Burma in Temescal

The Temescal district of Oakland is becoming more and more trendy-affordable rent has allowed some really interesting restaurants to line the Telegraph Ave. area starting with Bake Sale Betty's on the corner of 51st and Telegraph (but that will be another blog).

Today, after my swim at the Montclair Swim Club, I went to Burma Super Star at 4721 Telegraph. I had eaten at their restaurant in San Francisco on Clement and the tantalizing tastes of that visit were a pleasant memory.

Beating the reported waiting in line, I got a table right away. The menu is very unusual and it's hard to decide what to choose-the portions are large, enough for two to share, and the prices are very reasonable. I settled on the tea leaf salade(featured on the Food network)-a delightful combo of fried garlic, peanuts, sunflower seeds, greens, and yes, tea leaves.

I next had the Nan Gyi Duk, a mixture of chicken in coconut sauce, split peas, burmese rice noodles and a few other ingredients. Both dishes were lovingly presented with each ingredient dressing the plate and then mixed with great care by the waiter. Definitely a thumbs up place to go. Visit them at www.burmasuperstar.com/