Category: Restaurant

Eats around Berlin

by toastedbunz, posted in beer, Restaurant, restaurants, travel, Uncategorized

Berlin is an international city and as such, you can eat any type of food whenever you want.  When I first arrived I was very intimidated with eating anywhere cause I had trouble understanding the menu! Most restaurants I went to did have an English menu after I asked, which I hate to be the person that needs that but it was nice and made eating out a little less intimidating.

I also found Yelp to be popular and made finding places near me to eat or drink easier. I also love to use Instagram and that is how we found this next breakfast spot, Benedict.  Every corner of this restaurant and cafe is an Instagrammers paradise!  This breakfast/brunch will be pricier than other low key spots, but you are paying for the atmosphere and I didn’t mind paying extra for the full experience.

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This next spot is a gem and could easily be walked by sans the line of people out the door.  Hamy is an affordable, fresh and delicious spot. Also situated in a fun neighborhood to walk about this is a must do spot! IMG_5222IMG_5223

A great place to stop for bread, for a picnic?… or a pastry for breakfast is Soluna. Delicious!IMG_5230IMG_5231

Sahara – I think its a chain? But soo good – fun to take to go or eat there on the patio get a beer next door.IMG_5291IMG_5293IMG_5294

Austria Das Original – Delish schnitzel and I think pickled cucumbers and potato salad… SO good!IMG_5217IMG_5216IMG_5214IMG_5213

Reccomendations :

Benedict

Hamy

Soluna

Sahara

Austria Das Original 

 

Drinking my way around Berlin

by toastedbunz, posted in beer, coffee, Holiday, information, Restaurant, restaurants, travel, Uncategorized

In many ways, I left a little of my heart in Berlin. It is a big city, full of diverse neighborhoods and lots of history. Despite not really understanding the language I felt right at home.  I went in May and the weather was amazing. We had a few days of rain but it always cleared up in time for a walk around. One of my favorite things about Berlin is that everyone walks around with a beer in hand. Here in California, you really won’t see that often. It is definitely frowned upon to walk about with an open container. Not so in Berlin, everyone you pass walking down the street, whether it’s parents watching their kids at the park, coworkers/ friends walking to dinner they all have a beer in hand and I LOVE that vibe, so laid back, so me.

I was staying in the cutest neighborhood and the best hostel, Minimal Hostel.  I chose to stay in a hostel since I was traveling alone and wanted the opportunity to meet people and hang out with them. In the neighborhood of my hostel was a cute craft beer bar, Lager Lager. I hit this spot up a few times. Always bustling with many people and a great spot to pick up an interesting beer for later. IMG_5194IMG_5193IMG_5192

Another spot close to where I was staying, O.T. Bar Und Projekt Raum was another spot with good wine and beer! Very cool interior also.IMG_5321IMG_5320IMG_5319752CEE89-4C98-4AB4-B718-09E5F173C3C9

Another fun spot for cocktails is Geist Im Glas, this is a super cool place where you can tell the bartender what flavor alcohol combo you like and she will create a drink for you! They have a great outdoor area but after a certain time, they ask that you head inside as to not disturb the neighbors. IMG_5229IMG_5228IMG_5227IMG_5224

Another great place for green juices, coffee, tea and various food is the Marheineke Markthalle on Bergmannstraße. I like going to markets cause I can point to things I want if I am not sure how to say it in German.IMG_5204

I loved the Brlo Brwhouse – so much so that I went to it twice while I was in Berlin. It is in Victoria Park which was a really cool spot to people watch, bike, walk and relax!IMG_5241IMG_5240IMG_5242IMG_5243IMG_5244IMG_5246IMG_5257IMG_5258

In Summary, a few places I really enjoyed for a drink are :

Lager Lager

O.T. Bar Und Projekt Raum

Geist Im Glas

Brlo Brwhouse

Fav Things in the Bay

by toastedbunz, posted in beer, coffee, east bay, Events, exercise, Hikes, hobby, information, people, Restaurant, restaurants, travel

This past weekend I had a couple friends visit, last minute, in the middle of the week… which can be the best kind of visits… the best places are way less crowded on a Thursday!

The weather had been rainy all week but we were lucky to have sunny skies over us on the day they were visiting.

First Stop… Beauty’s Bagels! Yes, it is a bit hipstery ( whatever that means…) but it isgenuinelyy delicious and one of my favorite places in Oakland for breakfreast.

I always take people here who are visiting and they always love it. I love the Veggie bagel but this particular day I tried the fried chicken and let me tell you… it was some of the best friend chicken I have ever had.IMG_4411

After fueling up, we headed to Tenessee Valley for a hike!  This is a leisure hike that you can make more challenging or longer as you see fit for you and your group.

