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Message: If you are having trouble reading this email, you may view this article online at: http://www.jweekly.com/30000/full/30000/dine-out-or-eat-in/ Dine Out or Eat In? Tuesday, August 8, 2006 | by Best Kosher Food For those who thought kosher food only came from the nearest Israeli butcher, j. readers showed that the Bay Area has much more to offer. With Asian delicacies at Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian in San Francisco, Middle Eastern specialties at Holy Land Restaurant in the East Bay, and traditional Jewish food at Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels in the South Bay/Peninsula, consumers can choose from what j. readers consider the best. Since it’s billed as a kosher and vegetarian restaurant, finding meat on the menu at Shangri-La may be a surprise. But it’s faux meat, of course. For the past 17 years, family-owned Holy Land in Oakland has served its East Bay clientele like relatives seeking kosher products — from grinding garbanzo beans for falafel to squeezing fresh lemonade. “It’s like Jewish soul food,” says Miri Levy, who took over the restaurants after her parents expanded to a second store in Berkeley. Boasting a five-generation-old recipe, owner Israel Rind believes that Izzy’s in Palo Alto offers an authentic bagel. After 10 years, he says, Izzy’s has perfected the “best tasting bagel in the area.” But items such as Brooklyn-style pizza and challah also tempted j. readers. Bar Ristorante Raphael won for second place in the East Bay. First Place San Francisco Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian (415) 731-2548 East Bay Holy Land Restaurant Oakland (510) 272-0535 <a href="http://www.holylandrestaurant.com">www.holylandrestaurant.com</a> South Bay/Peninsula Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels Palo Alto (650) 520-7450 <a href="http://www.izzysbrooklynbagels.com">www.izzysbrooklynbagels.com</a> Second Place East Bay Bar Ristorante Raphael Berkeley (510) 644-9500 <a href="http://www.ristoranteraphael.com">www.ristoranteraphael.com</a> Best Jewish-Style Deli When you don’t need to separate your milks from your meats but still crave home cookin’ like mama used to make, you might take a close look at the winners for best Jewish-style restaurant: East Coast West Delicatessen in San Francisco, Saul’s Deli and Restaurant in the East Bay, Max’s Restaurants for the South Bay/Peninsula, and Mangia/Nosh Café in Marin/Sonoma. If you feel at home in a classic New York deli, many details are likely to jump out at the 5-year-old East Coast West. “Formica tabletop and cheap flatware. Certainly not fine dining but really yummy dining!” contends operating partner Robby Morgenstein. In the East Bay, it’s Saul’s versatility that may have alerted readers to this Berkeley treasure, a combination deli and restaurant that uses mostly organic ingredients. According to manager Lorraine Rosenthal, Saul’s has “Jewish food from all over the world, but then again, we have food that has nothing to do with Jewish food but just what’s in season.” After being around for 28 years, Max’s many Bay Area restaurants have built a following for their comfort food — including chicken soup, corned beef Reubens and matzah balls. As second-generation owner Billy Berkowitz points out, “There’s a lot of shtick on this menu.” As a retail outlet for Mangia/Nosh catering, the same-named cafe offers a menu — ranging from traditional Jewish fare to modern fusion — that constantly changes. “A senior citizen might say, ‘Put a stick of cinnamon in the brisket,’ and the next day we’ll have done it,” owner Robert Meyer says. In second place, California Street Delicatessen & Café won for San Francisco, Oakland Kosher Foods won in the East Bay, Brother’s Deli topped the South Bay/Peninsula choices, and Max’s Restaurants won in Marin/Sonoma. First Place San Francisco East Coast West Delicatessen (415) 563-3542 East Bay Saul’s Deli and Restaurant Berkeley (510) 848-DELI <a href="http://www.saulsdeli.com">www.saulsdeli.com</a> South Bay/Peninsula Max’s Restaurants Various locations (650) 323-MAXS <a href="http://www.maxsworld.com">www.maxsworld.com</a> Marin/Sonoma Mangia/Nosh Café San Rafael (415) 444-8075 <a href="http://www.mangianosh.com">www.mangianosh.com</a> Second