Oakland’s Homage to the South

by OTownEater

If you are in the mood for fine food with a southern twist, here are three restaurants I highly recommend.  First, check out Pican.  While prices are high, I suggest sitting at the bar and ordering a few appetizers, a soup or salad.  The menu changes with the season, but the food is always mouthwateringly delicious.  I once had a maple glazed pork belly appetizer in a brown butter sauce, topped with a fried egg.  I still dream about the rich and tender meat masterpiece.   Pican is a perfect place to impress out-of-towners, or for a hot date!

Second, take a short journey to Louisiana and a great night out with friends, and head to The Rockin’ Crawfish for a real crawdad feast!  Serving Crawfish, Shrimp, and Crab legs by the pound, this casual hole-in-the-wall serves up amazing seafood for decent prices.  The Rockin’ Combo sauce makes a perfect bath for crawfish, corn on the cob, red potatoes and much more.  The Calamari and plump fried zucchini were also delicious starters to the meal.  Grab a pitcher of beer and dig in!

Last, San Francisco’s District Restaurant recently opened up in downtown’s Old Oakland neighborhood.  In addition to a fun ambiance, I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled onto their weekend all-you-can-eat brunch buffet.  While District is a wine and whiskey bar, they do a fabulous job with a small, but unique assortment of southern inspired brunch food.  Featuring fluffy scrambled eggs, plantains with spicy house salsa, oatmeal with bourbon vanilla brown sugar, and buttermilk pancakes with banana-rum syrup, this meal was indulgent and for $17 quite a deal.  The star of the show was the bottomless mimosas and the chocolate bread pudding with bourbon caramel.

Summary:

1)     Pican
2295 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94612

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 am – 2 pm, Mon-Thu 5 pm – 9:30 pm, Fri-Sat 5 pm – 10:30 pm
Sun 10:30 am – 3 pm, Sun 5 pm – 9 p
Average Entrée Price: $27
Expected Wait: 0-25 minutes

2)     The Rockin’ Crawfish
211 Foothill Blvd
Oakland, CA 94606

Hours: Mon-Fri 2 pm – 10:30 pm, Sat-Sun 1 pm – 10:30 pm
Average Entrée Price: $10-15 per pound
Expected Wait: 0-25 minutes depending on the size of your party

3)     District Oakland
827 Washington St
Oakland, CA 94607

Hours: Mon-Wed 4 pm – 12 am, Thu-Fri 4 pm – 2 am, Sat-Sun 11 am – 2 pm, Sat 5 pm – 2 am
Average Entrée Price: Buffet Brunch $17
Expected Wait: 0-25 (longer wait for outside seating)

Something Old, Something New; Something Borrowed, Something Blue

By OTown Eater

Something Old:  If you want an oldie but a goodie, bring yourself down to Jack London Square and dine the Old Oakland way at the Oakland Grill. A long time Oakland establishment, the Grill is consistently a perfect place for breakfast, lunch, or a leisurely brunch.  Nestled between the warehouses of Franklin St., the exterior preserves the old-timey feel, while a fresh menu, with some old classics, will leave your tummy satisfied.  A variety of benedicts are served 7 days a week from opening until close, in addition to the combos which combine your favorite sweet breakfast items with two eggs and bacon!  The lunch stars are the Turkey Club and the Spinach Salad. Yum!  Don’t forget to enjoy a mimosa with your meal.  **If you are not in the Jack London neighborhood, check out the sister restaurant Lakeshore Café.  The menu is almost the same, with a few local favorites to please the Lake Merritt crowd.  Personally, I’m a fan of the Chicken Florentine Benedict: Chicken, poached eggs, spinach and Hollandaise…oh, my!

