1. Rasa Caffe
Berkeley
Pao Username: @Emma
Emma’s Pao Tip:
“Well, as you know, Emma cannot get enough coffee! Sooooo alas here I am at another coffee shop. This was a small coffee shop with the most delicious sticky buns! I loved the ladies who worked there…they were so funny and sweet!!”
2. Cupcakin Bake Shop
Berkeley
Pao Username: @annam
Anna’s Pao Tip:
“These just might be the best cupcakes I’ve ever had! They have a variety of unique flavors to choose from, and the shop itself is conveniently right on Telegraph Ave. I got the Chocolate Salted Caramel which was out of this world, but according to my friends the Key Lime Pie Cupcake is the best! They were super moist and delicious- I will definitely be coming back asap:) It’s also a great way to support black-owned businesses while indulging in a sweet treat!”
3. Lettuce Inn and Pure Juice Bar
Concord
Pao Username: @Julia-myall
Julia’s Pao Tip:
“These are technically two separate businesses but they are in the same building so you must check them both out! The juice spot is fantastic! I had the “Ginger Snap” juice with ginger, apple, lemon and spinach. Quenching and everything I expected and more. My son had “Another Day in Paradise” and was surprised… delish! Go try it, you will love it. And we got food from Lettuce Inn, an 100% plant based spot! It was refreshing to eat Vegan in the East Bay. They really care about the well-being of their customers, purchasing all the fresh local foods. I got the sampler plate with the stuffed avocado, nut burger and street tacos. Just awesome.”
4. PLāYT
Hayward
Pao Username: @Julia-myall
Julia’s Pao Tip:
“Fantastic Southern food with a flare! Loved the fried green tomatoes and fried chicken sandwich! We ordered too much food but couldn’t say no to the Southern hospitality. Finishing up with the Keylime pie was perfect.”
5. Rêve Bistro
Lafayette
Pao Username: @Julia-myall
Julia’s Pao Tip:
“What a fabulous little French bistro in the burbs! Everything from salad with fresh strawberries, French onion soup, beef Bourguignon to the duck with fresh local cherries. It was all straight out of Paris. French Chef Paul and wife Laura have done an incredible job with their bistro in Lafayette. Outdoor seating is quite and lovely. A must try when you are the East side of the Bay”.
6. Sextant Coffee
San Francisco
Pao Username: @emma
Emma’s Pao Tip:
“This was such a cute little place to grab a quick coffee! I went late in the day so I didn’t get to have a little sweet treat with my coffee cuz they were out but it was ok because the coffee was darn good! If you’re looking for a boost of energy while checking out the city, I highly recommend coming into Sextant Coffee for a reboot!”
7. Peaches Patties
San Francisco
Pao Username: @Julia-myall
Julia’s Pao Tip:
“We had so much fun driving into the city and meeting the owner of Peaches Patties. Fantastic Jamaican food with the warmth of Jamaican culture. We had the jerk chicken with red beans and rice, fried plantain, curry chicken patties and salad… Fantastic! The spices were so good and fresh that with the heat of the sauce it cooled with every bite. This is my new favorite pop up! Peaches Patties collaborates with other pop-ups in the city that support black owened businesses to give you dessert and drinks as well. Order online and pick up. Must try!”
8. Gourmonade
San Francisco
Pao Username: @Julia-myall
Julia’s Pao Tip:
“Wow! Love these combinations of lemonades. My favorite one was the ginger lemonade…refreshing sweet with a bit of a bite. The combination of the fresh squeeze lemonade and jasmine tea is delicious as well. Gourmanade comes in different sizes and can be delivered or order to picked up in San Francisco or in Oakland. Perfect for a grab and go picnic. #blm”
9. Ungrafted
San Francisco
Pao Username: @Julia-myall
Julia’s Pao Tip:
“Ungrafted is such a cool concept. It’s a wine club, wine tasting, wine classes and a restaurant all in one. The husband and wife team brought all their talents together to make Ungrafted, a wonderful place to go in the Dogpatch area of San Francisco. Stop by to grab food and wine to go, taste your favorite wines or sign up for a class. I got the Farro risotto with Crimini mushrooms, corn, Parmesan and a cinnamon sugar pull apart. Outstanding! Must go!!!”
10. Yes Pudding at Gratta Wines
San Francisco
Pao Username: @Julia-myall
Julia’s Pao Tip:
“Yes Pudding was the best banana pudding I’ve ever had! This cute little pop-up is stocked at various locations in the bay area. I went and picked up mine at Gratta wines. They do not have a specific location so you can DM them to find out where they’re at and they they will get back to you quickly. Try it and you will be hooked.”
Meet the Authors!
Julia Myall
@Julia-myall
Hi! I am a chef, author, mom and personal sherpa. I love to travel with family and friends to new places and to visit some of the old spots to see what’s new. Always up for an adventure and anything outdoors.
Emma Myall
@emma
I like food, traveling and more food.
Anna McCarthy
@annam
An adventure? ALPACA my bags. We’re alive, so let’s live. Villanova 2024!
Check out Pao now to add these Pao ladies or to see more black owned businesses across the globe!
