm all over it. (I guess you could say I'm all over it "like a fat kid loves cake," but to be honest, cake is not my thing. Ice cream cake, however, is another issue entirely.) It would not be far-fetched for me to call Tara's the epitome of what I want in a scoop. When I'm in Los Angeles, Tara's is the ice cream experience I try to replicate. (If you're on Melrose, Neveux Artisan Creamery is pretty much tied.)

Located on College at Alcatraz in the Claremont-Rockridge part of Berkeley, Tara's has over twenty flavors of gourmet ice cream and sorbet that might cause involuntary salivation. The two I always look for and recommend are the lavender and the basil. If you're familiar with the world of bougie ice cream, you've probably experienced the delicate creaminess that is lavender. Tara's is that and then some. The basil is on a whole nother level. At first taste, you're confused and almost intoxicated by its intensity. Then you realize, "Oh my, this is savory," and most likely, "Wow, I could really go for some pasta right about now." You wonder, "Is this what ice cream is supposed to be?" After the bite is complete, Truth has revealed itself: "Yes."

It would be criminal if I didn't mention their cones. Tara's has a stock of fresh waffle cones made in-house that comes in two flavors, original and sesame. I would strongly urge you to try the latter. It's just the right amount of crispy and it truly tops off your ice cream experience.

Tara's also has a smaller Oakland location, which has about ten flavors and is equally as satisfying, in the heart of Temescal on Telegraph at 48th.

Live long and creamy.

More photos? Say yes.

June Playlist by Bethann Wagner

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 22:01:00 +0000

The style blogger to look out for, Bethann Wagner

I'm about 99.8% sure that Bethann Wagner was meant to be a style blogger.

Indication #1: The title of her blog is Beth Animal Print. As everyone who has ever picked up a fashion rag or browsed a style blog knows, being punny is essential. I'm not sure if it's because fashion can be so ~serious or because this is where bad puns come to die. (Or are they good puns? One can never be sure.)

Indication #2: Her style is flawless and her baby is even cuter. How many style bloggers do you know who have kids and haven't crossed over into mommy blogger territory? Exactly.

Indication #3: She's got girl power and some of the coolest lady friends around. In her Wonder Women Wednesday series (10 points for alliteration), she interviews inspiring women that she knows in fashion, beauty, and then some. She delves into issues beyond their favorite labels into topics like maintaining work-life balance, interior design, and life with kids.

Indication #4: Her wardrobe is dynamic, yet accessible. I don't know how many bloggers show off their Chanel such-and-such expecting us lowly readers to drool uncontrollably. As a lady of pragmatism and limited funds, I can appreciate looking good for less. (Side note: Thrift stores beat fast fashion any day.)

With very little warning on my part, Bethann graciously agreed to create a 13-track playlist for you lovely readers. Let the likes of Florence + The Machine, Ms. Britney Spears, and Phoenix dissipate any lingering Monday blues.

This photo was used with Bethann's permission and seal of approval.

Eat in Berkeley: Paragon Restaurant & Bar

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:55:00 +0000

Grilled chicken and spinach salad with Applewood smoked bacon, roasted mushrooms, blue cheese, red onion, and warm mustard

Sliced prime rib sandwich au jus with caramelized onion and horseradish mayo on an Acme torpedo roll, served with Gilroy garlic fries

Pan-roasted Alaskan halibut with couscous salad and blackberry vinaigrette

Graduation season is a little different for the families of the students. To me, it means enduring an exceptionally long commencement ceremony featuring a slew of mostly dull speakers trying to spin the same speech about the future we've heard many times before in a new way. Fortunately (or unfortunately for some), you are not alone in the audience wondering why this random student is being recognized for something everyone else already does; your family's with you. My brother just graduated and to celebrate the occasion, we went to the Paragon Restaurant & Bar at the Claremont Hotel in the Oakland Hills. (Pop culture fans will know it as where the Jolie-Pitts stayed when Brad was filming Moneyball.)

