Have a Nosh
Thursday, August 14, 2008 | byBagels
Whether you like ‘em seeded, toasted with lox and shmear or naked as their first moments out of the oven, bagels are a staple of the Jewish diet — and often come under scrutiny on the West Coast, especially from New York transplants. The winning local bagel establishments have withstood the skepticism and prove that we can make bagels by the bay.
A favorite among college students and stroller-pushing parents alike, Berkeley Bagels in Albany is known for its generously sized, perfectly crispy bagels, as well as for its busy, sociable weekend crowds. The eatery also carries Acme whitefish salad — a nostalgic treat for Brooklyn natives.
Over at House of Bagels in San Francisco, the management is proud to claim that their fare is “indistinguishable from the best available on the East Coast!” In addition to a hearty selection of bagels and deli sandwiches, the local chain carries a line of kosher items like Tabatchnick soups, Ungar’s gefilte fish and Streit’s matzah.
Customers rave about the great prices and flavor of the bagel sandwiches at Barton’s Bagels in San Anselmo. Complete with lox, capers and various spreads, the sandwiches are great for lunch and dinner. Plain bagels remain the customer favorite, but Barton’s also offers some exotic tastes for sweeter palates, including chocolate and cinnamon sugar.
At Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels in Palo Alto, Assistant Manager Markel Cardozo finds that people come as far away as San Francisco to beat the store’s morning rush for plain, sesame and everything bagels. And like the rest of our winners, they make “real” bagels — boiled, not steamed.
Coming in second were Noah’s Bagels, with its multiple locations in San Francisco and the East Bay, and the House of Bagels branches in the South Bay/Peninsula and North Bay.
1st Place
San Francisco
House of Bagels
(415) 752-6000
http://www.houseofbagels.com
East Bay
Berkeley Bagels
Albany
(510) 524-3104
South Bay/Peninsula
Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels
Palo Alto
(650) 329-0700
http://www.izzysbrooklynbagels.com
North Bay
Barton’s Bagels
San Anselmo
(415) 458-8818
2nd Place
San Francisco and East Bay
Noah’s Bagels
Various locations
(415) 693-0310
http://www.noahs.com
South Bay/Peninsula and North Bay
House of Bagels
Various locations
(415) 752-6000
http://www.houseofbagels.com
Bakery
The aromas of fresh cookies and morning buns wafting from an oven are truly irresistible — so why try to fight it? Instead, treat yourself to one of the specialties these favorite Bay Area bakers whip up on a daily basis.
Sweet Things, a quaint Tiburon bakeshop that specializes in cupcakes, says kids are their toughest customers to please — and they seem to love those bite-sized lemon, chocolate, carrot and vanilla frosted cakes, because they keep coming back! “We make things the way Mom would make them,” says bakery co-owner Sharon Leach.
At Tartine Bakery, in the heart of the Mission, the emphasis is on local and organic ingredients — to say nothing of the local atmosphere! “People come for the scene — there’s [often] a line out the door, folks from the neighborhood come and meet each other,” says Store Manager Sierra Zumwalt. She adds that plenty of out-of-towners also come for the morning buns and bread pudding the bakery creates each day.
Among kosher-keepers with a sweet tooth, Bob Jaffe’s Grand Bakery in Oakland has long been a favorite. It’s hard for Jaffe to pick just one item to brag about — repeat customers drool over his black-and-white cookies, rugelach and challah, among other goodies.
A tie in the South Bay/Peninsula goes to the Cakery and Copenhagen Bakery & Café, both in Burlingame. The Cakery specializes in sweet treats fit for royalty — they are well known for their Princess Cake with marzipan and mango mousse. At Copenhagen, a Scandinavian influence flavors their desserts, from hazelnut buttercream Kringlers to rich wedding cakes with almond paste.
For more sweet treats, check out our second-place bakeries: Irving’s Premium Challah in San Francisco, Debbie Does Dessert in San Anselmo and Arizmendi in Oakland.
