Berkeley Bowl

What Is a White Sapote Fruit?
In Season

White Sapote Fruit Is a Sweet, Creamy Delight

On a trip to the extensive Berkeley Bowl supermarket, I came across a variety of fruit I'd never seen before, white sapote.
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On a trip to the extensive Berkeley Bowl supermarket, I came across a variety of fruit I'd never seen before, white sapote. A store grocer stocking produce nearby was so convinced I'd love this mystery fruit that he cut one open on the spot for me to try. After I commented that it was remarkably sweet, he told me that the fruit I'd sampled wasn't even fully ripe yet. At $4 a pop, it was definitely pricey, but he was right: I loved it so much that I wound up bringing some home with me. To learn more about this fruit and how it tastes, read more

Tintero Elvio Sori Gramella Moscato d'Asti
happy hour

Happy Hour: Tintero Sori Gramella Moscato d'Asti

While perusing the massive wine section at Berkeley Bowl, a bottle of Tintero Sori Gramella Moscato d'Asti ($11.99) caught my attention.
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While perusing the massive wine section at Berkeley Bowl, a bottle of Tintero Sori Gramella Moscato d'Asti ($11.99) caught my attention. I've always been a huge fan of Moscato d'Asti, a wine made in Italy's Piedmont region from the fruity, floral Moscato Bianco grape. It falls under the category of a frizzante wine, which is effervescent but has less fizz than typical sparkling wine, with an accompanying sweetness.

This particular wine possesses all the attributes that I love about Moscato d'Asti: It's reasonably priced, not overly bubbly, and, at 5-7 percent alcohol, won't get you too drunk too fast. It's an exceptionally well-balanced yet delicate wine.

The flavor reminds me of peach skins and Osmanthus flowers, and while it's sweet it's not syrupy at all — only refreshing. I can't wait to hoard Sori Gramella for this weekend's Oscars celebration. Have you tried Moscato d'Asti?

Would You Eat This Dried Seaweed?
Poll

Would You Eat This Dried Seaweed?

On a recent trip to Berkeley, I discovered my new favorite destination: the Berkeley Bowl Marketplace.
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On a recent trip to Berkeley, I discovered my new favorite destination: the Berkeley Bowl Marketplace. At this independent supermarket, I tasted previously unheard-of fruits and chose between 10 different varieties of carrots. There was also an abundant selection of dried seaweed on display. While I love nori — the dried seaweed that's used in sushi — I wasn't so sure about consuming these dried versions.