Cafe Sketches: Mensho Ramen, Oakland - 12/2025

Unfortunately, our local Chinese restaurant "Little Shin Shin" closed during the pandemic. In its place, Mensho, an award-winning ramen chain from Tokyo, opened up around 2023. We were reluctant to try Mensho because of its association with the loss of Little Shin Shin and the huge crowds waiting in line to get inside. But, we decided to give it a try this month and we were pleasantly surprised.

Mensho Ramen, Oakland, 12/2025

One delightful dish is the "corn ribs" - slices of roasted corn strips, manipulated to be eaten like BBQ ribs. It was fun and delicious. We added Mensho to our list of go-to ramen shops.

CoWaBunGA!    

Sketches: Art of Manga, DeYoung Museum - 12/2025

The DeYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, presents a survey of Manga art from the 1970's to recent works. The art of manga encompasses many genres, from sports to fine dining to historical mythology. One artist that caught my attention is Araki Hirohiko, whose manga "Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure" is a mix of contemporary fashion and 1980's music with an action-adventure storyline. 

Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure, Part 5 Golden Wind, Hirohiko - 12/2025

The characters of this manga are very flamboyant and are drawn as if posing on the catwalk or in Vogue. It's very compelling and different from other manga in the exhibit.   

CoWaBunGA!

Cafe Sketches: Jane on Third, 12/2025

A relatively new cafe opened in the SFMOMA, Jane on Third. The cafe is part of the Jane the Bakery chain of bakeries and cafes in San Francisco. Several iterations of restaurants occupied the space that Jane on Third is currently located, but I found Jane on Third to be the most welcoming and comfortable of the lot. The seating, decor, atmosphere, and food are very welcoming to visitors of SFMOMA and the public in general. 

Jane on Third, in the SFMOMA, 12/2025 

This is definitely a must-stop whenever I'm in downtown SF.

CoWaBunGA!

Sketches: TAKE, Kaws at SFMOMA, 12/2025

Revisiting KAWS Exhibit at the San Francisco MOMA, it was interesting to me how KAWS has his characters holding smaller versions of other characters. It's very human in how children hold small versions of themselves, as dolls.  

Take, KAWS at the SFMOMA, 12/2025

It reminds me that beings unlike ourselves can experience emotion and be very human. 

CoWaBunGA

Sketches: Eugene & Julie, Morisot, Legion of Honor - 12/2025

Looking closely at Berthe Morisot's paintings, they are very different than Manet's. She used color to define her compositions and there doesn't seem to be distinct outlines. The results are beautiful. 

Eugene & Julie, Morisot, Legion of Honor, 12/2025

Go see for yourself at the Manet & Morisot Exhibit, Legion of Honor, San Francisco.

CoWaBunGA
 

E14 Gallery Holiday Sip & Shop Pop-up, 12/13/25

Come out and visit us for E14 Gallery's Holiday pop-up shop, Sip & Shop. I will be there with my fellow artists Rheaven's Engravins and Star Shaped Gem. There will be drinks and activities to keep y'all warm and cozy while you look for that perfect gift.

Hope to see you Saturday, December 13, 5 PM to 8 PM, E14 Gallery at 461 Ninth Street, Old Oakland.

CoWaBunGA! 

Sketches: Berthe reclining, Manet & Morisot @ Legion, 12/2025

It seems like Manet had a thing for Morisot. Then again, who wouldn't want to paint such an attractive subject, who happens to be an artist herself. You can see Manet's obsession at the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco.

Berthe Morisot reclining, Manet, 1874

CowaBunGA!  

Sketches: Manet Morisot exhibit at Legion of Honor, 12/2025

Two of the eminent artists in the Impressionist period were inspiring each other to create paintings that responded to each others' subject matter and compositions. The Legion of Honor's exhibit of "Manet & Morisot" is a story of the collaboration between these two artists and how they approached their paintings. We can fill in the back story of how they ended up being in-laws.

Boating 1874, Manet, Legion of Honor, 12/2025

CoWaBunGA!

 

Sketches: Monuments at the MOCA, 11/2025

Co-curated by Hamza Walker, Bennett Simpson, and Kara Walker, the Monuments show explores how public art influences historic memory, national identity, and current events. The show was inspired by the removal of Confederate monuments following recent racially motivated violence and how artists can repurpose the remnants into artwork that discusses today's challenging topics. 

Monuments at the Geffen Contemporary MOCA, 11/2025

My sketch was inspired by two works that spoke to me: the General Lee Charger by Hank Willis Thomas and "Deo Vindice" by Abigail DeVille. The Monuments show is emotionally heavy, but worth a visit to rethink how public art influences our view of history. 

