Lunch Spots for SF Professionals

Here is another Bite Byte. In honor of César Chávez Day today, I am offering up one of my absolutely favorite hole in the walls. PICOSO !

Picoso is located in the small upscale Epicurious Garden food court located in North Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto. I took off this Friday and visited Picoso because I love their Ceviche which they serve only on Friday and Saturday until they run out. This is more of a “To Go” restaurant but you can dine in at one of their small counters that hold about 3 people each. There is also some outside shared seating for the food court, no chairs but there are a few deck levels where you can set your spread. The food here is Tops ! These are authentic recipes that Chef Omar carries out quickly and consistently. They serve ceviche on two crispy tortilla shells with a little hot sauce on the side.

Their tacos are also excellent. Served with your choice of beans and meat inside a soft tortilla. These tacos really can’t be beat. I order mine with Black Beans and Chicken Picoso (spicy chicken) and the taste is quite wonderful.

They have a children’s menu as well, but my son generally likes to get an “a la carte” order of plain chicken flautas without the usual sour cream and cheese. While the food here is great, this is not your place to go and relax and be served. So have a casual mind when venturing here… It is like having the best street vendor in Mexico, that is very clean, and tasty, sitting right here in downtown Berkeley. They have chairs but if you are the type who can eat standing up…. You will love it… Picoso has some nice Mexican deserts. Desert choices nearby are wonderful too… There is a gelato place just half a step to the right of Picoso, and ….right around the corner, near the original Peets on Vine, is my favorite Cupcake store, “Love at First Bite”. And you WILL love it at first bite. They have wonderful Cupcakes and Cookies and I used to frequent this place before I took my hiatus from the wonderfully scrumptious world of saturated fats !

So when you are on a casual stroll in the East Bay, try Picoso when you want superb flavor. I do hope they get a full service sit down restaurant at some point.So until we see you again…lunchers…. “Taste Good !” (Does anyone remember the buttons that said “Boycott Grapes” from the days of César Chávez ?)