Place San Francisco California Street Delicatessen & Café (415) 922-DELI <a href="http://www.californiastreetdeli.com">www.californiastreetdeli.com</a> East Bay Oakland Kosher Foods Oakland (510) 839-0177 South Bay/Peninsula Brother’s Deli Burlingame (650) 343-2311 Marin/Sonoma Max’s Restaurants Various locations (650) 323-MAXS <a href="http://www.maxsworld.com">www.maxsworld.com</a> Best Middle Eastern From baba ghanoush to lamb lule, Middle Eastern fare in the Bay Area offers a lot more selections than the toppings bar at an Israeli falafel stand. Consider, for instance, La Mediterranee in San Francisco, Holy Land Restaurant in the East Bay and DishDash in the South Bay/Peninsula — all of which took home first-place prizes in this category. Owner Levon Derbedrossian of La Mediterranee certainly knows how to keep people coming back for seconds. After 27 years at the restaurant (which has two San Francisco locations), his eatery still seats original customers and their growing families. “People feel at home here,” Derbedrossian says. Named after a traditional Middle Eastern article of clothing, DishDash tries to embody a relaxed feeling. The café-like setting combines traditional Middle Eastern delicacies such as falafel and kabobs with more exotic entrees. Information on Holy Land Restaurant can be found under the award for best kosher food. Sabra Grill in San Francisco and the Berkeley location of La Mediterranee in the East Bay won for second place. First Place San Francisco La Mediterranee (415) 921-2956 <a href="http://www.cafelamed.com">www.cafelamed.com</a> East Bay Holy Land Restaurant Oakland (510) 272-0535 <a href="http://www.holylandrestaurant.com">www.holylandrestaurant.com</a> South Bay/Peninsula DishDash Sunnyvale (408) 774-1889 <a href="http://www.dishdash.net">www.dishdash.net</a> Second Place San Francisco Sabra Grill (415) 982-3656 <a href="http://www.sabragrill.com">www.sabragrill.com</a> East Bay La Mediterranee Berkeley (510) 540-7773 <a href="http://www.cafelamed.com">www.cafelamed.com</a> Best Chinese Food J. readers know that Chinese restaurants serve great meals on more than just Christmas Eve — and in the Bay Area, there’s no shortage of choices. Readers decided that Eliza’s in San Francisco, Shen Hua in the East Bay, Mandarin Gourmet in the South Bay/Peninsula, and CJ Chinese Cuisine in Marin/Sonoma won the golden potsticker. When walking into Eliza’s, diners are greeted by large, colorful paintings and bright lights, creating a visual appetizer to the entrees at affordable prices. Berkeley’s Shen Hua serves up specialties such as Spicy Lemon Pepper Prawns and Northern Style Vegetable Garden — a joy for readers in the busy Berkeley atmosphere. With its three locations in the South Bay, all owned by the same family, Mandarin Gourmet attracts a clientele that rave about items such as Honey Walnut Prawns and Tangerine Beef. When Michael Hsu, manager of CJ Chinese Cuisine, moved from Taiwan to Larkspur many years ago, he was impressed by how much like his old home his new one felt. To keep that sensation, Hsu says, “I treat our customers like family.” Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian won second place for San Francisco while Kirin Chinese Restaurant took second in the East Bay. First Place San Francisco Eliza’s (415) 648-9999 East Bay Shen Hua Berkeley (510) 883-1777 South Bay/Peninsula Mandarin Gourmet Various locations (408) 725-8168 <a href="http://www.themandaringourmet.com">www.themandaringourmet.com</a> Marin/Sonoma CJ Chinese Cuisine Larkspur (415) 924-0717 Second Place San Francisco Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian (415) 731-2548 East Bay Kirin Chinese Restaurant Berkeley (510) 524-1677 Best Sushi Enjoy raw fish? Many j. readers do — and they really know what they like. For best sushi, they clearly picked Ebisu in San Francisco, Kirala for the East Bay, Fuki Sushi in the South Bay/Peninsula, and Sushi Ran in Marin/Sonoma. Ebisu, which refers to the deity of prosperity in one’s occupation, combines traditional Japanese sushi with specialty items such as the Hannukah Roll (smoked salmon, salmon roe and green onion), according to proprietor Steve Fujii. Boasting a generous menu selection (at both its Robata grill and sushi bar), Berkeley’s Kirala serves many old favorites in a comfortable