Something New:  If you haven’t checked it out yet, stop by Oakland’s newest beer bar and eatery, The Portal Restaurant.  Open for bar snacks and Dinner in the evenings, and brunch on the weekends, Oaklanders welcome this little “portal” to the Lake. The menu features unique dishes that pair nicely with their beer selection, boasting ingredients purchased daily from local farmer’s markets.  On a clear day, sit out on the enclosed patio (they have heat lamps and blankets if the night/day turns chilly) and enjoy gourmet sliders (“mini burgers”) and a local or regional beer, with a clear view of Lake Merritt.  Another must try is the “Garbage Bread,” or grilled pizza stuffed with a variety of the daily fresh vegetables.

Something Borrowed: Thanks to restaurateur, James Syhabout, Oaklanders are now able to experience the streets of South East Asia right here in the streets of Oakland!   Blending the street food of Thailand with Oakland’s urban flare, Hawker Fare is a real stand out.  Enjoy the mussels, papaya salad, or green beans, all bursting with flavor.  Sink your chopsticks into the Pork Belly rice bowl, and don’t forget to order every entrée with a fried egg on top!  Oh yeah, and they serve malt liquor and soft serve!  It doesn’t get much better than that!

Something Blue: You don’t need to travel down Route 66 in the 1950’s to enjoy quality diner food.  Instead, head down to the Oakland’s Uptown neighborhood on Telegraph Ave., and order a blue plate special at Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café.  There is a different special for every day of the week: Try Monday’s meatloaf, or Friday’s fish and chips.  Or, simply order from the long and diverse menu, and breakfast is served all night (French Toast at midnight, anyone?)!  With a full bar and the diner favorites you crave, Rudy’s really “Can’t Fail!”

Summary

1)     Oakland Grill
301 Franklin St
Oakland, CA 94607

Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
Average Entrée Price: $10
Expected Wait: 0-25 minutes (Weekends can be busy)

2)     Portal Restaurant
1611 2nd Ave
Oakland, CA 94606

Hours: Mon-Fri 5 pm – 11 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am – 11 pm
Average Entrée Price: $11
Expected Wait: It’s too new to know for sure.  It’s only really worth sitting on the patio, so wait for an
available table if necessary.

3)     Hawker Fare
2300 Webster St
Oakland, CA 94612

Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am – 2:30 pm, Tue-Thu 5 pm – 9:30 pm
Average Entrée Price: $9.50
Expected Wait: You could wait up to 30 minutes, and they have difficulty seating parties larger than 6.

4)     Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café
1805 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA 94612

Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 1:00 am
Average Entrée Price: $10
Expected Wait: You could wait up to 30 minutes on a busy weekend, or when there are events happening in
area.

Meals on Wheels

By OTownEater

                  The food truck craze has taken Oakland by storm.  For gourmet, inventive, and delicious food at reasonable prices, hop in your car and follow the trucks.  Here are some recommendations for quality meals on wheels.

If you are looking for a fun way to spend a Thursday evening, head to Splash Pad Park (across the street from the Grand Lake Theater).  There you will find three or more food trucks lined up for your dining pleasure.  Check out Go Streatery, serving up fare they call “peasant food,” but I call mouthwatering goodness.  I enjoyed the Oxtail and Grits, served up with a perfectly cooked fried egg.  The oozing yoke intensified the richness of the braised fall-off-the-bone oxtail meat.  Parked next to The Streatery was Ebbett’s.  Their star is the Cuban Sandwich, filled with everything that belongs between two slices of Acme roll.  Piled high, the sandwich includes slow roasted Niman Ranch pulled pork, artisan ham, gruyere, jalepeno relish and chipotle mayo.  The flavors are incredible!  Once you select your food, head across the street to Heart and Dagger bar, to enjoy your food on the back patio with an ice cold beer or cocktail.  And you can even bring your canine companion to dine with you!

