More than anything, I’m an enthusiastic home cook, not exactly a chef. However, I’ve worked as a cook in seafood restaurants, homemade pasta shops, and even a Zen monastery in the mountains of New Mexico. I’m also the author of Oakland: New Urban Eating, an ethnographic cookbook about Oakland’s rise to culinary recognition. Contact me at ellisjunior@gmail.com to learn more.

Favorite Foods: Ramen, Dumplings, Croissants, Swiss Chard, Sprouts, Kale, Cabbage, Mushrooms, Clams, Lamb, Oxtail, Sausage, Polenta, Arborio Rice, Figs, and Dates

Favorite Drinks: Beer from East Brothers, Coffee from 3-19 Coffee, Sparkling Water from Aura Bora, Tea from Blue Willow

Favorite Spices: Star Anise, Urfa Biber, Zahtar. Generally anything from Oaktown Spice Shop

Favorite Restaurant: Ippuku in Berkeley, CA