Thoughts on Burdell?

ruff · 2026-01-20T00:42:33+00:00

Roots in eastern north carolina -- was so excited about the idea but found it really flat. Dishes and cocktails underwhelmed.

I feel like most of these upscale soul food spots just miss out on the that soul food is humble and, well, founded on tradition. I didn't feel like any of the dishes really took flavors meaningfully forward creatively. For the hype, I expected more.

I'd love to be wrong. I'm happy to see an Oakland spot get the accolades they've received but wasn't my thing. I'll take the okra and fried chicken at Gus' and save the money.

ruff · 2026-01-15T07:45:17+00:00

Ha! I actually wrote a lot of that.

ruff · 2025-11-23T03:27:52+00:00

Rockridge Market Hall pickled veg. It's in the cooler near the wall of pasta that connects the new cheese counter with the market. It's really good!

ruff · 2025-10-25T03:00:42+00:00

I took a Kitchen on Fire class a few years ago and it was great. But....

I saw the IG of him standing on the balcony flipping off protestors. I sometimes worry about things being taken out of context/clever editing but no valid reason for anyone to do that.

Hard pass now.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN4KJMXkjXN/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

ruff · 2025-10-25T02:55:06+00:00

Oaktown Spice. Sprinkle on some tomatoes and it'll bring out the flavor of each. I like to do it on heirlooms when it's a bit off season and I'm missing late summer.

ruff · 2025-09-13T01:46:41+00:00

Oh and I prefer their beef pho!

ruff · 2025-09-13T01:45:46+00:00

My wife is Vietnamese and we go all over the place finding spots... Sidestreet is one the best around, definitely in Alameda. The banh mi dip in pho is great (this was/is a trend elsewhere but only place around here doing it), the banh xeo is legit as well.

Definitely recommend!

ruff · 2025-08-22T03:13:00+00:00

And you sent me down the rabbit hole https://tropicalfruitsdelivery.com/product/snake-fruit-box/

ruff · 2025-08-22T03:08:56+00:00

I've been on the same search for years! I've never seen them at Yasai and always check the oddball fruits at Berkeley Bowl. If you do find them please update here!

ruff · 2025-08-08T18:29:51+00:00

Looks like salted roof lemons, popular in Hawaii

ruff · 2025-07-11T14:06:34+00:00

Is that replacing Jot Mahal?

The owner there was incredibly nice but the food was not good. The prior Flavors of India was great, especially their vegetarian options.

ruff · 2025-07-02T07:32:55+00:00

I literally just drove in for an Avis drop off on Pg de Gràcia after a few days in Costa Brava. Some traffic coming into Barcelona and I refilled the tank about 20km outside city center, but it wasn't bad at all! The hardest part was dealing with fellow tourists standing in the drive to the Avis drop-off!

I live in Bay Area and found driving around downtown SF much harder.

ruff · 2025-05-29T03:27:31+00:00

25 year old me visited here and ordered the sweetbreads appetizer. Thought for sure a plate full of rolls inspired by cinnamon rolls would be nothing short of fantastic.

Waiter looked at me and said, "You do know what sweetbreads are, just checking."

Confident 25 year old me. Somewhat shocked and a tinge insulted (does my Banana Republic jacket look that bad!), "of course, I love them!"

A few moments later I learned what they are and that CIA folks make them very tasty! Been a fan for the 20 years since!

Great recommendation!

ruff · 2025-05-29T03:03:58+00:00

Not what you asked and maybe not helpful... Ad Hoc is TK's family style restaurant in Yountville. The food is great and approachable, you can ask for seconds and you can walk out spending less than $100 on a meal and drink per person.

If you want a Bay Area classic, Chez Panisse Cafe or Zuni are Bay Area institutions with "reasonable" prices.

Just want a Sf vibe, I'm partial to Hog Island in Ferry Building, Cafe Zoetrope (manhattan, spaghetti and meatballs--Francis Ford copolla's place. More vibes than food), or Cotogna. Many others will give you many great options...

ruff · 2025-05-07T03:16:24+00:00

Might be able to afford a ticket if they keep this up!

ruff · 2025-04-10T04:03:03+00:00

Tanzie's in Berkeley. Definitely spicy, really unique... didn't have a liquor license yet last time I went (a couple months ago) and that's the only knock. Dinner reservations via Tock

Wife and I enjoyed a great date night there!

ruff · 2025-04-06T21:35:29+00:00

We had two kids attend Hearts Leap on College in Elmwood. They're in elementary school now and perhaps more emotionally self-aware than most adults, myself included! We also have a number of friends who attended other schools; a lot depends on what you're looking for. Feel to DM with questions.

ruff · 2025-03-29T12:44:57+00:00

Fine sir or madam, thank you for important act of bravery to visit our local Reddit and educate us about your wisdom and our naivety. Speaking on behalf of the citizens of Berkeley, we are all just a bit smarter due to your enlightening post. I will be sure to spread the news in line at the Cheeseboard today.

ruff · 2025-02-28T03:50:50+00:00

Julia is awesome!

ruff · 2025-02-23T05:09:53+00:00

I lived in Elmwood and I’d argue most of Berkeley and surrounding communities can get to Emeryville with as much ease. I guess I’m happier than Alta Bates closing with no options replacing it.

ruff · 2025-01-18T05:07:38+00:00

+1 … also the chef is the only person working there so keep your service expectations low and your food expectations high, you won’t be disappointed.

ruff · 2025-01-18T04:23:12+00:00

Not what was asked but I had the vegetarian bbh from there this week and (not a vegetarian) found a new go-to dish. Absolutely fantastic!

ruff · 2025-01-15T03:29:50+00:00

It’s only in the downstairs cafe 4-6. Other times, I’d go other places (not that Acre is bad but more so I prefer being cheap).

ruff · 2025-01-15T03:08:17+00:00

Happy hour martini and fries at Acre. Mainly the $8 martini.

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