Every first Friday of the month is Oakland Art Murmur.  More recently, this urban art adventure has expanded into the culinary arts.  Lining Telegraph Ave. at 20^th and beyond, Oakland eaters can enjoy food truck heaven!  Start with Tante’s Corn Dogs and Knishes, as a quick treat while you explore the other food options.    Tante’s hand-dipped spicy corn dog is not like any dog on a stick you’ve had before.  Dipped in either yellow or Dijon mustard, one bite will have you searching for Tante’s at all Bay Area festivals.  Their Knishes are also excellent, and are elevated by the selection of  homemade hot sauces they provide.  Bursting flavor, salivating spice, and fried potato… What more could you want?

As you enjoy your snack, continue your search for the Whip Out! Sliders truck.  Just when I thought sliders were yesterday’s old news, the boys of Whip Out! have brought them back into the scene.  Try a 3 slider sampler featuring the Pulled Pork with Jalapeno Slaw, The Crispy Meatloaf with herb aioli, and the Split Pea patty with mango relish.  Finish your meal off with a Chunky Kate Cookie, a chocolate chip cookie with coconut and bacon, all for $16. You walk away beyond stuffed!

Finally, it is worth the effort to check out Chairman Boa’s food truck by following it on Twitter, to find their upcoming locations.  The pork belly boa may now be on the top of my “Favorite Things” list, and I recommend ordering everything on the menu.  Let gluttony prevail, just this once!

Summary:

To find out more about these food trucks, check out the following websites-

Chairman Boa: http://www.thechairmantruck.com/me…

Go Streatery: http://www.gostreatery.com/

Tante’s: http://www.tantes.net/

Ebbetts:: http://www.ebbettsgoodtogo.com/

Whip Out: http://whipoutcatering.com/

Pop-in to Oakland’s Pop-up Scene

By Otown Eater

                  I love learning new things about the city I love, especially when it comes to food.   I was pleasantly surprised when I met a friend for drinks last Tuesday to have stumbled into one of the up-and-coming Oakland “Pop-Up” restaurants.  That’s right, every Tuesday at Room 389, located in the Lake Merritt/Grand Ave. area, A Taste of Africa serves up authentic West African fare for just $12 a heaping plate!

The gentleman running the Cameroon food frenzy offers a catering business throughout the year, but serves his delicious food with enthusiasm and an ear-to-ear smile to the patrons of 389 bar every Tuesday evening.  A plate of food consists of your choice of meet (Chicken, Fish, or Pork), rice, black-eyed peas, greens, plantains, and an assortment of vegetables, all made with unique African spices.  In addition, you can opt to top your meal off with a dollop of special hot sauce (sensitive taste buds beware).  The food was flavorful, interesting, and beyond satiating!  And to top it all off, I simultaneously enjoyed a beer while I watched the A’s game.

Following the “Pop-Up” theme, I also recommend checking out Guest Chef.  Located on College Ave. in the Rockridge neighborhood, the unique concept allows local chefs to test out there skills in a fully equipped restaurant space, and we get to enjoy the fruits of their labor!  Every few weeks, a new chef shows off his/her culinary expertise, offering new menus, a variety of styles, and various price ranges with each “changing of the guard.”  Follow the chef line up online at www.theguestchef.net, to find out who and what’s “popping up” next.

I urge you to go out and support the local “Pop-Up” restaurant business and enjoy some fabulous fare while you’re at it!

Summary:

1)     A Taste of Africa (Tuesdays in Room 389)
389 Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610

       Hours: Food Served Tuesdays from 6-10
       Average Entrée Price: One plate of food = $12
       Expected Wait: 0-15, the line can get long depending on the crowd.

2)     Guest Chef
5337 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5:30-9:00; Friday-Sunday 5:30-10:00

Average Entrée Price: Price depends on the Guest Chef; check out the website for current menu.
Expected Wait: Wait depends on the popularity of the Guest Chef.  Call ahead and make reservations, or pop in one day when you are walking by!

Adventures in Dining!

