Exploring the Bay Area

Endless Summer Sweets A trip to Endless Summer Sweets is like a trip back in time to childhood. This small shop specializes in all of our childhood favorites, with an emphasis on summer fair food. The shop is brightly lit and painted in pastel blue-green and light pink, colors that resemble classic cotton candy. When you walk in, you will be surrounded by these festive colors and will see a counter that displays caramel apples and several flavors of kettle corn; behind that counter, you will see the entire menu in bright colors on television screens.  The main course menu consists of hot dogs, corn dogs, chicken tenders, and chicken sandwiches. The side options include fries and nachos. For dessert, you can have cotton candy, popcorn, ice cream, churros, funnel cakes, milkshakes, and more. You can order and pay at a kiosk or in person with the help of a cashier.  The corn dogs taste like pure nostalgia--exactly what you remember the corn dogs tasting like in childhood. By this...

La Mission La Mission is a popular small restaurant in Berkeley that sticks to authentic and delicious Mexican cooking. La Mission keeps the food affordable without sacrificing authenticity or quality. This restaurant is no secret. Crowds come back again and again to dine in or get takeout.  The menu is made up of elaborate, traditional Mexican recipes that they can whip up in a jiffy. They serve a variety of appetizers, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, sandwiches, other entrees, soups, salads, and desserts.  We have been here more than once and have sampled several of the items. Below, I will describe some of our favorites, but honestly, it's hard to go wrong.  First of all, the spicy chile colorado burrito with chicken is a real hit. It is very spicy but very good! The spices from the chile de arbol and the chile colorado mix beautifully to make an intriguing flavor of their own. It makes for a satisfying and filling meal. Next, the ceviche is always light and summery. It ...

Masse's Pastries  Masse's Pastries is a small and European-style bakery located in Berkeley. It has two glass cases and five tables in its small eating area.  Because of its small size, it has a limited selection of options. They specialize in exquisite cakes (small and large, perfect for any occasions), breakfast pastries, cookies, and macaroons. Although there are not as many options as other bakeries, this place clearly emphasizes quality over quantity; the pastries are delicious!  Although the pastries are very attractive and yummy, the pricing is very affordable. The shop is also very cute, and they have free wifi. It is a great place to either pick up a snack or sit down and stay for a while.  1469 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709

Coupa Cafe Coupa Cafe is famous in the South Bay for being a cross between a quality coffee shop and a proper sit-down restaurant. Coupa Cafe proudly serves coffee, pastries, smoothies, desserts, and full-fledged breakfast options alongside salads, crepes, paninis, wraps, and burgers. It delivers expertly-made food and drink items for an inexpensive price and welcomes guests to use the tables for as long as they like, There's a lot I could say about this restaurant, but simply put, it is a fantastic place to choose to visit. The food and beverages are yummy. The prices are competitive. Their tables make a great place to eat, drink, or meet, and Coupa is a restaurant that does its best for the community and the environment. It's even part of the South Bay culture by now, a place favorited by Silicon Valley executives and common folks as well.  Coupa Cafe has been family owned since 2004 and is a shop bursting with personality. They take real pride in what they do, as they serve...