I've only been to the Claremont once before, to cash in a gift certificate for a massage. The restaurant is a bit more modern than the old money vibe that seeps through the hotel's pores. Their menu is simple, yet complete and pretty accessible. All of our courses were cheaper than anticipated; around $15 - $20 a pop. I ordered a prime rib sandwich au jus with garlic fries. The sandwich was as juicy as expected, although a bit messy. My family seemed to enjoy their food as well: the salad was fresh, the halibut flavorful, and the not pictured burger juicy. (Pro-tip: To get more bang for your buck, the sandwiches seem to be the more filling option than the main entrées.)

If you're looking for a taste of affordable luxury with an excellent view of the bay, why not try out the Paragon?

Eat in Berkeley: Grégoire

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 26 May 2013 07:06:00 +0000

Smoked shrimp ceviche with avocado & jicama on pantofolina

Crispy potato puffs

I can't think of a better way to reemerge myself in blogging after my brief hiatus than sharing one of my favorite sandwich spots in town, Grégoire. Unlike certain trendy Italian eateries in the city, Grégoire lives up to the hype and then some. Based on its location alone―smack dab in the middle of Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto―you know you're in for a treat.

For lunch, Grégoire serves a delicious selection of gourmet sandwiches made with the freshest ingredients, all for under $10. On my most recent visit, I ordered the smoked shrimp ceviche sandwich with creamy avocado and crunchy jicama. I've always left impressed and this sandwich was no different. Of course, no visit is complete without a taste of the crispy potato puffs. While this ball of joy is fried on the outside, it has a soft, almost velvety texture on the inside. As my knowledge of potatoes is limited, it's hard for me to grasp and even succinctly describe how these are made. Here's what I do know: 1) eat 'em fresh, 2) dip 'em in the tangy sauce provided, and 3) share 'em with a friend or two.

Since this is a takeout restaurant, every entrée is served in an adorable cardboard box lined with checkerboard paper. You can either eat at the picnic tables adjacent to the storefront or, if those are taken, have a picnic of your own at Tilden Park, only a few miles away.

Live long and potato puff.

May Playlist by Sherrie Hang

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 04 May 2013 04:23:00 +0000

The lady with the pixie, Ms. Sherrie Hang

I've been smitten with Sherrie Hang's style since I first photographed her in 2010. This was back when she was still an undergrad balancing her time between studying and designing killer looks for FAST. Now, you'd see her stomping around New York (New Yorkers always stomp... right?), wearing studded collars and tweeting about so-and-so's baby's new haircut. She graciously lent me some of her creative juices to create this 22-track playlist with artists that range from New York's own Azealia Banks to everyone's favorite ex-ramen-head, Justin Timberlake. So, pull up your favorite gossip rag, maybe get some ramen now that I mentioned it, and let this mix ease you into the new month. Live long and prosper...? \\//

This photo was used with Sherrie's permission and seal of approval. Amen!

Eat in SF: Flour + Water

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 03:50:00 +0000

Complimentary bread and olive oil

Butter lettuce salad with blue cheese, beets, and smoked walnuts

Mixed roast of pork with crispy potato, artichoke, fennel, and olive

Carrot tortelli with aleppo pepper, hazelnuts, and mint

Chocolate budino with espresso cream and sea salt

Macchiato with brown sugar

After reserving a table for two at Flour + Water in February, I was finally able to see what all the fuss surrounding this Mission hot spot was about this past week. With my new macro lens attached to my trusty DSLR and my 5 pm hunger pains a-churnin', I was ready to get my pasta on at this Italian eatery. I started off my meal with a couple pieces of complimentary bread and the butter lettuce salad. With my appetite whetted, I moved on to my main course of carrot tortelli as well as a taste of the pork. I finished with a splash: the chocolate budino with a generous sprinkling of sea salt and a sip of macchiato.

The verdict? Although every dish was rather delicious, they were quite small for their relatively large price tags. The plate whose size was least proportional to its cost was ironically the main course, my stuffed pasta. When the waitress brought it out, it was hard for me to disguise the disappointment in my face upon seeing that this $17 dish was made up of what appeared to be only seven pieces of ravioli folded in half. Sure, it was good, but not packed with as much flavor as anticipated. Fortunately, I curbed my hunger once and for all with a good helping of the chocolate budino, which was certainly bigger than my pasta dish.