CoWaBunGA 

Cafe Sketches: Bake Sum, Oakland - 11/2025

The name of the bakery is a play on the Chinese breakfast/brunch dim sum, which means "a little bit of heart." The bakers at Bake Sum adhere to that concept in their work by serving delicious bake goods that reflect flavors and ingredients that are close to their hearts. Their "Crosubi", a hybrid of croissant and musubi, was recognized by the New York Times as one of the best dishes in the U.S. Try one for yourself and you'll see why...

Bake Sum, Oakland CA, 11/2025

CoWaBunGA   

Cafe Sketches: Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Room, 11/2025

When we used to dine at Trader Sam's, the staff would give us a peek of the Enchanted Tiki Room to show our underaged party what cool experience we would have once everyone turned 21. It finally happened and our party was all of drinking age. And, it was pretty cool...

Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Room, 11/2025

There's an open seat for you at the bar.

CoWaBunGA! 

Sketches: KAWS at the SFMOMA, 11/2025

KAWS makes his west coast debut at the SFMOMA with his show KAWS: FAMILY. The show features drawings, paintings, commercial products, and sculptures from KAWS' extensive work over the past 30 years. We were fascinated by KAWS' transition from street art to the fine art and then product collaborations in his art career. This is a show that will appeal to all ages and interests.

"What Party" Kaws 2020

  

BJeng sketching "What Party" at SFMOMA 

CoWaBunGA!

Mini-Masterpieces 2025 Show, 11/7/2025 through 1/7/2026

It's nearing the end of the year and the sun lit days are becoming shorter and shorter. It is time to revive your spirits with art. This year's Mini-Masterpieces Show in Alameda starts on November 7, reception from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. My exhibit for this year is inspired by Thomas Dambo's trolls recently on display at Filoli Gardens in Woodside.

Bill Jeng's exhibit at K Gallery

Jodi working out the supports for her exhibit

Alice hanging her display.

So, visit Rhythmix Cultural Works in Alameda to uplift your soul and support your local artists. 

CoWaBunGA!

Fog City Java, 11/2025

Fog City Java has been such a gracious host of my art shows; I look forward to setting up the new show every year. This year's show features my troll sketches inspired by Thomas Dambo's trolls exhibited at Filoli Gardens in Woodside. The message that each troll presents inspires us humans to be better stewards of our environment.

Fog City Java show, featuring Trolls, Calendars, and greeting cards.

2026 Cafe Sketches calendars and Troll greeting cards are for sale.

Additionally, this year's Fog City Java show includes my daughter's exhibition of her latest donut paintings. You are in for a treat!

Assorted donut paintings by Natalie!

CoWaBunGA! 

Cafe Sketches: Everette and Jones BBQ, 10/2025

In college, my classmates and I would head over to Everette and Jones BBQ and order a couple of slabs to share with our roommates. Delicious and filling enough to last a whole week of meals. Recently, I heard about the break-ins at E&J on Broadway and was sad to hear how that affected their business. Support our local Oakland businesses and let's keep them going through these tough times.

Everette and Jones BBQ, 10/2025

Still delicious and filling!

CoWaBunGA

Exhibit: Mini-Masterpieces 2025

My artists friends and I are exhibiting at the K Gallery in Alameda as part of the Mini-Masterpieces Show and Holiday sale. If you are in the area and need holiday gifts, please stop in and support our local artists. More information is in the flyer posted.

Hope to see you at the show.

CoWaBunGA!

 

Cafe Sketches: 2026 Desk Calendar; Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, 10/2025

Cafe Sketches 2026 Desk Calendars are here! This year's calendar features some of our favorite East Bay cafes and restaurants including: 

• Southie in Rockridge
• A16 Pizzeria in Berkeley
• Hanshin Pocha in Temescal Oakland
• Peony Seafood in Oakland Chinatown
• Bombera in Dimond District Oakland
• Attraros Thai Eatery in Old Oakland
• FOB Kitchen in Temescal Oakland
• Odin Mezcaleria by Jack London Square in Oakland
• Simurgh Cafe and Bakery in Emeryville
• Prescott Market Hall in West Oakland
• Saucy in Old Oakland
• Timeless Coffee and Bakery in Oakland

These calendars make a great gift for your foodie friends and family. The calendars are available at the Rhythmix Cultural Works Mini-Masterpieces Holiday show and sale in Alameda, California, and at Fog City Java in Pacifica, California. 