1st Place
San Francisco
Tartine Bakery
(415) 487-2600
http://www.tartinebakery.com
East Bay
Grand Bakery
Oakland • (510) 465-1110
South Bay/Peninsula
The Cakery
Burlingame • (650) 344-1006
http://www.burlingamecakery.com
Copenhagen Bakery & Café
Burlingame • (650) 342-1357
http://www.copenhagenbakery.com
North Bay
Sweet Things
Tiburon • (415) 388-8583
http://www.sweetthings.com
2nd Place
San Francisco
Irving’s Premium Challah
(415) 753-5474 • http://www.irvprem.com
East Bay
Arizmendi
Oakland • (510) 268-8849
http://www.arizmendibakery.org
North Bay
Debbie Does Dessert
San Anselmo • (415) 721-2901
http://www.debbiedoesdessert.com
California cuisine
A unique appreciation for fusions of flavor is what gives the Golden State its own culinary category — and it’s what the winners for favorite California cuisine are all about.
Alice Waters, owner of Berkeley’s Chez Panisse, is often credited with having birthed the philosophy behind California cuisine, based simply on freshness, locality and seasonality. It’s no wonder her bistro has been a favorite among readers for several years in a row — who wouldn’t feel good about eating local halibut tartare with scallions and green coriander?
Another favorite for local gourmet in the East Bay is Rivoli, named for a Parisian street with an interesting Napoleonic history, and famous for earthy and creative food. The trattoria even has a secret garden!
San Francisco’s Presidio Social Club embraces the city’s open, snob-free style. Membership is never necessary for this club, where the daily specials range from sloppy Joes to upscale grilled steaks and fresh oysters. All occasions, from film wrap parties to regular lunches, have a place at the club.
Readers based further south voted for California Café, located in the courtyard of the old Stanford Barn in Palo Alto. The elegant eatery’s Chef Robert Moser is seriously passionate about local ingredients, like grilled salmon with roasted Chioggia beets, and says he’s constantly experimenting and playing with ingredients.
For Mediterranean-inspired, brilliantly colored (and flavored) fare, San Anselmo’s Insalata’s beckons. Rave-reviewed dishes include Syrian fattoush salad, Sicilian shellfish stew and Moroccan lamb tagine.
Second-place finishers were BayWolf Restaurant in Oakland, Boulevard in San Francisco and Taco Jane’s in San Anselmo.
1st Place
San Francisco
Presidio Social Club
(415) 885-1888
http://www.presidiosocialclub.com
East Bay
Chez Panisse
Berkeley
(510) 548-5525
http://www.chezpanisse.com
Rivoli
Berkeley
(510) 526-2542
http://www.rivolirestaurant.com
South Bay/Peninsula
California Café
Palo Alto
(650) 325-2233
http://www.californiacafe.com
North Bay
Insalata’s
San Anselmo
(415) 457-7700
http://www.insalatas.com
2nd Place
San Francisco
Boulevard
(415) 543 6084
http://www.boulevardrestaurant.com
East Bay
BayWolf Restaurant
Oakland
(510) 655-6004
http://www.baywolf.com
North Bay
Taco Jane’s
San Anselmo
(415) 454-6562
http://www.tacojanes.com
Specialty/gourmet market
Bay Area natives love their finger-food picnics, homemade treats, edible oddities and, of course, a bottle of great wine every now and then. With the help of these specialty markets, you can feast with your foodie friends without having to consult a menu!
Bi-Rite Market in San Francisco has “pretty much anything you’d care to sink your teeth into” says Assistant Manager Chris Fry. It is the place to sample succulent, always-fresh fruits or stock up on gourmet deli items like grilled salmon, roast leg of lamb and vegetable sides, all made in-house.
Across the bay, Oakland Kosher offers a full-service kosher butcher, serving up organic beef and chicken, bison meat, fresh lamb and veal. The market offers 75 types of kosher wine, lots of products from Israel and the East Coast and even frozen kosher foods like kugel.
Mollie Stone’s, which also won reader’s hearts (and, OK, their stomachs) for its kosher food selection, came in first for its two Marin locations, in Greenbrae and Sausalito.
Draeger’s Market and Piazza’s Fine Food share the title south of San Francisco. Both offer an impressive variety of kosher foods and excellent service — and Piazza’s can help prevent you from shopping hungry with its fresh gourmet panini deli.
In second place were Bryan’s Grocery in San Francisco, Whole Foods in San Rafael and the Pasta Shop in Oakland.
