This issue marks Tri-City Voice’s inaugural Best Of Tri-City, the first of what we hope will become an annual readers’ poll celebrating the businesses, events and services that make this region great. Fremont reigned supreme, with well over 100 winners, while Newark claimed three and Union City two. I couldn’t help noticing that a few key cities were left out. Milpitas, are you there? Castro Valley, where’s your best? San Lorenzo, Sunol, Hayward—don’t keep all those favorites to yourselves!
I was especially surprised by the absence of San Leandro, a city where I’ve enjoyed more than a few potential Best Of contenders. Top Hatters Kitchen and Bar hasn’t yet failed to delight me with its contemporary menu and ambience. A seat at the bar, a purple ube-coconut-tequila cocktail and an order of savory doughnuts all to myself is my idea of therapy. Not surprisingly, Top Hatters has been recognized with a Bib Gourmand designation from the MICHELIN Guide.
Equally satisfying, but in an altogether different environment, is Porque No? Tacos, a Mexican cafe in the back of Frank’s Sports Bar & Grill. Their “super” burrito is a crowd pleaser, but I’m a sucker for their lightly fried “super” taco. Good food, great value, lively atmosphere.
I’ve been saved on more than one occasion by a takeout chicken shawarma wrap from Tio’s Mediterranean, a cozy neighborhood restaurant that always seems to be well-populated. Even after traveling home, the chicken is tender and juicy, the crinkle fries hot and crispy.
Zocalo Coffeehouse, independently owned and operated, has been an all-day mainstay for a couple of decades. Really, it’s more of a community clubhouse, with live music and events like trivia nights and white elephant bingo on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ah, and then there’s As Kneaded Bakery. The bakery itself is tiny but chock-full of the tastiest artisanal baked goods. I’m still working my way through the menu but I have yet to meet a pastry or bread I haven’t happily devoured. They opened their café at San Leandro Public Library earlier this year so now I have another place to stuff my face with their noshes. Yay!
These are but a few of San Leandro’s finest. There’s so much more to explore—and we haven’t even mentioned Hayward. So consider this my friendly challenge to the cities that didn’t make much of an appearance in our inaugural readers’ poll: Don’t let Fremont have all the fun! There’s always next year.