2026 Desk Calendar - Sobo Ramen in Oakland Chinatown

January 2026 features Southies in Berkeley

March 2026 features Hanshin Pocha in Temescal Oakland

October 2026 features Prescott Market in West Oakland

September 2026 features Simurgh Bakery in Emeryville

Contact me if you would like to purchase the calendars directly.

CoWaBunGA!

Cafe Sketches: Timeless Coffee and Bakery, 9/2025

Go for a run and stop at Timeless Coffee & Bakery, on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, for a pick-me-up afterwards. You can sit outside on the sidewalk, or find a cozy seat by the coffee roasting machine to enjoy your post run reward.

Timeless Coffee and Bakery, Oakland 9/2025

CoWaBunGA!

Cafe Sketches: NoKA Ramen, 9/2025

At Jack London Square in Oakland, CA, you can have delicious ramen in a neon rainforest. You'll forget that it is starting to get cold outside as you marvel at your tonkotsu ramen and stare at the tropical flowers... 

NoKA Ramen, JLS Oakland, 9/2025

 CoWaBunGA

Sketches: Tso Pol, 9/2025

If you need help with your solar power project, Tso Pol, the PV Troll, is glad to lend a hand. Tso Pol's height allows him to easily reach your roof to install those PV panels. Although he enjoys installing PV systems, Tso is also learning about wind generators that can work when the sun is not so bright. Tso Pol is working toward sustainable power to reduce the impacts of climate change on humans.

Tso Pol, the PV Troll, 9/2025

  CoWaBunGA!

Sketches: Ele Veho, 9/2025

Meet Ele Veho, the EV-loving Troll. Ele Veho is fascinated by electric vehicles and wishes humans would drive EVs instead of ICE (internal combustion engine) cars. During his spare time, Ele Veho takes ICE cars and converts them to EV cars with motors and batteries. Ele Veho is inspired by the Dambo trolls visiting Filoli Gardens.

Ele Veho, EV-loving Troll, 9/2025

It's a much better way to travel and clean up the atmosphere at the same time.

CoWaBunGA!  

Sketches: Astro Damus, 9/2025

Inspired by the Thomas Dambo trolls at Filoli Gardens and my recent trip to the Grand Canyon, I present to you Asto Damus, the Astronomer Troll. Astro Damus is very enthusiastic about stargazing and takes every opportunity to show off the stars to humans. 

Asto Damus, Astronomer Troll, 9/2025

When you see a star or planet up-close in a telescope, you feel how small and precious the Earth is. 

CoWaBunGA 

Sketches: Sofus Lotus, Filoli Gardens, 9/2025

Sofus Lotus, the Listening Troll, hearing messages from Mother Earth at Filoli Gardens. It's healthy to take time to be quiet, stay still, and listen to what your environment is telling you.

Sofus Lotus, Dambo, Filoli Gardens, 9/2025

 CoWaBunGA!

Sketches: Basse Buller, Filoli Gardens, 9/2025

Basse Buller likes to paint the environment with earth colors. Natalie is taking notes and lessons on an earthy approach to painting.  

Basse Buller, Dambo, Filoli Gardens, 9/2025

Much thanks to Thomas Dambo to share the Trolls with us at Filoli Gardens.

CoWaBunGA! 

Cafe Sketches: Simurgh Bakery, Emeryville, 8/2025

On a trip to Turkey, our daughter tasted all kinds of Turkish food and relayed to us how delicious it was. We were mainly familiar with Turkish delight, baklava, and Turkish coffee. However, when we saw the review of Simurgh Bakery on "Check Please Bay Area," and it is located in nearby Emeryville, we had to go try the Turkish food that our daughter described. It was delicious!

Simurgh Bakery, Emeryville, 8/2025

Simurgh Bakery is now one of our favorites for a weekend brunch.

CoWaBunGA! 

Sketches: Kamma Can, Filoli Gardens, 8/2025

Kamma Can gets creative with all the plastic trash that humans throw out. Thomas Dambo's Treasure Troll reuses plastic garbage to make jewelry. What else can we do with all that plastic trash? Can we make less plastic containers?

Kamma Can, Filoli Gardens, 8/2025

CoWaBunGA!
 

Sketches: Rosa Sunfinger, Filoli Gardens, 8/2025

Although I try my best, my gardening skills are just not adequate to grow beautiful vegetables and flowers. So, I take some tips from Rosa Sunfinger, Dambo's Troll who is current gardener-in-residence at Filoli Gardens. Natalie is taking a few notes as Rosa plants her Mini Cooper box.

Rosa Sunfinger, Filoli Gardens, 8/2025

Where can I get a Mini Cooper planter box???

CoWaBunGA!

