The AeroPress Coffee Maker Guide

Aeropress coffee maker

After purchasing my first AeroPress, I did plenty of testing to create this comprehensive AeroPress Coffee Maker Guide. An AeroPress coffee maker is an affordable piece of coffee equipment that makes a spectacular cup of coffee and is light enough to take anywhere. Learn how to fine-tune your coffee-making technique and come along on my …

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The Hopsy SUB Home Tap

Hopsy sub home tap first glass

In the search for different types of entertainment during life under stay-at-home, I discovered beer which ships right to your door, via the Hopsy SUB Home Tap. With breweries closed and options slim at the grocery store, I ordered a machine along with 4 mini-kegs.  The Hopsy SUB Home Tap is run independently under Krups, …

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The Best Restaurants in Oakland

Oakland food scene agave uptown orw

These are some of the best restaurants in Oakland. From Michelin star restaurants to unassuming dine-ins and food trucks, there is an abundance of great food throughout Oakland and its many neighborhoods. The Oakland food scene has grown exponentially over the years, and I believe the diversity of cultures has always been at the root …

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California Style Aperitivo

Californian aperitivo with pinot noir

This seasonal California Style Aperitivo takes all of the goodness of the traditional Northern Italian Aperitivo and adds a local farm-to-table twist. This plate is full of fresh, local ingredients and is perfect for small gatherings with LOTS of wine and excellent conversation. An aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink and light fare meant to whet …

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Behind the Mustache at Eva’s Brickhouse

Behind the mustache evas brickhouse featured

“Who are you looking for?” Was shouted at me the very first time I met Kent McKinley, owner of Eva’s Brickhouse. Wearing a Hawaiian shirt, completely unbuttoned, khaki shorts, and barefoot, my eyes were immediately drawn to the enormous broken capillaries on his nose and thick wild mustache. His skin glistened on the verge of …

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Exploring Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Balsamic vinegar obsession

The Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is steeped in rich culture and history. Balsamic Vinegar  is thick. Syrupy. Sweet and tart – but certainly not sour. Aged like wine. Balsamic vinegar is this magical substance which coats your palette and envelops your senses of smell and taste with delight.

Puerto Vallarta – From Healthy Eating to Vegan

Puerto vallarta vegan restaurants

Traveling to unfamiliar cultural regions with vegan or specific dietary restrictions can be very intimidating, especially with a language barrier. While I am not a vegan, I am an infrequent meat eater. While in Mexico, I thought it would be interesting to see how easy or difficult it would be to adhere to a vegan …

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Finding the Best Coffee in Puerto Vallarta

As a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, finding the best coffee in Puerto Vallarta during my adventures in Mexico fell quite high on my priority list. Thankfully, the city and surrounding areas had plenty of coffee shops to choose from. When choosing coffee shops, I made it a priority to find those cafés that roasted their coffee …

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