intro
welcome all to this first sunday post all about food. I don’t know yet what I want to call this. I want this series to be half recommending places I love, half diving deep into certain establishments, or half exploring the incredibly diverse cuisine in california.
right now I have:
pacific plate (though this doesn’t sound exclusive to california)
the golden plate/spoon (but this sounds like a blog focused on rich privilege)
bear bites/feast/cuisine
coastal cuisine/plate
I’ll figure it out. but for now, I think I like ‘bear bites’ enough.
so, welcome to bear bites issue #1
tram cream coffee 5
35284 Newark Blvd, Newark, CA 94560
https://www.tramcreamcoffee.com
their location in newark is fairly new. I hope they last very, very long because I think that location is haunted. they might be the fourth or fifth tea spot to take over that building.
they have six locations, each distinguished with a simple number, mostly across the east and south bays. what I like about tram is their large variety of coffees, specifically vietnamese coffee. their coconut coffee is my go-to choice. the strength of the coffee is diluted by the coconut milk, milk and heavy cream. plus, the little coconut shavings add some surprisingly great texture to the thick drink.
note: for those like me who are somewhat sensitive to caffeine, stay away from basic vietnamese coffee, especially their saigon and black coffee options. I once had their saigon coffee and had to leave work early because I felt so nauseous and my hands were shaking. never again.
note 2: from research, it seems both the beans (robusta) and brewing technique (phin filter (think espresso like but not really)) contribute to the overall high caffeine.
the great thing about coffee shops in california is their tea offerings. if you’re not interested in coffee at all, come to tram for their peach orange tea. it’s as refreshing and light as its name suggest. plus, you can suck on the stick of lemongrass after for an extra oomph.
other recommendations: the matchahaya. it’s matcha blended with ice and their signature cream. it’s an odd mixture in that it has the light texture of whipped cream but also heavy like ice cream.
asia express
5672 Thornton Ave, Newark, CA 94560
https://asiaexpressca.com
I’m a little bummed there isn’t way more of these “fast food” chinese places. the ones where the food is behind a glass case, you walk up and choose what you want, the workers place your food in a plastic white container then you walk out all happy and hungry.
I remember my parents taking me, my siblings, and cousins to this place called ann’s chinese back in the day because it was easy and everyone was happy from choosing the food they actually wanted to eat. it’s been closed for some time. replaced with another chinese spot. though this one you have to sit down and order.
if I’m feeling particularly healthy, my go-to order is
steamed rice
steamed veggies
kung pao shrimp
but, yesterday, I was hungry and wanted something filling so I ordered spicy orange chicken.
asia express is tiny inside. but the people behind the glass case are fast. and when something runs out, the cooks in the back are just as fast and you’ll wait no more than five minutes. it’s solid chinese food and I highly recommend it for those that want a quick chinese meal that isn’t panda express.
gelato classico
39191 Farwell Dr, Fremont, CA 94538
https://caffeclassicofoods.com/about
in the tri city area (newark, fremont, union city) there are only a handful of solely gelato places. and the one I’ve been going to since I was a little girl is gelato classico.
there’s probably around 30 different flavors plus other choices like banana split or milkshake. if you want something refreshing and light: lemon sorbet.
if you want something light and creamy: limoncello.
if you don’t care about your teeth or lactose intolerance: coppa mista.
coppa mista (translation: mixed cup) consists of the following: chocolate, almonds, pistachios, and vanilla. though, with my post covid screwed up taste buds, I can really only taste the chocolate and vanilla.
gelato classico has many different locations across the bay area, so the next time you are craving a sweet treat, definitely check if you have one near you.
note: the location in fremont no longer offers sampling. though I’m sure whatever flavor you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
hint: they have some flavors in their back freezer so if you’ve never been, definitely ask what they have in the back. recently, their espresso gelato has been pushed to the back freezer. a definite must try for coffee lovers. or, even better, try an espresso milkshake. yumm.
not gonna lie, I was super hungry yesterday and scarfed down that spicy orange chicken without even thinking of taking a picture to post here. my bad. but it was super good.
I did the same thing with the coppa mista. though I had the self control to stop before I ate it all.
the peach orange tea and the coconut coffee. another tip: for the coconut coffee, when you put the drink hole to your mouth, close it off with your upper lip and let the coffee on the bottom of the cup flow through the milk. it’s a perfect blend in your mouth. or you could mix the drink with a straw like a normal person.
oops. forgot to include this. this is their menu.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has a cheat day every week. mine is on saturdays. the day is long and I don’t have work the next day. so I eat whatever, feel bloated, don’t care because I can sleep in and restart on sunday. yesterday, I went to these three places. if you’ve ever been to these, what is your go-to order?
until next time.
the big bear dispatch: 