::the food chicks::

two berkeley girls love food and love talking about food

October 01, 2004

Merritt Bakery and Restaurant

Lake Merritt in Oakland is known for its cheap rent, Berkeley ex-pats, and being the gateway into "scary" Oakland. However, there is a gem of a restaurant and bakery, located just a short drive away from campus. Located on E. 14th and Lakeshore, the Merritt Bakery has been a long-time neighborhood landmark- open late hours for big portions of diner food, pastries and their famous deserts and ice cream. My friend David sent me an article written about the place and I knew I had to go and try their famous chicken and waffles immediately.

Open until midnight or later, this joint is a great place to hang out with friends, chat, and share fresh shortcake and strawberries. Dave and I met up for some lively conversation and shared the roast beef au jus ($9.50) and the two chicken leg and waffle ($8.25). While the atmosphere is homey and the crowd diverse, the prices are a little steep for regular food. The famous chicken and waffles came with two very crispy fried chicken legs and a huge waffle. The sandwich came with a side salad or fries, but the roast beef was dry and dissapointing. However, the service was very friendly and quick. Overall, the bakery pastries and the dessert look to be the most promising at this restaurant, who's food is also excellent for the nights where you come back famished from the clubs.

Tandori Kitchen

Melissa and I met up a long while back for a late night dinner at Tandori Kitchen, now located conviently close to both our new apartments. On the corner of Parker and Telegraph, Tandor Kitchen offers similarly priced meals as your usual Indian restaurants. However, what I feel sets this place apart is it's low-priced tandori chicken. For $2.99, a chicken leg will fill you up, supplemented by a side of naan. For $3.99, a wing and breat combination will be cooked tender. While other dishes range from $5.99-9.99, the tandori chicken goes into the oven when you order and comes piping hot. Melissa and I have already been a few times now, and I'm sure she'll want to add that there is complimentary chai as well. :)

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