I've been on a desperate search to an alternative to Yelp and amateur reviews. Then I came across Oakland Magazine's Best of Oakland and East Bay.
Here are my favorites from their selections.
All in Best
The Best Gluten Free Flour for Waffles, Pancakes, and Crepes
I feel for my Celiac disease friends. It sucks not to be able to chew on the gooey texture of a gluten-y pastry (like the popover below).
So I did some research: I ate a lot of bad (some good) homemade, waffles, pancakes, and crepes (you're welcome), and experimented with some popular flours that are gluten-free. Here is a review of popular gluten-free flours when used for breakfast foods (waffles, pancakes, and crepes- oh my!). I tried to find some that had a similar gooey texture so you gluten-free people won't feel left out.
ATX Tour: The Old Goodies
Preface: These post used to be called "off the beaten path". Since first posted, these places have become increasingly mainstream. In fact, I've been told that these places aren't "cool" any more. Regardless, I've quality-checked these venues, and determined that they're still BOMB.
Whenever I think of Austin, TX, I imagine loud, twangy strumming, think about the warm (sometimes excruciatingly hot) sun, and the confidence that I will have tacos soon.
Best of Austin, TX
This post was partly inspired by Aziz Ansari's story on a Chipotle bag, reminiscing of ATX, and a realization I may have list problem.
On the back of some Chipotle bags (and in his book), Aziz describes the analysis paralysis we experience when we strive for "the best". In his book, he describes a brunch researched copiously that didn't happen. In his research, he consults Yelp, Foursquare, and other sources and finally decides on a place. It turns out that his friends are unable to make it and the brunch never happens. He ends up going to that brunch place later, and apparently it's awesome.
Anyways, the lists I create are for these type of individuals. People who get excited by food and want to have "the best". I'll be that crazy person that does the Yelping/Foursquaring and updates these lists. More importantly, I eat the bad food, so you don't have to.
Here's to these old lists and many more to come. Cheers.
The Search for Iceland's Best Coffee
The summer in Iceland makes you feel invincible. Because of the constant daylight, a foreigner (me) feels that 2 AM lattes are very appropriate.
A majority of the coffee shops tasted very similar. It was milder than the roasty kick I'm used to. It was solid (3.5/5). Often times, when I asked baristas about the roast or brightness, they would not know. Latte art wasn't much of a thing.
Coffee Snob Rule #1: Your barista should be able to talk coffee to you.
Coffee Snob Rule #2: If your coffee tastes not as good as my Nespresso Pixie, I'm walking away.
The Best Bay Area Chicken & Waffles
I used to have a tiny bit of an obsession with Chicken & Waffles. Here is an analysis of the Bay Area Chicken & Waffles that are worth the calories.
The number ratings are strictly for the chicken & waffles- not the ambiance or service.
Best Coffee in Los Angeles
Let's be clear. Things like coffee and wine are subjective. I'm someone who likes a bold, chocolate-y coffee. I don't like an acidic or citrus-y flavor.
That being said, there are some requirements for espresso...
- Clean equipment
- Fresh beans
- A knowledgeable barista
Best Austin, TX Desserts
Let's be honest: My sweet of choice is boba. But after a Thursday night happy hour, I want a large slice of chocolate cake. The problem is that it's always a race against time.
Search for the Best Bay Area Beer Bars
A post that may cause some controversy? The only thing meaner than a passionate coffee snob is a beer snob.
Search for the Best Bay Area Burmese
Burmese cuisine is like eating the best parts of Chinese, Thai, and Indian cuisine- how can you refuse?