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Here’s how to make Pre-Vacation Fried Rice
![Quick Cook: Here's how to make Pre-Vacation Fried Rice Quick Cook: Here's how to make Pre-Vacation Fried Rice](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/themes/scng/static/images/noimage.jpg)
Fried rice is a fantastic way to use up refrigerator odds and ends and vegetable bits -- that half head of broccoli, the solo celery stalk -- deliciously.
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Restaurants
![North Light offers the kind of sophisticated, hip-but-not-hipster atmosphere that has taken off as bars enter a post-pandemic chapter of catering social experiences. North Light offers the kind of sophisticated, hip-but-not-hipster atmosphere that has taken off as bars enter a post-pandemic chapter of catering social experiences.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SJM-L-NORTHLIGHT-0514-9.jpg?w=525)
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At Oakland’s North Light, books, music and diverse identities have a home
North Light offers the kind of sophisticated, hip-but-not-hipster atmosphere that has taken off as bars enter a post-pandemic chapter of catering social experiences.
Wine
![Both men served as inspiration for next-gen winemakers. Both men served as inspiration for next-gen winemakers.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SAN-L-WINECOL-0712.jpg?w=524)
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Bay Area wine industry loses icons Narsai David, Warren Winiarski
Both men served as inspiration for next-gen winemakers.
Taste Off
![There are some divine sour creams in dairy cases at local markets - and there are some ghastly ones. Here's what to buy and what to avoid. There are some divine sour creams in dairy cases at local markets - and there are some ghastly ones. Here's what to buy and what to avoid.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJM-L-TASTEOFF-0630-01.jpg?w=525)
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Taste-Off: The best sour cream at Bay Area supermarkets — and the duds
There are some divine sour creams in dairy cases at local markets - and there are some ghastly ones. Here's what to buy and what to avoid.
Cookbooks
![Cocktail influencer Julianna McIntosh isn't your typical broody bartender. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she started sharing her journey to learn the art of mixology on social media, inviting others along for the ride from her San Diego home and teaching her viewers how to make bright, seasonally-inspired and beautiful drinks. Cocktail influencer Julianna McIntosh isn't your typical broody bartender. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she started sharing her journey to learn the art of mixology on social media, inviting others along for the ride from her San Diego home and teaching her viewers how to make bright, seasonally-inspired and beautiful drinks.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SJM-L-SUMMERCOCKTAILS-0714-03_fd785c.jpg?w=516)
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Q&A with ‘Join Jules’ cocktail influencer Julianna McIntosh
Cocktail influencer Julianna McIntosh isn't your typical broody bartender. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she started...
Recipes
![Serve a pitcher of the fruity wine concoction accompanied by salted almonds or candied pecans. Serve a pitcher of the fruity wine concoction accompanied by salted almonds or candied pecans.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-RECIPE-WREC-0721-FEATURED.jpg?w=620)
Here are 3 ways to make sangria for your next summer gathering
Serve a pitcher of the fruity wine concoction accompanied by salted almonds or candied pecans.
Cookbooks
![This salad recipe comes from "Oakville Grocery, The Cookbook" and tastes like summer in a bowl, according to its authors. This salad recipe comes from "Oakville Grocery, The Cookbook" and tastes like summer in a bowl, according to its authors.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SJM-L-OAKVILLE-0609-03.jpg?w=412)
Oakville Grocery’s Watermelon, Heirloom Tomato, Feta and Mint Salad
This salad recipe comes from "Oakville Grocery, The Cookbook" and tastes like summer in a...
Beer
![The brewery is also holding a big block party in Berkeley to celebrate on Saturday, July 13. The brewery is also holding a big block party in Berkeley to celebrate on Saturday, July 13.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SJM-L-TRUMER-0712-01.jpg?w=525)
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Trumer Pils is brewing a new beer for its 20th Berkeley anniversary
The brewery is also holding a big block party in Berkeley to celebrate on Saturday,...