setting. Fuki in Palo Alto offers customers more than the average Japanese restaurant — including a large selection of vegetarian sushi, it’s no wonder, then, that manager Lumi Gardner says his place is the caterer of choice for many kosher parties. Sushi Ran in Sausalito offers not only appetizing entrees but a wine and sake list “unparalleled in California,” according to its Web site. Each dish is artistically designed by executive chef Scott Whitman. In second place, Blowfish Sushi won for San Francisco, and Mijori Japanese Restaurant for the East Bay. First Place San Francisco Ebisu (415) 566-1770 <a href="http://www.ebisusushi.com">www.ebisusushi.com</a> East Bay Kirala Berkeley (510) 549-3486 <a href="http://www.kiralaberkeley.com">www.kiralaberkeley.com</a> South Bay/Peninsula Fuki Sushi Palo Alto (650) 494-9383 <a href="http://www.fukisushi.com">www.fukisushi.com</a> Marin/Sonoma Sushi Ran Sausalito(415) 332-3620 <a href="http://www.sushiran.com">www.sushiran.com</a> Second Place San Francisco Blowfish Sushi (415) 285-3848 <a href="http://www.blowfishsushi.com">www.blowfishsushi.com</a> East Bay Mijori Japanese Restaurant Oakland (510) 465-8854 Best Italian Food Visions of red-checkered tablecloths, large extended families and endless bowls of spaghetti may have been dancing through the heads of j. readers when they voted for best Italian food. Winners were Delfina Pizzeria in San Francisco, Bar Ristorante Raphael for the East Bay, Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too in the South Bay/Peninsula, and Il Davide for Marin/Sonoma. After only one year in business, Delfina is off to a running start. With maximum occupancy at only 30, the place likes to “get ‘em packed full,” according to manager Anthony Strong. Under the prowess of Italian-born chef Domenico Testa, Bar Ristorante Raphael in Berkeley continues to serve specialized dishes. Owner Hope Alper explains, “We have raised the bar for kosher dining. We have shown that it can be delicious, innovative and elegant.” Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too has half a century’s iexperience pleasing customers. As the restaurant is family-owned, employees can really control the quality of the food, says Manager Melinda Strole. For 11 years, Il Davide in San Rafael has provided homemade pasta and ravioli served with a smile. “The way everyone works so well together really makes you feel like you are wanted,” General Manager Chris Wirth saiys. First Place San Francisco Delfina Pizzeria (415) 552-4055 <a href="http://www.pizzeriadelfina.com">www.pizzeriadelfina.com</a> East Bay Bar Ristorante Raphael Berkeley (510) 644-9500 <a href="http://www.ristoranteraphael.com">www.ristoranteraphael.com</a> South Bay/Peninsula Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too Mountain View (650) 967-5384 <a href="http://www.fjlmountainview.com">www.fjlmountainview.com</a> Marin/Sonoma Il Davide San Rafael (415) 454-8080 <a href="http://www.ildavide.net">www.ildavide.net</a> Best Pizza While California doesn’t have a characteristic style of pizza, Bay Area readers enjoy indulging in those associated with other areas. From New York thin crust to Chicago deep dish, winners in this category offer multiple options: Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria for San Francisco and the South Bay/Peninsula, Zachary’s Pizza won for the East Bay, and Pizzeria Picco won in Marin/Sonoma. Since its first restaurant opened in 1987, Amici’s has expanded to eight locations in the Bay Area. Owner Peter Cooperstein believed the Bay Area needed to taste the type of thin-crust pizza commonly found in Boston or New York.” At Zachary’s in the East Bay, visitors have come to expect smiles on the faces of servers — especially since the company became employee-owned a few years back. Also, its family atmosphere extends to the kitchen: Chief Operating Officer J.P. LaRussa explains that “we cook here like we would cook at home.” Picco’s menu is truly exotic, promising inspiration from California, the Mediterranean, Asia and the Middle East. And this Larkspur locale complements the creations of chef Bruce Hill with a full wine menu. In second place were Pizza Orgasmica in San Francisco and the Cheeseboard Pizza Collective for the East Bay. First Place San Francisco and South