Becky Duffett

San Francisco

Writer at Freelance

Food writer in San Francisco. Currently content @discoverpastel. Formerly deputy editor @eatersf.

Articles

Meet the matriarchs behind Oakland’s modern Afghan stunner Jaji

1 week ago | opentable.com | Becky Duffett

When Sophia Akbar and Paul Iglesias wanted to open their second restaurant, they debated doing something familiar and Mediterranean (they had previously worked at Canela), but ultimately decided to get more personal. Paul is Colombian and their first restaurant, contemporary Colombian spot Parche, has been a hit since it opened in 2023. It was only right that with their second outing they would honor Sophia’s Afghan heritage.
Chez Panisse Tomato Savant Spencer Huey Returns With a Springtime Sale Worthy of Alice Waters

1 week ago | sf.eater.com | Becky Duffett

Spencer Huey is a cook at the famed Chez Panisse in Berkeley, who kind of has a cult following among gardeners in the East Bay. He plans to casually sell 50 different varieties of tomato plants out of the parking lot this spring. He’s been doing this for the past few years — although he took last year off — but now he’s back.
Have You Spotted These Edwardian Chocolate Bunnies in San Francisco?

1 week ago | kqed.org | Becky Duffett

Apr 15Failed to save articlePlease try againDavid Upchurch shows off "Mary," one of the elaborately detailed chocolate bunnies that he makes during Easter season, at the Thursday Marin Farmers Market in San Rafael on April 10, 2025. (Gina Castro/KQED)Stroll through the Stonestown Farmers Market on a sunny spring morning, and you might spot a stall smothered in chocolate.
A Soulful California Spot With Big Retro Vibes Is the Best Restaurant in America

3 weeks ago | msn.com | Becky Duffett

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The 15 Best Restaurants in the US, From Oakland to Houston

3 weeks ago | foodandwine.com | Becky Duffett

Gravy is poured over breaded and fried pork chops at Burdell in Oakland. Photo: Food & Wine / Eva Kolenko While it’s incredible to travel the world for the best culinary experiences, you don’t have to trek to France or Japan to get great food. For everyone on more of a domestic budget this year, this list celebrates the best dining destinations right here, right now in the United States.
The Top Restaurant in America Serves a Totally Fresh Take on California Soul

3 weeks ago | foodandwine.com | Becky Duffett

Photo: Food & Wine / Eva Kolenko To swing through the door of Burdell on a Sunday night feels like walking straight into a grandma’s sitting room from the 1970s. The space has a warm golden glow that radiates lots of ambers and pinks. You’re greeted by a collection of smiling elders, featured in framed family photos of mamas, aunties, and more. Take a seat at the avocado green bar, and a bartender rocking a floral apron will offer a cocktail named after one of them.
California’s Pizza Moment Is Now

3 weeks ago | msn.com | Becky Duffett

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Forget New York and Chicago: California’s Pizza Moment Is Now

3 weeks ago | foodandwine.com | Becky Duffett

Pepperoni pizza at Flour + Water Pizzeria. Photo: Courtesy of Kristen Loken for Flour + Water Pizzeria It seems we may never reach peak pizza in California. In the past year alone, a dozen brilliant new pizza spots have opened in the Bay Area. Longtime favorites like Flour + Water, Che Fico, A16, and Piccino are spinning new shops. Fresh contenders like Outta Sight, Jules, and June’s in Oakland have been coming in hot.
Where ‘Top Chef’ star Nelson German loves to eat in the Bay Area

4 weeks ago | opentable.com | Becky Duffett

Chef Nelson German is an especially busy guy these days. Oakland hotspot alaMar Dominican Kitchen is still going strong after more than a decade; it originally opened as a seafood boil spot in 2014 before becoming the only Dominican restaurant in the Bay Area in 2023. German’s Afro-Latin lounge Sobre Mesa recently turned five. And the chef is now gearing up to open Meski, an Ethiopian-inspired lounge in SF where he’s partnered with restaurateur Guma Fassil and Golden State Warrior Draymond Green.
What to order at popular SF seafood destination Little Shucker right now

1 month ago | opentable.com | Becky Duffett

What to order at popular SF seafood destination Little Shucker right now The Pacific Heights restaurant from the Snug team is always refreshing the menu with the seasons.