Yesterday, I took a trip down memory lane. Returned to a place where I once called home, Berkeley. Known for their nude street dancers and countless protests, many over look their culinary delights. Whether you’re a starving student (rags) or just closed a bling bling contract (riches), there is a great range of food. During my college days at UC Berkeley, I struggled with a serious sin. It’s not surprisingly. Stressed with the rigors of school, bored from the lectures of white bearded professors, and finding my self identity led me to find an outlet -needing to exhale. My sin, gluttony - the over consumption of food. To pay tribute to the Pope’s recent United States visit, lets take a moment of silence, bow our heads, and confess my sins.

“Father, I confess my sins. During college I dealt with stress in the wrong ways. I did not turn to you. Instead, food was my idol. Amen.”

Relieved. From this sinful experience, why let my knowledge go to waste. Introduce this community to a few hidden gems. Arriving for lunch, I start my venture in the Durant food court also know as little Chinatown. I head over to Steve’s BBQ. Don’t hesitate, order the bbq beef served with noodles, kimchi, and spouts-$6.99. Served over a mountain for rice, the bbq beef lacks a hint of sweetness but the noodles are done right, chewy. The kimchi lacks need spice but the sprouts provide additional crunch. It is not the best Korean BBQ I have had, but for $8 plus tax, its a deal. (2521 Durant Ave-between Bowditch St & Telegraph Ave)

Hip hop across the street, but watch out for eager students driving carelessly on their way to their math tutors. Top Dog, the institution for drunk food, still delivers. Hot dogs with a snappy casing grilled over a pan grill. Served on a French roll, the bratwurst ($3) is strong in pork flavor married with great spices and seasoning. For a lighter selection, the lemon chicken does the trick-$3. Sauerkraut + ketchup + deli mustard + onion + pickles = flavor turbo boaster. {Hint: Lighten up on the condiments, let the meat play center stage.} Great for home bbq cook offs, check out their to go menu. Most dogs are about $1 and their French rolls, 6 for $1.50. Behind the seemingly simple culinary procedure, cooking a great hot dog takes great technique. First, the bread can not be over toasted. The bread should be chewy, warm, with a light brown crust. Many rookies make the mistake and over toast the bun, and that is why you cut the bread against the roof of the gums. Listen carefully to the sizzle of the grill for hints of when the dogs are ready. Look for plumpness but don’t over cook your dogs.

Great. Time to detox. I head over to Jamba Juice on Bancroft. As a former professional juicer for Jamba Juice, I swiftly order the peach pleasure and a dose of wheat grass. Although not appeal, what grass truly detox your body. As a food snob, I eat a lot so remember to take care of your engine. There are many great meals to come. Across the street, I see a mob of people, Hollywood cameras, and Tommy Lee (former husband to Pam Anderson). As I walk stroll down on Telegraph alongside with Tommy, I divert my attention to something more important: restaurants. After all, I rather see super model Padma Lakshimi from Top Chef or super cool Jaime Oliver.

Btw, I got through to second round of Hell’s Kitchen audition.
Casting: “What dish best describes your personality?”
Campusfork: “Sweet ‘n sour pork. Sometimes I sweet, kind to people…but I can be sour. So I am not afraid to tell off Gordon Ramsey.”

I have been on reality television, but the story is more fitting on another day.
Back to my stroll on Telegraph. Looking around the landscape, numerous restaurants have come and go. Many of them at their own fault. They are poor observers and decline to adopt trends. For instance, there are a few soup noodle restaurant. Dam idiots. Berkeley has around 40,000 students, we don’t have time to slurp on some damm noodles, plus when it is hot the last thing I want. Students want something fast, cheap and quick. Btw, Chipotle has arrived, read my past blog about this future juggarnaut in the food industry. The design is clean, modern, and lacks frills.

Greeted by Tony the Tiger from Frosted Flakes, I stumble upon - Moolicious, a cereal bar new on Telegraph. Opening day is today. Owner Gerald Thomas has a great idea at had. Served in Chinese to go boxes, pick your assorted cereal and mix it with your choice of milk (chocolate/soy available) for around $3. Try their cereal sandwich or salads. In the East Coast, Cereality is the front runner in cereal bars. A few obvious points. Students can get cereal from their dining hall or buy a box from the local super market and save a bundle. But remember, consumers see value in experience.

Alright, here’s the list.
Riches (~$30 per person)
Kirala: One of the few authentic Japanese restaurants in the city. Uniquely at Kirala, try the Unagi Tenju 15.75
(Eel & Vegetables deep fried in light tempura batter over rice-15.75)
Acote: Great French/Californian tapas. The onion soup is seasonal but steal the show. Served in a small rustic bowl, cheese melted over a full bodies beef broth along with sweet tender onions. 5478 College Ave., Oakland, CA 94618
Caesar: the Spanish tapas place to go. With cozy dining room setting, most tapas are great. Try the (shrimp, clam & mussel salpicón, $9.75) or (mushrooms al ajillo, $8.75)
Bistro Liason:Another French Californian bistro. Cozy setting with simple menu.
Rags (~$15 or under per person)
Zachary’s: Chicago style thick pizza. A few bites, you’re in comfort food heaven if you order the spinach special. My record: four slices. Avoid the wait and go early.
Cheeseboard: Thin slices of pizza served with fresh vegetables. The light crust and the pairing of garden fresh veggies such as mushroom and artichoke make the visit worth while.
Cafe Intermezzo: sandwich/salad combo for $7. Fresh vegetables, fresh baked bread, and great portions.
2442 Telegraph Ave-(between Channing Way & Haste St)

Consultanat Hat.
Campus eateries need to understand their clients, student. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid). I suggest to start something that can generate a to go business and creates buzz.
-menu. have a small menu. don’t create unnecessary traffic.
-evergreen. menu items that can be served in cold or warm weather
-hot items. Avoid them. Just a grill alone cost $60,000
-experience. give customers one. Ethnic or Sports, have one.
-cathering. Generate a catering platform (clubs/frats/soriety/meeting) = big business
-design. on eatery row, you have to set yourself apart.
-partnership. get to know President at clubs on campus. they can be your greatest allies.
-community. give back to the campus. donate food, give discounts, or speak for their business club

When I was at CAL, there was no cooking club. Melissa, an active member of Cal’s Cooking Club, lured me into knowing more about the club. Features 800 members who plan eating ventures. (Cal Cooking Club)

So whether you’re on a shoestring budget or looking for a fine dining destination, Berkeley is a down to earth community that has eateries that fit everyone.