45 - Geta Sushi - Oakland

165 41st St., Oakland, CA 94611, (510) 653-4643

Last Visit: January 2010

(Image from Yelp.) This place can fit about six tables and a counter, but they do really well with customers out the door on most nights. I have to say the sushi is really good for this hole-in-a-wall place.

The wait is long because the sushi is actually on par with a lot of higher priced sushi places in the area. The staff is friendly, but they are usually too busy to help you in a bind. You're better off getting tea by yourself if you know what I mean. I've tried their rainbow, spicy tuna, and spider rolls and they all came out fine. Their best one are the blue fin tuna dish, which is quite expensive but it's worth the two pieces. I know, we're trying to stop the killing of blue fin tuna, but if only their evolutionary edge wasn't being delicious.

In addition, I've tried their chicken teriyaki, spicy chicken appetizer, and katsu curry rice. The spicy chicken is probably the best, and it's something of a house special. I've never seen it done that simply anywhere else. Watch out, it's a hot one!

Beer is served as well as take-out, so stop on by if you have a chance.

44 - Banh Mi Ba Le - Oakland

1909 International Blvd., Oakland, Ca. 94606, (510) 261 - 9800

I just can't give four stars to a little restaurant shop! It pains me to not do so though, because this place lives up to its hype.

This little shop for the frugal spender is a piece of heaven in east Oakland. They sell Vietnamese sandwiches and little snacks of all sorts. I've been there a couple of times now and every time more and more people seem to be there. They have about six small tables for people sit-ins, where they actually have pho' noodles as well as beef stew, but a majority of their operation runs on selling sandwiches to people on the go. Parking is getting more and more limited as more foodies have discovered this place. I mean, last time I went in, some guy ordered 18 sandwiches to go, so yeah, it might take awhile on bad days.

There are 10 primary sandwiches which you can order by number, but they have added six more unorthodox sandwiches to their menu. I mean, I don't necessarily want to have a sunny-side up egg sandwich or a grilled eel sandwich, but I'm glad I know where to get one now. They have blow-up pictures for all of them so you know what you're getting.

Lastly, I'll have to say that they brew a good cup of Vietnamese coffee. It's about $2.25 ($2.50 is the price of their sandwich, but with a $5 spot, you can get a nice meal). Definitely give this place a try if you're in the area or on a budget!