By OtownEater

I am always excited when I find restaurants that stray away from my usual dining experiences.  For example, earlier this month a friend of mine invited me to Café Colucci to use a Groupon she bought for an authentic Ethiopian breakfast.  “Ethiopian breakfast?” I thought skeptically, but I never turn down a chance to try a new restaurant, so I gladly accepted the invitation.  What a delicious change from the usual pancake and eggs benedict breakfasts I’m used to.  Five hungry ladies shared one platter which included fluffy scrambled eggs, an omelette stuffed with sautéed greens, minced lean beef, and two types of Foule (Ethiopian chickpea or fava bean stew).  All this food sat beside a generous pile of an imported Ethiopian grain called Kinche, a steamed cracked barley (Seriously, no homefries needed!). We also enjoyed fresh brewed coffee, and some of their flaxseed frappes.  And don’t think your meal comes with a fork and knife.  In the traditional manner, we enjoyed scooping all our food up by hand using the Teff Injera, or native bread.  We left full and satisfied, and I can’t wait for the next trip to Café Colucci.

Another restaurant that recently came as a surprise was Encuentro Café & Wine Bar.  Being an avid meat lover, I was not so excited about trying an all vegetarian restaurant, considering that the prices were a bit high.  However, Encuentro has a fun, hip, Jack London ambiance, a decent wine selection, and food that can shock and satisfy any devout carnivore.   We started with some small bites, including Stuffed prunes with Redwood Hill Farms goat cheese, and walnut “honey”, as well as the deviled eggs.  Both dishes were interesting and bursting with flavor. Next we were wowed by the Smokey chipotle Caesar salad with smoked goat cheddar and walnut sprinkled cheese.  We also added the sea vegetable caviar to the salad, just because we couldn’t resist something that sounded so regal!  We ended our meal with the daily Socca, a gluten-free chickpea flat bread topped with a variety of seasonal toppings.  The fare at Encuentro is inventive and yummy, and a nice change of pace from the usual dinner out.  The restaurant is small, so save Encuentro for an intimate dinner for two or a night out with an old friend.

Finally, I was really pleased when I stumbled upon Miliki West African Restaurant.  We literally did not know what to order when we sat down, but the friendly restaurant owner walked us through the menu making suggestions and ordered us a meal fit for a queen!  The food is extremely authentic, and the flavors were tremendous, each dish more interesting than the next.  I’ve never had more succulent chicken, which was accompanied beautifully with plantains, beans and rice.  We also enjoyed fish sautéed in a delicious sauce, which we ate with a big ball of dough that you break off and use to scoop up the food.  One dish goes a long way, so you don’t need to over order, saving a new dish to try for the next trip.

When getting adventurous with your dining experience, never hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations.  Don’t be afraid to try everything and anything, and if you’re really brave, just have them bring out something delicious for you to eat.  It is always nice to stray from the usual and broaden your culinary experience; you’ll be shocked how often you find your next regular dining spot.

Summary

1) Café Colucci
6427 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA 94609

Hours: Mon-Sun 8 am – 10 pm
Average Entrée Price: Lunch under $10, Dinner under $15
Expected Wait: 0-15 min. (weekends could get busy)

2) Encuentro Café & Wine Bar
2 2nd St
Oakland, CA 94607

Hours: Tue-Thu 5:30 pm – 10 pm, Fri-Sat 5:30 pm – 11 pm
Average Entrée Price: Small Bites $6, Small Plates $10
Expected Wait: 0-30 min.

3) Miliki
3725 Macarthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619

Hours: Tue-Wed 4 pm – 9 pm, Thu 12:30 pm – 9 pm, Fri-Sat 12:30 pm – 10 pm, Sun 1 pm – 9 pm
Average Entrée Price: $15 (Dishes are large portions)
Expected Wait: 0

Oakland Does Thai  (and other South East Asian Cuisine)

By OtownEate

Traveling through Thailand, I often found the most amazing meals came from small, sometimes unsettling alleyways, I happened upon accidentally after taking a wrong turn. When looking for good Thai food, don’t be afraid to explore “less traveled” areas of Oakland, and definitely remember the idiom, “Don’t judge a book by its cover!”   You will not only eat for less, but you will leave feeling as if you have just been transported to Bangkok on holiday!  Here are a few places I like to go, where two people can eat a full, hardy meal for under $25.

