Nosh readers have spoken and the new restaurant that most captivated them opened in Temescal in September.
Author Archives: Tovin Lapan
As Nosh editor, Tovin Lapan oversees food coverage across Oaklandside and Berkeleyside. His journalism career started in Guadalajara, Mexico as a reporter for an English-language weekly newspaper. Previously, he served as the multimedia food reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune, and covered a variety of beats including immigration and agriculture at the Las Vegas Sun and Santa Cruz Sentinel. His work has also appeared in Fortune, The Guardian, U.S. News & World Report, San Francisco Chronicle, and Lucky Peach among other publications. Tovin likes chocolate and seafood, but not together.
Posted inNosh
The East Bay’s best bar has been pouring for nearly 85 years
The 2023 Nosh Awards best bar overall is a classic that has stood the test of time.
Posted inNosh
The East Bay’s favorite restaurant this year is a date-night superstar
The 2023 Nosh Awards best restaurant overall is a romantic neighborhood gem that has grown into a destination dinner spot.
Posted inNosh
The East Bay’s favorite neighborhood for going out is this Oakland restaurant and bar hub
In the 2023 Nosh Awards readers voted for one of Oakland’s nightlife hot spots as the best neighborhood for going out.
Posted inNosh
The East Bay can’t get over the loss of this Oakland restaurant that closed just shy of 40 years
Nosh readers said the saddest closure of 2023 was a place known for hosting birthday dinners, anniversary parties and other special occasions.
Posted inGotta Try It
At Burdell, chef and owner Geoff Davis speaks in the details
In the latest installment of Nosh’s Gotta Try It series, Davis breaks down his roasted pastured chicken.
Posted inNosh
The 2023 Nosh Awards: Vote now for your favorite restaurants and bars
Voting closes Dec. 17, and the winners will be announced Dec. 26-29.
Posted inNosh Features
A behind-the-scenes look at harvest season at West Berkeley wineries
Nosh visited Covenant Wines, Lusu Cellars and Broc Cellars to capture crush, the wineries’ most labor-intensive time of year.
Posted inNosh Features
Coffee roasting is bad for the environment. This Oakland company is trying a bold new way
Working with Berkeley’s Bellwether and the California Energy Commission, Heirloom Coffee Roasters has unveiled an electric roasting operation and is working with regenerative organic coffee farms.
Posted inNosh Features
Willows & Pine traces its roots to one of Oakland’s original soul food destinations
Bay Area-born chef Michauxnée Olier is rebuilding her family heritage one dish at a time.
Posted inBites
A trio of upcoming charitable dinners pairs creative culinary events with East Bay nonprofits
Community Kitchens, Sama Sama Cooperative and Roots & Soul Foundation will benefit from the ticketed meals.
Posted inNosh Features
Los Cilantros’ return to original Berkeley location unlocks new dishes and potential
Back at La Peña Cultural Center, owner and chef Dilsa Lugo is fully realizing her vision of combining her family’s heritage in Mexico with the business and restaurant skills she learned in the Bay Area.
Posted inRestaurant Closures
Caffe 817 closing early November, Southern Cafe closed for repairs
A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland and beyond.
Posted inGotta Try It
Good Luck Gato builds an ‘esoteric’ bridge from Japan to Mexico
In the launch of a new Nosh series, Gotta Try It, chef Matt Meyer tells the story behind his new Oakland restaurant through the dish he says best reflects the menu.
Posted inBites
Sushi Salon finds permanent location in Oakland
Plus, Delirama reveals its forthcoming second location and a collaborative dinner in Berkeley featuring Senegalese chef Pierre Thiam.
Posted inNosh Features
Fine-dining pop-up at Cafe Colucci combines West and East African flavors
The collaboration between chef Selasie Dotse and Brundo Spice Company came from a shared goal of creating more opportunities for Black and African chefs in upscale dining.
Posted inRestaurant Closures
Le Cheval to close after 38 years in Old Oakland
Fans of the Vietnamese restaurant quickly took to social media to lament the loss and tout their favorite dishes including garlic noodles and spicy wings.
Posted inNosh Guides
Our steins runneth over: Oktoberfest events in the East Bay
Events in Oakland, Alameda, San Leandro, Walnut Creek and elsewhere are featuring local breweries in including Faction, Ghost Town, Lagunitas and more.
Posted inNosh Guides
Berkeley and Oakland restaurants whip up special menus for Jewish High Holidays
Shana Tova! Where to find brisket, challah, honey cake and more Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
