Assistant features editor
Linda Zavoral
Linda Zavoral is a features editor and blogger for the Bay Area News Group. She blogs for Eat Drink Play, opining on food, restaurants, libations and travel; edits the popular Mr. Roadshow transportation column; and writes about festivals and events for Eye and Timeout. A Bay Area native, she is a two-time winner of the Lowell Thomas silver medal for best travel section for The Mercury News. She previously served as Alameda County bureau chief and Getting Ahead editor.
All Stories
![Hayward, Mountain House eateries in the works Hayward, Mountain House eateries in the works](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SJM-L-CURRYPIZZA-0716.jpg?w=110)
Curry Pizza House expands to Foster City, eyes new East Bay venues
Hayward, Mountain House eateries in the works
![From the East Bay's newest market on the shores of the Bay to a Campbell charmer, here are eight farmers markets to explore. From the East Bay's newest market on the shores of the Bay to a Campbell charmer, here are eight farmers markets to explore.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SJM-L-MARKETS-07XX-10.jpg?w=132)
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Fresh finds: 8 great Bay Area farmers markets for summer delights
From the East Bay's newest market on the shores of the Bay to a Campbell charmer, here are eight farmers markets to explore.
![Giveaway celebrates the convenience chain’s 97th anniversary Giveaway celebrates the convenience chain’s 97th anniversary](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/sjm-slurpee-0710.jpg?w=133)
Today, 7/11, is Free Slurpee Day at all 7-Eleven stores
Giveaway celebrates the convenience chain’s 97th anniversary
![New list highlights Oakland, San Francisco, Healdsburg chefs New list highlights Oakland, San Francisco, Healdsburg chefs](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SJM-L-BURDELL-0710.jpg?w=140)
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Michelin honors 13 more California restaurants as ‘new discoveries’
New list highlights Oakland, San Francisco, Healdsburg chefs
![Yelpers say the vegetarian pavs 'rival any in Mumbai' Yelpers say the vegetarian pavs 'rival any in Mumbai'](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SJM-L-KADHAI2-0710.jpg?w=140)
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San Jose eatery ranks No. 2 on Yelp’s list of top 25 Indian restaurants in the United States
Yelpers say the vegetarian pavs 'rival any in Mumbai'
![Chef specials, prix fixe dinners, food-and-wine pairings and more Chef specials, prix fixe dinners, food-and-wine pairings and more](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SJM-L-CARIBBEAN-3.jpg?w=132)
Dine Downtown San Jose returns July 11-21 with dozens of restaurant deals
Chef specials, prix fixe dinners, food-and-wine pairings and more
![Surprise: Salted butter makes the difference in these croissants Surprise: Salted butter makes the difference in these croissants](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJM-L-CROISSANT-0615-19.jpg?w=132)
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Talking pastry with the Bay Area’s king of kouign amann
Surprise: Salted butter makes the difference in these croissants
![From a Danville patisserie to Los Gatos' Manresa Bread, here's where to find the Bay Area's most delicious croissants in both classic and creative forms. Yum. From a Danville patisserie to Los Gatos' Manresa Bread, here's where to find the Bay Area's most delicious croissants in both classic and creative forms. Yum.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SJM-L-CROISSANTS-0714-3.jpg?w=132)
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12 of the Bay Area’s best croissants — flaky, buttery, creative
From a Danville patisserie to Los Gatos' Manresa Bread, here's where to find the Bay Area's most delicious croissants in both classic and creative forms. Yum.
![Grilled cheese, mac-n-cheese plus new crispy chicken sandwiches Grilled cheese, mac-n-cheese plus new crispy chicken sandwiches](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SJM-L-THEMELT-0208_103507725.jpg?w=118)
The Melt: Now open in Sunnyvale, coming soon to Santa Clara
Grilled cheese, mac-n-cheese plus new crispy chicken sandwiches
![Industry fears led to a legislative solution Industry fears led to a legislative solution](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJM-L-SURCHARGE-0606.jpg?w=128)
Newsom signs bill allowing restaurant surcharges, fees — if clearly displayed
Industry fears led to a legislative solution