I was in the Bay Area last weekend for a wedding and a little ink action at Temple Tattoo (more on that to come). It was some of the hottest weather I’ve experienced up there since I moved down to LA, with temperatures up into the 90′s. So it was a no-brainer that some vegan ice cream was in order. Thanks to a recommendation from Nils I checked out Scream Sorbet, a new little ice cream shop in Oakland (conveniently less than 10 minutes away from Temple).
When I think of sorbet, I think of fruit, but Scream has a selection of both fruit and nut-based sorbets in a constantly rotating menu based on what fruits and vegetables are available locally and seasonally. Some of the flavors include Hazelnut Chocolate, Strawberry Lemon, Lemon Lavender, and Vanilla Almond.
I went with Chocolate Almond and Macadamia Vanilla. Yes, $5 for two small scoops is a bit… wait for it… rich… but wow was that good. Decadent and smooth, it tastes more like gelato to me than the stuff that is used as a substitute in my smoothies at Jamba Juice. Anyway, the Chocolate Almond was great but the Macadamia Vanilla was out of this this world! Don’t miss it if it’s available on your next visit. The shop also has a great feature that I wish Scoops would try: For the current flavors being served, call 510-394-5030 and press 2.
Scream Sorbet
5030 Telegraph Ave, Oakland CA
Sunday through Thursday, noon – 10pm
Friday and Saturday, noon – 11pm
510-394-5030
My next stop was Flacos, another suggestion…okay, order, this time from my friend Brittany (who’s only mentioned the place 1 million times to me). It’s a teeny little place on a corner, but has an extensive menu, free parking, and the two people behind the counter were super nice.
I ordered up a Banana Leaf Tamal (textured soy protein in mole with capers, potatoes, green olives, inside organic corn masa and steamed in a banana leaf) for $4 each, and a Taquito (textured soy protein rolled in a corn tortilla and fried) for $2 each. I also decided to try the Horchata (made with rice milk) and one of their Polvorones (cookies).
Everything was great, especially the crispy taquito. Cheap prices, good food and friendly service — don’t pass up Flacos next time you are in the East Bay. I can’t wait to try other items on the menu including the Huarache and Taco Especial. Flacos also gives a 10% discount to seniors (57+), veterans and members of the military. Plus, get a free plate on your birthday (w/ ID)!
Flacos
3031 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703
Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-9pm
(510) 981-8081
