San Leandro Businesses Featured in East Bay Express’ Best of the East Bay
The current issue of the East Bay Express features the 2018 Best of the East Bay poll, and this year San Leandro businesses shine in four categories:
Hong Kong-style dessert establishments are no stranger to the East Bay, and this year, East 14th Bakery & Cafe has earned the title of Best Dessert to Post on Instagram. Located at 1780 E. 14th Street, this shop offers sweet treats that please both the eyes and the palate. A customer favorite is the mille crepe cake, which layers a bounty of fluffy crepes with cream and fruit. Kids might be delighted by the Mickey Mouse waffle, while adult customers may want to explore more exotic offerings, such as black sesame soup, green tea egg puffs, or sesame dumpling with ginger tea.
Pelton Center’s Kendejah opened in March of 2017 to great acclaim, and it is no surprise that it landed a Best Taste of West Africa nod in this year’s polls. Kendejah specializes in Liberian cuisine, which draws inspiration from American soul food, thanks to the country’s unique history of being founded by freed slaves born in the United States. The food delivers on big flavors and the portions are hearty. You can read more about this relatively new restaurant here. Kendejah is located at 197 Pelton Center Way.
Best Brewery once again went to Drake’s Brewing Company, whose taproom at 1933 Davis Street continues to present new and exciting brews to thirsty locals. Drake’s also recently began to offer the infamous, plant-based (but not gluten-free) Impossible Burger, which makes for a great pairing with a cold IPA. Drake’s also hosts First Friday, a monthly fund-raising event benefiting local schools and charities.
While its retail locations are in Albany and Emeryville, Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery‘s headquarters and manufacturing facility is right here in San Leandro. Locals can find pints of this delectable treat at Estudillo Produce & Delicatessen. Mr. Dewie’s makes ice “cream” that is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and also free of additives and preservatives. The majority of the flavors are vegan, but the texture and flavor will fool you into believing they are not. Ideally served at a softened temperature, Mr. Dewie’s winner of the Best Vegan Ice Cream category is an ideal summer treat, even for non-vegans.
Excellent choice with Kendejah African Restaurant.. San Leandro is fortunate to have so much diversity.
Thank you Dougie Uso for bringing the taste of Liberia to the .
Another local business more than worth checking out is Noodles Pho Me. Despite the name, it is a Lao restaurant. Family owned and run, the atmosphere is warm and the food is excellent. I recommend the Sai Gok sausage plate and the Khao Poon soup. If it’s your first time, tell them and they’ll serve you a soup broth sampler. Truly a neighborhood gem.
Where is it located?