Smoke Berkeley
About Smoke Berkeley
Smoke Berkeley is an old fashioned BBQ restaurant serving a more diverse menu than traditional BBQ joints. Chef Tina graduated from the California Culinary Academy and attended the Cordon Bleu in Paris. In addition to Texas style Beef Briskets and Ribs, South Carolina Pulled Pork her signature dish is tea smoked salmon with red rice and a cilantro ginger sauce. Chef Tina smokes her own hams, pastrami and lamb. Everything is cooked in house except the buns from Acme Bread. Smoke Berkeley uses fresh, local, organic and natural meats, vegetables and fruits.
Her State and County Fair award winning deserts include her chocolate pecan pie, sweet potato and pecan pies and cookies are available everyday.
Chef Tina makes a special effort to hire and train people coming out of correctional institutions. Her Pit Master Michael Rachal is jus one several great employees who have found a home at Smoke Berkeley. Michael and Tina's story have been featured in video on agoodhire.com and Check Please. The East Bay Express recently did a two page spread on Chef Tina's hiring practices.