Our city is chock-full of interesting people and wild personalities. Overwhelmed by the coolness? Every week we'll pick one standout local we'd love to be friends with to answer seven essential questions about their life.
When we found out that Refinery29's San Francisco Editor has actually been an Emeryville resident for the past three years, we were pretty impressed. How this woman manages to stay up-to-date on the goings-on on both sides of the bay we'll never know, but she sure does know her stuff.
Not only does Angela Tafoya write about food, style, music, openings, and everything else in between for one of our favorite lifestyle blogs, but she looks pretty adorable while doing it. (Check out her Instagram! So much great fashion going on there.) We are so happy she took some time out of tasting all the best burgers in SF to answer our East Bay Edition of the We Wanna Be Friends With Q&A!
1. What neighborhood do you currently call home? Would you ever move or are you happy in your 'hood?
I live in Emeryville. I am pretty happy in my hood — since I first moved here I’ve seen such a huge growth and it’s nice to have a few fun local hangouts around (Prizefighter and Farley’s). Honestly, though, I think relocating somewhere more North in Oakland would be a dream. I’m kind of loving all of Temescal’s quaint/cool offerings.
2. What's your hands-down, absolute favorite thing to eat in Oakland?
Boot and Shoe Service. If we are going to get specific — the panna pizza there is my jam. It’s so spicy, but so SO tasty! I crave it every other week. Okay, let’s be real — like every other day!
3. What's your perfect night in The Town?
Typically, trying a new restaurant in the area, then hanging out at a local bar (I love 355!). I will never turn down a night of dancing there! Also, bopping around Art Murmur is pretty entertaining and always a good time.
4. When you need a low-key afternoon, where do you go for down time?
I love taking my dogs out around the area! Walking them around the neighborhood and popping in my local coffee shop to thumb through magazines (they have the best collection!) is pretty ideal. Speaking of magazines, I could spend hours in Issues on Piedmont Avenue!
5. What's your favorite place to go on a day trip from Oakland?
I love hopping in the car and taking my dogs up to Tomales Bay/Marshall/Inverness. The drive is breathtaking and pitstops at Hog Island and Nick's Cove are always in order. It's the perfect way to get off the grid for the day!
6. Quick-fire round:
Burrito or Burger?
Burger — all the WAY! Fivetenburger!
Fenton's or Scream Sorbet?
Scream closed (sad face) so Fenton’s. I don’t like sweets that much, but I guess if I had to choose…
Lake Merritt or Lake Temescal?
Temescal. The lake is rad, too!
The Paramount or The Fox?
The Fox.
Bakesale Betty's or Brown Sugar Kitchen?
Bakesale Betty’s.
First Fridays or The Oakland Museum?
First Fridays.
A's or Warriors or Raiders?
Warriors (ahem, Ashley!)
7. Three words that describe your life in Oakland?
Energetic, discovery, approachable.
Want more Angela?
