Dona Tomas, Oakland

Dona Tomas Chilaquiles Verde were Damn Good! It was just before closing time for Sunday brunch at Dona Tomas’ in Oakland and I was hungry. I ate breakfast a little later than normal that morning with my brother, then had some errands to run in the East Bay, all while I was managing my dehydration syndrome (a.k.a. hangover) from a limited diet the night before of truffle cheese, olive bread, red wine, bourbon and cigars. I keep reminding myself, that stress will kill me, not food.

I rank Chilaquiles as one of my Top 5 breakfast meals. I rarely miss an opportunity to order this simple dish of leftover corn chips with either salsa verde or rojo, some queso fresco, and some eggs. Dona Tomas’ adds a fresh avocado on top for added richness.

Yes, it tastes as good as it looks and I could have eaten another plate of this stuff. 

Lola's Market, Healdsburg

 

Continuing to eat tacos in Sonoma County, a familiar name has come to Healdsburg, Lola’s Market. I went with two carnitas tacos. Larger corn tortillas and carnitas from the full food case. The full grocery store has its advantages; from fresh salsa, chile verde, fresh carnitas, and lots of fresh tortillas. But in the end, what was served to me for lunch matters.

 

Lola’s puts a topping on their tacos I’ve never had before, oil marinated olives. I can’t say whether they helped or hurt, but I did pause and wonder what those little chopped black things were. I’d say the tacos at Lola’s were average based upon my above average experiences locally at Taco Grande and Guanajuato.The oven case doesn't keep the carnitas crisp, just warm and perhaps a bit dry on the ends. I’ll head back simply to shop at the market for speciality items or the meat counter. Pricing on pork, beef, and chicken is very competitive.

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