As the song says, “These are a few of my favorite things…” And today, I’m sharing 50 of them. From crave-worthy dishes and standout wines to hidden-gem local restaurants, indispensable kitchen tools, and those irresistible Trader Joe’s finds I can’t stop buying — this is my ultimate celebration of the everyday pleasures that make life (and mealtimes) so much better. Whether you’re a passionate home cook, a weekend wine explorer, or someone who simply loves a great grocery haul, I hope this list brings you inspiration, a few smiles, and maybe even your next new obsession.
Restaurants (East Bay Favorites)
• Gibson’s (Walnut Creek) – Grilled Garlic Salmon
• Burma2 (Walnut Creek) – Tea Leaf Salad (all cabbage, please!)
• El Aguila (Pleasant Hill) – Al Pastor Street Tacos
• Dumpling Hours (Walnut Creek) – Juicy Pan-Fried Pork Buns
• Montesacro (Walnut Creek) – Focaccia Der Muratore
• Stereo 41 (Walnut Creek) – Mezza Platter
• Benvenuti (Walnut Creek) – Best Espresso Martini in town
• Lita (Walnut Creek) – Authentic Empanadas
• Limon (Walnut Creek) – Quarter Roasted Chicken with Aji Amarillo
Sauce
• Parada (Walnut Creek) – Arroz Chaufa (the Chinese-Peruvian
fried rice is addictive)
Trader Joe’s Obsessions
• Caro Sugo Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
• Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit
• Calabrese Uncured Salami
• Shredded Pizza Seasoned Toscano Cheese
• Shawarma Chicken Thighs
• Step Up to The Snack Bar Mix
• Revelation Chardonnay
• Ciabatta Demi-Baguette
• Seedless Lemons
• British Style Crumpets
Wines I Keep Coming Back To
• Louis M. Martini Lot 21 – 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Sequoia Grove Oak Knoll District – 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Handwritten Wines – 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Shadowbrook Winery – 2000 Chardonnay
• Priest Ranch – 2019 Snake Oil Cabernet Sauvignon
• Textbook – 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
• St. Clement Johanna – 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pilcrow – 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Ram’s Gate – 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Joseph Phelps – 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Everyday Food Favorites
• See’s Candy Classics: Molasses Chip, Scotchmallow, California
Brittle, Kona Mocha, Apricot Delight, Almond Truffle & Bordeaux
• Deviled Eggs topped with crushed potato chips
• Friday night charcuterie boards with my husband
• Starbird Chicken Tenders + Chimichurri Sauce
• Vanilla Ice Cream mixed with malted milk powder
• Homemade Fondue with artisan French bread
• Classic French Onion Soup
• Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
• Gnocchi with Alfredo Sauce
• Italian Chopped Salad
Favorite Kitchen Things
• KitchenAid Mixer + Pasta Attachments
• My go-to Chef’s Knife
• Microplane zester
• Vitamix Blender
• Plastic Cutting Boards
• Mandolin Slicer
• Digital Kitchen Scale
• Chef Plastic Containers with Lids (32oz, 16oz, 8oz) (Can find on Amazon)
• Great Wine Glasses (Riedel, Schott Zwiesel, Josephine, Gabriel Glas)
• Clear Fridge Organizer Bins from HomeGoods
These are the things that bring me joy in the kitchen, at the table, and in everyday life. I hope at least a few of them become your favorites too. Life is too short not to enjoy the little pleasures — so go ahead and treat yourself to something delicious this week. What’s on your list of favorite things? I’d love to hear!
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001