Bay/Peninsula Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria Various locations (415) 885-4500 <a href="http://www.amicis.com">www.amicis.com</a> East Bay Zachary’s Pizza Various locations (510) 655-6385 <a href="http://www.zacharys.com">www.zacharys.com</a> Marin/Sonoma Pizzeria Picco Larkspur (415) 441-5669 <a href="http://www.pizzeriapicco.com">www.pizzeriapicco.com</a> Second Place San Francisco Pizza Orgasmica (415) 931-5300 <a href="http://www.pizzaorgasmica.com">www.pizzaorgasmica.com</a> East Bay The Cheeseboard Pizza Collective Berkeley (510) 549-3055 <a href="http://www.cheeseboardcollective.coop">www.cheeseboardcollective.coop</a> Best Breakfast/Brunch When looking for a dining experience that stretches over two mealtimes, Bay Area readers picked Ella’s for San Francisco, Mama’s Royal Café for the East Bay, Hobee’s for the South Bay/Peninsula, and Dipsea Café for Marin/Sonoma. Besides being located across the street from the JCC, Ella’s offers diners other incentives to visit: Owner Matt Scov raves about the two open-air kitchens and the menu that changes weekly — as well as the loyal service staff and the many regular customers who are greeted by name. At Mama’s, napkins can be works of art and brunch is served in a building that used to be an old Chinese restaurant. Since 1974, George Marino has strived to put out top-quality food with lots of local ingredients. “Whenever there is some kind of disaster, like 9/11, people come here to feel the community,” Marino says. Hobee’s founder Paul Taber’s 32-year-old creation hasn’t lost any steam throughout the years. Hobee’s eight Bay Area locations are one-stop shops for all breakfast favorites, offering plates such as its signature blueberry coffee cake and “Best Darn Breakfast in Town” (order BDBIT). Owner John Siotres of the Dipsea in Mill Valley believes that making all his menu items from scratch is a “lost art.” As he periodically makes adjustments to the menu, Siotres explains that “we are always trying to stay in touch with our base and keep them happy.” In second place, Town’s End Restaurant & Bakery won for San Francisco, and Rick & Anne’s won for the East Bay. First Place San Francisco Ella’s (415) 441-5669 <a href="http://www.ellassanfrancisco.com">www.ellassanfrancisco.com</a> East Bay Mama’s Royal Café Oakland(510) 547-7600 <a href="http://www.mamasroyalcafeoakland.com">www.mamasroyalcafeoakland.com</a> South Bay/Peninsula Hobee’s Various locations (650) 493-7823 <a href="http://www.hobees.com">www.hobees.com</a></pd> Marin/Sonoma Dipsea Café Mill Valley (415) 381-0298 <a href="http://www.dipseacafe.com">www.dipseacafe.com</a> Second Place San Francisco Town’s End Restaurant & Bakery (415) 512-0749 East Bay Rick & Anne’s Berkeley (510) 649-8538 <a href="http://www.rickandanns.com">www.rickandanns.com</a> Best California Cuisine What does the term “California cuisine” really mean? Four different restaurants in the Bay Area have defined the phrase in their own terms, and as a result won the Readers’ Choice awards for best California cuisine: Boulevard for San Francisco, Chez Panisse for the East Bay, California Café for the South Bay/Peninsula, and Mangia/Nosh Café for Marin/Sonoma. The combination of chef Nancy Oakes and designer Pat Kuleto make Boulevard a dining experience for all senses. Located in the 1889 French-style Audiffred Building, diners eat in the elegant interior that Kuleto designed to be reminiscent of the Belle Epoque. Chez Panisse in Berkeley was created in 1971, and combines a formal restaurant (with a menu that changes daily) with a lighter café that between them provide the right amount of food for virtually anyone’s hunger level and time allotment. Founder Alice Waters has gone on to establish the Chez Panisse Foundation, which is currently focused on school lunch reform in Berkeley. The California Café in Los Gatos is one of a far-reaching chain of six restaurants, from Bloomington, Minn., to Denver. With many different scenic seating areas, this restaurant can accommodate parties in its main dining room, three supplementary rooms or the outdoor patio. Information on Mangia/Nosh Café can be found under the award for best Jewish-style deli. First Place San Francisco Boulevard (415) 543-6084 <a href="http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com">www.boulevardrestaurant.com</a> East