Apart from the two-month wait time, high prices, and small portions, there's still a silver lining. Now I know to be more skeptical of Yelp reviews, which directed me towards the pasta instead of the pizza that is equally delicious and multitudes larger. Two old truths were also bolstered: don't be afraid to stuff yourself with bread and don't trust the hype. Or... why not just grab a burrito at El Farolito on Mission and 24th instead?

April Playlist by Vanessa Vazquez

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:30:00 +0000

Vanessa Vazquez (right), with her partner-in-crime Angie, of Those Pore Girls

There's a new beauty queen on the block and her name is Vanessa Vazquez. She's one half of the blogging duo behind Those Pore Girls, which chronicles Vanessa and Angie's (mis)adventures in finding makeup that matches their skin tone. Although I know next to nothing about beauty myself―beyond thick brows = god―I do know that TPG is one blog to watch. They bring their feminist-meets-girly girl outlook as they gauge where "Latina" fits in the whitewashed world of beauty. I'm excited to share Vanessa's April playlist of lady jams, featuring the likes of Bey, Macy Gray, and more.

This adorable photo was used with Vanessa's permission and seal of approval.

Eat in Berkeley: Sheng Kee Bakery

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 01:31:00 +0000

Coconut cream bun

Today I visited Sheng Kee Bakery on Telegraph, mere feet away from the UC Berkeley campus. With locations across the Bay Area, including a few in San Francisco, Sheng Kee serves a variety of sweet and savory baked goods, boba, and Berkeley's own Peet's Coffee. Both times I've been here I've ordered the coconut cream bun. It's 50% decadence and 50% creamy goodness. This bakery has opened rather recently but usually has a long line of eager students that goes through quickly. All of the baked goods are less than $2, filling the holes in your heart and your pocket. Did I mention it's damn good?

Work It, Berk: Pastel Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:16:00 +0000

Spotted at Wheeler Hall.
Check out more photos from Berkeley.

This is what I got at Cinnaholic today.

Pssst! Have you heard our March Playlist?

March Playlist by Bernie Samson

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:14:00 +0000

Bernie Samson, the blogger behind the BoxSpeaker Music blog

New month, new playlist! This month, we've got none other than Bernie Samson at the helm, local music blogger and fellow Amber Heard enthusiast. The 17-track mix features tunes by indie bigwigs and newcomers alike, such as Kitten, Neon Indian, Metric, and Flume. If her taste in formerly blonde actresses is any indication, this set is guaranteed to impress.

This photo was used with Bernie's permission and seal of approval. Thank heavens.

Work It, Berk: Daisy Skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:56:00 +0000

Spotted at Wheeler Hall.
Check out more photos from Berkeley.

Work It, Berk: Print Power

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 01:50:00 +0000

Spotted on Sproul Plaza.
Check out more photos from Berkeley.

P.S. This is what I got at Cinnaholic today.

Work It, Berk: The Students

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Spotted at Bancroft & Telegraph.
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Work It, Berk: Ready for Class

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Spotted at Durant & Telegraph.
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February Playlist by Chandamheer Stacker

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Chandamheer Stacker, the blogger behind pancakeSTACKER

Our February Playlist was curated by none other than San Francisco-based blogger, Chandamheer Stacker of pancakeSTACKER. Similar to how she guides readers through her foodie and style adventures on her blog, Chandamheer will give us a little bit of everything in this carefully put together mix. She starts our journey with a hip-hop classic, 50 Cent's "In Da Club," before submerging us in the dreamy sounds of Frank Ocean and The Weeknd. After a two-decade throwback with Biggie's "Hypnotize" and a Robin Thicke serenade, we'll be transported to an oscillating world of indie hits from Passion Pit and Miike Snow and pop numbers by Selena Gomez and Ellie Goulding. Sit back and let this 35-track playlist take you well into the new month.

This photo was used with Chandamheer's permission and seal of approval.

