" Take a vacation to the Caribbean courtesy of Chef Ann (Annabelle Goodridge), who opened Cocobreeze mid-pandemic, bringing a menu full of traditional dishes to the Bay. Goodridge’s culinary career began in Trinidad and Tobago, where, beginning at 12-years-old, she helped out with her mother’s catering business. Now, she’s working with her daughter, Merissa Lyons, to bring authentic Caribbean dishes to Bay Area residents who haven’t had many options when it comes to that arena. (Her daughter also runs a vegan bakery in the same space.) The herbaceous jerk chicken is the go-to order, as is anything that comes wrapped in roti."
"Given the city’s history of welcoming Americans from other parts of the country as well as immigrants from many continents, Oakland is the perfect place to get your spice on."
" The Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland got a true gem when Coco Breeze opened its doors on High Street this year. With the restaurant, Annabelle Goodridge (Ann) and her daughter Merissa Lyons bring authentic Caribbean food to the East Bay— especially recipes from their roots in Trinidad and Tobago, like roti with goat and potato curry, pholourie (split pea fritters), roti wraps, and pelau, the classic Trinidadian rice dish. Its entrance into the food scene make it the only Trinidadian eatery in the city — whether you live nearby or not, it’s worth a trip ASAP."
" On the corner of High Street and Fairfax Avenue in East Oakland lies a hidden gem for Caribbean food and foodies alike. Chef Annabelle Goodridge, who readers might recognize from her restaurant La Belles on Adeline Street in Berkeley, has revitalized her culinary dreams in tandem with her daughter Merissa Lyons. "
"If you read just one part of this collection I suggest the anchor piece, in which we’ve collected thoughts from 23 leading activists, chefs, critics, and academics on what needs to be done — in terms of culture, economics, politics, environment, regulations — to get to a better industry and world."
