photo: Michael Jeong
Eat Real Festival is coming back to Jack London Square for the 5th year. There will be over 50 vendors, including some of my favorites: Doc’s of the Bay, El Porteño Empanadas, Nieves Cinco de Mayo and The Stroopie Gourmet. I’ve gone every year and while there’s always plenty of food, booze, and entertainment, it can get pretty crowded. How you maneuver through the crowd can have a huge impact on your experience. Here are some strategies I’ve learned through the years:
1. Don’t eat breakfast. I mean, with all those food vendors you really need to start on an empty stomach.
2. Ride your bike. East Bay Bicycle Coalition will have a free bicycle valet. If you don’t have a bike, take the free B Shuttle. If you absolutely must drive, don’t even try to find street parking. Just avoid the pointless search and head for the nearest parking garage.
3. Bring water. It’s supposed to be sunny this weekend, plus there will be a Beer Shed, Wine Barn and Jam Bar. Do yourself a favor and stay hydrated.
4. Go with a group. If you bring at least 3 friends, everyone can split up, get something to eat and then meet up to share. Divide and conquer!
5. Plan your attack. Get in a short line first to get a bite to eat. Remember, you’re arriving hungry so the goal is to silence your growling stomach. This way, you can eat while waiting in a long line (I learned this from my friend Luna). Repeat until you’re full.
6. Walk it off. When you need a break, go see some of the demos like the Oakland Chef Spotlight. Sunhui Chang (FuseBOX), Preeti Mistry (Juhu Beach Club), Minh Tsai, (Hodo Soy), Charlie Hallowell (Pizzaiolo) and Kyle Itani (Hopscotch) will be on the Craft Stage. Local artisans including Boucherie, Keena’s Kitchen, Double Dutch Sweets and INNAjam will be in the Market, so you should also do a walk through. If you get tired, find a shady spot to relax and plan your next attack. Repeat as necessary.
Fri, 9/27, 1 – 9pm
Sat, 9/28, 10:30am – 9pm
Sun, 9/29, 10:30 – 5pm
Free entry
Christina Mitchell
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Thanks for the heads-up on the bike valet! Looking forward to it!
You’re welcome. Me too!
You forgot a key one – get at the Creme Brulee Cart early because they run out! I’ll be attending the festival tomorrow for the third year in a row – I’d love to see you there!
I lived in Berkeley for 5 years. Now I’m in SF but I gotta say, there is nothing like East Bay food 🙂
Thanks for the tip! Have fun…I think I’m going on Sunday.