**** Dragon Rouge

For any of you who are familiar with the higher end (and therefore more expensive) Le Cheval in Oakland, let me share with you a neat retreat: Dragon Rouge. While it's definitely a small venue tucked in the odd corner of Alameda where a gas station transmorgified into a locksmith decades ago, the ambiance is modern, calm, friendly, and yes, even a bit romantic. All of this is only fodder when it comes to the meals! Oh My Goodness! While I fairly much disdain meat, I cannot do anything but drool at the thought of their Mango steak wraps. Their hot pots are fragrant and filling. I have yet to be disappointed with a dish- and I definitely go there often enough to have tried just about everything on the menu... Well worth the $5-$15 price per plate.

Blackberry Bistro - Breakfast Best

***** You would never guess that such a humble looking storefront would house a Zagat rated 4 star bistro with the best breakfast in the East Bay. I assure you, Blackberry Bistro is a gem of an Oakland restaurant. Our group enjoyed everything from standard bacon and egg dishes, to monkey bread french toast, to potato pancakes, to pesto frittattas, to banana caramel bread pudding- with bowls of hot cocoa, chai lattes, and americanos on the side. We all tried bites of everything and could not declare a favorite amongst the assortment. This is one of those places where you want to try everything on the menu.... It's small, so large parties aren't recommended, but it's an experience all should have!

Cinnaholic - Breakfast Treat!

***** They weren't kidding when they decided to name this newest addition to Berkeley, Cinnaholic. This place is amazing. The aromatic scent of freshly baking cinnamon rolls lured the masses from the streets as they were walking to the Cal vs CU game today... The choices are so numerous and offer so much variety, it's hard to stand still thinking of such sinful calories and fat intake-- but then you find out it's all vegan! I had the peach pie specialty roll with fresh peach slices and streudel- my son ate the special of the day, laced with brownie and cookie bits, drizzled in dark chocolate. Our friends got custom made buns- one with bananas and graham crackers, and the other with peaches and cherries. Not one of us was disappointed. I topped it off with a cycling hat that oozes its charm- "Vegan Power (those of you who saw Scott Pilgram will muse at that one!)" and sports their stylish logo. Thank you, Martin, for the amazing lead!