1st Place
San Francisco
Bi-Rite Market
(415) 241-9760
http://www.biritemarket.com
East Bay
Oakland Kosher Foods
Oakland
(510) 839-0177
South Bay/Peninsula
Draeger’s Market
Various locations
http://www.draegers.com
Piazza’s Fine Foods
Palo Alto
(650) 494-1629
http://www.piazzasfinefoods.com
North Bay
Mollie Stone’s
Various locations
http://www.molliestones.com
2nd Place
San Francisco
Bryan’s Grocery
(415) 752-0179
East Bay
The Pasta Shop
Oakland
(510) 250-6005
http://www.rockridgemarkethall.com
North Bay
Whole Foods
San Rafael
(415) 241-9760
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Hamburgers
Warning: The following content may not be suitable for vegetarians and those who keep kosher ... however, for carnivores craving superbly juicy patties, creative toppings and tasty twists on all-American sides, the following winning burger joints are for you! (And there are plenty of veggie alternatives — after all, this is California!)
The Counter, a build-your-own burger haven with locations in Palo Alto and San Jose, is a favorite among people of every age — not surprising, considering the astounding 315,000 combinations of burger fillings to choose from, including herb goat cheese and Bermuda red onions. Customers also flock to the Counter for its full-service bar, says Store Manager Jorjann Johnson.
Jeffrey’s Hamburgers, in San Mateo and Menlo Park, has been sticking to its cherished menu for 11 years. “We do everything from scratch, and our burgers all are made with Angus chuck beef,” says owner Serge Karanov. “Big and juicy is the key.”
Across the bay, Barney’s Gourmet Hamburger in Berkeley serves over 20 different vegetarian burgers, including Portobello, Garden and Wildwood organic tofu burgers, in addition to all-beef classics. Specialty burgers range from Greek (feta cheese, cucumbers and fresh avocado in pita) to Hawaiian.
Some may have to pass on the Giant Cheese and Bacon Burger, a favorite at Phyllis’ Giant Burgers (with three locations in Marin), for obvious reasons. Owner James Cho is proud of his establishment — “a long-time favorite, where people know we serve good burgers.”
In San Francisco, Burger Meister fans rave not only about their whopping half-pound Ranch Beef patties, but also about the famous Mitchell’s ice cream they serve in their shakes and fresh hot curly fries.
J. readers also had no beef with their second-place choices: Christopher’s Burger in Oakland, Taylor’s Automatic Refresher in San Francisco and Buckeye Roadhouse in Mill Valley.
1st Place
San Francisco
Burger Meister
(415) 296-9907
http://www.burgermeistersf.com
East Bay
Barney’s Gourmet Hamburger
Berkeley
(510) 558-0528
http://www.barneyshamburgers.com
South Bay/Peninsula
The Counter
Palo Alto and San Jose
(650) 321-3900
http://www.thecounterburger.com
Jeffrey’s Hamburgers
San Mateo
(650) 348-8698
http://www.jeffreyshamburgers.com
North Bay
Phyllis’ Giant Burgers
Various locations
http://www.phyllisgiantburgers.com
2nd Place
San Francisco
Taylor’s Automatic Refresher
(866) 328-3663
http://www.taylorsrefresher.com
East Bay
Christopher’s Burger
Oakland
(510) 601-8828
North Bay
Buckeye Roadhouse
Mill Valley
(415) 331-2600
http://www.buckeyeroadhouse.com
Italian food and pizza
Bubbling crusts, piping hot cheeses of all varieties and knock-your-socks-off Italian flavor have j. readers shouting “tutto benne” about these pizzerias and restaurants.
Mushroom lovers have more than just j. readers’ opinions to trust when it comes to picking the best pie for their palates: Mulberry Street Pizzeria in San Rafael is also the proud winner of the Food Network’s 2005 National Pizza Competition for their specialty pizza “For the Love of Mushroom.” Owner Ted Rowe has yet to be challenged as the reigning champ of fungi.
In San Francisco, readers love Pizzeria Delfina’s lively, bustling atmosphere, which often spills onto the sidewalks of their Mission District location, says Chef de Cuisine Anthony Strong. The pizzeria is known for its “simple, well-executed” pizza, and toppings with a nod to the East Coast (the Clam Pie, for example, features chopped cherrystone clams).
Zachary’s Pizza, with several locations in the East Bay, maintains its status as a favorite for the second year in a row for their twist on Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Gooey mozzarella melts into the layers of crust on their famous pies, which are baked in pans 2 inches deep.
