Tag Archives: Wood Tavern
Nosh Talk: Rebecca Bernstein, Cioccolata di Vino
What is always in your refrigerator?
Laura Chenel Goat Cheese.
What do you cook up for a late night snack?
Spicy sautéed spinach.
Where/what do you eat on your day off?
Vietnamese take out from Hu’o'ng Trà.
Do you have a secret ‘junk food’ vice?
Movie theater nachos with extra extra jalapeños.
Any food you can’t stand?
Any junk food (nachos notwithstanding).
What is your fantasy ‘last meal?’
Fresh oysters on the half shell to start. Followed by housemade charcuterie (Wood Tavern-style) and cheeses. … Continue reading »
Josh Thomsen gathers talent for Claremont wine fest
Josh Thomsen knew from a young age that he wanted to be a chef and credits his late father, Jerry, for sparking his culinary interest. His dad would put in a long day as a stockbroker, come home, go to the market, and then cook up a storm — making a mess, using every pot in the house, and turning out a delicious dinner.
The Culinary Institute of America grad has done his dad proud. Thomsen’s resumé includes stints at the French Laundry in Yountville, Hotel Bel Air in Los Angeles, and The Lodge at Pebble Beach. He’s also worked in kitchens in big-buck Las Vegas venues like Tao Restaurant at the Venetian Resort, the Mansion at the MGM Grand Hotel, and the Michael Mina-owned Nobhill Tavern.
These days Thomsen, 40, is the executive chef at local landmark The Claremont Hotel, Club, and Spa, known for its regal white facade and killer views. Until recently, though, the hotel wasn’t exactly known as a destination dining experience. … Continue reading »
Claremont’s Thomsen named a rising star
Josh Thomsen (left), executive chef at the Claremont Hotel, has been named a rising star by online magazine StarChefs.com.
Thomsen joined the Claremont last year to oversee the transformation of its previous restaurant, Jordan’s, into the Meritage. He also oversees the Paragon Bar and Cafe. He worked at the world-renowned French Laundry in Yountville, as well as several restaurants in Las Vegas, including the Mansion at the MGM Grand Hotel and the Tao Restaurant, before coming to … Continue reading »
Wood Tavern set to expand
The immensely popular Wood Tavern restaurant (above) is planning to expand by scooping up the conveniently available next-door space recently vacated by Lulu Rae Confections.
SFoodie reports that Rich and Rebekah Wood, owners of the restaurant, which is located at 6317 College on the Oakland-Berkeley border, have applied for a permit to operate a spin-off eatery likely to focus on small plates, cheese and charcuterie platters.
Something tells us it will be packed from the moment … Continue reading »
The 10 p.m. ‘I’m hungry’ dilemma
On Friday evening, after seeing the excellent Up in the Air, we were eager to get a bite to eat. Our problem: it was after 10 o’clock.
As much as I love the many food choices in Berkeley, it’s a decidedly early town. It’s mystifying to me that there are people happy to go to good restaurants at 5:30 in the afternoon. Even 7 p.m. feels early to me, but I’ve adapted to local mores. It may be … Continue reading »