Bay Chez Panisse Berkeley (510) 548-5525 <a href="http://www.chezpanisse.com">www.chezpanisse.com</a> South Bay/Peninsula California Café Los Gatos (408) 354-8118 <a href="http://www.californiacafe.com">www.californiacafe.com</a> Marin/Sonoma Mangia/Nosh Café San Rafael (415) 444-8075 <a href="http://www.mangianosh.com">www.mangianosh.com</a> Best Hamburgers Bay Area residents expect a certain sophistication in their food — even when it comes to hamburgers. Discriminating readers picked the hamburgers at Barney’s Gourmet Café as best in San Francisco and the East Bay, and Kirk’s Steakburgers in the South Bay/Peninsula. With eight locations in the Bay Area and two more in Southern California, Barney’s has been satisfying customers since 1978. It offers a laid-back atmosphere and diverse selection (there are over 20 veggie burgers on the menu). But Kirk’s wins the longevity prize — with 58 years of serving diners at restaurants in Palo Alto, San Jose and Campbell. The no-frills eateries offer massive burgers, and recently added Western French fries to the menu. Zuni Café in San Francisco won for second place. First Place San Francisco and East Bay Barney’s Gourmet Café Various locations (415) 282-7770 <a href="http://www.barneyshamburgers.com">www.barneyshamburgers.com</a> South Bay/Peninsula Kirk’s Steakburgers Various locations (650) 326-6159 Second Place San Francisco Zuni Café (415) 552-2522 Best Seafood In a region surrounded by water, Bay Area readers have a wide choice in their seafood. So it could be truly considered an honor for Aqua in San Francisco, Scott’s Seafood in the East Bay, the Fish Market in the South Bay/Peninsula, and Fish. in Marin/Sonoma to be named best seafood restaurant. Chef Mich’l Mina has been known to whip up fascinating entrees at Aqua. Described as a mix of French and Californian cuisine, his dishes are served in an atmosphere filled with soft jazz and huge flower arrangements. Scott’s is a tradition in the Bay Area, with 30 years of business and seven locations under its belt. This seafood restaurant is a bit classier than most, with white tablecloths and an elegant setting. “We treat everyone like they are a part of our family,” owner Michael Stagg says. At the Fish Market in Palo Alto, diners can trust that they’ll get only quality fish — because the restaurateurs also maintain a fishery that supplies their fish, according to owner Thomas Fisher. Animal rights activists can sleep a little easier if they plan to visit Fish. in Sausalito — an eatery that serves fresh fish from local waters. And General Manager Kenny Bellov works directly with fisherman, making sure they’re paid fairly. In second place, Pacific Café won for San Francisco, and Marica won for the East Bay. First Place San Francisco Aqua (415) 956-9662 <a href="http://www.aqua-sf.com">www.aqua-sf.com</a> East Bay Scott’s Seafood Various locations (510) 444-3456 <a href="http://www.scottsseafood.com">www.scottsseafood.com</a> South Bay/Peninsula The Fish Market Palo Alto (650) 493-9188 <a href="http://www.thefishmarket.com">www.thefishmarket.com</a> Marin/Sonoma Fish. Sausalito (415) 331-FISH <a href="http://www.331fish.com">www.331fish.com</a> Second Place San Francisco Pacific Café (415) 387-7091 East Bay Marica Oakland (510) 985-8388 <a href="http://www.themenupage.com/marica.html">www.themenupage.com/marica.html</a> Best Blintzes While each blintz may have its own degree of delectability, only a few places can produce the authentic, finger-lickin’ indulgence, be it filled with jam or cheese. Bay Area readers carefully picked their favorites — California Street Delicatessen & Café for San Francisco, Grand Bakery for the East Bay, and Delicious! Inc. Catering Company for Marin/Sonoma. According to manager Dale Forrest of the California Street Deli, the concept of the New York-style deli was designed especially for its presence in the JCC. “There is a lack of this type of cuisine in San Francisco,” Forrest said. “It was a void that needed to be filled.” Described by a customer as the “glue that holds the East Bay together,” the Grand Bakery in Oakland creates an upbeat environment for shoppers, from the Hebrew baseball caps on the walls to the employees quizzing customers for free cookies. According to owner Bob Jaffe, they make everything by hand. (The