Always layer!FullSizeRenderIMG_4416756FF0A7-DC46-484F-A84C-7CD04E432AE9IMG_4418IMG_4422

Next stop! One of my ALL TIME fav mexican restaurants I have ever been to, The Sausalito Taco Shop. The crema, the micheladas, the seafood… yes PLEASE!IMG_4445

After lunch, it was time for some beer! We headed back across the Richmond Bridge for one of my fav breweries ( are you sensing a theme? Of course I would take my friends to do my favorite things! ), Fieldwork in Berkeley.

I am NEVER disappointed here and I always take home a crowler, growler or apparel! … I just love it!IMG_4447IMG_4449

Next stop, Rare Barrel… If you LOVE Sours…where have you been??? Get to The Rare Barrel. The server asked if we were on Spring Break… We took it as a compliment… life should be one long spring break!IMG_4456IMG_4454IMG_4457

After heading home to clean up we hit my neighborhood brewery, Temescal.IMG_4488IMG_4494

Love the beer garden here… dreaming of Summer already!IMG_4502IMG_4495

SO glad that these two came and visited me! It allowed me to visit my favorite places with two of the funniest people I know!

Come back anytime!IMG_4510

We then headed to one of my fav Korean spots, Bowl’d BBQ. IMG_4512

After that, we hit one last brewery, Woods in Uptown Oakland. Love the fire pit vibes they set up!IMG_4513IMG_4514

Additionally, if you want to dance on a Thursday night, head to Era Art Bar… always a fun time!

And… there you have it! A few of my favorite things… in the BAY!

Drinking Beer in San Diego

by toastedbunz, posted in beer, hobby, people, Restaurant, restaurants, travel, Uncategorized

From Carlsbad, we took the Coaster to San Deigo and got off at the Santa Fe Station. Meer steps from the train depot is Stones Company Store. Great patio and selection of beers. On a warm Saturday is was super low key.stonenexttosantafestationstonepatiocutestonetaproomstoneflightstonetaproom

Our next stop was Half Door Brewing, close proximity to Petco Park and has great food and beers. Would love to come here again when its not so packed.halfdoorkeg

The Super Dank Pale Ale and their IIIPA were to die for… can I go back now???halfdoorbrew

A hop, skip and drive away from downtown SD is Vista.. which is home to many amazing breweries. Barrel Harbor is one of those.  Our friends picked up these amazing ceramic mugs that hold a pint and then some! With free popcorn, games and delicious beers you are in for a solid afternoon of fun.barrelhouse

San Deigo is a beer lovers destination. Can’t wait until my next visit to try more breweries!

Carlsbad is quite RAD

by toastedbunz, posted in beer, coffee, Holiday, Restaurant, restaurants, travel, Uncategorized

carlsbad

Just finished spending a weekend in Carlsbad, where the sun and fun were found in plentiful amounts. Everytime, we visit our friends in Carlsbad I feel like we find new gems. beeratthebeach

Have a beer with a view at Dini’s by the Sea.blueocean

Lots of Sake to be had at Blue Ocean. Great Miso.barrelrepublic

I haven’t been to a Barrel Republic yet but I did enjoy being able to pour as much beer as I wanted… seems like it could easily get expensive! campfireIMG_4371

Campfire is new to the Carlsbad scene and while I can’t speak for the food, the cocktails were amazing.

We spent our night in the teepee which was a really fun way to close out my friends birthday! Highly recommend this place for cocktails – really close to the coaster station in Carlsbad. campfirecampfireIMG_4321campfireIMG_4320campfireIMG_4327

Gotta hit up Lola’s for a breakfast burrito. Really one of the cutest little places.lolasaysholalolas

The Succulent Cafe is also a newer addition in Carlsbad and would be a cool spot to work on your laptop or read a book. Very relaxing and beautiful.succulentsinsideofsucculentcafelattetimecooltableatsucculentcafehave a succulent day

I love Carlsbad and highly recommend a visit if you get the chance! Easily accessible via coaster and connects with Oceanside, Solana, San Deigo etc.

Favs on Friday : Food and Drinks

by toastedbunz, posted in beer, coffee, east bay, Events, hobby, information, Restaurant, restaurants, Uncategorized

My fav mocha…. and I am not even a mocha person, but the mocha at Blue Bottle is made with tcho and is ohhh so good. Pair it with a waffle and you have a decadently sweet breakfast.bluebottle

My love affair with Firebrand continues. Not just a bakery – they serve up amazing breakfast and lunch fare… They also recently started serving beer and wine in the evenings. Need to check it out soon. firebrand

Another place I love every time I go but I just don’t go enough is Drake’s Dealership.  Went here for lunch and may have had a little too much to drink, but the beers were SO good. drakes

If you love German food head to Gaumenkitzel in Berkeley. This is my second time there and I LOVED it both times. Great for vegetarians and meat lovers alike with an extensive beer and wine menu. germanfood

Branching out from the East Bay for this last one! The Jug Shop on Polk in the City has an AMAZING selection of beer, liquor, and wine. They also put on wonderful tastings. My friend and I went there for a sour tasting and we were blown away by how extensive and delicious it was. As you can see I went home with quite a bit!! jugshopsourbeer

Enjoy!

