The Roots Ferocious Paramount Set

The Roots threw down with another dynamic show at The Paramount Theatre in Oakland tonight, June 8, 2008 opening for Erykah Badu. Their truncated set began right on time (7:30 PM) and was over 55 very fast minutes later. They ran through many of their signature tunes from "Things Fall Apart" and their seemingly endless roster of classic records, many of them combined into lengthy medleys. A virtuoso performance of "You Got Me" anchored the too brief set, and a medley of seminal hip hop jams was fun for an ecstatic audience. A few songs from their excellent new "Rising Down" CD were slipped seamlessly into the relentless hip hop band jam session. I missed the battle of the drummers that is a highlight of their shows, but Black Thought and ?uest Love led the band ferociously. I like that word. Ferocious. It perfectly describes The Roots live shows.

Wholehearted Endorsement for Tucker's Catering

I'm the lucky man who used Tucker's Catering For All Occasions to cater a recent surprise birthday party I had at my condo. I met with one of the two co-proprietors, effervescent no-nonsense Eunice Tucker, to go over the menu and make sure we were on the same page. I wanted a soul food buffet to be served and Tucker's Catering met and exceeded all expectations and then some. Not only did they prepare all the food from scratch, but they set up the dining room for a buffet, had a team help bring the food, dishes and everything else in, and stayed around to replenish the most popular items as needed. Co-owner, irrepressible and joy-filled Gwen Tucker, prepared much of the food, especially the incredible roast beef brisket in a nonpareil au jus. The fresh fruit and veggies appetizers were the bomb, and the main menu - roast beef, turkey, ham, macaroni and cheese, green salad, rolls, greens, green beans, dressing - were served up with aplomb and guests were calling to talk about the food the following day. I had to hurry and put aside some of my favorites before they were either eaten up or snatched up by partygoers! The peach cobbler for dessert had tongues smacking and wagging simultaneously and multiple trips to the cobbler pan were witnessed.

Tucker's Catering is already in demand in the Oakland area and with good reason. They returned the following day to help with cleanup and remove their equipment, and the Tucker Sisters proved not only to be superb cooks and caterers, but delightful party planners as well. Their reputation is well earned and my freezer is testimony to delicious leftovers to be served in the future.

But don't take my word for it. Check them out for yourself. You can reach Eunice Tucker at 510-632-1621 or 510-866-4571 and Gwen Tucker at 510-299-1149.

Don't sleep on this! You deserve food this scrumptious to be served at your function. They are well worth their extremely affordable rates for homecooked goodness and party panache.

Dining Out in Puerto Vallarta: Epoca and VallarTako

Spent a week in Puerto Vallarta, tropical, humid and gorgeous, my first time to Mexico, surprising considering how close it is to California. We stayed at the Hacienda Spa and Hotel, a wonderful resort about a five dollar taxi ride from el centro and zona romantica where all the action is. I felt like I was staying at the Ponderosa! The included meals were surprisingly good, and the staff was gracious, accomodating and helpful, especially Arturo, who actually wrote down movie theatres, addresses and such for me when I asked about them.

Even though our meals were included, we had to venture out and try some of the restaurants raved about in the guidebooks and a couple we happened upon. In the former category, Daiquiri Dicks did not disappoint, with terrific shrimp appetizers, fish tacos and a fabulous fish sandwich.

In the latter category, Epoca was a real standout. Just over the Vallarta bridge to zona romantica, we sat at a table right on the beach on the edge of the world with waves crashing inches away yet never getting us wet. Torches blazing, balladeer singing "Guantamera" to us, the atmosphere could not have been more perfect and then the food came. It was beyond delicious all the way into one of the best restaurant meals I have ever eaten. I had the sea bass on a potato cake bed, perfection on a plate, and my friend's chicken made me wish I'd ordered a second main course. It was that good. The crab cake appetizers were scrumptious as well and the service above reproach.

We happened upon VallarTako on a day of back street shopping and vowed to return the next day for lunch. Turns out it was only their second day of business according to the delightful manager, Andrea, but if our visit is any indication, they will be open forever. The lachambres, tacos and quesadillas we wolfed down like we had no bottom were savory, tasty and pretty darn addictive. I'm sure there will be a whole chain of VallarTakos in Andrea and company's future. They are that good.