bakery also won in many other food categories.) Meanwhile, who knew that Jan Goldberg’s humble start in 1975 as a stay-at-home mom and volunteer cook would grow into the company now known as Delicious! Inc.? While Goldberg explains that her menu ranges from Latin to Asian to Mediterranean, readers recognized her traditional Jewish blintzes as the best in the vicinity. Delicious! Inc. was also chosen as best non-kosher caterer. First Place San Francisco California Street Delicatessen & Café (415) 922-DELI <a href="http://www.californiastreetdeli.com">www.californiastreetdeli.com</a> East Bay Grand Bakery Oakland (510) 465-1110 Marin/Sonoma Delicious! Inc. San Rafael (415) 453-3710 <a href="http://www.deliciouscatering.com">www.deliciouscatering.com</a> Best Brisket For the most flavorful cuts of brisket, Bay Area readers did not venture far from the traditional in their choices. Bay Area favorites turn out to be the California Street Deli for San Francisco, Oakland Kosher Foods for the East Bay and Robert Meyer’s Mangia/Nosh Café for Marin. Specializing in butchering and catering, Oakland Kosher Foods has served the Bay Area for 20 years. Yuval Atias, an owner, maintains that the store is one of the biggest that has a large kosher section in addition to non-kosher foods. “You could go to Trader Joes’s and just buy your meat off the shelf,” Atias explains, “but here you get service.” Information on the California Street Deli can be found under the award for best blintzes. Information on Meyer’s Mangia/Nosh can be found under the award for best Jewish style deli. Saul’s Restaurant and Delicatessen won second in the East Bay. First Place San Francisco California Street Delicatessen & Café (415) 922-DELI <a href="http://www.californiastreetdeli.com">www.californiastreetdeli.com</a> East Bay Oakland Kosher Foods Oakland (510) 839-0177 Marin/ Sonoma Robert Meyer’s Mangia/Nosh Café San Rafael (415) 444-8075 <a href="http://www.mangianosh.com">www.mangianosh.com</a> Second Place East Bay Saul’s Restaurant and Delicatessen Berkeley (510) 848-DELI <a href="http://www.saulsdeli.com">www.saulsdeli.com</a> Best Challah Whether yours is sweet, chocolate chip, traditional or covered with sesame seeds, the challah on your table can certainly help define Shabbat dinner. Readers have chosen four businesses whose challahs they especially trust to make meals terrific: Irving’s Premium Foods for San Francisco, Grand Bakery in the East Bay, Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels for the South Bay/Peninsula, and Robert Meyer’s Mangia/Nosh Café in Marin/Sonoma. A business created sort of “by accident,” Irving’s Premium Foods was only meant to be a way for Irving Greisman to earn some extra money when his dot-com wasn’t doing well. However, that was four years ago, and consumers continue to order more than 600 challahs a week. Greisman makes his challah at a commercial bakery and delivers them every Friday. However, he still argues that his “main business is computers.” Information on Grand Bakery can be found under the award for best blintzes. Information on Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels can be found under the award for best kosher foods. Information on Robert Meyer’s Mangia/Nosh Café can be found under the award for best Jewish-style deli. For second place, Noe Valley Bakery won for San Francisco and Semifreddi’s won for the East Bay. First Place San Francisco Irving’s Premium Foods (415) 753-5474 <a href="http://www.irvprem.com">www.irvprem.com</a> East Bay Grand Bakery Oakland (510) 465-1110 South Bay/Peninsula Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels Palo Alto (650) 329-0700 <a href="http://www.izzysbrooklynbagels.com">www.izzysbrooklynbagels.com</a> Marin/Sonoma Robert Meyer’s Mangia/Nosh Café San Rafael (415) 444-8075 <a href="http://www.mangianosh.com">www.mangianosh.com</a> Second Place San Francisco Noe Valley Bakery (415) 550-1405 <a href="http://www.noevalleybakery.com">www.noevalleybakery.com</a> East Bay Semifreddi’s Emeryville (510) 596-9930 Best Chicken Soup, Best Matzah Balls, & Best Corned Beef or Pastrami Businesses that offer traditional Jewish dishes often have an uphill battle because many a consumer has fond memories of his or her mother’s cooking. Becoming a winner for best chicken soup, matzah balls and