SF’s Food Critics Journeyed East for Worthy Food and Impeccable Sunsets

Juanita & Maude

Right here on Eater SF, critic Rachel Levin took the Transbay bus to Albany where chef Scott Eastman is scratching a culinary itch at Juanita & Maude. The vibe, Levin says, is “oh-so Berkeley” but the food is “fresh, lively, current” at the same time. East Bay Express critic Janelle Bitker had a similarly glowing take in January, so expect Michael Bauer to “discover” the restaurant with a two-star review in the next few months.

Mersea

Although Treasure Island is technically part of San Francisco proper, the Weekly’s Pete Kane left the mainland to dine at the “Dwell-baiting dream made manifest” known as Mersea. Built from shipping containers and featuring both a bocce court and a mini-golf course, the restaurant shrugs off tourist trap vibes with “worthwhile” food and drink, plus a kitchen that “has a flair for the creative.” Standouts include coconut milk ceviche, “unique” carnitas nachos and a “steroidal McMuffin” called the Jersey Girl sandwich — as well as a bargain $14 whole roast chicken. Unfortunately, the casual service could use some tweaks to keep up with the restaurant’s impressive views.

The Kon-Tiki

Janelle Bitker continues the seafaring vibe at the Kon-Tiki in Oakland. According to Bitker, Hawker Fare alums Christ Aivaliotis and Manuel Bonilla aren’t just serving up umbrella drinks, but also making “bar food you’ll actually want to eat — even completely sober.” The double patty burger topped with pineapple-onion jam is “justifiably popular,” as is the fried chicken sandwich brined in buttermilk and green curry. But for a real tour of the menu, Bitker recommends the pupu platter starring deep fried adobo pork belly, grilled King Trumpet mushrooms and “ridiculously over-the-top” crab rangoon dip.

Bauer Blog

Finally, the Chronicle’s food editor-at-large took a backseat to the paper’s big package on Chinese cuisine in Northern California this week, but he still wrote a lovely card to Hoss Zare for Palentine’s day.

• Juanita & Maude Gives a Neighborhood the Restaurant It Longed For [Eater SF]
• Treasure Island’s Mersea Has Excellent Food and Even Better Views [SF Weekly]
• In downtown Oakland, The Kon-Tiki Makes Food You’ll Actually Want to Eat [East Bay Express]
• Hoss Zare says goodbye to San Francisco [San Francisco Chronicle]