I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Erick to discuss his management approach and culinary…read morephilosophy. We also discussed his upbringing in NYC and his long history in the Bay Area's challenging culinary scene. This conversation happened before I had the opportunity to taste the succulent Puerto Rican dishes on his menu. Chef Erick is a truly humble and professional culinary artist. He lets his cooking do the talking, allowing his ingredients and timely combinations to showcase his superb culinary skills. From our conversation, I learned that he genuinely cares about the quality of his ingredients. While we talked about his experiences cooking for all kinds of tables in the Bay Area, from VIPs and celebrities to daily blue-collar San Franciscans seeking standout meals, Chef Erick answered at least five phone calls. He diligently coordinated with his local suppliers to ensure he, and in turn his customers, would have access to nothing but the best ingredients during the upcoming weekend rush. Most Puerto Ricans, including those adopted (see Chef Anthony Bourdain's memoirs), know a Puerto Rican restaurant is truly judged by the quality and flavor of its Pernil. This slow-roasted pork shoulder or leg is marinated in a robust herb paste. Many Puerto Rican families guard their herb paste recipes as closely as The Coca-Cola Company guards its Coca-Cola recipe. Pernil is the centerpiece of holiday feasts and family celebrations. That's why I chose this menu to celebrate meeting Chef Erick. Without hesitation, he prepared for me--someone born and raised in Puerto Rico--his masterfully concocted pernil with arroz con gandules and a side of maduros fritos. I have to say, this was the best Puerto Rican food I have tasted in all of California, from Santa Rosa to San Diego. I have visited all the restaurants in the Bay Area: El Coqui, both Sol Foods locations, Parada 22, and Lola's Lounge in Sacramento. I admit, this is the best and most authentic plate of Puerto Rican cuisine I have enjoyed in 16 years exploring Latin Cuisine Restaurants in Northern California. If you like Puerto Rican cuisine and have not tried Puerto Rican Street Cuisine, you must add this restaurant to your "must-visit" places in California. Thank you to Ceci, all the cooks, and Chef Erick for helping me relive the experience of proper, authentic pernil y arroz con gandules like my abuelita used to make for us on "la lomita" in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico!

This has the best Puerto Rican food I have had- including in Puerto Rico! The carne was wonderfully…read morespiced, perfectly medium, and full grain meat through each chunk. The amazingly sweet and ripe plantains finish out a very generously portioned meal.

Went in Sunday night. Staff was friendly and the place is well lit and clean. Ordered the Mojarrras…read moreFrita and it was super good. The salad that came with it was very fresh and the fish was well seasoned. This place is on my short list.

Clean place, friendly folks, good food. Shucos are apparently the Guatemalan take on hot dogs…read more Different and delicious!

First, walking into the place you are embraced by the ambiance and decor in the restaurant. The…read morefood was absolutely excellent. I had the Peruvian stir fry with chicken, also, the chicharron shrimp, and the skewers... Both chicken and beef are beyond amazing! I've been back probably eight times at this point, including some of the nightlife events which were always extremely fun and full of energy! The service is always on point and everybody is always super nice! Can't wait to go back again.

A TALE OF TWO RESTAURANTS In Oakland Ca…read more While waiting for my pizza order at Domino's around 9:00 p.m., I stopped at the neighboring "LA FURIA CHALACA & ANNEXO" restaurant and politely asked to use the restroom. I explained that I was waiting for my order next door and the small business had no restroom but was told I would need to purchase something first, even if it was just a $4 bottle of water. I chose to leave and instead walked across the street to "9JAGRILLS", a West African/Nigerian restaurant. When I explained my situation, the employee immediately told me there was no need to explain and kindly directed me to the restroom. The difference in hospitality was striking. One business required a purchase before extending a basic courtesy, while the other simply treated me with kindness and respect. Experiences like these influence where people choose to spend money and recommend to others.

Excellent food and fine value…read more Three empanadas, three enchiladas, a whole fried fish and two drinks for $51 All quite tasty

Amazing food!!! Small establishment with a few tables and chairs- so worth the drive in. My son was…read moreabsolutely enthralled with his smoothie. I was craving desayuno chapin and was so so happy with my serving. My daughters shared a plate of frijoles and plátanos- gobbled them all up. Thank you for the quick service for my children! We will be back for more.

World Cup finals and a great vibe inside and outside she's I went pick up empanadas. Thanks for all…read morethe yummy empanadas and for creating space for community to gather and be joyful. Appreciated the quick take/out service too.

