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Berkeley

• Fish and Bird Izakaya: Opened in 2021 during the pandemic, this Izakaya serves cocktails redolent with references to Tom Waits lyrics. Fish and Bird, after all, is a reference to Tom Waits, who i understand is a favorite of Chef Asuka Uchida, who heads the kitchen at Fish and Bird. If choosing to sit outdoors, one can enjoy the Yakiniku. Designed for 2, the yakiniku consists of Miyazaki A5 wagyu (rib cap), Imperial wagyu (boneless kalbi, outside skirt, rib eye, and tongue), seafood (skewered large prawns and diver scallops), and seasonal vegetables to be grilled over binchotan charcoals in a Shichirin Hida Konro (a traditional Japanese hibachi grill made of porous clay). The Fish and Bird Japanese Curry is also something not to miss. Slightly spicy, dark and thick, it is a satisfying compliment to the Chicken Katsu and rice. The Green Bean Fritters, green beans in a light tempura batter, is addictive. In a way, this is a historic dish. “Tempura” is a Japanese corruption of the Latin “Tempora”. “Tempora” refers to the Catholic days where Portuguese missionaries avoided meat and enjoyed peixinhos da horta (breaded and fried green beans). The menu changes seasonally, but make sure you save room (and perhaps inquire and pre-order) the Basque Burnt Cheesecake. It is light, creamy, and served with sliced seasonal fruit and a dollop of light fluffy whipped cream. It does and will sell out. No dress code, reservation is very very strongly recommended.

• Top Dog: Yes, it is just a hot dog stand. Yet it is not just any hot dog stand. It is Top Dog. It is an institution and a landmark. A slice of Berkeley’s unique personalities and spirit that endures. Also, importantly, it serves up an addictively delicious and freshly grilled frankfurter tucked in a flat top browned bun. Most importantly, it is also open late (till 0200), something to keep in mind when working very late in lab or doing research on the properties of libations in less salubrious institutions. No dress code, but do try to be dressed. Take aways mostly but there is a counter to rest one’s elbow on. Ketchup, mustard (yellow, brown, deli brown), onion, and sauerkraut are available freely from dispensers (when not in a pandemic) or provided if asked (during a pandemic).

Oakland

• Sirene: Opened by the minds behind The Morris in San Francisco, Sirene is seafood focused but also serves an exceedingly good fried chicken (presented in tower form) and fabulous sides that comes with said chicken. Sirene is opened 7 days aweek for coffee and lunch (0800 to 1400) and dinner (1700-2130) and it is impossible to choose which meal you would like to enjoy at Sirene as offerings during the day and in the evening are all spectacular. In the AM, a glass case displays the tempting pastry offerings at the counter as the staff busies themselves fulfilling coffee orders. Take your coffee and pastry in the dining room and amaze at the hustle and bustle of AM prep that is usually unseen at working kitchens. The pastries are fantastic! Their biscuits are sheets of perfect biscuit dough piled high and baked to perfection with a crisp edge and soft doughy center. Their laminated dough based pastries are simply irresistible! The lunch offerings features a sandwich set that changes weekly, and the offerings are filling and delicious. Dinner features many seafood offerings, fantastic salads, the aforementioned tower of fried chicken, and simply flavoursome and moreish offerings that will have you in a quandary of indecision because, lets be honest, you really just want to eat it all. If you are environmentally minded, feast upon Purple Uni and feel the warmth in your heart as central coast sea urchin (red uni) populations thanks you. The Duck and Lobster Mortadella and Lobster and Leek Terrine are not to be missed. In the Nibbles section, do not pass on the Sirene Dashi with tofu and harico verts for a warming pick me up and an elegant flavour bomb. The Lamb Dumpling first appeared at The Morris and Sirene present it beautifully and the deep lamby goodness is just wonderful. For Appetizers, the Matsutake Porridge is comfort food at its best, delicate but bold, earthy and fragrant! Regarding the Entrees? Well, the Parisienne Gnocchi and the variety of seafood offerings fights for your attention with the fried chicken… i hope you brought friends. Finally, don’t pass up on Dessert. That Chocolate Cake is otherworldly delicious. The Buckwheat Donuts continues the goodness that The Morris first brought to the world, and the other offerings, all seasonal, will delicately wrap up your night with grace and a sweet finish. No dress code, but do dress. Reservations are strongly recommended. There is a metered parking lot nearby as street parking can be tricky.