Summary: Joseph heads to Northern California to the other city on the bay – Oakland – where he stays at the newly renovated Claremont Hotel Club & Spa. The 1915 castle on the Berkeley Hills has recently spruced up its guest rooms, reinvented the Spa Claremont and, most notably, transformed their gourmet dining offering into the innovative Meritage. It’s in this venue that award-wining chef Josh Thomsen conjures up an array of delectable specialties served in half or full portions accompanied by a choice of appropriate wine vintages. A devotee of local products Josh hunts down the best of regional producers to give guests a real taste of Northern California. Discoveries such as Hog Island oysters pleasantly surprise and totally satisfy the most discerning diner. From a sunny spot at Meritage during breakfast Joseph enjoys stunning views of fog-shrouded San Francisco while speaking with marketing manager Mickey Khangsengsing about the new shine on this grand old lady.
