Meal Ticket

Inspired by the Food Network, our next stop was Meal Ticket, a small restaurant off San Pablo Ave. in Berkeley. In a place that looks like it used to be someone's home, this local restaurant serves up great food with a homemade feel.  With a menu packed full of savory and sweet options for both breakfast and lunch, it is hard to choose what to order at Meal Ticket. They have their set menu and a specials menu, written out on a chalkboard to the left of the counter. Be sure to read both -- there are wonderfully creative options on each menu.

After long deliberation, I ordered the Oyster Po'Boy Sandwich. On a mission to try new things, I had never tasted oysters, raw or cooked, until I ate this sandwich. The sandwich comes to you open-face with a side of their fresh cole slaw and a cut lemon -- I suggest putting both on your sandwich. The oysters are lightly battered and fried, not too heavy, and are perfectly tender and juicy on the inside.  They come on top of thickly sliced bread slathered in a spicy chipotle mayo that compliments the oysters and slaw perfectly. The bread is toothsome with a dense, chewy crumb, which is great for open-faced sandwiches. I would love to see what other amazing Po'Boy sandwiches this kitchen could create.

Also ordered was the Slow Roasted Pork with Coconut Curry Sauce, Corn Tortillas, and Fresh Tomato Salsa over Basmati Rice.  This menu item, a delicious do-it-yourself plate showcased by Guy Fieri, combines culturally unique flavors and creates a mouth-watering aroma that will leave your tablemates asking to try a bite. 

I could not leave Meal Ticket without trying their famous Apple-Grape pie with their homemade vanilla bean whipping cream.  As a pie-lover, I am always willing to try different fruit fillings.  The unique apple and grape combination was amazing, with a great texture and perfect balance of sweet and tart. The crumb topping almost melts when they heat it up for you and has a taste similar to dutch crumb toppings commonly on apple pies.  I loved this pie so much, I got a piece to go -- and it was just as good heated up later!  The pie is not the prettiest, but you won't be thinking about that for long! [I promise to take a better picture next time I visit Meal Ticket] 

One warning: they only make so many pies during the day and once they run out, that's it for the day... so if you plan to make the trip to Meal Ticket for the pie, go early or call ahead to ensure they haven't run out! 

Another thing to keep in mind when visiting Meal Ticket is that they are CASH only, like many places in Berkeley. Also, order your food at the counter before grabbing a table, even if it is crowded, as they have been known to call people out for "line jumping." One last tip, the lady at the counter doesn't seem to enjoy people modifying ingredients in their order -- just remember that this place is famous for a reason and the food will taste amazing no matter what comes on it! 

As seen on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri on the Sweet 'n Savory episode

Meal Ticket chefs graciously shared their recipe for the Slow Roasted Pork (see above) with the Food Network -- Recipe