Champa Garden never disappoints.  The wait can be long, but order a $2 Beer Laos, and take in the delicious aromas as you wait.  Located in a residential neighborhood just past the Lake Merritt (Lakeshore/Grand Ave) area, this unassuming hole-in-the-wall serves inexpensive, well portioned, flavorful foods from Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. Start with the Champa Sampler: a combination of fried rice ball salad, Laos sausage, fried spring rolls, rice noodles, mint and parsley, which one wraps in a large lettuce leaf.  Also try the fresh spring rolls with tofu or chicken, and the papaya salad (I prefer the Thai style over the Laos style) with mild to medium spice level (medium is enough to make you sweat, so be warned).

Directions for eating the Champa Sampler:

1)     Combine some of each ingredient on the sampler boat into a lettuce leaf (Including a few mint and parsley leaves).

2)     Add sweet chili sauce, hoisin, and any other toppers you desire from the condiment tray.

3)     Wrap like a taco and enjoy!

For shorter wait time, larger portions, and equally delicious food, try Vientien Cafe or Chai Thai Noodles.  Vientien is nestled in a residential section of the Allendale neighborhood.  I didn’t know what to expect when I first drove up to Vientien, but it has since become a regular dinner stop.  Two dishes will allow a dining couple to leave with leftovers, and since dishes are under $10, you can eat for under $20, with tip included.  Chai Thai Noodles is also a pleasant East Oakland surprise.  The menu is extensive and again, prices are all under $10.  Order up your favorite Thai dishes, or try something new, and these eateries will have you coming back again and again!

Finally, nothing brings me back to the islands of Thailand like the country cooking of Old Weang Ping.  Also in a residential strip of MacArthur Blvd. (don’t drive too fast, or you’ll surely miss it), you often have to wait outside until the owner opens the door for you (no more the 2 minutes).  Owned by a husband and wife, and cooking out of what feels like their own family kitchen, they serve up the most authentic food I’ve had since my travels.  You must try the Exotic Herb Salad, and the Pad Thai Noodles with shrimp is truly addictive. Mix up any of your favorite meats and vegetables with any of the traditional sauces (my favorites are the Peanut Sauce and the Sweet Basil).  In addition, feel free to bring a bottle or two of wine to enjoy, as there is no corkage fee.

So when looking for inexpensive, yet tantalizing Thai food, remember the words of poet Robert Frost,

Summary:

1) Champa Garden
2102 8th Ave.
Oakland, CA 94606

Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am – 9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am – 10 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 5-25 minutes
*Small space, so better for smaller groups (6 or less)

2) Vientien Café
3801 Allendale Ave
Oakland, CA 94619

Hours: Mon-Sun 11 am – 9 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 0

3) Chai Thai Noodles
545 International Blvd
Ste. B
Oakland, CA 94606

Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am – 9:30 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am – 10 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 0

4) Old Weang Ping
6217 MacArthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94605

Hours: Tue-Sun 5 pm – 9 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 0

The Way South

By OtownEater

Those who grew up in Oakland may fondly remember the always consistent, family friendly restaurant, The Cantina, which was a household staple on the short, Glenview strip of Park Blvd.   When The Cantina closed, it seemed certain to the watchful Oakland foodie that this gigantic and well placed restaurant space would be doomed to failure.  Through my high school and college days, I endured sharp pangs of bitterness every time I would pass Los Compadres, the pathetic excuse of a taqueria that attempted to replace the glory that was once La Cantina. And then there were the years of boarded up windows, and blank name marquees.  At one point, I inquired to the status of the vacant space, in order to encourage a restaurateur friend of mine to open a “gastro-pub” restaurant with an eclectic, varied menu in both style of food and price (which Oakland still needs by the way).  This is when I heard an intriguing rumor, that the owner of Oakland establishment, A Cote, was in the works to open a Latin inspired alternative to his already successful French small plate fare.  Eagerly I awaited the opening of Rumbo Al Sur, and have been a regular sense they opened their doors.

