Lisa Rogovin
Epicurean Concierge; In The Kitchen With Lisa; San Francisco
What are three of the greatest ways to experience the diverse culinary scene of the East Bay?
- Culinary Tour: Groups looking for a fun activity dealing with delicious food (that should cover just about everyone) should come on my culinary tour of Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto. Every week I offer a three-hour guided tour of the area referred to as the birthplace of California cuisine, during which we talk to chefs, restaurateurs, bakers, etc., and taste their artisan treats. A few places we might visit on the tour include Cheese Board Collective, the original Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Alegio Chocolates, Saul’s Delicatessen and Love at First Bite Cupcakery & Bakery. The maximum group size is 24 people. From Monday through Friday, tours can be customized for private groups.
- Charles Chocolates: Charles Chocolates factory and retail store in Emeryville is a wonderful way to see how those little edible works of art are created. Visitors can watch them making caramel, enrobing truffles and filling Peanut Butterflies, my favorite. Definitely sign up for a free tour and the $10 tasting.
- Chez Panisse: Chez Panisse in Berkeley coined the term “California cuisine,” which is all about cooking with local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Chez Panisse has been at it since 1971 and is largely responsible for the way we are all now focused on organic ingredients in restaurants and home kitchens. If you want to taste the best tomatoes, watermelon, radishes or blood oranges, Chez Panisse has them. The menu is prix fixe so just sit back and enjoy the freshest meal you’ve ever had!