Funky Elephant – Berkeley

Funky Elephant in Berkeley, CA, offers bold Thai-inspired dishes and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a memorable lunch destination

After checking into the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country, I made my way across the Bay to Berkeley to meet with Jessica at Funky Elephant. After all, I had a special delivery to hand give her – by way of my recent travels to Seattle, Washington.

The lively atmosphere of the restaurant perfectly complemented our fun and engaging conversation. We indulged in some truly flavorful dishes, starting with the CRISPY HODO TOFU (seasoned with funky powder, sweet chili sauce), seasoned to perfection and drizzled with sauce for just the right balance of savory and sweet.

For the main course, we shared the GANG RAWANG BEEF (grilled Flat Iron steak, house made green curry paste, yellow turmeric, coconut milk, Thai basil, Thai chili & arugula) – a dish that was both hearty and aromatic. The grilled steak was tender and flavorful, elevated by house-made green curry paste and fragrant Thai basil. The heat from the chili paired beautifully with the peppery bite of arugula.

To round it all off, we enjoyed the BUTTERFLY PEA JASMINE RICE, its vibrant blue color and subtle floral notes adding a touch of fun to the meal.

After our delicious lunch, I made my way to Artis Coffee Roasters before getting a manicure at Saunders & James, and finishing the day with Margaret at Viridian Bar in Oakland.

It was the perfect afternoon to fully immerse myself in the vibrant energy of the Bay.

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