While the ambience alone is enough to draw in the curious diner, the bar offers an alluring choice of cocktails and the frequently changing menu always introduces a dozen or so tempting dishes.  Rumbo Al Sur’s fare is inspired by cuisine from Central and South America, with a modern, elegant twist.  Share a bowl of the menu’s current mussel offering (such as Mussels Moqueca with Tomatoes, Coconut Milk, Cilantro & Malagueta Peppers).  Try a Chiles Relleno with house made ricotta, peas, asparagus, fava and salsa. Or sample a Peruvian specialty, Lomo Saltado (Seared Flat Iron Steak with Tomatoes, Red Onions, Aji Amarillo & Fries).  While portions may be considered “small plates,” Rumbo serves generous portions which one might enjoy individually or a few dishes shared with a friend.  I have never left hungry or feeling like I just paid too much for a tiny morsel of food!  Each dish is thoughtfully executed, with flavors that are consistently delicious.  I sometime wish the food was a bit spicier, but they make their own hot sauce which seems to go well on everything.  So if you enjoy a tingle on your taste buds, ask for a side of the hot sauce!  I even recommend saving room for dessert, as they do a great job satisfying the sweet tooth.  The Copa del Rumbo (Mexican chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, dulce de leche, vanilla bean cream, pecan crunch & caramelitas) really hit the spot!

Rumbo has a casual elegance that makes it a perfect place for any occasion, with any company.  So, call up some friends, impress out-of-towners, or make it a date night, and definitely enjoy your dining experience at Rumbo Al Sur!

Summary

Rumbo Al Sur
4239 Park Blvd
Oakland, CA 94602

Hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 5:30 pm – 10 pm; Fri-Sat 5:30 pm – 11 pm
Average Entrée Price: $12-16
Expected Wait: 0-30 min. (weekend evenings can get crowded)

Oakland’s Party for Two

By OtownEater

I spoke with a friend the other day as she was getting ready to meet a date, a guy who was coming over from San Francisco.  She had selected your everyday pub as the venue for the date, a place with a decent beer selection and mediocre, greasy pub food.  It got me thinking about places I would recommend for a date night.  The following OTown eateries offer a fun and casual vibe with an impressive ambiance, perfect to woo the object of your affection!

For a nice glass of wine and some light appetizers, head to Toast.  The owners did a fabulous job with every unique touch this restaurant brings to Oakland, from the “cabin in the woods” table tops to the creative menu that changes often, ensuring fresh, delicious food every time you dine.  Enjoy a smooth glass of red wine, and order some marinated olives, parmigiano-reggiano nuggets (more like crispy cheese wafers) and truffle honey, or a cheese plate and an assortment of salumi to snack on.   If the date is going well, there are more substantial plates to share such as spicy lamb meatballs or a roasted poblano sandwich with white cheddar cheese and a pumpkin seed pesto.

If you and a date are looking for a well-made cocktail, check out The Grand Tavern.  The prices are a bit higher, but they have great outdoor seating and great snack options, perfect for an online dating meet up suggestion.  Get cozy inside on a cold winter day with a Hot Buttered Rum and some polenta fries with curry cream and jalapeno chutney.   Or, soak in the sun with a $5 Linden Street Brewery pint served on tap, and enjoy a cheese plate and olives.   Again, you may just decide to stay for dinner, and you won’t be disappointed.

For the casual night out for two, with food that will leave you coming back for seconds and thirds, try Southie.  This playful, bustling restaurant sits next to its parent restaurant, Wood Tavern, but don’t be fooled; they are totally different dining experiences.  Grab a beer and a pulled pork sandwich, or try the truffled bacon and poached egg salad, and get ready to have your taste buds tantalized.  I have yet to order something on the Southie menu that doesn’t quench my foodie obsession.  Southie hits a home run every time, and since most tables can only seat a party of two, it is the perfect option for a date night out.

