Though it seems ubiquitous now, there was a time when the term “farm-to-table” was a novelty in the United States. One of its pioneers was Alice Waters, the chef behind the Bay Area’s Chez Panisse. She fell in love with cooking in 1965, while spending a semester abroad in Brittany during her second year at the University of California, Berkeley. “‘I lived at the bottom of a market street,” she once told the New York Times about her time in France, “and I took everything in by osmosis.”
Having grown up in New Jersey, she decided to stay on the West Coast after graduating from college in 1967. Four years later, she and a friend opened Chez Panisse, giving rise to California cuisine as we know it.
The restaurant emphasized whole foods, healthy ingredients, and simple ways of cooking them. Over the years, Waters built a network of local farms, artisans, and producers, and became an activist for fresh, sustainable food—practices that have earned her everything from the French Legion of Honor Medal to three James Beard Awards.
Yesterday, she published her latest book, A School Lunch Revolution, reimagining how to feed children at school and at home. Here, the chef and entrepreneur shares her favorite restaurants, museums, and sights in the city she calls home.
BANTER WINE BAR
Lately, I find Banter to be the perfect spot for an afternoon glass of rosé and a little snack plate. I love the convivial spirit. (instagram.com)
FAVA
My friends at Fava make my favorite quick and fresh neighborhood lunch. They get it right every time. (favaonvine.com)
IMPERIAL TEA COURT
I try to visit the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco nearly every Saturday. While I’m there, I stop by the Imperial Tea Court to replenish my p’uerh tea—they import the very best. (imperialtea.com)
IPPUKU
I always have a lovely meal at Ippuku. The precisely prepared food at this Japanese restaurant reflects the serenity and warmth of the service. (ippukuberkeley.com)
MONTEREY MARKET
I am very blessed to have Monterey Market, a venerable holy temple of produce, as my neighborhood grocery store. It’s an especially exciting place to be when the seasons are changing. (montereymarket.com)
BERKELEY ART MUSEUM AND PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE
I am a member at BAMPFA in Berkeley, and I am so grateful for the incredible programming they provide. It’s such an important time to support the arts; go see a movie at your local theater! (bampfa.org)
Berkeley Horticultural Nursery
I treasure Berkeley Hort for its impressive living library of plants and seeds. Besides eating, taking care of a garden is my favorite way to feel connected to the seasons. (berkeleyhort.com)
The Filling Station
I try to make sure all of my household products are refillable and eliminate single-use plastics wherever possible. The Filling Station, which partners with sustainable local brands to, makes it easy to do so. (fillingstationberkeley.com)
The Gardener
The Gardener reminds me that tools, vessels, and objects, when made with care, can transform the rituals of daily life. It’s my go-to spot when I need a special little gift. (thegardener.com)