Always a pleasure! I have been here multiple times to get a morning fix of empanadas and Yerba…read moremate. (One of the only places I've been to that actually brews it perfectly) also don't get me started on the chimichurri sauce ! Delectable !!!

5333 Adeline St Emeryville, CA 94608…read more "Barbaro" is a commercial kitchen (aka a ghost kitchen) at the Adeline Food Hall. Barbaro is one of several brands of Comidazo Kitchens. Using the DoorDash app, I ordered from this menu on a Wednesday evening. I ordered: - Meal Milanesa With Fries, with a chimichurri dip - Eggroll Lechon (1) Service was prompt and quick, and my food arrived quickly. Grade (4/5) - The Meal Milanesa was very good. It arrived hot, fresh and moist. The chicken cutlet was lightly breaded with just the right seasoning. The crinkle cut fries were a bit soft, but held together pretty well. A chimichurri dip was included, and it added a zesty flavor to the dish. Grade (5/5). - The Eggroll Lechon, Grade (3/5): This eggroll was made of cabbage, cheese and lechon (roasted suckling pig). Not the same as Chinese eggrolls. This eggroll was fat and packed with meaty flavor. The problem I had with it can be fixed. It arrived in a small box, and the eggroll was sitting in a small pool of oil. I'm guessing someone was in a big hurry to get the order out, and forgot to properly drain or blot the excess oil from the eggroll. I tried to drain the excess oil, but half the eggroll was a bit greasy. Overall a 4-star experience. I would order again. -

I rarely write reviews, but this spot absolutely deserves it. I ordered the Barbaro Kitchen Sink,…read moreSalad with Grilled Chicken, Maduros, and the jerk chicken and lechon empanadas. Every single dish was cooked to perfection--flavors were bold, balanced, and the sauces were incredible. Even the vegetables were packed with flavor. This place is an absolute must-try, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Slow cooked beef arepas are fire. Salads consistently good. Had an amazing bean, fried plantain…read moreand cheese arepa that will definitely be ordering again.

We were short staffed so I offered to come in two hours early and I didn't have time to eat but a…read morebowl of cereal. I wanted something hearty but not heavy, so I pull of the Door Dash app. My friends wife is Colombian and I'd seen one of my influencers I follow do a piece on an Arepa place in SF. So I find this one. I didn't look carefully that it was kind of far from my work, but I digress. They had a breakfast arepa and a cheese bread, similar to Brazilian cheese bread so I ordered that. So what's an Arepa? I like it to a Salvadoran pupusa/Pita style item, but made with corn instead of flour. They cut it open and stuff with different items. Mine came with scrambled eggs, bell peppers and green onion. and the Bunelos was one giant ball and made with cassava flour and tapicoa flour (good for gluten free folks) and finely shredded cheese. The food arrived still warm and was really good. the breakfast Arepa could maybe have had some cheese added, but there wasn't an option to add and I was expecting maybe and order of small size bunelos, like three, but the giant one was fine and fried to perfection. I will try to actually visit the restaurant for futher items. They have an arepa for vegetarians as well as empanadas.

I recently went and checked out their fixed restaurant location in Emeryville. I think there's a…read morelot they need to get started but it was nice to sit down and eat something. They still don't have real hard plates (just paper plates) for when the serve you so that was new for me lol but I like this kind of grassroots approach. I still really enjoy the lunch special but I went during the week and they didn't have any rellenas that day (I think only on weekends?)! Sad :( But the same guys were there with their families in the kitchen with them and I just love it that the whole family is helping to keep this place running. There was also an outside for people to eat and all the Colombians looked very happy to be there. All the customers here are primarily Colombian and the guys around that I spoke with agree that it truly is like the food back home. I think that says a lot. I have tried a couple of Colombian places in the bay area and this is my fave. Just very homey :) I had the fried chicken lunch special that day but I wasn't really into it not because it wasn't good but I don't like fried food. I still really love the soup and lentils they serve with it and of course, the price that is $18 per plate. Emerson and Sneider are the guys who run it with the rest of their family and they told me they will add more to the menu and to the walls! As well as a bonafide sign (which will be very fitting) outside so people know they're there. So far, only the Colombian flag gives it away. For anyone frequenting Simurgh bakery, Como en Casa is right across the street! I really love this place and will be stopping by sometimes to see how they're growing. I hope they keep the same humble vibe as they grow and I was happy to see the truck parked outside in the back. I don't work in Oakland anymore but this place gives me a lot of great memories of working with my Colombian students and I def will be comparing the tastes as I visit Colombia soon :)

Food was great not the friendliest service though, felt like my partner and I being there was a…read moredisturbance if anything