1)     Toast
5900 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618

Hours: Tue-Sat 12 pm – 11 pm, Sun 12 pm – 10 pm
Average Entrée Price: Bar Snacks- under $10; Plates to Share- under $15
Expected Wait: 0-30 min. (weekend evenings can get crowded)

Hours: Mon-Sat 12 pm – 12 am, Sun 10 am – 10 pm
Average Entrée Price: Bar Snacks- under $10; Dinner- Under $20
Expected Wait: 0-15

3)     Southie
6311 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618

Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am – 9 pm, Sun 9 am – 3 pm
Average Entrée Price: “Nibblings”- under $10; “Bigger Bites”- Under $20
Expected Wait: 0-30 (limited seating can make the wait longer…but it’s worth it!)

Loving the Laurel:
No Frills- just fantastic food, friendly service, and great prices!

I was absolutely ecstatic to see the city I adore receive long overdue recognition in the New York Times, as the #5 place to visit in 2012 (check it out http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/travel/45-places-to-go-in-2012.html?pagewanted=all)!  Often when Oakland is highlighted, neighborhoods such as the newly revamped Uptown area, the always improving Lake Merritt, and the beautiful waterfront wonder of Jack London Square get all the attention.  While there are several eateries in these neighborhoods worth mentioning (and will most likely be the topics of future blog entries), I find Oakland’s Laurel district to be a hidden gem for tasty and diverse cuisine, breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Food here, on this short stretch of MacArthur Blvd. between 35^th Ave. and High St., is always delicious, and the value is hard to beat!

In the early morning or for a leisurely brunch, try Full House Café.  Try their various selection of fresh baked coffee cakes and muffins (options change daily), or order something tantalizing for breakfast and lunch off the posted “Specials” chalkboard.   The Cajun Hash is a must, and I never leave without ordering a stack of the corn meal pancakes (good enough to turn any skeptic into a crazed fan) for the table to enjoy.  Seriously…order the pancakes!

If you’re in the mood for something different in the afternoon, check out Phnom Penh House Cambodian restaurant just down the street.  This is the 2^nd location opened for Phnom Penh (there is still a restaurant in Oakland’s Chinatown), and it remains a great option for dining in or taking out.  Portions are generous and the South East Asian flavors are delicious.  I recommend the Troap Ang (eggplant with shrimp and pork) and the Sachkor Cha Ktis (beef in peanut sauce).

Finally, treat yourself to a stunning meal of Italian comfort food at Trattoria Laurellinos, where the restaurant’s chef, and owner, serves home-made gnocchi and other traditional Italian fare.  The Bolzano gnocchi with sun dried tomato pesto is an excellent “primo” course to accompany any of the mouthwatering entrees.  This neighborhood trattoria has an inviting ambience, consistently fabulous food, and prices that make it worth a trip over to the Laurel.

Summary

1) Full House Café
3719 MacArthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619

Hours: Tue-Sun 7:30 am – 2:30 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 0-30 min. (weekend brunch can get crowded)
*Cash Only

2) Phnom Penh House
3912 MacArthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619

Hours: Mon-Thu 11 am – 9 pm, Fri-Sat11 am – 9:30 pm
Average Entrée Price: Under $10
Expected Wait: 0

3) Trattoria Laurellinos
4171 Macarthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619

Hours: Mon 11:30 am – 8 pm, Tue-Thu 11:30 am – 9 pm, Fri-Sat 11:30 am – 10 pm
Average Entrée Price: $9-15
Expected Wait: 0-10 minutes
*Outdoor seating available

Oakland has long been a great place to find amazing food, but only recently has become recognized both nationally and internationally for it’s brilliant cuisine.  Represent Oakland’s own Otowneater give some quick reviews for the local or visitor who is looking for a little insider information.