South of the city, if you have a large crowd craving “an authentic Italian American experience reminiscent of New York’s Little Italy,” Maggiano’s Little Italy in San Jose is the place to go, says Manager David Inda. But, he warns, Maggiano’s is one of the busiest restaurants in the area — so make your reservations early!
Serving up slices of happiness in second place were Postrio in San Francisco, Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria in the South Bay/Peninsula, Gioia Pizzeria in Berkeley and Lo Coco’s Pizzeria in San Rafael.
1st Place
San Francisco
Pizzeria Delfina
(415) 437-6800
http://www.pizzeriadelfina.com
East Bay
Zachary’s Pizza
Various locations
http://www.zacharys.com
South Bay/Peninsula
Maggiano’s Little Italy
San Jose
(408) 423-8973
http://www.maggianos.com
North Bay
Mulberry Street Pizzeria
San Rafael
(415) 472-7272
http://www.mulberry-street-pizzeria.com
2nd Place
San Francisco
Postrio
(415) 776-7825
http://www.postrio.com
East Bay
Gioia Pizzeria
Berkeley
(510) 528-4692
http://www.gioiapizzeria.com
South Bay/Peninsula
Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria
Various locations
(650) 342-9392
http://www.amicis.com
North Bay
Lo Coco’s Pizzeria
San Rafael
(415) 472-3323
Kosher-friendly grocery store
Any grocery store can order some matzah on Passover, but these local markets go above and beyond — making sure your pantry is fully stocked year-round with the best kosher meat, dairy and produce.
The winning Berkeley Bowl has been called “a supermarket with a heart.” The store originated in a former bowling alley building in 1999, but has grown to become the largest supermarket in South Berkeley. Manager Larry Evans notes that the store boasts a large kosher dry foods section, as well as several kosher wines, challah and an extremely popular line of Empire kosher chicken.
Mollie Stone’s swept our poll in all other regions of the Bay — and it’s no surprise, considering their supply of kosher goods could practically fill a supermarket of its own! Kosher meat, including briskets and steak, is sliced on site, seven kosher wines are sold in the liquor section, and the aisles are loaded with Israeli foods like Bamba, tehina and halvah spread, not to mention old world favorites like gefilte fish and borscht.
Keeping cupboards stocked in second place were the multitude of Trader Joe’s stores in the South Bay/Peninsula, Scotty’s Market in San Rafael, Oakland Kosher Foods and Tel Aviv Kosher Meats in San Francisco.
1st Place
San Francisco, South Bay/Peninsula and North Bay
Mollie Stone’s
Various locations
http://www.molliestones.com
East Bay
Berkeley Bowl
(510) 843-6929
http://www.berkeleybowl.com
2nd Place
San Francisco
Tel Aviv Kosher Meats
(415) 661-7588
East Bay
Oakland Kosher Foods
(510) 839-0177
South Bay/Peninsula
Trader Joe’s
Various locations
http://www.traderjoes.com
North Bay
Scotty’s Market
San Rafael
(415) 479-2363
http://www.scottysmarket.com
Kosher restaurant
Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian, a bustling eatery in San Francisco’s Sunset District, has been a consistent favorite among j. readers for several years in a row — proving Jews enjoy Chinese food on days other than Christmas! It is the only Chinese restaurant in the Bay Area that is certified kosher, and offers a delicious variety of vegan and vegetarian-friendly options.
Of course, sometimes a hungry kosher gaggle craves knishes rather than stir-fry. Look no further than Izzy’s in Palo Alto. Israel “Izzy” Rind, the owner of Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels, has brought strictly dairy and parve Jewish favorites to the South Bay since 1996. Customers may come at first for the famous bagels he boils fresh each morning, but quickly realize that his kugel, rugelach and kosher pizza are the makings of a great meal for any time of day.
If you’re looking for a taste of Israel, rather than Shanghai or New York, Holy Land Restaurant in Oakland is right up your ally. Holy Land serves a warm shwarma pita with tehina that many customers swear comes straight out of Tel Aviv, along with a host of fresh salads, Israeli beers and casual but mouth-watering Middle Eastern favorites.
Hitting the kosher spot for second place were the recently closed S.F. New York Deli in San Francisco, the Golden Ball in Santa Clara and Oakland Kosher Foods.
