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Cal plans to build ‘innovation zone’ | Evictions slowly on the rise | Has the building boom made housing more affordable? | Introducing...Richmondside.

Avatar photo

Benjamin Seto

Freelancer Benjamin Seto has worked as a reporter and editor for various newspapers around the country, and is currently a communications professional and food writer based in Oakland. Ben is also the founder and creative mind behind Focus:Snap:Eat, a food blog he started in 2011 to showcase his love of food photography. He spotlights food he finds in his kitchen, around restaurants and shops in the Bay Area, and from his culinary adventures when traveling. A self-taught home cook, Ben enjoys a variety of cuisine but is influenced by his Chinese-American heritage and his childhood growing up in Honolulu. He loves lavender and hates eggplant — but he isn’t afraid to try everything else in between.

focus_snap_eat@yahoo.com
Thai-inspired fish curry Photo: Benjamin Seto.
Posted inNosh

Recipe: Thai-inspired red curry fish

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto April 5, 2021, 2:30 p.m.Oct. 4, 2022, 2:00 a.m.

This flavorful, light but satisfying dish is made with red curry paste, Makrut lime leaves and ginger.

A scene from episode 4 of Street Food: Latin America. Photo: Netflix
Posted inNosh

Feeling like a couch potato? Here are 17 food shows to binge-watch

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto Sept. 24, 2020, 1:11 p.m.Oct. 4, 2022, 1:58 a.m.

COVID might have put a damper on how and where you eat, but these food-themed travel, cooking, competition and documentary series will whet your appetite and keep your entertained.

This Korean-style soba salad is inspired by a similar salad from Namu Gaji in San Francisco. Photo: Benjamin Seto.
Posted inCity

Recipe: Korean-style soba noodle salad

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto Aug. 20, 2020, 10:48 a.m.Oct. 4, 2022, 1:58 a.m.

Nutty soba noodles, crisp romaine lettuce and refreshing cucumber strips are topped with a sweet-spicy vinaigrette for a light, satisfying meal.

A bowl of fried Mochiko chicken, garnished with sesame seeds and green onion, shot from above.
Posted inCity

Recipe: Chewy, crunchy Mochiko chicken

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto July 22, 2020, 11:31 a.m.Oct. 4, 2022, 1:54 a.m.

While you may not be attending a lot of potlucks these days, this easy fried chicken dish travels well, so pack it up in a picnic basket for a socially distanced hike or outdoor meal.

Posted inNosh

A new type of casual: Counter service meets seasonal dining at Cal Peternell’s The Lede

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto Dec. 17, 2019, 11:25 a.m.Aug. 4, 2022, 12:06 p.m.

After 20 years as a chef at Chez Panisse, it’s no surprise Peternell lets quality ingredients shine at his Old Oakland Cal-Italian spot.

Andouille sausage, mushrooms and cheddar omelette topped with sauce piquant with a side of potato hash and biscuit.
Posted inNosh

San Francisco favorite Brenda’s brings Creole soul food to Oakland

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto Nov. 13, 2019, 1:00 p.m.Feb. 5, 2023, 8:05 p.m.

The one-month-old East Bay outpost of chef Brenda Buenviaje’s popular brunch destination regularly has lines out the door — and for good reason.

The “mezcal and chill” slushee is perfect on a warm afternoon.
Posted inNightlife, Nosh

Nido’s Backyard, the Bay Area’s first ‘margarita garden,’ is a fun place to gather, but has room to grow

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto Oct. 18, 2019, 7:48 a.m.Oct. 4, 2022, 1:56 a.m.

Its food menu is still finding its footing, but after just one month, the large festive outdoor space and the tequila and mezcal-focused bar are already a hit.

an orange moon in dark sky
Posted inBerkeley Wire

The Berkeley Wire: 10.03.19

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto Oct. 3, 2019, 5:15 p.m.Oct. 4, 2022, 1:52 a.m.

News about Berkeley from around the web.

A tray of yakitori skewers: (from left) sansho chicken thighs, tsukune (chicken meatball) and negima (or chicken with Japanese green onions).
Posted inNosh

Try yakitori, empanadas, Vietnamese street food at The Crown’s new Saturday brunch series

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto Oct. 3, 2019, 12:01 p.m.Aug. 4, 2022, 12:15 p.m.

The Uptown coffee hub hosts one local pop-up a week from a rotating line-up of chefs.

Lechon pork rice plate from Jeepney Guy.
Posted inNosh

Eat Real Festival celebrates good food and fun at Jack London Square

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto Sept. 23, 2019, 12:52 p.m.Oct. 4, 2022, 1:49 a.m.

Oakland’s marquee food event took place over the weekend for its 11th year, with an array of food and drink vendors, demonstrations, workshops and entertainment.

Gulf shrimp with vermicelli, a modern twist on a Vietnamese dish at Top Hatters Kitchen in San Leandro.
Posted inNosh

Eating San Leandro: The East Bay city steps into the food spotlight

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto Aug. 26, 2019, 11:00 a.m.Oct. 4, 2022, 1:50 a.m.

San Leandro has seen a surge of new dining and gourmet food establishments, including As Kneaded Bakery, Top Hatters Kitchen, Papaito Rotisserie and nearby Ashland Market and Café.

Pho ga thit xe or pho with shredded chicken meat from Pho Ga Huong Que Cafe
Posted inNosh

East Oakland’s Pho Ga Huong Que Café is still the go-to for hearty chicken pho

Avatar photo by Benjamin Seto Aug. 12, 2019, 2:00 p.m.Oct. 4, 2022, 1:48 a.m.

After more than 10 years in business, and among many local competitors, the Vietnamese chicken noodle house continues to pack in diners.

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