press at césar

in the press

SFGate - November 2009
Six of a kind: Spanish restaurants
by Michael Bauer

Spirits was the original draw to this 11-year-old restaurant next to Chez Panisse, but Maggie Pond's small plates were so good that the food became a huge draw.

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Oakland Magazine - November 2009
Too Many Cooks? Not at This Table:
Eight East Bay Culinary Divas Stir Things Up
by Wanda Hennig

Women in the kitchen are in the spotlight, thanks to Nora Ephron’s movie, Julie and Julia. For a feminine perspective, we invited eight super-successful women entrepreneurs, restaurateurs and chefs for their take on running their East Bay restaurants.

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California Olive Ranch
Featured Chef: Maggie Pond

Pond brings to life traditional Spanish items, like bocadillos ("little sandwiches"), air-cured meats, robust gazpacho, and the crunchy taste of Marcona almonds lightly friend in extra virgin olive oil. "We fry them in California Olive Ranch Arbequina until they're lightly golden, and toss them in kosher salt. Serve and enjoy!" Chef Pond explains.

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San Francisco Chronicle Magazine - April 2007
Lively scene with tapas and drinks to match at Oakland's César.
by Michael Bauer

Everywhere you look, people are talking as if they hadn't seen each other in weeks. This energetic buzz is pierced by the rhythmic clinking of ice against glass and metal as the bartenders shake cocktails, pour them into glasses and then repeat the process for the next customer.
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Food & Wine- April 2007
by Ratha Tep

I still remember when I first visited César, the Berkeley wine and tapas spot, soo after it opened in 1998. It was the first time I'd ever eaten at a bar, and everything was delicious.
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