Recipe: Thai-inspired red curry fish
This flavorful, light but satisfying dish is made with red curry paste, Makrut lime leaves and ginger.
Benjamin Seto
Freelancer Benjamin Seto has worked as a reporter and editor for various newspapers around the country, and is currently a communications professional and food writer based in Oakland. Ben is also the founder and creative mind behind Focus:Snap:Eat, a food blog he started in 2011 to showcase his love of food photography. He spotlights food he finds in his kitchen, around restaurants and shops in the Bay Area, and from his culinary adventures when traveling. A self-taught home cook, Ben enjoys a variety of cuisine but is influenced by his Chinese-American heritage and his childhood growing up in Honolulu. He loves lavender and hates eggplant — but he isn’t afraid to try everything else in between.
Articles by Benjamin
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Feeling like a couch potato? Here are 17 food shows to binge-watch
COVID might have put a damper on how and where you eat, but these food-themed travel, cooking, competition and documentary series will whet your appetite and keep your entertained.
Recipe: Korean-style soba noodle salad
Nutty soba noodles, crisp romaine lettuce and refreshing cucumber strips are topped with a sweet-spicy vinaigrette for a light, satisfying meal.
Recipe: Chewy, crunchy Mochiko chicken
While you may not be attending a lot of potlucks these days, this easy fried chicken dish travels well, so pack it up in a picnic basket for a socially distanced hike or outdoor meal.
A new type of casual: Counter service meets seasonal dining at Cal Peternell’s The Lede
After 20 years as a chef at Chez Panisse, it’s no surprise Peternell lets quality ingredients shine at his Old Oakland Cal-Italian spot.
San Francisco favorite Brenda’s brings Creole soul food to Oakland
The one-month-old East Bay outpost of chef Brenda Buenviaje’s popular brunch destination regularly has lines out the door — and for good reason.
Nido’s Backyard, the Bay Area’s first ‘margarita garden,’ is a fun place to gather, but has room to grow
Its food menu is still finding its footing, but after just one month, the large festive outdoor space and the tequila and mezcal-focused bar are already a hit.
Try yakitori, empanadas, Vietnamese street food at The Crown’s new Saturday brunch series
The Uptown coffee hub hosts one local pop-up a week from a rotating line-up of chefs.
Eat Real Festival celebrates good food and fun at Jack London Square
Oakland’s marquee food event took place over the weekend for its 11th year, with an array of food and drink vendors, demonstrations, workshops and entertainment.
Eating San Leandro: The East Bay city steps into the food spotlight
San Leandro has seen a surge of new dining and gourmet food establishments, including As Kneaded Bakery, Top Hatters Kitchen, Papaito Rotisserie and nearby Ashland Market and Café.
East Oakland’s Pho Ga Huong Que Café is still the go-to for hearty chicken pho
After more than 10 years in business, and among many local competitors, the Vietnamese chicken noodle house continues to pack in diners.
FoodieLand Night Market brings Asian-inspired street food festival to Golden Gate Fields
A new food festival brings together nearly 100 food vendors, but it’s more state fair than Asian night market.
Always Aloha Shave Ice brings a taste of Hawaii to the East Bay
Made with scratch-made fruit syrups and just the right consistency of snow-like ice, Always Aloha’s refreshing icy treats will make you feel like you’re on the islands.
With foie gras banned in California, chicken liver mousse is the next best thing
A taste test of the East Bay’s best versions of the rich, decadent spread.
East Bay coffee community finds a home at The Crown in Oakland
Royal Coffee’s new stunningly designed Oakland home base features a tasting room with public café, event space, roasting and brewing labs.