Work It, Berk: Red Beanie

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:44:00 +0000

Spotted at Bancroft & Telegraph.
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Look familiar? She's a blog veteran.

Work It, Berk: Spot On

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Spotted at Bancroft & Telegraph.
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Work It, Berk: Effortless

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Spotted at the farmers' market on Center and MLK.
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Work It, Berk: Market Fresh

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Spotted at the farmers' market on Center and MLK.
Check out more photos from Berkeley.

Work It, Berk: Downtown Duo

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Spotted on Shattuck near Allston.
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Eat in LA: Neveux Artisan Creamery

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Cardamon Creme Fraiche (left) and Maple Fig ice cream

You've probably noticed that I have quite a sweet tooth, which is often filled by ice cream. While in the Bay Area, I acquired a taste for gourmet ice cream featuring exotic (to me) ingredients like lavender and basil. After a close friend started working at an organic ice cream store on Telegraph in Oakland's Temescal District, my palate and desire for these gourmet treats grew. Luckily, when I returned to Los Angeles, I discovered Neveux Artisan Creamery on Melrose between Martel and Vista before my symptoms of bougie ice cream withdrawal exacerbated.

Unlike some of the über popular ice cream stores in Berkeley, at Neveux's you rarely have to wait in line and you can try two scoops for the price of one up north. That is not to say there's any decrease in quality; in fact, their blends have a smoothness and creaminess that is enviable to competitors. I've also tweeted at Leo the owner a few times and he's always responded with kind words. With ice cream in hand and attention received, what more could you ask for?

Eat in West Hollywood: Flavor of India

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Buffet plate featuring naan, rice, dal, chicken tikka masala, paneer, and aloo gobi

Flavor of India has the best Indian buffet in Los Angeles. I've searched high and low for a dynamic and thoroughly delicious Indian buffet (mainly west of La Brea) and Flavor of India on Santa Monica near Doheny in West Hollywood always comes out on top. The buffet features a solid selection for meat and veggie fiends alike. Some of the most commonly prepared dishes include tomato and cucumber salad, rice, naan, dal, some type of paneer dish, sautéed cauliflower and potatoes (aloo gobi), chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, a lamb dish, rice pudding, and fruit. My personal favorites are the naan, paneer, and rice pudding.

I've never had a bad experience here and their dishes are nothing short of delicious. They have a very welcoming and cognizant staff as well as a lovely semi open-air atmosphere. If you miss their brunch hours, you are still guaranteed to eat a tasty meal from their dinner menu.

Eat in Berkeley: Thai Temple Brunch

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Pad Thai and Yellow Curry with Chicken

Beef Noodle Soup

Mango Sticky Rice

Brunch at the Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai temple is one of Berkeley's not-so-well-kept secrets. Every Sunday morning, Thai temple, as it is commonly known, opens up its doors on Russell off of MLK to allow dozens of Berkeley residents to feast on their wide selection of Thai food. After exchanging a few dollars for some tokens, patrons make their way to six different lines serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, noodle soups, desserts, and beverages.

I have visited over a dozen times, trying every dish pictured above, and I can firmly say that they're all pretty solid examples of good Thai food. They also recently started serving fried coconut milk desserts, which can really only be a good thing. Word to the wise, visit around noon before the food starts to run out and prepare to take home leftovers.

January Playlist by Whitney Deng and Mallory Watkins

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Whitney and Mallory, the pair behind Ready Two Wear

I'm pretty sure that Whitney Deng and Mallory Watkins were born with style oozing through their veins. They've mastered the art of mixing low fashion and high fashion pieces, while always staying on the pulse of what's trendy. I met the two ladies a couple years ago, before their style was as polished as it is today and when they still blogged under the name of WhitWatWear. They have since moved on to take the fashion blogging world by storm as the duo behind Ready Two Wear. Check out their blog for a strong command of color and texture as well as an almost infinite supply of statement necklaces. Let Whitney and Mallory help you ring in the new year with their January playlist.

This photo was used with Whitney and Mallory's permission and seal of approval.