Temescal Tour Returns

Launched ten years ago now, we are pleased to share that our Oakland Temescal Tastes Tour relaunched earlier this year. Guests will find neighborhood favorites such as Cholita Linda, beloved for its Baja-style fish tacos, and Curbside Creamery, known for its innovative ice cream flavors, still in the mix. We welcome new tour partners such as Golden State Pickle Works, where guests get to pucker up for some fermented fun, and Pyeong Chang Tofu House, an area mainstay, for tofu soup, a classic Korean comfort dish.

Sunday’s public tour, led by East Bay guides Eve Mezvinsky and Rebecca Sibrack, includes a focus on the Urban Village Farmers Market, where the adventure begins with a sampling of whatever is best in season.

In winter, Rebecca says she likes to introduce guests to lesser-known citrus such as Cara Cara oranges, kumquats, and blood oranges. In the summer she’s all about the stone fruit on offer, and enjoys highlighting hybrids such as pluots and apriums. And, of course, California is blessed to have a long strawberry season.

Year-round, she’s a fan of two market anchors Tomatero Farm (hot tip: cash only) and Pinnacle Organically Grown Produce for gorgeous greens, herbs, and root vegetables for both her home use and client cooking.

Oakland's Temescal neighborhood is well established as an eating destination worthy of a walking tour. And terrific new additions continue to blossom in the area. (Here’s looking at you party restaurant Daytrip, natural wine spot Snail Bar, and baked goods newbie Poppy’s Bagels.)

Photo by Clara Rice for Starter Bakery

It's home to creative food producers, culinary standouts, and menus reflecting the diverse cultural mix of the community. We introduce guests to new experiences, like the decadent sweet pastry originally from Brittany in France known as a kouign-amann and made here by Starter Bakery. We also acquaint tour takers with traditional Ethiopian injera (fermented flatbread) and wot (stew) from Abesha Ethiopian Cuisine.

And, humblebrag here: The Huffington Post dubbed our tour "the best Oakland food tour you'll ever take." Don’t just take their word for it, come find out for yourself.

Just a reminder, in addition to our Sunday public tour, Edible Excursions can arrange private Temescal tours at any time or day, and for any group size. Use this itinerary, or let us craft a unique experience for you. We’ve been known, for instance, to work Bakesale Betty into the mix and her buttermilk fried chicken sandwich is a big hit.

Our Temescal tour has been the repeat tour of choice by as diverse guests as a college cultural anthropology class and execs from global corporations. We’ve entertained book groups, budding accountants, and tons of extended families. The tour is a popular pick for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations too. We’d be delighted if you joined us.

Related:

Meet Eve Mezvinsky

Meet Rebecca Sibrack

Spotlight: Starter Bakery

Starter Bakery Opens Store

Lisa Rogovin