Sketches: Ibbi Pip, Filoli Gardens, 8/2025

Cousin Jennifer invited us to return to Filoli Gardens to enjoy the beautiful flowers and reconnect with our human loving Trolls by Dambo. Here is Ibbi Pip helping the birds in the forest by hanging houses for their shelter.

Ibbi Pip, Thomas Dambo, Filoli Gardens, 8/2025

Thank you Ibbi Pip for helping the birds!

CoWaBunGA!  

Cafe Sketches: Besharam SF, 8/2025

We have often attended art openings at the Minnesota Street Project galleries in SF Dogtown and noticed the crowded restaurant anchoring a corner of the building; Besharam. Finally, we made reservations and were delighted by the Gujarati cuisine and beautiful interior. 

Besharam, SF, 8/2025

The mural at the back wall was stunning. 

CowABunGA! 

Cafe Sketches: Prescott Market Hall, 8/2025

West Oakland is developing a small artist enclave and various restaurants are moving in to support this growing community. Recently, Prescott Market Hall, a food court consisting of small, local restaurants, moved into the neighborhood. The food court is housed in what appears to be a former warehouse and a small outdoor seating and kids play area is attached. 

Prescott Market Hall, West Oakland, 8/2025

We had brunch at Cafe Noir and it was delicious. We can't wait to try the other spots.

CoWaBunGA

Cafe Sketches: Bottega Louie, DTLA, 6/2025

One of my favorite brunch/dessert spots in LA; Bottega Louie on Grand. In addition to the fun people watching, the food is beautiful and delicious.  

Bottega Louie, Downtown Los Angeles, 6/2025

CoWaBunGA!

Sketches: Ronja Redeye, Filoli Gardens, 7/2025

We first encountered the Trolls by Thomas Dambo on our trip to Seattle. This year, the Trolls have come to visit the Bay Area at Filoli Gardens in San Mateo! Dambo's Trolls are here to teach humans to be good stewards of the Earth and to rediscover nature. We certainly enjoyed their lessons and presence at Filoli.

Ronja Redeye, Dambo, Filoli Gardens, 7/2025

 

Thanks for hanging out at Filoli Ronja Redeye!

CoWaBunGA!

Cafe Sketches: Saucy, Oakland - 06/2025

Asian inspired dishes served in a beautiful dining room...delicious.

Saucy, Oakland, 6/2025

CoWaBunGA 

The Great Elephant Migration, 7/2025

We heard about the Great Elephant Migration on CBS Sunday Mornings and were hoping to get a glimpse of the elephants as they travel the world. We finally got our chance last weekend in, of all places, Beverly Hills California. The Migration is a global fund raising effort to support indigenous artists and co-existence between humans and our remaining earth creatures. More info can be found here: https://thegreatelephantmigration.org

The Great Elephant Migration on Santa Monica Blvd

 

CoWaBunGA

Postcards from Tahiti, 2024: Rangiroa Rooster, 7/2025

Roosters and chickens run free on the isles of Tahiti. This guy is enjoying his time on Rangiroa...

Rangiroa Rooster, acrylic on canvas, 7/2025

 CoWaBunGA!

Sketches: Rubens at the Legion, 7/2025

This Satyr has such a deliciously evil smile, I couldn't resist the grapes...

"Satyr holding basket of grapes" - Rubens, 1620 

CoWaBunGA! 

Sketches: Jeffrey Gibson at the Broad, 6/2025

Again, the Gibson show at the Broad is fantastic. The use of native American traditional art practice with modern techniques is telling the story by drawing the viewers into their world.

"I'm a Natural Man" Gibson

CoWaBunGA! 

Sketches: Thiebaud at the Legion, 07/2025

The Wayne Thiebaud exhibition at the Legion of Honor is closing soon. The exhibition has a wide range of Thiebaud's work in figure painting, still life, and landscapes. Catch it soon before it's too late.

Revue Girl, 1963, Thiebaud

 CoWaBunGA!

Blue Dot Cafe, 6/2025

Update 6/17/25 - because there was more space on my wall, my daughter decided to help me fill out the space with her art. Now, my wall looks complete. 

The Alameda art group Art Jam is exhibiting at the Blue Dot Cafe and Coffee Bar, 1910 Encinal Avenue, Alameda, California. I have a few works in the show and may be adding more later this month. Please stop in if you're in the area.

Acrylic on paper artworks by Bill Jeng

Natalie adding her artworks to the show, 6/17/25

Filled in wall at Blue Dot Cafe and Coffee Bar, 6/17/25

Artworks by Pons Maar and Fitz

CoWaBunGA!