Berkeley – Will Bake for Shoes

Food
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- Restaurant

A Taste of Agreeno at Pathos

Posted on April 22, 2015by Brandy Saldana

Last month I was invited to a culinary event at Pathos Organic Greek Kitchen in Berkeley to try out some expertly prepared mezes paired with wines and to see a culinary demonstration by celebrity chef/author Diane Kochillas. This demonstration was intended to highlight a new and healthy risotto by a Greek brand named Agreeno that is coming to the states soon. Pathos has been on my list of restaurants to try ever since it opened in Berkeley, and I was excited to get a taste of it here during this event. Here are some photos Armando and I took from the event and a glimpse of some of the food and wine I got to try.

One of my favorite appetizers were these pieces of grilled octopus. I also loved how fresh everything tasted. It has definitely convinced me that I need to make a reservation for dinner soon.

I also had a chance to meet Diane Kochilas. She presented her own cookbook as part of her presentation and we tried two different dishes using the Agreeno rice. As I mentioned earlier, Agreeno rice will be making its way stateside soon and I am pretty excited about it. The samples we had were very tasty and it sounds like it is pretty easy to cook. The best is that the rice is cultivated in Greece by Farmers responsibly. Ethically grown food is always good, but it was also cool to learn that they develop a unique flavor by being grown near the Mediterranean Ocean.

What are your thoughts on Greek cuisine? I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions so I have a better idea of what to order when I visit Pathos for dinner!

Rue Atelier Personal Shopping Trip

Posted on July 22, 2013by Brandy Saldana

On Monday I experienced a personal shopping trip at Rue Atelier that I won through Boutique Stroll’s Instagram. Rue Atelier is located on 2981 College Ave in Berkeley and I was very excited to have won a shopping trip in a local boutique in the East Bay.

Upon entering the boutique, Armando and I were met with the lovely shop owner Barbara Dryden long with her adorable Frenchie, Gracie. Barbara was an amazing host: she had a bottle of Chardonnay and a box with two gourmet chocolate cupcakes purchased from Elmwood’s Summer Kitchen & Bake Shop a few doors down. I thought it was so fitting to have cupcakes and shopping combined in one afternoon. Two of my favorite things in one afternoon!
Cupcakes and chardonnay aside, I could tell this Boutique fit my style. The store felt like a walk-in closet, decorated with pretty artwork, a cute rug, and a nice love seat occupied by Armando during the trip. The clothing was contemporary with brands like Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk, Milly, and Paige filling the racks. What is most special about the boutique is that all of the items selected by Barbara to be sold in the store are made in the US.

Barbara is also a big supporter of local brands such as Quiet Clothing, and has recently rented out her upstairs floor to be a pop-up shop for Belle, curated by Polly Simmons. Next week there should be more items filling the second floor of the shop so I encourage any of you in the East Bay to check it out.

Now this post would not be complete I didn’t share photos of items I tried on or if I shared any of the items I bought. When I entered the boutique my eyes immediately sighted the pink, orange, and tan patterned dress by Trina Turk. I just had to try it on! That was a big mistake because I decided it had to come home with me.

I thought I was done but then my eyes spotted a royal blue dress on the mannequin, which I also proceeded to trying on. I was stuck deciding between the two, but then I decided to just take both. One is perfect for a day at the office, and the other is perfect for date night. I had 30% off as part of my personal shopping trip prize package, so I treated myself to the 2 dresses and also bought a butterfly print scarf for my mom as another birthday gift for her.

I had a blast shopping with Barbara and appreciated how we both felt similar about supporting local brands and designers. It is really easy to feel like some clothes are so expensive when compared to items from Forever 21 and H&M, but at the end of the day it feels good to support local, budding designers and designers still making their clothes in the US. It was nice to also be introduced to Rue Atelier, and I know I’ll be back to browse the scarf collection and the dresses Barbara selects to display in her store. I cannot wait to share outfit photos of the dresses I purchased in upcoming posts, so stay tuned.
A big thank you to Barbara for taking the time to talk and shop with me as well as Boutique Stroll for putting up this contest and selecting me! And as always, thank you to Armando for coming along with me on this shopping adventure and taking photos.
If you are interested in shopping at this boutique, but live too far away and can’t make it to Berkeley, fear not! Just check out Rue Atelier on Boutique Stroll. You can have access to the best boutiques in the bay area right at your fingertips! Just be prepared to see a bunch of things you want from there.
Until next time,Brandy| BLOGLOVIN | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM |TUMBLR | TWITTER |

Outfit
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- Weekend

Cal’s First Home Game

Posted on September 2, 2012by Brandy Saldana

Welcome Home!
That was the theme for Cal’s first home game against Nevada at the newly retrofitted California Memorial Stadium!
Within 18 months the stadium was updated and seismically retrofitted to stay standing during a major earthquake (critical since it is located right on the fault line). Last season, loyal fans had to travel to AT&T Park in San Francisco to catch Cal’s “home” games. Although the team and fans spent a season away campus, both now have a stadium worthy of being identified as a bear’s lair. It amazes me how much time and effort was placed by our Fire Prevention Team on-site to ensure the building was up to code, safety regulations were met, and that the renovation was completed among other construction projects going on throughout campus. Despite the team’s loss in their new home, with the final score of 24-31, I was blown away by look and feel of the new stadium and expect more from the team later in the season.
As you you can see from my photos, the stadium was packed and there was a lot of excitement and team spirit in the air. Cal’s 3 touchdowns lead to the firing of the Victory Cannon. The marching band did not fail to disappoint during their pre-game show as well as their festival themed half-time show. I enjoyed their version of “Paradise” by Coldplay and “You are Gonna go Far Kid” by The Offspring. More food options were available at the concession stands, even gourmet items!
With all the excitement and new amenities offered at the game, I am starting to feel like I should buy my tickets for the rest of the season!