Jack "Serendipitous" C.'s Profile

I usually look forward to my weekly Gather "experience" ... yet today was a letdown.

Over the past few months, I've consistently taken friends to Gather.  At first I was blown away with their decor and philosophy, but over the months I've noticed their quality and service going down.

Today I went in for lunch. We ordered the Mushroom Pizza, French Toast, and some Mexican dish with cheese. But of course, it's Gather, so instead it is

Mushroom Pizza with braised leeks and thyme
Acme Bread French Toast with Sultranas and Blood Orange confit,
Chicaquilles- with white beans...

The total price is $60. Our waitress, perhaps being Sunday, or having a great Saturday night, ruined my Gather experience.

This review applies to lunch only. Perhaps my expectations are just getting higher, but yeah, Gather used to amaze me. Now I just regret coming here...

Hip. Things White People Like. Good selection.

My first time at Tokyo Go Go

I came here with a party of 4.

- bar available with cocktails, beers on tap, guided sake selection.

Sushi -
All very fresh. Their specialty roll selection is diverse, we had the Golden Gate roll.

Ramen / Udon - probably the best bargain on their menu

They are missing a range of pickled vegetables.

Vegans stay away.
Milk lovers, you will enjoy tasting the creamy fresh gelato.
They are thick but the flavors lack complexity.

My favorite is the Crème fraiche.

Pricey for cones but quite a bargain for gourmet gelato if you get the pint.

I'm happy that this delicate dessertery exists amidst all the savory goodness. Show owner comment »

New. Hip. Quick.

About time Arcata has a food truck with clean Indian food.

I think the food could be spicier but given the crowd, I shouldn't complain.

The naan is flaky, clean and freshly made.

Life-Changing. DIY. Indispensably fun.

USCA the former name for Berkeley Student Cooperative - you can find a whole lot more information on bsc.coop

The non-profit was founded by a group of students in 1933 now the organization is co-operatively run by students, Board of directors. It has 17 houses and 3 apartments.

I personally lived in Sherman Hall, Caza Zimbabawe, Hillegass Parker House. My time in the BSC could not be emphasized enough as a key part of my college career. The Do-It-Yourself attitude is encouraging. I'm always learning from my peers. The party always ends up in the kitchen, I love making healthy and delicious food for all my friends.

The organization provides affordable housing for those who likes to belong in a community. Specialization in workshifts allows people to choose a role to play. I maintained the Internet, cooked meals, gardened, washed dishes, cleaned bathrooms, made art, maintained furniture. etc.

There are ups and downs of the co-ops. I understand how some students who needs more personal space could find the co-op environment to be overwhelming. Often the kitchen, common space could be a mess after a party. The rooms are not all created equal, the more active points one has increases the chance during "room-bids".

Overall, I could not be the person I am today without having lived in the BSC.

Here are some co-op terms:

- fish - somebody who lives in the house as a friend without a contract
- nutty-yeast - nutritional yeast that goes well with avocado
- dumpster-dive : find toss-out food around markets in Berkeley
- CK central kitchen
- Elves - people who live in Lothlorien co-op
- etc etc etc...

I'm dating this black chick now and we rolled into L.A.

"Imma get myself some waffles and fried chicken" - she says

"saaay waat gurl?" - I said in shock since I've never heard of that combination

"ohh yea, you never heard of Roscoe's chicken?" - she says in wide-eyed surprise

"ehh...no. Why don't we get ramen? It's healthier" - I said condescendingly.

"We always get Asian, let's get soul food. Roscoe's chicken is like a national treasure kinda like Niagara Falls or the Washington monument.

So we went, we had a fantastic time!

All I have to say is - I love dark meat, especially thighs!

Flavorful. Fun. Fantastic.

Drinks - Beer - Yeti, it has a flatter, apple cider, aftertaste. Goes really well with spicy food.
Taj Mahal - run of the mill hoppy beer.

Naan  and paratha were not very flaky. Actually leaves a lot to be desired.

Water tastes like soap.

The appetizer stew is decent; the main flavor is the garlic and limes.

BE AWARE!
Their version of hot is VERY INTENSE!

The yak meat is interesting, but not very fresh.

Order lassi drinks here. It's good.

Clean. Worthy. Explosive.

Best naan hands down in Berkeley. The buttery gee is to be craved.

One of my favorite lunch spot in Berkeley, if you need to be awake, try getting the lighter dishes like Tandoor chicken or vegetable curry. If you are hungry, the chicken saag will put you in a deep Indian coma.

Dinner here is great if you come with a group. The supreme biyani includes turf & surf usual suspects. The dishes here all complement each other. I believe they use great ingredients here.

Sunday Karma Kitchen is back. I once received a loaf of bread baked by North Berkeley's cheeseboard chef.

New York Times. Hipsterville. Soy Lattes.

My new favorite espresso drink spot. Their soy latte is heavenly.
The creamiest I've tasted; reminds me of Williamsburg.

The scones / morning buns will go down smoothly with their drip-coffee.

Spacious with plenty of lights. The outdoor seating in the back provides some green outlooks in many grim San Pablo neighborhoods.

My new favorite spot.

Authentic. Worthy. Down-to-Earth.

Tandoor-style fish here is a combo-win with any lassi drinks.
Berkeley has many Indian-Pakistani restaurants yet Kabana excels in flavor, price and attitude.

Curry dishes here are a bit on the oily side.  The ingredients are simple yet it matches the layouts of this place. Dinners can be crowded due to small space.

Naan is decent. I prefer rotis here.  

Parking is on site.
Looks run-down but owner is friendly.