Doug S.

Velo Sport Bicycles

Velo Sport is now over on University at California, next to the Wind-Surfing store.

I havent bought a bike there, but I've purchased some parts and clothing. Velo Sport is a very reputable, and venerable bike shop, worthy of your business. Also they dont have a two week wait for repairs (unlike Missing Link).

Cavalli Bill T DDS

I've been going Dr. Cavalli for a couple of years now. He's very good, honest, and gets the job done right the first time around. Unlike other dentists I've had,he doesnt do unnecessary work.

Its fairly easy to get an appointment there, and he's on the Delta Dental insurance listing of dentists in Berkeley.

His office is close to campus on Dana St.

Oscars Hot Dogs

Oscar's has been open since the great place to get a flame broiled burger that actually tastes fresh. They use good buns, with heaps of fresh lettuce , tasty tomatos, and of course the onion. They also do great milkshakes. This the the oldest continuous hamburger place in the Bay area as far as I know. And yes, they actually do have Chicken and Vegi-burgers too.

Apollo Camera Repair Incorporated

Apollo Camera Repair came recommended to me by friends, and was listed on a couple of other sites with glowing reviews.

I went there on a Saturday, and found out they weren't open - period, despite being listed by City Search as being open on Saturdays - you heard it here first, folks. Man does that get me pissed. I drove all the way across town, got stuck in a traffic jam while some City of Oakland crew was painting a crosswalk - and when I got there they were - CLOSED -

Their "new" hours are M-F: 9:30 AM - 6PM.

The place did not look like a big operation from the outside. In fact it looked like some defunct place from the 1950's, not the kind of place you want to check out while walking down the street.

As if that werent enough to dissuade me, I tried calling them during business hours the following monday.I asked them if they fixed Sony video-cameras - and the answer was "no." They just dont do video cameras.

While I would not dis-recommend them for standard camera repairs, I cant recommend them either. Their reputation is they are fast and less expensive than their competition. I wish that I could give them the stellar review and that my camera was fixed!!!

I do recommend calling them to describe the problem. If you dont get an answer - they arent open.

Picante Berkeley

Picante is a special place - gourmet food, yet a casual, cafeteria style place. It has a full bar - and several types of tap beer.

What makes them special is they do authentic mexican cooking - with chile's that you wont find in the US. They make special trips to Mexico to get the best spices, and use local organically grown vegetables. They make their own tortillas. Everything is made from scratch.

The dishes I really recommend are: Either burrito's or platta's with the carnitas (pork), or chile verde. They also server brinch starting at 10AM - the best Huevo Ranchero's you will ever taste - outside of Mexico. Ranch eggs that are fresh...

I've been going to Picante since the 80's when it was under different ownership. The quality was good then, and its actually improved over time. The new owner has elevated the level of cooking and service and cleanliness.

PROS: The food is great, and its a real Berkeley experience
CONS: Can get busy (and noisy) around dinner time.

Long Life Vegi House

This is the first Chinese Restarant I've been to that has whole grain brown rice. They really are vegitarian, but I dont think they qualify as vegan. They have been in the same location for at least 20 years.

This is a fun, unpretentious, down to earth restaurant with great food. I dont particularly like the soy-based fake meat , but they have that if you like that sort of thing.

Although I wouldnt call it the "Best of" anything, they do offer a big menu.

PROS: Vegetarian Chinese, Brown Rice
CONS:

Tuk Tuk Thai & Asian Market

Tuk Tuk Thai and Asian Market is located in the same building where Wild-Oats market used to be, on the north side of University Ave, between Sacramento and California St.

It's run by the same friendly people who run the Tuk Tuk Thai restaurant on Shattuck.

They have the most amazing selection of Asian sauces, condiments, spices, fresh vegetables (including non-Asian vegetables), etc. They even have a selection of asian-style cookware, plates bowls etc. Its a little bit of everything -like an old time General Store.

But the thing I really like is they have hot Thai food to go - for about $5.98 you can get a combination rice plate with two entrees. I'm really fond of green and yellow curry - which are good. Some of the dishes are vegetarian, some arent. But they are all delicious. If you are on your way out of town on University, they are easy to find, and guess what - they have a parking lot thats big enough to actually find a spot.

I highly recommend Tuk Tuk if you are into cooking, or if you like Thai take out dinners for under $6.

PROS: Great Thai curry - spices and fresh asian veg.
CONS: They arent the Berkeley Bowl - but at least they have parking!

Pamir Afghan Cuisine

Pamir is my favorite of the EmeryBay food court scene. They always give you a huge helping, and let you try samples of the various curries and the chicken kebobs.

They are also very helpful and polite, and you end up with a feeling that they really appreciate your business.

When you get tired of plain old mushy Indian food, give Pamir a try!

PROS: Big helpings, Delicious Curries.
CONS: Its a food court restaurant. - Find your own table, etc.

Prime Rick Financial Planner

I recommend Rick Prime at Financial Network. Rick is an exceptional listener and can analyze your financial portfolio to help you figure out what you can afford to do in the present and future given your current and expected earnings.

He is very diplomatic and equally good at listening to each partner -- much like a couples counselor in his approach. On the other hand, he's very analytical and can put together a long-term financial plan that explains just what your options are in various scenarios, including retirement planning, investing for college, upgrading your living situation and simply enjoying life.

He is well-traveled and very diligent about asking about your vacation, travel and recreational goals and incorporating them into his analysis. I think he charges around $1800 to do a full plan, which takes into account your objectives and interests and how you can best save for them. His plans are very detailed and thorough, a really valuable road map in understanding your financial situation. He also manages investments, of course. But it's his personal style and realistic approach that make him really terrific to work with.

PROS: Good Listener, Independent, Seems to be able to create order out of chaos.
CONS: Not free but his fees are reasonable

Huntington Library Art & Collections & Botanical Gardens

As a person who collects old stuff, and has a small Japanese style garden - let me tell you: The Japanese place screams: The BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN. (With the possible exceptions of the Japanese Garden in Golden Gate Park SF.)

Hiking the gardens makes you feel like you've been to at least 3 different worlds. The Art Museums and the Collections in the Library are world class. And the story of H. R. Huntington and the effect his electric railroad had on the development of LA is the reason it exists. Its nice to know that in those days, Billionaires had enough class to leave a legacy for future generations.

No phony modernistic landscape architecture here. Just the classics. This is a worthy visit for out-of-towners. And if you live in LA - buy the season pass - its worth it if you come back at least one time.

Dont miss the Gutenberg Bible and drafts of the Bill of Rights in the Library!