1st Place
San Francisco
Shangri-La Chinese Vegetarian
(415) 731-2548
East Bay
Holy Land Restaurant
Oakland
(510) 272-0535
http://www.holylandrestaurant.com
South Bay/Peninsula
Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels
Palo Alto
(650) 329-0700
2nd Place
San Francisco
S.F. New York Deli
(415) 788-0422
http://www.sfnewyorkdeli.com
East Bay
Oakland Kosher Foods
(510) 839-0170
South Bay/Peninsula
The Golden Ball
Santa Clara
(408) 246-3800
Jewish-style deli
“We take the ‘k’ out of kosher and put a ‘c’ in for California,” chuckles Mangia/Nosh owner Robert Meyer, describing the philosophy behind his deli located at the Osher Marin JCC. Meyer’s pairings of brisket and blintzes with sauces like Coca-Cola barbeque or a pomegranate, orange and feta salad support his claim that not all Jewish-style delis are serving “what you’d get at your bubbe’s house.”
Most of the winners for best Jewish-style deli, however, are sticking with tried-and-true favorites. “There’s a lot of transplants here in San Francisco from the East Coast ... looking for that old home comfort food,” says East Coast West Delicatessen Manager Linwood Anthony. The deli prides itself on its Brooklyn-rivaling bagels, corned beef, pastrami and more.
Saul’s Deli and Restaurant in Berkeley boasts a mean chopped liver sandwich, New York-style kosher hot dogs, and a full menu straight out of a Manhattan diner. And Max’s, with several locations in the South Bay/Peninsula, has so many classic deli items (both vegetarian- and carnivore-friendly) on its menu that no matter who you’re lunching with, Jewish mothers can sleep easy knowing that no one’s belly will be growling.
In second place were Oakland Kosher Foods, New York by the Bay Deli & Café in San Rafael, recently closed S.F. New York Deli in San Francisco and the Golden Ball in Santa Clara.
1st Place
San Francisco
East Coast West Delicatessen
(415) 563-3542
East Bay
Saul’s Deli and Restaurant
Berkeley
(510) 848-3354
South Bay/Peninsula
Max’s
Various locations
(650) 873-MAXS
http://www.maxsworld.com
North Bay
Mangia/Nosh Cafe
Osher Marin JCC
San Rafael
(415) 472-2894
http://www.mangianosh.com
2nd Place
San Francisco
S.F. New York Deli
(415) 788-0422
http://www.sfnewyorkdeli.com
East Bay
Oakland Kosher Foods
(510) 839-0170
South Bay/Peninsula
The Golden Ball
Santa Clara
(408) 246-3800
North Bay
New York by the Bay Deli & Café
San Rafael
(415) 472-6674
California winery
Jews just love to say l’chaim — but certainly not with an empty glass in hand! Here in Northern California, we are lucky to have multitudes of beautiful wineries where visitors can taste rich reds and refreshing whites next to the very vineyards where the grapes were picked. That’s toastworthy in and of itself!
Hagafen winery, in Napa Valley, has been a Readers’ Choice winner four years in a row. “We try to be old Napa style without new Napa attitude,” says assistant winemaker Josh Stein. The winery now boasts three different brands: Hagafen (their flagship wine for the past 30 years), Prix Vineyards and Don Ernesto. “We provide wine at several price points, from modest to high end,” says Stein.
For an urban winery setting, j. readers love JC Cellars in Oakland. “It’s a no-frills working winery,” says tasting room manager Angela Anderson. “We’re a little off the beaten path, but we make some fabulous wines.” As a special treat, visitors can see the entire winemaking process while they taste.
For a breathtaking view of the bay while you sip, visit Thomas Fogerty Winery in Woodside. The vineyard was founded in 1981 by Stanford surgeon Thomas Fogerty and produces single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, Merlots and Cabernets “that capture the unique character of the Santa Cruz Mountains,” says Anne Krolczyk, the winery’s marketing director.
1st Place
East Bay
JC Cellars
Oakland
(510) 465-5900
http://www.jccellars.com
South Bay/Peninsula
Thomas Fogerty Vineyard
Woodside
650-851-6777
http://www.fogartywinery.com
North Bay
Hagafen Winery
Napa
(888) 424-2336
http://www.hagafen.com
Readers Choice Awards 2008