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    Culinary Stars Visit Rockridge Market Hall

    Rockridge Market Hall, a welcoming marketplace destination in the East Bay just across from the Rockridge BART Station in Oakland, has presented several book signings over the past months. Among those featured were:

    • Chef/Activist Reem Assil of Reem’s California restaurant in the Mission;
    • Baking legend Rose Levy Berenbaum and her husband and cookbook co-author Woody Wolston;
    • Soul food pioneer and celebrity chef Tanya Holland;
    • James Beard Award winner Vicky Bennison, creator of the Pasta Grannies series on YouTube.

    All of the chefs graciously greeted patrons at the market as they signed their books and, in some cases, wolfed down provided goodies. Berenbaum and Wolston, for example, happily shared finger-licking-good Whoopie Pies in between book signings.

    If you have never visited Rockridge Market Hall before, we recommend putting it on your bucket list. In addition to the flagship Market Hall, the site includes a fantastic produce shop with farmers’ market-fresh fruits and vegetables, a high-quality meat market, the incredible Hapuku Fish Shop (try their fish & chips, when available), a bakery, Highwire Coffee, and the newly opened Acre restaurant serving up California-Mediterranean cuisine.

    Another recommendation for those in or visiting Oakland is the Charlie May Coffee and Tea House at 11200 Golf Links Road. It is a magical place, located off a windy country-like road and close to the Lake Chabot Golf Course, just up the road from the Oakland Zoo. Run by sisters Analyssa and Arianna, Charlie May offers house made specialties such as the Champorado (Filipino-style chocolate sauce with low glycemic coconut sugar) Cold Brew and Latiya (Filipino-style caramel and vanilla sauce, also low on the glycemic scale) in addition to all the expected café favorites. The vibe inside is usually quiet and mellow, perfect for working remotely while enjoying your favorite brew.

    Rockridge Market Hall: https://rockridgemarkethall.com/
    Charlie May Coffee and Tea House: https://www.charliemaycoffee.com/

    Published on February 23, 2023