West of Pecos : Tex-Mex gem in The Mission

by toastedbunz, posted in information, Restaurant, restaurants, talk, Uncategorized

With so many places to eat in San Francisco, I felt that the fact I had been to West of Pecos twice in the last month was reason enough to do a little post up here of it for others to become aware of ( if you weren’t already ) and enjoy!

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First time we went was on a Friday night where we sat at the bar and ordered food. Quick friendly service and fast.bar at west of pecos

We ordered the vegetarian puffy tacos and the artichoke – both amazing!fried artichoke and veg puffy taco

The cocktail options are plentiful … I love a nice mezcal drink but their marg/sangria slushy is a must try… they run out often so ask about it.

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The food is fresh and feels light and healthy while still being authenticly tex-mex… does that even make sense?

Bottom line its DELISH. and bonus if you go on Tuesday they have yummy tacos for 2.50, talk about a deal!

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The shishito peppers were a great app for the table to share!

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Side Note : This is a great spot for dinner if you are going to a show at the Chapel.

I plan to go back many times and often for their amazing combo of cocktails and great food.

Oakland is Juiced

by toastedbunz, posted in east bay, Restaurant, restaurants, talk, Uncategorized

Last week, when we had a few days of sun, my friend and I walked to Super Juiced for a late afternoon treat.

They are located in Old Oakland, in the back of a courtyard. They have homemade nut milks, acai bowls, smoothies, juices and other snacks.

and that decor… so cute!

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Looking forward to coming here a lot more this summer! Cheers. superjuiced

Valencia Peak – Montana de Oro

by toastedbunz, posted in Hikes, Restaurant, restaurants, travel, Uncategorized

For one last bit of steeze we hiked up to Valencia Peak Saturday morning. Epic views and a bit of elevation gain led to an amazing hike. valenciapeaktrailvpmorrorockfromvpvalenciapeak

Met a really cool couple on the trail ( who took this pic of us at the top) They were in their 60s and training to hike into the Grand Canyon with their grand Daughter. The husband hikes every Saturday morning before sunrise, lets talk about goals!besties-onvalenciapeak

After our hike, we went in to Morro Bay for coffee and an Acai bowl!acaibowl

What an amazing few days on the Central Coast… filled with hikes and brews I really couldn’t ask for anything more!

Hike, Blade and Beach

by toastedbunz, posted in beer, coffee, exercise, Hikes, hobby, Holiday, people, Restaurant, restaurants, travel, Uncategorized

Our next morning started out at a newer SLO fav, Scout Coffee. They now have two locations in San Luis and we went to the shop on  Foothill Foothill. The decor is on point and their homemade almond milk will make you sing.

I tried the scone with scallions and goat cheese which was delicious. The vibe was LOUD… I don’t know how someone could study there but maybe on a weekday it would be less rambunctious. scoutcoffeeimg_3454scoutcoffeeimg_3456

After our coffee and pastries, we headed to Avila to hike the Ridge Trail. This time we parked closer to Pirates Cove… off Cave Landing.

We started at the hill of doom, much better going up than down.hillofdeathavilaridgetrail

Once we caught our breaths… well once I caught my breath we selfied 🙂bestiesavilaridgetrail

SO amazingly beautiful and vast. Once we were leaving we noticed that it had gotten a lot more crowded. We were lucky that we had so much alone trail time.avilaridgetrailwildflowersofavilaridgetrailavilaridgetrailpeace

After our hike, we put on our blades and rolled down the Bob Jones Trail. bobjonesbladeseash

Once in Avila, we stopped for lunch and brews and then headed back on the trail to finish our 5 mile round trip blade sesh.midbladelunchatcustomhouseavila

Saturday Night, we had plans to camp at Montana de Oro State Park.   This is probably one of the most beautiful places you will ever go in your life. mdomdosunsetmdoimg_9237montanamdoimg_3499sunsetbestiesmdosunsetatmdoyummysunsetatmdo

Is this real life??? Views and Brews?!! On this somewhat stormy Saturday Night Libertine Pub in Morro Bay was pretty empty but a live band came on at eight that brought in more of a crowd. We enjoyed dinner and a few brewskies. libertinepub

What a fulfilling day!