I feel very lucky to have found a life partner who truly gets me, and appreciates me for who I am. I was reminded of this when, at the beginning of the month, Red opened the front closet door to retrieve the mail and excitedly explained, “Oh, good, the new one’s here!” As he eagerly dropped the newest edition of the Food Network Magazine on my lap, as I sat lazily playing FreeCell on my laptop because we are trying to watch less TV on the whole. Now, I had been amused a whole month before when Red did the exact same thing with the July issue; the scene was probably pretty similar as I play way too much FreeCell in substitution for TV, which I’m pretty sure defeats the entire point of trying to be more productive and engaged. Upon receiving the first magazine gift, I figured he had seen it at a grocery store, was intrigued by something on the cover, and bought it, and I admittedly barely acknowledged the gesture. I was pretty confused when he pulled a brand new issue from our very own mailbox, only to find out he had, in fact, bought me an entire subscription, “Just Because…” he told me. I couldn’t believe it. Not only had he completely accepted and given in to my obsession with all things Food Network, but he was completely unfazed by my original obliviousness, that I didn’t even recognize the loving, thoughtful gesture, and just knew that I appreciate him even when I was too scatterbrained to make it known.
So that is how I have come to enjoy the light, informative reading of the Food Network magazine. However, the other day, Red and I met for lunch (a rarity, but a total treat) I realized that I question the Food Network writers’ research. See, they seem to always include a “Top Whatever” list, such as, Top 50 breakfast spots in all 50 states, or Top 10 most unique eateries, and so on. I must admit, I enjoy them, and just as I watch Diners, Drive-in’s, and Dives and feel the pang of anxiety that I might not get to try every hole-in-the-wall restaurant on this planet, I make mental lists of the very breakfast I would consume if I ever passed through some random town in Minnesota. Yet, the other day at lunch got me thinking. We chose to go to the Full House Café (3719 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland), even though it was almost 2pm, we hadn’t gone all summer, and I was craving what I believe to be the greatest thing to happen to breakfast since…well…ever! I’m talking about the most delicious, tantalizing cornmeal pancake served at this tiny café in the Laurel District of Oakland. I know it is yummy, but every time I order it, I am blown away with how incredibly fabulous this pancake truly is. And let me make myself clear, the only pancakes I would ever consider eating, were the chocolate chip Bisquick pancakes my dad used to make me on my birthdays. Otherwise, I usually find pancakes boring, and a waste of stomach space. But the cornmeal pancakes at Full House…they het the bull’s eye! In fact, everything at this charming establishment is fantastic. I fall head over heals for their Cajun Hash, served up with a vinegar aioli spread and 2 poached eggs which ooze richly over the sweet potato and sausage jumble of deliciousness. It was as I pierced the smooth skin of the egg, and scooped up a bite full, and then washed it all down with a bite of the heavenly pancake, I realized the Food Network missed California’s true Top Breakfast.
And it was mid pancake bite, that I realized, there are a lot of places in the great city of Oakland that appear to go under appreciated. So, here is my list of under appreciated musts:
1) Full House Café for breakfast. Bring cash, because cards are not accepted, and try their fresh baked coffee cakes and muffins.
2) Khana Peena Indian restaurant (5315 College Ave.) for lunch buffet. $7.99 gets you all you can eat, a basket of fluffy Nan bread, and a soft drink. You can’t beat that price, and it’s really tasty. And I hear they do an evening happy hour…
3) The Heart and Dagger Saloon (504 Lake Park Ave.) for an after work drink and dinner on a nice day. They have a great outdoor patio, including a ping pong table. They have a pretty standard happy hour with a few drink deals, but I was impressed by their Bloody Mary. They don’t serve food at the bar, but they welcome outside food, and wouldn’t you know it…there are fabulous to-go joints in walking distance (Lanesplitter Pizza & Pub is practically next door).
4) 2022 (literally at 2022 Telegraph Ave) for happy hour and dinner. They serve up happy hour prices on food and drinks from 5-7, and last time I was there the waitress put a beer on hold for me because I walked in at 6:45, and knew by the time I finished one, it would be past 7, but was certain I would want a second. Their food is really good, too, and $5 a plate for good size portions and variety.
5) Old Weang Ping Village Thai Restaurant (6217 MacArthur Blvd.). Now, the untrained eye would look past this restaurant set in the heart of a residential neighborhood between Seminary Ave. and 63rd. In fact, you have to stand outside the locked door, until the owner (it’s run completely by a husband and wife duo) comes to the door to let you in. But the 3 minute wait is so worth it, because the food is authentic, delicious, and the price couldn’t be better. Plus, you can’t beat $2 beers, or the option to bring your own wine.
So, there you go. My dirty little secrets revealed. Yet, these 5 establishments deserve more recognition, and good deals, good food, and good happy hours deserve good company!