corned beef or pastrami is a quite a feat, however — one met and met and met by the three regional winners, each of whom swept all three categories. Max’s Restaurants won for San Francisco and the South Bay/Peninsula, Saul’s Restaurant and Delicatessen in the East Bay, and Robert Meyer’s Mangia/Nosh Café for Marin/Sonoma. For second place in chicken soup, the California Street Deli won for San Francisco, Oakland Kosher Foods in the East Bay, and Max’s for Marin/Sonoma. For second place in matzah balls, California Street won for San Francisco and Oakland Holy Land for the East Bay. For second place in corned beef or pastrami, Oakland Kosher won in the East Bay. First Place San Francisco and South Bay/Peninsula Max’s Restaurants Various locations (650) 323-MAXS <a href="http://www.maxsworld.com">www.maxsworld.com</a> East Bay Saul’s Restaurant and Delicatessen Berkeley (510) 848-DELI <a href="http://www.saulsdeli.com">www.saulsdeli.com</a> Marin/Sonoma Robert Meyer’s Mangia/Nosh Café San Rafael (415) 444-8075 <a href="http://www.mangianosh.com">www.mangianosh.com</a> Second Place Chicken Soup San Francisco California Street Delicatessen & Café (415) 922-DELI <a href="http://www.californiastreetdeli.com">www.californiastreetdeli.com</a> East Bay Oakland Kosher Foods Oakland (510) 839-0177 Marin/Sonoma Max’s Restaurants Matzah Balls San Francisco California Street Delicatessen & Café East Bay Holy Land Restaurant Oakland (510) 272-0535 <a href="http://www.holylandrestaurant.com">www.holylandrestaurant.com</a> Corned Beef or Pastrami East Bay Oakland Kosher Foods Best Rugelach Another savory dessert item, rugelach has been appearing at more and more mainstream bakeries and restaurants. According to Bay Area readers, Max’s Restaurants for San Francisco and Grand Bakery for the East Bay take the cake ... er ... rugelach for this dessert specialty. Information on Max’s Restaurants can be found under the award for best chicken soup. Information on the Grand Bakery can be found under the award for best blintzes. First Place San Francisco Max’s Restaurants Various locations (650) 323-MAXS <a href="http://www.maxsworld.com">www.maxsworld.com</a> East Bay Grand Bakery Oakland (510) 465-1110 Best Kosher-Style Pickles In making the perfect pickle, many agree, getting the perfect combination of cucumber and brine is akin to an art. Perhaps the California Street Delicatessen & Café in San Francisco and Saul’s Deli and Restaurant in the East Bay hire artists — at least, readers seem to agree they offer the best kosher-style pickles. Information on the California Street Deli can be found under the award for best blintzes. Information on Saul’s can be found under the award for best Jewish-style deli. First Place San Francisco California Street Delicatessen & Café (415) 922-DELI <a href="http://www.californiastreetdeli.com">www.californiastreetdeli.com</a> East Bay Saul’s Restaurant and Delicatessen Berkeley (510) 848-DELI <a href="http://www.saulsdeli.com">www.saulsdeli.com</a> Best Dessert We’re all likely to have a craving for a good black-and-white cookie or rugelach more often than we’d like to admit. How to satisfy that need? Readers decided the best choices for dessert are Sweet Things in San Francisco, the Grand Bakery in the East Bay and Max’s Restaurants in the South Bay/Peninsula. Friendly and knowledgeable since the company began in 1977, employees aim to serve the highest quality baked goods — from cakes to seasonal shortbread cutouts — at Sweet Things’ retail stores in San Francisco and Tiburon. To make things as easy as a keystroke, the company also lets customers order from its Web site. Information on the Grand Bakery can be found under the award for best blintzes. Information on Max’s Restaurants can be found under the award for best Jewish-style deli. In second place, Masse’s Pastries won in the East Bay. First Place San Francisco Sweet Things (415) 221-8583 <a href="http://www.sweetthings.com">www.sweetthings.com</a> East Bay Grand Bakery Oakland (510) 465-1110 South Bay/Peninsula Max’s Restaurants Various locations (650) 323-MAXS <a href="http://www.maxsworld.com">www.maxsworld.com</a> Second Place East Bay Masse’s Pastries Berkeley (510) 649-1004 <a href="http://www.massespastries">www.massespastries</a>

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